IIM Ahmedabad announces blended MBA in Business Analytics and AI: Eligibility, course structure and admission details

The Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) has announced admissions for the second batch of its two-year Blended MBA Programme in Business Analytics and Artificial Intelligence (BPGP: BA & AI), designed for working professionals and entrepreneurs seeking to strengthen their expertise in data-driven decision-making and emerging technologies. The programme aims to prepare managers to interpret complex data, assess the potential and limitations of artificial intelligence tools, and apply analytical insights to strategic and operational business decisions. The initiative reflects the growing demand for professionals who can combine technical knowledge with managerial judgement as Indian companies expand their use of AI. The announcement was made at an event at the IIMA campus, attended by senior institute officials and programme representatives. The event brought together academic leadership and business perspectives on the role of AI in management education. Those present included IIMA Director Prof. Bharat Bhasker, Dean (Programmes) Prof. Diptesh Ghosh, BPGP: BA & AI Chairperson Prof. Anindya S. Chakrabarti and Krishnamurthy Tandon School of AI Chairperson Prof. Ankur Sinha. Chandrika Tandon, a business leader, humanitarian, Grammy Award-winning musician and alumna of IIMA's PGP Class of 1975, joined virtually. She established the Krishnamurthy Tandon School of AI at IIMA through an endowment. IIM Ahmedabad Blended MBA in Business Analytics and AI: Programme highlights The two-year programme is spread across six terms and combines live, direct-to-device classes with three on-campus modules. The blended format is intended to help working professionals continue their careers while pursuing advanced management education. Its curriculum covers management, statistics, analytical modelling, machine learning and advanced AI. Participants will study through case discussions, simulations, capstone assignments and action-learning projects, allowing them to examine how analytical tools can be applied to real business challenges. The programme also offers a range of electives in areas such as predictive and prescriptive analytics, product management, finance and risk management, human-AI collaboration and change management. Other options include AI ethics, policy and regulation, supply chain digitisation, generative AI and agentic AI. IIMA said the programme combines technical subjects with core management disciplines, including finance and strategy. Its case-based approach is intended to help participants assess the commercial, organisational and ethical implications of analytical recommendations instead of relying solely on technological outputs. Participants will also have remote access to the institute's academic and research resources, including the Vikram Sarabhai Library, computing infrastructure and a range of databases. The programme provides an exit option after the first year, leading to a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Analytics and AI. Those who complete the full two-year course will receive the MBA qualification and become part of IIMA's global alumni network. IIM Ahmedabad MBA in Business Analytics and AI: What officials said IIMA Director Prof. Bharat Bhasker said the programme would focus on helping managers evaluate problems carefully before making decisions, particularly as businesses gain access to increasingly sophisticated analytical tools. He said technical capability must be accompanied by an understanding of the assumptions and limitations behind analytical results. The second batch is intended to strengthen technical competence, independent thinking and managerial responsibility among aspiring business leaders. Chandrika Tandon said access to powerful AI tools was not enough on its own, adding that managers must also identify which problems deserve attention and develop solutions with wider economic and social value. She said the programme would help IIMA prepare managers, leaders and institution builders for changing business requirements. Prof. Anindya S. Chakrabarti said the curriculum integrates mathematical modelling, programming and machine learning with management subjects such as finance and strategy. Case discussions, capstone assignments and action-learning projects will help participants assess analytical recommendations and understand their implications for complex business decisions. The programme is intended to address the needs of businesses across sectors, including finance, marketing, operations, supply chain, logistics, legal services, information technology and human resources, where AI adoption is expanding alongside concerns about organisational preparedness. IIM Ahmedabad BPGP: BA & AI admission 2027: Eligibility and test requirements Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree, CA, CS, ICWA, CMA or an equivalent qualification in any discipline from a recognised university. They must have secured at least 50% aggregate marks or an equivalent CGPA. Work experience requirements depend on the applicant's undergraduate qualification. Candidates with a three-year undergraduate degree following the 10+2+3 pattern must have at least three years of full-time work experience. Those with a four-year undergraduate degree following the 10+2+4 pattern must have at least two years of full-time work experience. The experience must be completed by March 31, 2027. Applicants must also submit a valid CAT, GMAT or GRE score obtained within the five years preceding the admission process. The test date must be on or after January 1, 2022. Both GMAT Classic and GMAT Focus Edition scores are accepted. Candidates may alternatively take the IIMA Admission Test for BPGP: BA & AI as part of the institute's selection process for Round 1. The institute has not provided an application deadline, programme fee or detailed selection schedule in the information available for this announcement. Applicants should consult the official IIMA admissions portal for the latest application instructions, deadlines and other requirements before applying.