IIM-A launches blended MBA programme in Business Analytics & AI

Prof Bharat Bhasker, Director, IIMA, underscored the growing demand for management professionals who can integrate contemporary leadership and strategic competencies with advanced data-analytical and artificial intelligence frameworks to deliver business impact.

“Analytics and AI are no longer peripheral enablers, they are at the core of how enterprises compete, innovate and create stakeholder value. This reality has created an urgent need for professionals who can bridge managerial expertise with deep techno-analytical fluency. With this first-of-its-kind offering from IIM Ahmedabad, we are creating a rigorous pathway for ambitious managers and entrepreneurs to acquire high-impact skills, master AI-enabled business models and lead digital transitions responsibly and at scale. It will play a pivotal role in shaping innovation, competitiveness and responsible AI-led transformation across sectors,” Prof Bhasker said.

Delivered in a blended mode, the programme combines live, Direct-to-Device learning with curated in-person touchpoints at IIM Ahmedabad, including three on-campus modules, guided by globally respected faculty and robust peer interaction. It follows a three-term structure across each of the two years and offers an advanced curriculum that integrates business management, analytics and AI through case-based discussions, capstone engagements and action-learning projects.

Learners can choose from 20 electives spanning areas such as Predictive and Prescriptive Analytics, Product Management, Finance and Risk Management, Human–AI Collaboration and Change Management, AI Ethics, Policy and Regulation, Supply Chain Digitisation, Gen AI and Agentic AI, among others.

Adding his perspective, Prof Diptesh Ghosh, Dean (Programmes), IIMA said, “This blended MBA develops leaders who solve cross-functional problems with data, AI and sound managerial judgement. Learners build multidisciplinary capability, translate analytics into outcomes and progress confidently in tech-driven contexts.“

Learners will also gain remote access to IIMA’s infrastructure throughout the programme, including the Vikram Sarabhai Library, advanced computing facilities and a comprehensive suite of databases. The programme provides a flexible exit option after the first year with the award of a Post Graduate Diploma. Successful learners will also join the IIMA alumni network.

Speaking about the programme architecture, Prof Anindya Chakrabarti, Chairperson, Blended MBA: Business Analytics and AI said, “This two-year blended MBA unites IIM Ahmedabad’s general-management rigour with advanced technical depth in analytics and AI. We teach learners to frame problems in data-first terms, apply sophisticated toolkits and lead responsible AI adoption across sectors. Participants learn to convert analysis into superior decisions and to rethink how they design and implement business solutions for impact.”

To be eligible, applicants should hold a Bachelor’s degree /CA/CS/ICWA/CMA or equivalent in any discipline, with at least 50 per cent aggregate marks or an equivalent CGPA from a recognised university. Working professionals and entrepreneurs must have either a minimum of three years’ full-time experience after a three-year graduation (10+2+3+3) or two years’ full-time experience after a four-year graduation (10+2+4+2), as on 31 March 2026. Candidates must submit a valid CAT/GMAT/GRE score taken within the previous five years (GMAT Classic/Focus and GRE accepted; test dates not earlier than 1 January 2021) or appear for Round-1 IIMA Admission Test for BPGP: BA & AI scheduled to be held on December 14, 2025.