77
/
5
Min Read
The Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) has announced admissions for the second batch of its two-year Blended MBA Programme in Business Analytics & Artificial Intelligence (BPGP: BA & AI). Designed for working professionals and entrepreneurs, the programme aims to equip business leaders with the skills to interpret complex data, evaluate emerging technologies and apply analytical thinking to strategic and operational decisions.
The announcement was made at an event on the IIMA campus attended by Prof. Bharat Bhasker, Director, IIMA; Prof. Diptesh Ghosh, Dean (Programmes), IIMA; Prof. Anindya S. Chakrabarti, Chairperson, BPGP: BA & AI and Prof. Ankur Sinha, Chairperson, Krishnamurthy Tandon School of AI, IIMA.
Ms. Chandrika Tandon, business leader, humanitarian, Grammy Award-winning musician and alumna of IIMA’s PGP Class of 1975, joined the event virtually. She established the Krishnamurthy Tandon School of AI at IIMA through an endowment. The programme reflects the institute’s focus on adapting management education to evolving business needs while maintaining academic rigour, research orientation and practical relevance.
Strengthening Analytical Thinking and Responsible Decision-Making
Commenting on the announcement of the second batch, Prof. Bharat Bhasker, Director, IIMA, said, “One of the most important things we teach at IIM Ahmedabad is how to examine a problem carefully before arriving at a decision. Today, managers have access to increasingly sophisticated analytical tools, but they must still understand the assumptions and limitations behind the answers those tools produce. Through the second batch of this programme, we intend to strengthen that combination of technical competence, independent thinking and managerial responsibility in aspiring business leaders.”
Highlighting the importance of AI and the programme, Ms. Chandrika Tandon said, “We have powerful tools, but tools alone will not tell us which problems truly deserve attention. When we envisioned the Krishnamurthy Tandon School of AI, we wanted the emphasis to remain on people, institutions and purpose. I hope this programme encourages managers to think critically and create solutions that drive value for the economy and society. The programme will allow IIMA to stay ahead of the management curve to help create forward-thinking, relevant managers, leaders and institution builders.”
Prof. Anindya S. Chakrabarti, Chairperson, BPGP: BA & AI, IIMA, said the curriculum integrates mathematical modelling, programming and machine learning with core management disciplines, including finance and strategy. He added, “Through case discussions, capstone assignments and action-learning projects, participants will learn to critically examine analytical recommendations, understand their practical implications and apply these insights to complex business decisions.”
Curriculum Combines Management, Analytics and Emerging AI Technologies
As Indian companies expand their use of AI, many continue to face gaps in organisational preparedness. Businesses increasingly need managers who can evaluate evidence, assess opportunities and risks and make informed investment decisions. IIMA’s Blended MBA in Business Analytics & AI is designed to address these requirements across sectors and functions, including finance, marketing, operations, supply chain, logistics, legal, IT and human resources.
Spanning six terms over two years, the programme combines live, direct-to-device classes with three on-campus modules to accommodate working professionals. Participants study management, statistics, analytical modelling, machine learning and advanced AI through case studies, simulations, capstone assignments and action-learning projects.
The programme also offers electives in Predictive and Prescriptive Analytics, Product Management, Finance and Risk Management, Human–AI Collaboration and Change Management, AI Ethics, Policy and Regulation, Supply Chain Digitisation, Generative AI and Agentic AI. IIMA’s case-based teaching approach connects analytical learning with commercial, organisational and ethical considerations.
Learning Resources, Exit Option and Alumni Network
Participants will have remote access to IIMA’s academic and research resources throughout the programme, including the Vikram Sarabhai Library, computing infrastructure and an extensive collection of databases.
The programme offers an exit pathway after the first year, leading to a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Analytics and AI. Participants who complete the full two-year programme will receive the MBA qualification and join IIMA’s global alumni network.
Eligibility Criteria and Admission Process
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree, CA, CS, ICWA, CMA or an equivalent qualification in any discipline with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks or an equivalent CGPA from a recognised university Working professionals and entrepreneurs must have at least three years of full-time work experience after a three-year undergraduate degree (10+2+3+3), or at least two years of full-time work experience after a four-year undergraduate degree (10+2+4+2). Work experience will be calculated as of March 31, 2027.
Candidates must submit a valid CAT, GMAT or GRE score obtained within the preceding five years with test dates no earlier than January 1, 2022. Scores from both GMAT Classic and GMAT Focus Edition are accepted. Alternatively, applicants may appear for the Round 1 IIMA Admission Test for BPGP: BA & AI as part of the institute’s selection process.
Programme details: https://www.iima.ac.in/academics/MBA-BPGP-BA-AI
