The Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) is launching its first-ever online undergraduate program: a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Digital Business and Entrepreneurship (DBE). This groundbreaking initiative marks a significant shift for IIM Bangalore, traditionally known for its prestigious Post Graduate MBA programmes. This online BBA in Digital Business and Entrepreneurship, represents a major leap forward for IIM Bangalore and paves the way for a more accessible and future-oriented business education in India. The first online three-year undergraduate (UG) programme – BBA in Digital Business and Entrepreneurship shall commence from Sep 2024. Applications for the programme will open on June 15th 2024. The institute is planning the launch for the Bachelor of Business Administration in Digital Business and Entrepreneurship (BBA DBE) with a targeted intake of 1,000 students. Admission to the programme will be through a national entrance examination, open to candidates who have passed 12th class with a 60% aggregate. The programme fee is said to be Rs 4.5 lakh. IIM-B Director Prof Rishikesha T. Krishnan said that the move marked a shift from the institute’s core PG programmes and was focused on creating a workforce at the undergraduate level that has a wider perspective and skills that enable them to contribute to the economy. The programme is completely online and largely asynchronous (recorded content) mode. “The online programme facilitates greater access and brings down the costs. As an institute, we’ve been offering high-quality online education for over 10 years and are now mature enough to offer full-fledged programmes,” he said. Five-year integrated management programmes – spread over three UG and two postgraduate years – are offered by other IIMs. Here’s a closer look at what makes this program unique:

Pioneering Online BBA: This is the first standalone undergraduate program offered by any IIM, opening doors for students seeking a business degree with a focus on the digital landscape.
Digital Business Expertise: The curriculum equips students with the skills and knowledge to thrive in the ever-evolving world of digital business.
Flexible and Accessible: Delivered completely online with asynchronous learning (recorded lectures), the program offers unmatched flexibility for students across India and the globe. This is in contrast to the traditional on-campus format of most IIM programs, including their Integrated Management Programs (IMPs) that combine undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
Affordable Option: The online format also makes the program a more cost-effective option compared to traditional on-campus programs.
Structured Learning: Despite being online, the program maintains high academic standards. Students earn 45 credits per year and can choose to exit with a certificate (Year 1), diploma (Year 2), or a complete BBA degree (Year 3). The program encompasses 60 courses delivered by over 50 experienced faculty members. IIM Bangalore will also conduct proctored examinations to ensure academic integrity.

Focus on Future-Ready Skills:

This program is designed to address the growing demand for professionals with a strong understanding of digital business and entrepreneurial thinking. While there’s no formal placement process, the acquired skills will equip graduates to excel in various job markets or pursue entrepreneurial ventures.

What’s Next?

IIM Bangalore is exploring offering this program in multiple languages, further expanding its reach and inclusivity. The institute is also working on establishing a separate residential undergraduate program on its physical campus, but this is currently on hold due to infrastructural challenges. The UG program is inspired by the data science program of IIT Madras, which creates a connection between the students and recruiters and not a structured placement process,” said Prof. Krishna. The online program comes even as IIMB’s physical campus, which is meant to have a residential undergraduate program, faces infrastructural challenges. IIMB Director Rishikesh T Krishna said, “The residential UG program is in the pipeline, and it has infrastructural issues to sort out.