IIM Bangalore officially entered the undergraduate education space in 2025 with the announcement of its 4-year residential programmes: B.Sc. (Hons.) Data Science and B.Sc. (Hons.) Economics, offered through the School of Multidisciplinary Studies. These programmes are designed for students who want to build strong foundations in economics, data science, mathematics, business, and analytical thinking.
What Are IIM Bangalore UG Programs?
The courses offered by IIM Bangalore at the UG level are neither BBA nor IPM programmes. Instead, the institute offers rigorous, mathematically oriented courses in B.Sc. (Hons.) Data Science and B.Sc. (Hons.) Economics. The requirement of having Mathematics as a subject in your curriculum in Classes 11 and 12 gives a clear indication that IIM Bangalore is looking for analytical thinkers, among other qualities.
Both programmes follow an interdisciplinary structure. Students majoring in Economics can take Data Science and Business Studies as minors, while Data Science students can pursue Economics and Business Studies as minors. Students will be given the option to choose either programme as their top preference. Both programmes are offered by IIM Bangalore’s School of Multidisciplinary Studies and are fully residential for a duration of 4 years, with an exit option after 3 years with just the bachelors degree.
B.Sc. (Hons.) Data Sciences
The B.Sc. (Hons.) Data Sciences curriculum is designed for students who seek to develop expertise in computational logic, statistical theory, and strategic decision-making.
Students will gain hands-on experience in subjects like software engineering, complex data structures, and algorithmic design, alongside machine learning and quantitative reasoning, all of which are intertwined with commerce and economic sciences.
This multidisciplinary blend is exceptionally well-suited for students targeting professional pathways in:
- Computational data analytics
- Strategic business intelligence
- Technology and digital innovation
- Financial modelling and services
- Advanced quantitative analysis
- Management and strategic consulting
- Product development and strategy
- Scientific inquiry and research
B.Sc. (Hons.) Economics
The B.Sc. (Hons.) Economics curriculum is tailored for individuals aiming to master the intricacies of finance, public policy, and rigorous quantitative evaluation.
Those majoring in this field will find themselves immersed in subjects like statistical inference, econometrics, and behavioural economics, alongside foundational data science and business-centric insights.
The coursework delves into specialised domains, including algorithmic game theory, auction theory, and development economics, while also addressing global themes like health and environmental economics.
This multidisciplinary blend is well-suited for students targeting professional pathways in:
- Financial services
- Strategic consulting
- Advanced economic inquiry
- Policy and governance
- Investment and risk analysis
- Analytical business roles
- Academia and doctoral research
IIM Bangalore UG Important Dates
- Application Window: August 17, 2026 – October 15, 2026 (5:00 PM IST)
- UG Admission Test: November 15, 2026
- UG Admissions Test Results: December 15, 2026 (Tentative)
- Interview Dates: 2nd and 3rd Week of January 2027 (Tentative)
- Offers & Waitlist: 3rd Week of February 2027 (Tentative)
IIM Bangalore UG Courses: Economics vs Data Science
| Feature | B.Sc. (Honours) in Economics | B.Sc. in Data Science |
| Primary Focus | Economic theory, markets, policy, statistics | Programming, machine learning, analytics, applied math |
| Core Subjects | Micro, Macro, Econometrics, Game Theory, Mathematical Economics | Python/R, ML, AI, Probability, Statistics, Data Structures |
| Minors | Data Science & Business Studies | Economics & Business Studies |
| Nature of Study | Theory-heavy with quantitative tools | Practical, technical, and computation-heavy |
| Skill Development | Economic modelling, data interpretation, policy analysis | Coding, predictive modelling, data engineering, ML algorithms |
| Best For | Students interested in finance, consulting, research, policy, global economics | Students targeting analytics, tech roles, startups, AI/ML fields |
| Career Paths | Economist, Policy Analyst, Financial Analyst, Consultant, Research Associate | Data Analyst, Data Scientist, Product Analyst, ML Engineer, Business Intelligence roles |
| Level of Math | High, but theory + math blend | Very high, strong emphasis on applied math and computation |
| Work Style | Research-oriented, analytical writing, theoretical problem solving | Coding assignments, model building, data handling, real-world simulations |
Admission Process
The IIM Bangalore UG admission process consists of multiple stages.
Stage I: IIM Bangalore UG Admission Test
After applying, candidates will appear for the national IIMB UGAT. To be considered for further rounds of admission, they will have to clear a minimum percentile cutoff in each section, i.e. Verbal Ability, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability.
Syllabus of IIMB UG Admission Test
- Mathematics Syllabus: NCERT up to XII grade
- Duration: 135 minutes
- Format: Computer-based Test with 60 multiple-choice questions
- Sections:
- Quantitative & Data Interpretation (QADI) – 30 questions
- Logical Reasoning (LR) – 15 questions
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) – 15 questions
Cutoff Data for the 2026–2030 Intake
| Category | Section 1 (VARC) | Section 2 (LR) | Section 3 (QADI) | Aggregate |
| General | NA | NA | 80 | 114 |
| NC-OBC | NA | NA | 75 | 75 |
| EWS | NA | NA | 75 | 75 |
| SC | NA | NA | 70 | 51 |
| ST | NA | NA | 70 | 50 |
| PwD | NA | NA | 70 | 60 |
For the first shortlist, a pre-interview score will be calculated, in which weights will be assigned to different aspects of the candidate’s profile:
UG Test (70 points), 10th board overall score (15 points), 10th board Mathematics score (10 points), Gender diversity (5 points).
It is important to note that each section of the UG aptitude test is not weighted equally. Logical Reasoning is given 30 of the 70 points, with Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation and Verbal Ability receiving 20 points each. This further solidifies IIM Bangalore’s objective of shortlisting the most analytically sound candidates.
Stage II: Personal Interview
Candidates who qualify and clear the cutoff, along with a superior pre-interview score, will be called for the interview round. It is explicitly mentioned in IIM Bangalore’s official admissions procedure document that parameters at the post-PI stage will be weighted differently than in the pre-interview round:
10th board overall score (10 points), 10th board Mathematics score (10 points), UG Test score (40 points), Personal Interview (40 points).
Also, every candidate shortlisted for the interview round will have to submit two online reference letters. Contact details such as the email IDs of both referees are to be submitted as well. A referee can be anyone who has taught the candidate relevant subjects within the last four years. Reference letters are to be submitted online directly by the referees.
How Does Programme Allocation Work?
Students can apply to a single programme or simultaneously apply to both of the IIM Bangalore B.Sc. (Hons.) Data Science and B.Sc. (Hons.) Economics programmes. Candidates who apply to both will have to provide a preference for the programme they would pick to enrol in if they qualify for all requirements for both courses. The preference indicated or revised at the interview will be treated as final for the purpose of admission.
Candidates who qualify for both programmes will be invited for a common interview. If a candidate qualifies for admission to both programmes, an admission offer will be made only for the programme that the candidate has put as their top preference. Such candidates will not receive simultaneous offers from both programmes.
IIM Bangalore UG Eligibility Criteria 2026
Age Requirements
As of August 1, 2027, applicants must be 20 years or younger.
Academic Requirements
- Studying / completion of Class XII or equivalent from a recognised board.
- Mathematics as a subject in Classes XI & XII is mandatory for both majors. Students should have secured a minimum of 60% marks in Mathematics in Class X.
Fees and Scholarships
The annual programme fee is ₹8.5 lakhs per annum for the first two years, which will be increased within a certain limit approved by IIM Bangalore’s board in the third and fourth years. The fee will include accommodation and tuition fees, but will not include mess charges. The expected overall cost can easily stack up to ₹38 lakhs.
Scholarships
IIM Bangalore has mentioned that financial aid will be offered on a need basis to deserving candidates, but they haven’t explicitly mentioned a scholarship application process.
Placement Support
IIM Bangalore has repeatedly emphasised that its undergraduate programmes should not be viewed solely through the lens of conventional campus placements.
Prof. Suresh Bhagavatula from IIM Bangalore, has stated that a college should not simply be viewed as a “placement agency.” Instead, the institute aims to build strong academic and industry connections that help students create career opportunities. Rather than relying entirely on student-led placement committees to approach companies, the institute intends to communicate with industry and showcase the capabilities of its students who have undergone rigorous academic programmes.
“While academic excellence is the primary focus, students will receive career counselling and guidance, resume building and interview preparation workshops, placement support and industry networking opportunities, including access to the extensive IIMB alumni mentorship network.“
Should You Choose IIM Bangalore UG Programmes?
Given that the institute offers no placement support and the fees are relatively higher than similar courses, it is fair to be unsure of the value these degrees might add. But as mentioned before, college should not be looked at as a short-term investment to get the maximum ROI.
IIM Bangalore’s UG programmes are highly relevant to the fast-changing technological environment, and the institute’s brand is unquestionable. In terms of where to place it on your preference list of colleges, because of its well-established IPM structure, IIM Indore remains at the top. However, IIM Bangalore comes a close second.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I take data sciences and economics together?
Yes- each is offered as a minor to the other’s major. Data sciences can minor in economics and business studies and vice versa.
What is the age limit to apply?
Applicants must be 20 years of age on or before August, 1 2027.
Is mathematics compulsory in Class 11th and 12th?
Yes, for both majors- along with minimum 60% in class 10th boards
Are CUET and other IPMAT scores accepted?
No. Applicants must appear for the IIMB Undergraduate Aptitude Test to qualify for further rounds.
What is the IIMB UG AT format?
The examination is a 135-minute computer-based assessment featuring 60 multiple-choice questions. It is structured into three segments: Quantitative & Data Interpretation (QADI) comprising 30 questions, along with Logical Reasoning (LR) and Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), each containing 15 questions.
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