IIM Ahmedabad Opens Admissions for Second Batch of Blended MBA in Business Analytics and AI

The Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) has announced admissions for the second batch of its Blended MBA Programme in Business Analytics and Artificial Intelligence (BPGP: BA & AI). Designed for working professionals and entrepreneurs, the two-year degree programme aims to develop managerial capabilities alongside expertise in analytics, machine learning and AI-driven business decision-making.

The programme is intended to help professionals understand complex data, assess emerging technologies and translate analytical insights into business strategies. Its blended format combines live online classes with on-campus learning, allowing participants to pursue advanced management education while continuing their professional careers.

The announcement was made at an event at the IIMA campus attended by Professor Bharat Bhasker, director of IIMA; Professor Diptesh Ghosh, dean (programmes); Professor Anindya S. Chakrabarti, chairperson of BPGP: BA & AI; and Professor Ankur Sinha, chairperson of the Krishnamurthy Tandon School of Artificial Intelligence. Chandrika Tandon, business leader, humanitarian, Grammy Award-winning musician and IIMA alumna from the 1975 PGP batch, joined the event virtually.

IIM Ahmedabad MBA Programme Focuses on AI and Business Strategy

The programme seeks to bridge the gap between technical knowledge and managerial decision-making. Its curriculum integrates mathematical modelling, programming, statistics and machine learning with core management subjects, including finance and strategy.

Professor Bharat Bhasker said the programme aims to strengthen participants' technical understanding, independent thinking and sense of responsibility in managerial decisions. He emphasised the importance of examining problems carefully and understanding the assumptions and limitations behind analytical tools before acting on their recommendations.

Chandrika Tandon highlighted the need to ensure that AI applications serve meaningful business and societal objectives. She said the programme could help prepare managers and institutional leaders to identify important challenges and develop solutions that create economic and social value.

Professor Anindya S. Chakrabarti said the curriculum combines analytical methods with management disciplines. Case discussions, capstone assignments and action-learning projects will enable participants to assess analytical recommendations and apply them to practical business challenges.

Two-Year Blended MBA Includes AI, Analytics and Management Electives

The programme is structured across six terms over two years. It combines live, device-based classes with three on-campus modules, offering a learning format suited to professionals balancing education and employment.

Participants will study management fundamentals, statistics, analytical modelling, machine learning and advanced AI. The teaching approach includes case studies, simulations, capstone assignments and action-learning projects to connect classroom concepts with real-world business problems.

The elective portfolio covers several areas, including:

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

The programme uses IIMA's case-based teaching approach to examine commercial, organisational and ethical questions associated with data-driven decision-making.

Participants will also receive remote access to academic and research resources, including the Vikram Sarabhai Library, computing infrastructure and databases.

One-Year Exit Option and IIMA Alumni Network

The programme offers an exit option 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 degree and become part of IIMA's global alumni network.

The course is designed for professionals across sectors where analytics and AI increasingly influence decisions, including finance, marketing, operations, supply chains, logistics, law, information technology and human resources.

IIM Ahmedabad MBA in Business Analytics and AI: Eligibility Criteria

According to IIMA's official admissions information, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Educational qualification: A bachelor's degree, CA, CS, ICWA, CMA or equivalent qualification in any discipline from a recognised university, with at least 50% aggregate marks or an equivalent CGPA.

Work experience after a three-year degree: At least three years of full-time professional experience.

Work experience after a four-year degree: At least two years of full-time professional experience.

Experience cut-off date: Work experience is assessed as of March 31, 2027.

Applicants must also provide a valid CAT, GMAT or GRE score from a test taken within the accepted five-year period. IIMA's admissions page specifies that eligible test dates must be on or after January 1, 2022. Both GMAT Classic and GMAT Focus Edition scores are accepted.

Candidates who do not apply using these standardised test scores can alternatively appear for the IIMA Admission Test for BPGP: BA & AI, subject to the institute's admission rules.

IIM Ahmedabad Admissions 2027–29: Important Dates

For candidates planning to apply to the 2027–29 batch, the institute's official admissions page lists the following Round 1 dates:

Application deadline: November 2, 2026

IIMA Admission Test: November 22, 2026

Shortlist announcement: November 30, 2026

Faculty interviews: December 5–13, 2026

Final selection announcement: December 21, 2026

Applicants should consult the official admissions portal for the latest schedule, application requirements and any changes to the selection process.

The programme reflects IIMA's efforts to integrate management education with developments in artificial intelligence and analytics. By combining technical learning with business applications, it aims to prepare professionals to make informed decisions and lead organisations in an increasingly data-intensive economy.