Introduction
Indian Institute of management Bangalore (IIMB) has officially released the entrance exam date of lasts first undergraduate programmes, which will commence as early as 2026-27 academic year. This will be a historic move on the part of IIMB, one of the best B-schools in India as it will be offering the four-year in-person B.Sc. (Hons.) programmes in Economics and Data science that incorporates business studies, data analytics and economics into a single course that will be rigorous.
As a Class 12 student interested in joining IIMB, you need to know all details about the UG entrance exam, eligibility, selection process and important dates.
Talking of UG Programmes in IIM Bangalore.
IIMB is introducing two in-person four-year degree courses:
- 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.
Contrary to the conventional BBA programmes, these courses offer a multi-disciplinary academic background with heavy emphasis on analytical and quantitative proficiency.
Key Highlights
Total number of seats: 80 (40 each programme)
Small classes: Provides individual attention and intimate faculty contact.
Exit option: Students have the option of dropping out with a three year degree.
Important Dates for IIM Bangalore UG Entrance Exam 2026
The admission process for the inaugural batch of IIM Bangalore UG programmes will follow this timeline:
IIM Bangalore UG Admission Timeline
| Event | Date |
| Application Window | 10 October – 20 November 2025 |
| Entrance Exam (IIMB UG Admissions Test) | 13 December 2025 (Saturday) |
| Interview Window | 22 – 31 January 2026 |
| Offer Release | 28 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Accept Offer | 31 March 2026 |
| Waitlist Release | 15 April 2026 |
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for IIMB’s UG programmes, candidates must fulfill the following:
- Successful completion of Class XII or equivalent from a recognised board.
- Mathematics as a subject in Class XII is mandatory for both majors. Students should have secured a minimum of 60% marks in mathematics in Class X.
Entrance Test Details
The IIMB UG Admissions Test will be the gateway to these programmes.
- Duration: 120 minutes
- Format: Computer-based test
- Total Questions: 60 MCQs
- Sections:
o English Comprehension – 15 questions
o Quantitative & Data Interpretation – 30 questions
o Logical Reasoning – 15 questions
- Marking Scheme: Negative marking of 1/3rd marks for incorrect answers
Selection Process
The selection process includes two stages:
- Entrance Test Performance – Scores will be the primary shortlisting criteria.
- Personal Interview – Final selection will be based on a composite score:
o 60% Entrance Test
o 40% Personal Interview
Personal Interview Assessment
The personal interview will evaluate:
- Academic consistency
- Clarity of motivation and goals
- Communication skills
- Extracurricular achievements
- Intellectual curiosity
- Integrity and authenticity
Programme Structure
Duration: The duration is 4 years with an option of an exit after 3 years.
Major: Economics/ Data Science.
Minors: Business Studies, Data science or Economics.
Evaluation: On-going assessments (projects, quizzes, assignments, exams)
Research opportunities: Students are able to do faculty work with projects and case studies.
Campus Life IIM Bangalore (Jigani Campus).
The UG programme is entirely based in a residential format and is housed in the Jigani campus (30 km off Bannerghatta). Students will have access to:
- Computer Labs and Modern Classrooms.
- Research and library materials.
- Sports centers and residential hostels.
- An energetic campus life that is created to nurture both academic and individual development.
Fee Structure & Expenses
- Annual Fee: ₹8.5 lakhs for the first two years (may increase slightly in later years)
- Includes: Tuition, hostel accommodation, and exam fees
- Not included: Mess charges (~₹8,000 – ₹10,000 per month)
Scholarships & Financial Aid
IIM Bangalore provides need-based scholarships to eligible students. Details regarding application and eligibility will be announced on the official website.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of these unique UG programmes will be equipped for careers in:
- Management consulting
- Financial services
- Data analytics
- Technology and startup ecosystems
- Policy research
Additionally, students can pursue postgraduate studies (MBA, MS, PhD) at top institutions worldwide.
Benefits of First batch.
As one of the first batches is a privilege:
- Possibility to influence the programme culture.
- Outstanding faculty care.
- Networking is an advantage, first of its kind.
- Individual learning process.
Reservation Policy
Both programmes will have reservations that will be done according to the Government of India norms.
Application to IIM Bangalore UG Programmes.
- Applications must be submitted online via the official IIMB admissions portal
- The portal will be active during the application window (10 October – 20 November 2025)
- Detailed instructions will be provided on the programme website
Why Choose IPM Careers for IPMAT 2026 Preparation?
If you’re serious about cracking IPMAT 2026 and securing a seat at a top IIM, choosing the right coaching institute is crucial. Here’s why IPM Careers is one of the best choices for IPM and BBA aspirants across India:
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In case you are aiming at doing your management at an IIM immediately after Class 12, then IPM Careers is the best partner in achieving IPMAT success.
Top UG Program Alternatives Beyond JEE and NEET
Not all students desire to pursue the conventional route of engineering (JEE) or medical (NEET) and that is not really bad. Currently, in India and elsewhere, several of the high-potential undergraduate programs exist, which can result in equally successful careers:
- IPM (Integrated Program in Management): This is offered by the best IIMs and is best suited to those students wishing to have a direct entry to a management degree and a corporate career.
- CLAT (Law Programs): 5-year integrated law programs are available in prestigious national law universities (NLUs) to interested individuals in the field of law, governance or even corporate law.
- BBA & Business Programs: BBA programs in the leading universities such as NMIMS, Christ, and Symbiosis provide quality programs in BBA with international exposure and placements.
- Education Abroad (EduAbroad): Undergraduate students are visiting the opportunities of studying in such countries as Business, Economics, Data Science, and Liberal Arts in the US, UK, Canada, and Singapore.
- Other Competitive UG Programs: Other courses such as Design (NID/NIFT), Economics (Ashoka, Krea, FLAME) and Liberal Arts are also excellent options to students who do not necessarily want to study science or medicine.
The best UG program to choose is based on your career ambition, ability, and interests, however, in case, management, leadership, or entrepreneurship grabs your attention, IPM with IPMAT 2026 is no doubt one of the most suitable ways to go.
Conclusion
The introduction of undergraduate programmes in IIM Bangalore is a pioneering project to students who want to venture into careers related to economics, data science, and business. The IIMB UG programme is also distinguished by a well-structured curriculum, emphasis on analytical domain, and good career opportunities, which make the programme new norms in the higher education sector in India.
In 2021, IIM Bangalore will have the historic first batch of its students: a group of Class 12 students who are enthusiasts of data-based problem-solving and leadership.
FAQs
- When is the exam date of IIM Bangalore UG?
The test will take place on 13 December 2025 (Saturday).
- What is the eligibility to IIMB UG admissions?
The applicants should be 20 years old on 1 August 2026, and have completed Class XII and must have studied Mathematics in Class XII and obtained at least 60 percent in Class X Maths.
- How much is the exam fee?
The charges will be 3000 Rupees in case of General/EWS/NC-OBC applicant and 1500 rupees in the case of SC/ST/PwD applicant.
- Is this course equivalent to BBA?
No, the UG programmes of IIMB are B.Sc. (Hons.) degrees with great emphasis on Economics, Data Science, and Business Studies.
- What are the career prospects after completing the course?
Graduates can pursue careers in consulting, finance, analytics, policy research, startups, or higher education at top global institutions.
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