Around 12,000 students have applied for just 80 seats in the first undergraduate batch of the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIM Bangalore), highlighting the intense demand for the institute's new UG programmes even before classes begin.
The inaugural batch is scheduled to start on August 31, 2026, marking IIM Bangalore's formal entry into full-time undergraduate education. The institute is offering two four-year, full-time residential Bachelor of Science (BSc) programmes, with 40 seats in each course.
IIM Bangalore UG Courses: What Students Will Study
The new programmes are being offered through the IIM Bangalore–Dorabji Tata School of Undergraduate Studies, established with support from Tata Trusts.
Students can choose between:
- BSc (Hons) in Data Sciences with a minor in Economics
- BSc (Hons) in Economics with a minor in Data Sciences
The programmes are designed around interdisciplinary learning, research, artificial intelligence, data science and applied business education.
The curriculum aims to combine specialised knowledge with broader analytical and interdisciplinary skills, reflecting the growing role of AI and data-driven technologies across business, government and society.
IIM Bangalore-Tata Trusts Partnership
IIM Bangalore has partnered with Tata Trusts to establish and support the new undergraduate school.
An MoU between IIM Bangalore and Tata Trusts was signed on August 21 by Tata Trusts Chairman Noel Tata and IIM Bangalore Board of Governors Chairperson Dr Devi Shetty. Tata Trusts CEO Siddharth Sharma and IIM Bangalore Director-in-charge Prof U Dinesh Kumar were also present.
Under the agreement, Tata Trusts will provide philanthropic support for the school's establishment and initial development. The funding will support academic infrastructure, research capabilities, strategic development, policy formulation and governance.
Noel Tata said the partnership comes at a time when India needs institutions capable of competing globally and creating new benchmarks in undergraduate education.
Dedicated Residential Campus
The new undergraduate school has a dedicated residential campus located around 23 kilometres from IIM Bangalore's Bannerghatta Road campus, in the Jigani-Anekal area.
The campus is being developed as a residential academic environment with academic facilities, student accommodation and accessible infrastructure for people with disabilities.
IIM Bangalore also plans to build a dedicated multidisciplinary faculty for the school. Research and academic capabilities will focus on areas including artificial intelligence, data science, algorithmic design, Indian Knowledge Systems and applied business learning.
Focus on AI and Interdisciplinary Education
IIM Bangalore Director-in-charge Prof U Dinesh Kumar said the new school is being developed at a time when AI is transforming businesses, governments and society.
Tata Trusts CEO Siddharth Sharma said undergraduate education must go beyond specialised knowledge and equip students with the ability to work across disciplines, ask new questions and apply their learning to real-world problems.
With only 80 seats for around 12,000 applicants, the inaugural IIM Bangalore UG cohort has already emerged as one of the institute's most closely watched new academic initiatives. The first batch will begin classes on August 31, 2026, as IIM Bangalore expands its academic offerings to students directly after Class 12
IIM Bangalore UG Admission 2026: 12,000 Students Apply for 80 Seats; Check Courses, Campus and Facilities
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