IIMs to Offer Four-Year Undergraduate Degree in Tech Management Under India’s AI Mission
In a significant move aligned with the central government’s AI Mission, the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) are set to introduce four-year undergraduate programmes in technology and management—mirroring the academic structure long offered by the IITs. The announcement was made during the Bharat Bodhan AI Summit 2026, held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, marking a major step toward integrating artificial intelligence with mainstream business education.
The initiative is designed to equip students with dual expertise in AI and business, preparing them for a new generation of careers that demand interdisciplinary skills. By blending technical knowledge with managerial acumen, the programme aims to address the growing need for professionals who can navigate both complex data environments and strategic decision-making.
IIM Lucknow to Lead the Rollout
IIM Lucknow will be the first institution to launch the programme. According to its director, M.P. Gupta, the institute will begin offering a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Artificial Intelligence and Business Analytics starting in the 2026–27 academic session. Admissions to this four-year course will be based on JEE Advanced 2026 merit, making it accessible to students who have completed their Class 12 education.
In addition to the undergraduate degree, the institute plans to introduce a specialised Tech MBA and a five-year dual degree programme—combining the BS with a Tech MBA—starting from the 2027–28 session. These offerings are expected to create a seamless academic pathway for students interested in both technology and management from an early stage.
Collaborations and New Initiatives
The summit also saw a key collaboration between IIT Bombay and Columbia University to establish a centre focused on AI applications in manufacturing. This partnership is expected to drive research and innovation in industrial automation and smart production systems.
Meanwhile, IIM Lucknow, along with IIM Jammu and IIM Ranchi, announced the introduction of new AI-driven courses and initiatives. These efforts reflect a broader institutional push to embed artificial intelligence across disciplines and regions.
AI with a Human Touch
A recurring theme at the summit was the need to pair technological advancement with human empathy. Speakers emphasised that AI should not be viewed merely as a tool for automation, but as a means to enhance human decision-making, creativity, and social impact. This perspective is expected to shape the curriculum and teaching philosophy of the new programmes.
The Bharat Bodhan AI Summit 2026 comes ahead of the India AI Impact Summit, scheduled to begin on 16 February. That event is anticipated to feature prominent global leaders in technology, including Sundar Pichai and Sam Altman, further underscoring India’s growing role in the global AI landscape.
With these developments, the IIMs are signalling a clear shift toward future-ready education that bridges the gap between deep tech expertise and leadership skills—an approach that could redefine management education in India over the coming years.
