IIM Bangalore BSc (Hons) in Data Science & Economics: NEP 2020-Based Undergraduate Launch 2026
IIM Bangalore’s Landmark BSc (Hons) in Data Science & Economics under NEP 2020 Framework
Marking a major step towards educational innovation, the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) has launched its first-ever full-time undergraduate degrees for the academic year 2026–27 — BSc (Hons) in Data Science and BSc (Hons) in Economics. These four-year residential programmes are a direct reflection of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, combining academic rigor with flexibility, multidisciplinary learning, and real-world relevance.
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NEP 2020 Vision and Rationale
The launch of these programmes signals the beginning of a new era in higher education. In line with NEP 2020’s vision of holistic and multidisciplinary learning, IIM Bangalore’s undergraduate courses incorporate multiple entry and exit options, continuous skill integration, and hands-on learning. The structure allows:
- Exit after 1 year with a Certificate, 2 years with a Diploma, 3 years with a standard BSc degree, and 4 years with an Honours degree.
- Flexibility for students to tailor their learning through electives, minors, and project-based work.
- Enhanced focus on critical thinking, creativity, communication, and data-driven decision-making.
About the New Programmes
Under the School of Multidisciplinary Studies, IIMB now offers two unique degree paths:
- BSc (Hons) in Data Science with a minor in Economics — builds strength in algorithms, statistics, and machine learning while integrating economic and behavioural insights.
- BSc (Hons) in Economics with a minor in Data Science — combines macroeconomic analysis, econometrics, and policy research with modern data analytics tools.
Both programmes are immersive, residential, and designed to blend economic reasoning with data literacy, creating graduates ready for careers in consulting, finance, analytics, policy, and academia.
Curriculum Design and Structure
The courses follow a four-year, eight-semester curriculum with a total of 160 credit points, as stipulated by NEP 2020. The curriculum framework aligns classroom learning with experiential applications through:
- Capstone projects and internships in reputed industries and research institutions.
- Modules integrating business analytics, coding, public policy, and behavioural science.
- Global immersion programs and interdisciplinary electives from across management, social sciences, and technology.
An optional research track is available in the final year for students aiming for advanced studies or PhD pathways, fulfilling NEP’s objective of fostering innovation and inquiry-driven education.
Admission and Eligibility
Admissions for the 2026 batch are currently open until November 20, 2025, through the IIM Bangalore Undergraduate portal (ug.iimb.ac.in). Selection will be based on the IIMB Undergraduate Admissions Test (IIMB UGAT) to be held on December 13, 2025.
Eligibility criteria include:
- Applicants must be 20 years or younger as of August 1, 2026.
- Completion of Class XII with Mathematics as a compulsory subject.
- Minimum 60% marks in Class X Mathematics.
Shortlisted candidates will undergo in-person interviews in January 2026, and final admission offers will be declared by February 28, 2026. The annual tuition fee is ₹8.5 lakh, with substantial need-based financial support available for deserving candidates.
The New Jigani Campus
The programmes will be hosted at IIM Bangalore’s brand-new 110-acre Jigani campus, situated around 30 km from the main Bannerghatta campus. Designed with sustainability and interdisciplinary learning in mind, the campus features smart classrooms, research labs, residential complexes, and collaborative learning spaces.
According to IIMB Director Prof. Rishikesha T. Krishnan, the Jigani campus will serve as “a launchpad for a new era in undergraduate business and data education, nurturing ethical, analytical, and skilled leaders for the future.”
Impact on Future Education Landscape
The integration of Data Science and Economics under NEP’s flexible credit-based framework stands as a milestone in India’s higher education reform. By merging quantitative analysis, computational methods, and economic rationale, these programmes prepare students for the language of the modern economy — data.
This launch reinforces IIM Bangalore’s position as a global education leader and demonstrates how NEP 2020’s multidisciplinary and outcome-based approach can create transformative learning models for the future workforce.
Conclusion
The introduction of the BSc (Hons) in Data Science and Economics marks a strategic academic leap for IIM Bangalore and sets a benchmark for NEP 2020-aligned undergraduate education in India. The first cohort of 2026 will embody the future of integrated, research-driven, and responsible leadership that NEP envisioned — blending analytical power with social purpose.
Labels: IIM Bangalore, NEP 2020, BSc Data Science, BSc Economics, Higher Education Reform, IIMB UGAT, Jigani Campus
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