IIM Bangalore Launches New UG Programs: B.Sc. (Hons) in Economics & Data Science – Admissions Open for 2026
Introduction
In a landmark move, the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB), one of India’s premier business schools, is set to launch its first full-time 4-year undergraduate (UG) degree programs starting in August 2026. These are not just any UG courses — they represent the future of higher education in India by combining academic rigor, real-world applicability, and global relevance.
IIM Bangalore’s new undergraduate offerings will include:
- B.Sc. (Hons) in Economics
- B.Sc. (Hons) in Data Science
These programs will be hosted in a brand-new state-of-the-art IIMB second campus, specifically designed to foster UG talent. This is a significant step in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which advocates multidisciplinary education and flexible curricula.
Let’s take a deep dive into what these courses entail, who can apply, how to prepare, and how premier institutes like GATEIIT can help students crack the entrance.
IIMB’s Vision Behind Launching UG Courses
While IIM Bangalore has traditionally been associated with postgraduate education, research, and executive programs, its decision to enter undergraduate education is strategic and future-focused.
Key Drivers:
- Bridging the gap between elite UG education and world-class management education.
- Fostering talent early in critical domains like economics and data science.
- Creating leaders who are research-driven, analytical, and ready to solve real-world problems from a young age.
- Tapping into global benchmarks like Harvard, Stanford, and LSE that offer similar undergraduate pathways to business and data science careers.
Program Details: B.Sc. (Hons) in Economics & Data Science
1. Program Duration & Structure
- Duration: 4 Years (8 Semesters)
- Exit Options: Multiple exit points aligned with NEP:
- Certificate after 1 year
- Diploma after 2 years
- B.Sc. after 3 years
- B.Sc. (Hons) after 4 years
- Credit System: CBCS (Choice Based Credit System)
- Assessment: Continuous Evaluation + Semester Exams
2. Location
- New IIM Bangalore Campus
- Spread across 60+ acres
- Smart classrooms, tech labs, residential hostels, libraries, innovation centers
3. Specialization Tracks
- Economics Track
- Economic Theory, Development Economics, Econometrics
- Public Policy, Behavioral Economics, Financial Economics
- Data Science Track
- Statistics, Python, Machine Learning, AI, Deep Learning
- Data Visualization, Big Data, Cloud Computing, Ethics in AI
Eligibility Criteria (As per 2026 Admission Announcement)
Educational Qualification
- Must have passed Class 12 or equivalent from a recognized board by June 2026.
- Minimum 60% marks (General), 55% (SC/ST/PwD)
Subjects Required
- Compulsory: Mathematics
- Optional: Computer Science, Economics (preferable but not mandatory)
Age Limit
- Must not be more than 20 years of age as on August 1, 2026
Nationality
- Indian Nationals
- NRIs, Foreign Nationals may have a different admission process (to be notified)
Admission Process: Exam Pattern & Timeline
IIMB is likely to introduce a dedicated UG entrance exam (tentatively named IIMB-UGAT) or may adopt scores from national-level exams like IPMAT, CUET, or JEE (subject to official confirmation).
Tentative Timeline (2026 Admission Cycle)
| Activity | Tentative Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | November 2025 |
| Application Window | Dec 2025 – Feb 2026 |
| Entrance Exam | April/May 2026 |
| Results & Counseling | June–July 2026 |
| Program Start | August 2026 |
Expected Exam Pattern (Indicative)
| Section | Topics | No. of Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Aptitude | Algebra, Arithmetic, Calculus, Stats | 20–30 |
| Logical Reasoning | Puzzles, Coding, Series, Syllogisms | 15–20 |
| Verbal Ability | Reading Comprehension, Grammar | 20–25 |
| Data Interpretation | Graphs, Charts, Tables | 10–15 |
| General Awareness | Economy, Tech, Policy | 10–15 |
| Total Duration | 120 minutes | ~100 Questions |
Syllabus Breakdown: Year-by-Year Curriculum (Indicative)
Year 1: Foundation
- Introduction to Economics / Data Science
- Calculus & Linear Algebra
- Statistics & Probability
- Communication Skills
- Programming in Python
- Indian Economy / Political Science
Year 2: Core
- Microeconomics & Macroeconomics
- Econometrics / Machine Learning
- Algorithms & Data Structures
- Public Finance / Data Ethics
- SQL, R Programming
- Business Communication
Year 3: Advanced
- Behavioral Economics / Deep Learning
- Game Theory, Optimization
- Cloud Technologies
- Development Economics / AI Applications
- Data Visualization with PowerBI/Tableau
- Minor Electives from Management or Policy
Year 4: Research & Industry Exposure
- Capstone Project
- Internship or Research Thesis
- Advanced Topics in Applied Economics or AI
- Start-up Incubation (Optional)
- Interdisciplinary Electives (Liberal Arts, Finance, Law)
Preparation Tips for IIMB UG Admissions
Getting into IIM Bangalore’s UG program will be as competitive as cracking other elite institutes like IISc, IITs, or Ashoka. Here’s how to prepare smartly:
1. Start Early
- Begin serious prep from Class 11 onwards.
- Master Mathematics, especially Algebra, Calculus, and Statistics.
2. Logical & Analytical Reasoning
- Practice puzzles, seating arrangements, blood relations.
- Books: RS Aggarwal, Arun Sharma (Logical Reasoning)
3. Build Communication Skills
- Read English newspapers daily (The Hindu, Indian Express)
- Practice summarizing articles and writing essays.
4. Programming & Data Thinking
- Learn Python basics (functions, loops, data structures)
- Get hands-on with Excel, Tableau, or Jupyter Notebooks.
5. Mock Tests & Previous Papers
- Take mock exams regularly to build speed and accuracy.
- Analyze mistakes deeply.
How GATEIIT Helps Students Prepare for IIMB UG Entrance
About GATEIIT
GATEIIT (Gate Indian Institute of Tutorials), based in JP Nagar, Bangalore, is one of India’s leading coaching institutes known for premium quality tutoring, elite faculty, and unmatched success results in competitive exams.
Why Choose GATEIIT for IIMB UG Entrance?
1. Exclusive IIM UG Entrance Coaching
GATEIIT will launch dedicated batches for IIMB UG 2026 preparation covering:
- Quantitative Aptitude (Math)
- Logical & Analytical Reasoning
- Verbal Aptitude & English
- Data Interpretation
- Python Basics and Applied Statistics
2. Faculty from IITs, IIMs, and IISc
Top-tier mentors with proven records in UG and PG entrance coaching.
3. Personalized Mentorship
One-on-one doubt solving, profile-building for IIMs, mock interviews, and career counseling.
4. Live + Offline Classes
- Hybrid model: Online + Classroom sessions
- Weekend & Weekday batch options
5. Dedicated Test Series
- Topic-wise, Full-length mock tests
- Detailed performance analytics
6. Profile Building & Soft Skills
- Public speaking, group discussion practice
- Resume building workshops for internships/projects
Career Scope After IIMB UG in Economics & Data Science
1. Higher Education Options
- Master’s at IIMB (PGP)
- MSc in Data Science, Economics (India or Abroad)
- MBA, MPP, or MTech
2. Career Tracks
| Field | Roles |
|---|---|
| Consulting | Business Analyst, Strategy Associate |
| Finance | Investment Analyst, Risk Manager |
| Data Science | Data Analyst, ML Engineer, AI Researcher |
| Economics | Economist, Policy Advisor, Research Fellow |
| Government | UPSC, RBI Grade B, Policy Think Tanks |
Conclusion
The introduction of the B.Sc. (Hons) in Economics and Data Science by IIM Bangalore is a game-changer in the Indian higher education space. It brings world-class undergraduate education under the umbrella of one of Asia’s best business schools.
With structured mentorship, updated pedagogy, and a vision for global excellence, this program is a golden opportunity for students who aspire to lead in economics, data science, and policy domains.
As competition is bound to be intense, early preparation is the key. Institutions like GATEIIT are stepping in to bridge the gap, offering tailored coaching and guidance for ambitious students.
Call to Action
Admissions Begin Soon!
Students and parents interested in preparing for IIMB’s UG programs can contact GATEIIT today to reserve a seat in their exclusive preparation batches.
Location: JP Nagar, Bangalore
Contact: +91-8884416154
Website: www.gateiit.com
Stay tuned for more updates on syllabus release, sample papers, application forms, and counseling tips. Kindly write your comments below 