Bengaluru, August 21, 2026: IIM Bangalore and Tata Trusts have signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore – Dorabji Tata School of Undergraduate Studies. The partnership marks a major step in IIM Bangalore’s expansion into full-time undergraduate education.
The announcement comes as IIM Bangalore prepares to welcome the first batch of its undergraduate programmes. The inaugural cohort attracted a record 12,000 applications for just 80 seats, making the selection process highly competitive. The first batch will begin its academic journey on 31 August 2026.
The strong response highlights growing interest in undergraduate programmes that combine management education with data, economics and emerging technologies.
Tata Trusts to Support the New School
The MoU formalises a major philanthropic contribution from the Tata Trusts, through the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust, towards the establishment and early development of IIM Bangalore’s School of Undergraduate Studies.
Under the agreement, Tata Trusts will support the creation of world-class academic infrastructure for the new school. The partnership will also contribute to its strategic direction, vision, policy development and governance oversight.
The MoU was signed on 21 August 2026 by Noel Tata, Chairman, Tata Trusts, and Dr Devi Shetty, Chairperson, Board of Governors, IIM Bangalore. The signing took place in the presence of Siddharth Sharma, CEO, Tata Trusts, and Prof. U Dinesh Kumar, Director-in-charge, IIM Bangalore.
Noel Tata said the Tata Trusts have supported several important institutions in India for more than a century. He noted that the country’s next phase of growth will need institutions that can compete with the best in the world.
He said the partnership with IIM Bangalore aims to help create a new benchmark for undergraduate education and make a lasting contribution to India.
IIM Bangalore Expands Its Undergraduate Vision
IIM Bangalore has built a strong reputation through its postgraduate management programmes. With the new School of Undergraduate Studies, the institute aims to bring the same academic rigour and global outlook to undergraduate education.
The new school will operate from a dedicated residential campus in the Jigani-Anekal area, around 23 kilometres from IIM Bangalore’s Bannerghatta Road campus.
The campus will create an environment focused on academic learning, interdisciplinary study, research and innovation. It will also provide residential facilities for students and support a modern approach to undergraduate education.
The institute will initially offer two four-year, full-time residential programmes.
The first programme will be a BSc (Hons) in Data Sciences with a minor in Economics. The second will be a BSc (Hons) in Economics with a minor in Data Sciences.
The inaugural batch will have 80 students, with 40 students enrolled in each programme.
Focus on Data, Economics and Artificial Intelligence
The new programmes reflect the growing importance of technology, data and artificial intelligence across industries. IIM Bangalore plans to create a multidisciplinary learning environment that prepares students for these changes.
The school will strengthen research and academic capabilities in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, data science, algorithmic design, Indian Knowledge Systems and applied business learning.
The institute also plans to develop research clusters around these emerging fields. These clusters will encourage students and faculty members to explore complex problems from different academic perspectives.
Siddharth Sharma, CEO, Tata Trusts, highlighted the need for students to develop skills beyond specialised knowledge. He said young people must learn to think across disciplines, ask new questions and apply their knowledge to real-world challenges.
He added that the partnership reflects the Tata Trusts’ belief in education and its potential to create an environment where this kind of learning can grow.
Building a Sustainable Residential Campus
The Tata Trusts’ contribution will also support the development of a new sustainable undergraduate campus.
IIM Bangalore plans to combine modern academic facilities with contemporary student housing. The campus will use functional zoning, vertical development and modern construction methods.
Accessibility will also remain an important part of the campus design. The institute plans to include accessible infrastructure and dedicated facilities for people with disabilities.
The new campus will aim to create a comfortable and inclusive environment where students can learn, live and collaborate.
Preparing Students for an AI-Driven World
Prof. Dinesh Kumar, Director-in-charge, IIM Bangalore, described the partnership as a historic contribution to institution-building and undergraduate education.
He noted that the School of Undergraduate Studies comes at a time when artificial intelligence continues to reshape business, government and society.
IIM Bangalore aims to use modern infrastructure, research capabilities and globally benchmarked learning to prepare students for these changes. The institute also plans to build a dedicated multidisciplinary faculty body to support the school’s long-term academic goals.
The focus will extend beyond classroom learning. Students will have opportunities to explore research, innovation and practical applications across multiple disciplines.
A Strong Beginning for the Inaugural Batch
The response to IIM Bangalore’s first undergraduate programmes has already created strong momentum for the new school. With 12,000 applications for 80 seats, the inaugural cohort has emerged from a highly competitive selection process.
The first batch will begin classes on 31 August 2026. The institute expects the new school to become an important part of its academic ecosystem as it expands its contribution to undergraduate education in India.
The partnership with Tata Trusts provides additional support for that long-term vision. By combining IIM Bangalore’s academic expertise with the Tata Trusts’ philanthropic support, the new IIMB – Dorabji Tata School of Undergraduate Studies aims to build a strong foundation for multidisciplinary undergraduate education.
The initiative brings together academic excellence, research, technology, innovation and inclusive campus development. As India prepares for an increasingly technology-driven future, the new school seeks to equip young learners with the knowledge and broader perspective needed to address emerging challenges.
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