IIMs Launch Undergraduate Degrees in AI, Data Science and Digital Business: Courses, Eligibility and Admissions Explained

For decades, the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) were synonymous with postgraduate management education, with aspiring students aiming to enter the prestigious institutions after completing their graduation.

That landscape is now evolving.

Several IIMs have introduced undergraduate programmes that allow students to join immediately after Class 12, combining management education with emerging fields such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Science, Business Analytics, Digital Business, and Entrepreneurship.

The move reflects the changing needs of industry, where professionals with expertise in both technology and business are increasingly in demand.

IIMs Embrace Undergraduate Education

The introduction of bachelor's programmes marks a significant shift for the country's premier management institutions.

Instead of focusing solely on MBA education, IIMs are now offering multidisciplinary programmes designed around:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Data Science
• Business Analytics
• Digital Business
• Entrepreneurship
• Innovation Management

Many of these programmes also consider JEE Main or JEE Advanced scores as part of the admission process, giving engineering aspirants an additional pathway into the IIM ecosystem.

IIM Undergraduate Courses Accepting JEE Scores

IIM Mumbai

Programme: Bachelor of Science (BS) in Digital Science and Business Management

Admission Process:

• Admission based on JEE Main Paper 1 scores.
• Initial intake of 70 seats.
• Shortlisted candidates must appear for a Personal Interview, which carries 30% weightage in the final selection.

The programme combines management education with digital technologies, business analytics, and data science.

IIM Bangalore

Programme: Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Digital Business and Entrepreneurship

Admission Routes:

• JEE Main
• CUET
• Institute's own entrance examination

Applicants may choose any one of these admission pathways.

The three-year programme focuses on entrepreneurship, innovation, digital transformation, and business leadership.

IIM Sambalpur

Programme: BS in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence

Admission Process:

• Shortlisting through JEE Main scores.
• Final selection through a Personal Interview.

The institute has prescribed an upper age limit of 20 years, with relaxations for reserved categories.

IIM Kozhikode

Programme: Bachelor of Management Studies (BMS)

Applicants securing an 80 percentile or above in JEE Main are exempt from the institute's aptitude test.

However, candidates must still complete the remaining admission process, including interviews and other selection stages.

Here, JEE functions as a test waiver, rather than a direct admission criterion.

IIM Lucknow

Programme: BS in Artificial Intelligence and Business Analytics

Introduced in 2026, this is currently the only undergraduate programme among the IIMs that accepts JEE Advanced scores.

Candidates must satisfy academic eligibility requirements.

Key eligibility conditions include:

• JEE Advanced qualification.
• Maximum age limit of 21 years.
• Relaxation in qualifying marks for reserved categories as per institute norms.

Why Are IIMs Launching Undergraduate Programmes?

The expansion aligns with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which encourages multidisciplinary and flexible higher education.

The new programmes are designed to prepare students for careers in:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Data Science
• Digital Transformation
• Product Management
• Business Analytics
• Technology Consulting
• Entrepreneurship
• Startups

By integrating management education with technological expertise, IIMs aim to produce graduates equipped for rapidly evolving industries.

New Opportunities for Class 12 Students

Traditionally, students viewed the IIMs as institutions accessible only after completing a bachelor's degree and clearing the CAT examination.

With the launch of undergraduate programmes, students can now begin their management education immediately after school while gaining exposure to cutting-edge technologies and business practices.

The initiative offers an alternative pathway for students interested in pursuing careers that combine management with innovation, analytics, and emerging technologies.

Key Highlights

• Several IIMs have introduced undergraduate programmes for students after Class 12.
• Courses focus on Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Digital Business, and Entrepreneurship.
• Many programmes accept JEE Main or JEE Advanced scores.
• IIM Lucknow currently offers the only undergraduate programme admitting students through JEE Advanced.
• The move supports the multidisciplinary education goals of NEP 2020.
• The new courses aim to prepare students for careers at the intersection of technology and management.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which IIMs offer undergraduate programmes?

Institutes including IIM Bangalore, IIM Mumbai, IIM Sambalpur, IIM Kozhikode, and IIM Lucknow now offer undergraduate courses in specialised fields.

Do IIM undergraduate programmes accept JEE scores?

Yes. Several programmes accept JEE Main, while IIM Lucknow's BS in Artificial Intelligence and Business Analytics currently accepts JEE Advanced scores.

What subjects do these undergraduate programmes cover?

The courses include Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Business Analytics, Digital Business, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation.

Can students join an IIM after Class 12?

Yes. These newly launched undergraduate programmes allow eligible students to join selected IIMs immediately after completing Class 12.

Why are IIMs introducing bachelor's degrees?

The programmes support multidisciplinary education under NEP 2020 and address industry demand for professionals skilled in both technology and management.

Are interviews part of the admission process?

Yes. Several IIMs include Personal Interviews or institute-specific selection processes after shortlisting candidates.