IIM Bangalore is launching two innovative four-year B.Sc. (Hons) programs in Economics and Data Science starting 2026-27. This blog provides a comprehensive overview of the programs, including exam dates, patterns, fees, syllabus, eligibility, and more, formatted for clarity and easy navigation.
Application and Eligibility
Application Window
The application window is expected to open from October 10 to November 20, 2025. The official site mentions “by the second week,” so verify updates on ug.iimb.ac.in. Admissions are merit-based, with reservations per Government of India norms (e.g., 27% OBC, 15% SC).
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for the programs are as follows:
| Category | Criteria |
| Age | ≤ 20 years as of August 1, 2026 (general); relaxations for reserved categories |
| Academics | Class 12 pass (any stream); Math in Class 12 mandatory; ≥ 60% in Class 10 Math |
| Other | No aggregate cutoff specified, but strong academics expected |
Exam Details
Exam Date and Format
- Date: December 13, 2025
- Format: 120-minute Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Total Questions: 60 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Negative Marking: -1/3 for incorrect answers
Exam Pattern
The test comprises three sections, as detailed below:
| Section | Questions | Topics |
| English Comprehension | 15 | Reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary |
| Quantitative & DI | 30 | Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, probability, data sets |
| Logical Reasoning | 15 | Puzzles, syllogisms, series, coding |
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Selection Process
The selection process involves two stages:
- Shortlisting: Based on the IIMB UG Admissions Test scores.
- Interviews: In-person interviews (January 22–31, 2026) assess motivation, curiosity, and integrity.
- Composite Score: 60% test + 40% personal interview.
- Offers Release: February 28, 2026; waitlists by April 15, 2026.
Exam Fee
- General Category: Rs. 3000
- Reserved Categories: Rs. 1500
Program Details
B.Sc. (Hons) Programs: Economics and Data Science
IIMB offers two interdisciplinary programs with a focus on analytical rigor and real-world application. Below is a comparison of their key aspects:
| Aspect | B.Sc. (Hons) Economics | B.Sc. (Hons) Data Science |
| Major Focus | Economic theory, econometrics, behavioral economics, policy analysis | Programming, machine learning, big data analytics, AI ethics |
| Minors | Data Science (e.g., Python, data visualization), Business (e.g., finance, marketing) | Economics (e.g., micro/macro theory), Business (e.g., strategy, operations) |
| Key Skills | Analytical modeling, statistical inference, ethical decision-making | Coding (Python/R), data mining, predictive analytics |
| Ideal For | Policy researchers, consultants, fintech roles | Data analysts, ML engineers, tech startups |
Course Duration
Both programs follow a four-year integrated structure, exposing students to economics, data science, and business early, with specialization increasing over time. A three-year exit option is available.
Curriculum Structure
- Core Phase: Foundational courses in programming, probability, and more.
- Specialization Phase: Advanced topics like AI, econometrics, and capstone projects.
- Minors: Complement majors with interdisciplinary skills.
Program Costs
Fee Structure
The estimated costs for the four-year programs are as follows:
| Component | Amount (Rs.) |
| Tuition & Hostel (Annual) | 8.5 lakhs |
| Mess (Monthly) | 8,000–10,000 |
| Total 4-Year Estimate | 34–38 lakhs |
- Annual Fee: Rs. 8.5 lakhs for Years 1–2, with a slight hike in Year 3.
- Scholarships: Need-based for 20% of the cohort, details available on the official website.
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FAQs
What undergraduate programs does IIMB offer?
IIMB offers two in-person, four-year B.Sc. (Hons) programs starting 2026-27:
- Economics: Minors in Data Science and Business Studies, focusing on theory, econometrics, and policy with data tools.
- Data Science: Minors in Economics and Business Studies, emphasizing programming, ML, and AI with economic context. Both integrate philosophy, ethics, and communication for holistic development.
What makes these programs unique?
They pioneer undergraduate business education with analytical rigor in economics/data science and applied business, preparing for data-centric complexities. The interdisciplinary design fosters excellence, empathy, and evidence-based skills, drawing from global faculty and real-world focus like internships.
How many students will be admitted?
80 total (40 per major) for the inaugural batch, ensuring personalized attention, faculty interaction, and peer networks. Intake will scale with new campus infrastructure.
How do they differ from traditional business degrees?
Unlike a BBA, these provide multi-disciplinary, quant-heavy foundations integrating economics and data science for leadership in data-driven organizations, developing analytical and life skills beyond vocational training.
What are the key admissions dates?
- Application: October 10–November 20, 2025
- Test: December 13, 2025
- Interviews: January 22–31, 2026
- Offers: February 28, 2026
- Acceptance: March 31, 2026
- Waitlist: April 15, 2026
What are the eligibility criteria?
- Age: ≤ 20 by August 1, 2026.
- Academics: Class 12 pass with Math; ≥ 60% in Class 10 Math.
- Reservations: Per GoI norms.
What entrance tests are accepted?
Only the IIMB UG Admissions Test, a custom CBT assessing quantitative, verbal, and logical skills, is accepted.
How does the selection process work?
Two stages: Test-based shortlisting followed by a composite score (60% test, 40% interview assessing motivation, curiosity, and integrity).
What is the test format?
120 minutes, 60 MCQs:
- English (15Q): Comprehension, grammar.
- Quant/DI (30Q): Math, data sets.
- Logical (15Q): Puzzles, coding. Negative marking: -1/3. Sample topics include synonyms, data sufficiency, and relation puzzles.
How does program allocation work?
Applicants apply to one or both programs, rank preferences, and are allocated based on descending composite scores, with waitlisting possible.
Are scholarships available?
Yes, need-based scholarships for deserving students; details on eligibility and process are available on the website.
What are the career prospects?
Prepares for emerging markets like consulting, finance, analytics, policy, and startups (10–20 LPA starting salaries). Strong for global higher education with guidance via workshops and alumni networks.
Where to find more info?
Visit the official website (ug.iimb.ac.in) for updates and contact admissions via site channels.
