IIM Bangalore to begin first UG admissions 2026 on Oct 10, gives 60:40 weightage to exam, interview

Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIM-B) will begin the application process for its undergraduate (UG) courses on October 10 and the entrance exam will be held on December 13. The institute offers two UG programmes — BSc Honours in Economics with a minor in data science and business and BSc (Hons) in Data Science with a minor in Economics and Business.

The four-year residential programme was launched in July this year, in accordance with the National Education Policy (NEP 2020). “These programmes represent a pioneering approach to undergraduate business education, combining the analytical rigour of Economics and Data Science with applied learning in Business Studies,” the institute said.

Only 80 students will be selected, of which 40 will be allocated to each major. “The small cohort size ensures personalized attention, close faculty interaction, and the opportunity to build strong peer networks,” it said.

The institute had announced that the new UG programmes will be launched at the upcoming campus in Jigani, which is located around 27 kilometers from its main campus.

IIM Bangalore UG Admission 2026: Eligibility

Only candidates who meet the following criteria will be eligible for admission.

• Applicants must be 20 years or younger as of August 1, 2026.
• Should have completed Class 12 with a minimum aggregate of 60% in Class 10 mathematics.
• Should qualify the Undergraduate Admissions Test to be conducted by IIM Bangalore.

IIM-B UG Admission 2026: Selection process

IIM Bangalore has announced that it will conduct its own entrance exam to shortlist students for UG programmes. The entrance score will be used to shortlist candidates for the interview round. Final selection will be based on the composite score comprising 60% of the entrance exam and 40% of the personal interview.

The IIM Bangalore UG admission test will be conducted for a duration of 120 minutes. The computer-based test will have 60 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) divided into three sections - English comprehension, data interpretation, and logical reasoning.

As per the marking scheme, there will be negative marking. One-third of a mark will be deducted for each incorrect response.

In the interview round, candidates will be evaluated based on their academic performance, clarity of motivation, communication skills, intellectual curiosity, extracurricular achievements, integrity, and authenticity.

Also read ‘We are reimagining MBA education’: IIM Bangalore dean

IIM Bangalore UG course fees

Applicants belonging to general, EWS, and NC-OBC categories are required to pay an exam fee of Rs 3,000, and SC, ST, and PwD candidates have to pay Rs 1,500.

The first two years of the four-year residential programme will cost about Rs 8.5 lakh per annum. “There will be a limited increase as approved by the IIMB Board in the third year. This fee includes tuition, hostel accommodation, and examination fees,” it said.

“While mess charges are not included, they are managed on a cost-sharing basis. Students can expect an additional expense of approximately Rs 8,000 – Rs 10,000 per month,” it added.

IIM Bangalore UG admission 2026 schedule

Candidates can apply for one or both of the programmes. They will also be given the option to rank courses in the order of preference.

“Programme allocation is conducted in descending order of composite scores. Candidates are first considered for their top preference, with subsequent preferences considered in additional rounds. A candidate may hold an offer in one programme while remaining wait-listed for the other,” the institute clarified, while answering the frequently asked questions (FAQs).