The Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIM Bangalore) has joined forces with Tata Trusts to create the IIMB–Dorabji Tata School of Undergraduate Studies. This new initiative will welcome its first batch of 80 students on August 31, 2026, selected from a record 12,000 applications, marking a significant expansion of IIM Bangalore’s academic offerings into undergraduate education.
Establishing a New Undergraduate Institution
The partnership between IIM Bangalore and Tata Trusts was formalized through an agreement signed by Noel Tata, Chairman of Tata Trusts, and Devi Shetty, Chairperson of the Board of Governors at IIM Bangalore. The signing ceremony was attended by key leaders including Siddharth Sharma, CEO of Tata Trusts, and U Dinesh Kumar, Director-in-charge of IIM Bangalore.
Under this agreement, Tata Trusts will provide philanthropic support to develop the academic infrastructure and facilities for the new school. The Trusts will also play a role in guiding the school’s strategic vision, policy development, and governance oversight, ensuring a strong foundation for the institution’s growth.
Academic Programs and Campus Development
The inaugural undergraduate cohort will consist of 80 students, split evenly between two four-year, full-time residential programs:
- BSc (Hons) in Data Sciences with a minor in Economics
- BSc (Hons) in Economics with a minor in Data Sciences
These programs reflect IIM Bangalore’s commitment to rigorous, globally oriented education that integrates multidisciplinary learning. The new undergraduate campus is being constructed in the Jigani-Anekal area, approximately 23 kilometers from the main Bannerghatta Road campus. Designed as an interdisciplinary hub, the campus will emphasize research, innovation, and sustainable development, with accessible facilities for students with disabilities.
Significance of the Partnership and Future Impact
Noel Tata highlighted the Tata Trusts’ history of supporting institutions that contribute to India’s development and expressed confidence that this partnership will help set new standards in undergraduate education. He emphasized the importance of building institutions capable of competing globally and serving the public good over the long term.
Devi Shetty described the collaboration as a way to build a multidisciplinary educational model for a new generation of learners, combining IIM Bangalore’s academic excellence with the Trusts’ legacy of nation-building and innovation.
Director-in-charge U Dinesh Kumar pointed out that the school’s launch comes at a pivotal moment when artificial intelligence is transforming industries and societies worldwide. The school aims to create an environment where students engage deeply with challenges posed by AI and related technologies.
Siddharth Sharma of Tata Trusts underscored the need to prepare students for a future shaped by rapid technological advances. He stressed that education must go beyond specialized knowledge to foster cross-disciplinary thinking and real-world problem-solving skills.
The school plans to build a dedicated multidisciplinary faculty and enhance its research capabilities over time. The first undergraduate class will begin studies on August 31, 2026, marking a new chapter in IIM Bangalore’s academic journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What undergraduate programs will the new school offer?
A: The school will offer two four-year full-time residential programs: BSc (Hons) in Data Sciences with a minor in Economics, and BSc (Hons) in Economics with a minor in Data Sciences.
Q: Where will the new undergraduate campus be located?
A: The campus is being developed in the Jigani-Anekal area, about 23 kilometers from IIM Bangalore’s main Bannerghatta Road campus.
Q: How many students will be in the first undergraduate batch?
A: The inaugural batch will have 80 students, with 40 students enrolled in each of the two undergraduate programs.
