IIM Bangalore UG Courses 2026: BSc Economics & Data Science – Eligibility, Fees, Admission & Careers
IIM Bangalore, one of India’s premier management institutes, has expanded its academic offerings into full-time undergraduate education. From the academic year 2026–27, IIM Bangalore is introducing two new four-year residential undergraduate programmes in Economics and Data Science.
The new programmes are designed to combine rigorous academic learning with practical exposure to business, technology, economics and data-driven decision-making. With these programmes, IIM Bangalore is bringing its strong academic and research-oriented approach to undergraduate education.
Official IIM Bangalore UG website: https://ug.iimb.ac.in/
For students looking beyond traditional BBA, B.Com and BA programmes, these new IIM Bangalore undergraduate courses could become an attractive option.
Quick Facts: IIM Bangalore UG Courses 2026
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Programmes | B.Sc. (Hons.) Economics and B.Sc. (Hons.) Data Science |
| Duration | 4 years, full-time and residential |
| Initial Intake | 80 students — 40 in Economics and 40 in Data Science |
| Mathematics | Mathematics is mandatory in Class XII; students planning for the programme should take Mathematics through Classes XI and XII. |
| Class 10 Mathematics | Minimum 60% in Mathematics for the 2026–27 admission cycle |
| Entrance Test | IIMB UG Admissions Test |
| Selection | 60% entrance test + 40% personal interview for final selection |
| Campus | IIM Bangalore’s Jigani undergraduate campus, Bengaluru |
IIM Bangalore Undergraduate Courses 2026
IIM Bangalore is introducing two new four-year undergraduate degree programmes:
- B.Sc. (Hons) in Economics, with minors in Data Science and Business Studies
- B.Sc. (Hons) in Data Science, with minors in Economics and Business Studies
These programmes are being offered through IIM Bangalore’s School of Multidisciplinary Studies. The first batch is scheduled to begin in August 2026.
Unlike a conventional BBA, the programmes are designed around a multidisciplinary and analytical approach, combining Economics, Data Science and Business Studies.
1. B.Sc. (Hons) in Economics
The Economics programme is designed for students interested in understanding markets, businesses, public policy and economic decision-making.
The programme includes:
- Economics as the major
- Data Science and Business Studies as minors
- Strong quantitative and analytical components
- Exposure to business applications
- Research and practical learning opportunities
Students interested in economics, finance, consulting, public policy, business strategy and analytics may find this programme particularly relevant.
2. B.Sc. (Hons) in Data Science
The second programme focuses on the rapidly growing field of Data Science.
It includes:
- Data Science as the major
- Economics and Business Studies as minors
- Strong quantitative foundations
- Data-driven problem solving
- Applications of technology and analytics in business
The programme is particularly relevant for students who want to explore careers in data analytics, technology, consulting, finance, business intelligence and other data-intensive fields.
What Makes IIM Bangalore’s New UG Programmes Different?
One of the biggest distinguishing features is the interdisciplinary nature of the programmes.
Students will not study Economics or Data Science in isolation. The curriculum brings together:
- Economics
- Data Science
- Business Studies
- Mathematics and quantitative reasoning
- Communication
- Philosophy
- Ethics
- Life competencies
These Are Not BBA Programmes
This is an important point for students and parents.
IIM Bangalore’s new residential undergraduate programmes are B.Sc. (Hons.) degrees and not BBA degrees.
The emphasis is on developing strong analytical and quantitative capabilities while giving students exposure to business and management.
IIM Bangalore UG Fees Structure 2026
The official IIM Bangalore FAQ states that the annual programme fee is ₹8.5 lakh per annum for the first two years. A limited increase, as approved by the IIMB Board, applies in the third year. The programme fee includes tuition, hostel accommodation and examination fees. Mess charges are additional and are expected to be approximately ₹8,000–₹10,000 per month.
| Year | Programme Fee | What It Covers / Additional Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | ₹8.5 lakh | Tuition + hostel + examination fees; mess extra |
| Year 2 | ₹8.5 lakh | Tuition + hostel + examination fees; mess extra |
| Year 3 | Limited increase over Year 2 | As approved by the IIMB Board; mess extra |
| Year 4 | As notified by IIM Bangalore | Students should check the latest official fee schedule |
Important: The fee figures above are based on the official IIMB UG FAQ for the 2026–27 academic year. Students should check the official programme website for the latest fee notification before making financial decisions.
Duration of the Programmes
Both programmes are designed as four-year full-time residential undergraduate programmes.
Students will have opportunities for internships, experiential learning and international exposure.
IIM Bangalore has also provided an option for students to exit after three years with a degree, subject to the applicable programme requirements.
IIM Bangalore UG Programme Intake
The initial intake is deliberately small.
| Programme | Initial Intake |
|---|---|
| B.Sc. (Hons) Economics | 40 students |
| B.Sc. (Hons) Data Science | 40 students |
| Total | 80 students |
The small cohort is intended to facilitate closer interaction between students and faculty and provide a more personalised learning environment.
IIM Bangalore Undergraduate Campus
The new programmes are being offered at IIM Bangalore’s upcoming undergraduate campus in Bengaluru.
The campus has been planned specifically to support the institute’s undergraduate education initiative.
IIM Bangalore is developing a dedicated School of Multidisciplinary Studies with a long-term vision of creating a world-class multidisciplinary undergraduate institution.
IIM Bangalore UG Eligibility 2026
For the 2026–27 admissions cycle, applicants were required to satisfy the eligibility conditions prescribed by IIM Bangalore.
The key requirements included:
- The candidate must have completed Class 12 or an equivalent examination from a recognised board.
- Mathematics must be studied as a subject in Class 12.
- Candidates must satisfy the prescribed age requirement.
- Candidates must meet the minimum Mathematics marks requirement specified by IIM Bangalore.
For the 2026 admission cycle, IIM Bangalore specified a minimum of 60% marks in Mathematics in Class 10 along with Mathematics as a Class 12 subject.
Important: Students should always check the latest admission notification because eligibility criteria and admission dates may change from one admission cycle to another.
IIM Bangalore UG Admission Process 2026
Admission to the new undergraduate programmes is not based simply on Class 12 marks. For the 2026–27 cycle, the selection process involves the IIMB UG Admissions Test followed by a Personal Interview. The entrance test is the primary criterion for interview shortlisting, while the final selection uses a composite score.
Step 1: Check Eligibility and Apply Online
Candidates must have completed Class XII or an equivalent examination from a recognised board. Mathematics in Class XII is mandatory, and the 2026–27 cycle required a minimum of 60% marks in Mathematics in Class X. Applicants must also meet the prescribed age requirement. Applications are submitted online through the official IIM Bangalore undergraduate admissions portal.
Step 2: Appear for the IIMB UG Admissions Test
The IIMB UG Admissions Test is a computer-based entrance examination designed to assess the core skills needed for the programmes. For the 2026–27 cycle, the test was of 120 minutes and contained 60 multiple-choice questions.
| Section | Questions | What It Tests |
|---|---|---|
| English Comprehension | 15 | Reading and comprehension ability |
| Quantitative & Data Interpretation | 30 | Quantitative aptitude, numerical reasoning and interpretation of data |
| Logical Reasoning | 15 | Analytical and logical reasoning skills |
The test carries negative marking of one-third of the marks for an incorrect response. This makes accuracy important along with speed.
What Subjects Should Students Prepare?
The test is not divided into school subjects such as Physics, Chemistry or Accountancy. Students should focus their preparation on English Comprehension, Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation, and Logical Reasoning. Because Mathematics is mandatory for eligibility and quantitative skills form the largest section of the test, a strong mathematical foundation is particularly important.
Step 3: Personal Interview
Candidates shortlisted on the basis of their entrance-test performance are called for a personal interview. The interview is not simply a test of textbook knowledge. According to the official IIMB FAQ, it assesses consistency in academic performance, clarity of motivation, communication skills, intellectual curiosity, extracurricular achievements, integrity and authenticity.
Students should therefore be prepared to explain why they want to study Economics or Data Science, what interests them about the programme, their academic strengths, and their broader interests and achievements. The interview is also an opportunity for the panel to understand the candidate beyond the entrance-test score.
Step 4: Final Selection
For the 2026–27 admission cycle, the final selection was based on a composite score comprising 60% of the entrance test and 40% of the personal interview. Candidates can apply for one or both programmes and indicate their preference order for the two majors.
View the official IIM Bangalore UG Admissions FAQ 2026
IIM Bangalore UG Admissions 2026: Important Dates
| Admission Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Window | October–November 2025 |
| IIMB UG Admissions Test | 13 December 2025 |
| Personal Interviews | January 2026 |
| Offer Release | February 2026 |
| Programme Commencement | August 2026 |
Note: These dates relate to the 2026–27 admission cycle. Future applicants should check the official IIM Bangalore undergraduate website for the latest schedule.
IIM Bangalore UG Curriculum
The curriculum is one of the most interesting aspects of the new programmes.
IIM Bangalore intends to combine disciplinary depth with interdisciplinary learning.
Students will be exposed to areas such as:
- Economics
- Data Science
- Business Studies
- Quantitative methods
- Communication
- Philosophy
- Ethics
- Decision-making
- Research
- Professional skills
Possible Areas of Study in Economics
- Behavioural Economics
- Development Economics
- Public Policy
- International Economics
- Econometrics
- Business and Finance
Possible Areas of Study in Data Science
- Big Data
- Business Analytics
- Quantitative Risk Management
- Optimisation
- Data-driven decision-making
- Technology applications in business
The exact subjects and electives may evolve as the programme develops.
Internship and International Exposure
The programmes are not intended to be purely classroom-based.
IIM Bangalore has highlighted two internship cycles as part of the programme design, along with an international exchange opportunity.
This combination of academic learning, internships and international exposure could be particularly valuable for students planning careers in consulting, finance, technology, analytics, entrepreneurship and research.
Career Opportunities After IIM Bangalore UG
Graduates of the programmes could potentially explore a wide range of career paths.
Career Opportunities After B.Sc. Economics
- Economics and financial analysis
- Consulting
- Investment and financial services
- Business strategy
- Market research
- Public policy
- Economic research
- Corporate planning
Career Opportunities After B.Sc. Data Science
- Data Analytics
- Business Analytics
- Data Science
- Consulting
- Technology
- FinTech
- Risk Analytics
- Business Intelligence
- Product Analytics
The combination of economics, data science and business knowledge may also be useful for students interested in entrepreneurship and emerging technology-driven businesses.
Higher Studies After IIM Bangalore UG
Students completing these degrees can pursue higher education in India or abroad.
Depending on their academic interests, possible pathways include:
- Master’s in Economics
- Master’s in Data Science
- Master’s in Business Analytics
- MBA
- Finance programmes
- Public Policy
- Economics research
- PhD programmes
IIM Bangalore UG vs IPM
Students preparing for undergraduate management entrances may naturally compare IIM Bangalore’s new programmes with Integrated Programme in Management (IPM) programmes offered by institutes such as IIM Indore, IIM Rohtak, IIM Jammu, IIM Bodh Gaya and others.
However, the programmes are structurally different.
| Feature | IIM Bangalore UG | Traditional IPM |
|---|---|---|
| Degree | B.Sc. (Hons.) | Integrated management degree |
| Major Focus | Economics / Data Science | Management |
| Duration | 4 years | Generally 5 years |
| Management Exposure | Business Studies + multidisciplinary curriculum | Strong management focus |
| Quantitative Component | Strong | Varies by institute |
| Data Science | Major in one programme / minor in another | Usually not the central focus |
| MBA Pathway | Not an integrated MBA | Typically integrated with postgraduate management education |
Therefore, students should not choose a programme simply because it carries the IIM name.
The right choice depends on the student’s interests and career goals.
Preparing for IPMAT? Explore LPT’s IPMAT Coaching programme for structured preparation, expert mentorship and mock tests.
Who Should Consider IIM Bangalore’s New UG Programmes?
These programmes may be particularly suitable for students who:
- Enjoy Mathematics and quantitative subjects
- Are interested in Economics
- Want to build strong Data Science skills
- Are interested in business and technology
- Enjoy analytical problem-solving
- Want exposure to interdisciplinary education
- Are considering careers in consulting, finance, analytics or technology
- Want to pursue higher education in India or abroad
Students who are primarily interested in traditional management education may prefer an IPM or BBA route.
Why IIM Bangalore’s UG Entry Is Important
IIMs have traditionally been associated with postgraduate management education.
IIM Bangalore’s entry into residential undergraduate education represents a significant expansion of that model.
The institute is attempting to create an undergraduate ecosystem that combines the analytical rigour of a leading academic institution with business-oriented learning and practical exposure.
The long-term plan also includes the development of a dedicated undergraduate campus and expansion of the student cohort.
IIM Bangalore’s Existing BBA in Digital Business and Entrepreneurship
It is important not to confuse the new residential B.Sc. programmes with IIM Bangalore’s existing BBA in Digital Business and Entrepreneurship (BBA DBE).
The BBA DBE is an online undergraduate programme that focuses on management, entrepreneurship and technology-led business skills.
Therefore, students should understand that IIM Bangalore now has undergraduate offerings with different formats and academic orientations.
Final Thoughts
IIM Bangalore’s new undergraduate programmes could significantly change the landscape of undergraduate education in India.
The B.Sc. (Hons.) Economics and B.Sc. (Hons.) Data Science programmes offer students the opportunity to study at one of India’s most prestigious management institutions while gaining a strong foundation in quantitative disciplines, economics, data science and business.
However, these programmes are not simply another version of BBA or IPM.
For students who enjoy Mathematics, Economics, Data Science and analytical problem-solving, they could offer a distinctive undergraduate pathway. Students interested primarily in management should also compare them carefully with IPM and BBA programmes before making a decision.
For aspirants, the most important factors to consider are course structure, career goals, academic interests, admission requirements, cost and long-term higher-education plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does IIM Bangalore offer undergraduate courses?
Yes. IIM Bangalore offers undergraduate programmes including its online BBA in Digital Business and Entrepreneurship and the new four-year residential B.Sc. (Hons.) programmes in Economics and Data Science.
2. What are the new undergraduate courses at IIM Bangalore?
The two new residential programmes are B.Sc. (Hons.) in Economics and B.Sc. (Hons.) in Data Science.
3. Is IIM Bangalore’s new UG programme a BBA?
No. The new residential programmes are B.Sc. (Hons.) degrees.
4. How many students will IIM Bangalore admit initially?
The initial sanctioned intake is 80 students — 40 for Economics and 40 for Data Science.
5. Is Mathematics required for IIM Bangalore UG programmes?
Yes. Mathematics is an important eligibility requirement for the new programmes, and the 2026–27 admission cycle specified Mathematics in Class 12 along with a minimum Mathematics score requirement.
6. When did IIM Bangalore’s new residential UG programmes start?
The inaugural batch is scheduled to commence in August 2026.
7. Are IIM Bangalore’s UG programmes residential?
Yes. The new B.Sc. (Hons.) Economics and Data Science programmes are full-time residential programmes.
8. Which is better: IIM Bangalore UG or IPM?
There is no universal answer. Students interested in Economics, Data Science and quantitative analysis may find IIM Bangalore’s new programmes attractive, while students seeking a more management-focused integrated programme may prefer IPM.
For Students Exploring Management Entrance Exams
Students currently in Classes 10, 11 or 12 should evaluate undergraduate options early. Along with IIM Bangalore’s new programmes, aspirants should also research IPM, BBA, Economics, Data Science and other multidisciplinary undergraduate programmes before deciding which entrance examinations to prepare for.
LPT helps students understand the changing undergraduate admissions landscape and prepare strategically for competitive entrance examinations.
For the latest eligibility criteria, admission dates and programme information, students should always refer to the official IIM Bangalore undergraduate admissions website.
Not Sure Whether IIM Bangalore UG, IPM or BBA Is Right for You?
Not sure whether IIM Bangalore UG, IPM or BBA is the right choice for you? Compare the programmes based on your Class 12 subjects, academic interests, entrance exams and long-term career goals before deciding what to prepare for.
If you would like personalised guidance, contact LPT for counselling and discuss the options with our team.
Official Resources
- IIM Bangalore Undergraduate Programme – Official Website
- IIM Bangalore UG Admissions FAQ 2026 – Official PDF
- LPT IPMAT Coaching – Universal Tutorials
