IIM Ahmedabad Launches First-of-its-Kind Blended MBA in Business Analytics and AI

Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) has launched an innovative, first-of-its-kind two-year blended MBA program in Business Analytics and Artificial Intelligence. The program is specifically designed for working professionals and entrepreneurs who aspire to combine advanced AI and analytics skills with leadership, strategy, and management expertise. IIMA Director Bharat Bhasker emphasized that analytics and AI are now core to business competitiveness, creating a need for professionals who can bridge managerial and technical fluency. The program aims to create a rigorous pathway for such individuals to master AI-enabled business models and lead digital transitions responsibly.

It will be delivered in a blended format, combining live online learning with in-person sessions at the IIMA campus, including three on-campus modules. The curriculum spans three terms per year over two years, integrating business management, analytics, and AI through case studies, capstone projects, and action-learning initiatives. Learners can select from 20 electives, covering topics like predictive analytics, finance, human-AI collaboration, AI ethics, Generative AI, and supply chain digitization. A flexible exit option is available after the first year, awarding a Post Graduate Diploma. Eligibility requires a Bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks, and working professionals need a minimum of three years (post 3-year graduation) or two years (post 4-year graduation) of full-time experience as of March 31, 2026.

Impact This program is set to significantly enhance the skill set of future business leadership in India, fostering innovation and competitiveness by integrating cutting-edge AI and analytics with strategic management. It will likely lead to more data-driven decision-making and digital transformation across various sectors. Rating: 7/10

Definitions: Blended Programme: An educational approach that combines online learning (digital delivery) with traditional in-person classroom instruction. AI-driven capabilities: Skills and tools related to Artificial Intelligence that enable systems to perform tasks typically requiring human intelligence, such as learning, problem-solving, and decision-making. Digital transitions: The process of adopting digital technologies to transform business operations, culture, and customer experiences. Gen AI (Generative AI): A type of artificial intelligence that can create new content, such as text, images, music, and code, based on patterns learned from existing data. Agentic AI: AI systems designed to act autonomously to achieve specific goals, often in complex or dynamic environments, by perceiving, reasoning, planning, and acting. Post Graduate Diploma: A qualification awarded upon successful completion of a program of study at a postgraduate level, often shorter and more specialized than a Master's degree.