IIM Bangalore to launch BSc programmes with Tata Trusts' support

The Tata Trusts have announced a major philanthropic commitment to support the development of the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore's (IIM Bangalore) new School of Undergraduate Studies, which will offer two four-year BSc (Honours) programmes from August 2026.

IIM Bangalore said the grant will help support its long-term academic goals, campus development, and plans to build a world-class undergraduate education ecosystem. The new undergraduate campus is about 27 km away from its main campus in Bengaluru.

The School of Undergraduate Studies will initially offer two courses: BSc (Honours) in Economics with a minor in Data Science, and BSc (Honours) in Data Science with a minor in Economics. Both are residential courses starting in August this year. There will be 80 students in total, with 40 students in each course.

According to the institute, the curriculum includes economics, data science, and business studies to prepare students for data-driven and technology-focused careers. The small batch size is meant to provide personalised learning and close academic mentorship.

Grant to support infrastructure, research

IIM Bangalore said the Tata Trusts’ endowment will help build academic and residential facilities at the new campus. The funding will also support research in areas like artificial intelligence (AI), data science, algorithm design, Indian Knowledge Systems, and applied business studies.

The institute said this support will help it build a strong multidisciplinary faculty and create a world-class learning environment.

Noel Tata, chairman of Tata Trusts, said the organisation has a long history of supporting institutions that help in nation-building.

"The Tata Trusts have supported many of India's leading institutions, including Tata Memorial Hospital and the Indian Institute of Science, for more than 100 years. We believe in supporting institutions at an early stage, when philanthropic funding can help shape their long-term vision, growth and future impact," Noel Tata said.

Focus on future-ready education

Welcoming the support, Devi Shetty, chairperson of the Board of Governors at IIM Bangalore, said the endowment will help the institute strengthen undergraduate education and train future leaders.

"Support from the Tata Trusts will help IIM Bangalore strengthen its position as a leading institution. We are committed to supporting students at the undergraduate level and developing future leaders who can address the challenges of a data-driven world," he said.

Siddharth Sharma, chief executive officer of Tata Trusts, said that supporting IIM Bangalore’s move into undergraduate education matches the organisation’s belief in investing in knowledge and future generations.

U Dinesh Kumar, director-in-charge of IIM Bangalore, said the undergraduate programmes are designed to give students both technical skills and critical thinking abilities.

"We have designed these programmes to give students strong technical skills and help them think critically, solve complex problems and make informed decisions," Kumar said.

He added that the Tata Trusts’ support will help the institute invest in faculty, research facilities, and campus infrastructure, and also build a learning system that matches India’s development goals and global opportunities