The Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) has launched a new two-year MBA program. This program is called the Blended MBA Programme in Business Analytics & AI . It is designed for working professionals and business owners who want to learn advanced skills in data analysis and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The program aims to help people who work with a lot of data in their jobs. This includes areas like marketing, finance, operations, supply chain, IT, human resources, and legal fields. Through this MBA, students will gain strong leadership, strategy, and management skills, combined with deep knowledge of analytics and AI.
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility)
To join this new MBA program at IIMA, applicants need to meet certain requirements:
1. Educational Qualification
- Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree.
- Other accepted qualifications include CA (Chartered Accountant) , CS (Company Secretary) , ICWA (Cost and Works Accountant) , or CMA (Certified Management Accountant) .
- The degree or qualification must be from a recognised university.
- Applicants must have scored at least 50% marks in total, or an equivalent CGPA.
2. Work Experience
Working professionals and entrepreneurs must have full-time work experience by March 31, 2026 . The experience required depends on the length of their graduation degree:
- If you completed a three-year graduation course (like 10+2+3), you need a minimum of three years of full-time work experience .
- If you completed a four-year graduation course (like 10+2+4), you need a minimum of two years of full-time work experience .
3. Entrance Exam Score
Applicants must submit a valid score from one of the following entrance exams:
- CAT (Common Admission Test)
- GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)
- GRE (Graduate Record Examinations)
These scores must have been taken within the previous five years. For GMAT and GRE, the test date should not be earlier than January 1, 2021 . If you do not have these scores, you can take the IIMA Admission Test. The Round-1 IIMA Admission Test for this program (BPGP: BA & AI) is scheduled for December 14, 2025 .
What Will You Learn?
This Blended MBA programme offers a wide range of subjects. Students can choose from 20 elective courses . These courses cover many important areas related to business analytics and AI. Some of the key subjects include:
- Predictive Analytics (forecasting future outcomes)
- Prescriptive Analytics (finding the best actions)
- Product Management (managing new products)
- Finance and Risk Management
- How humans and AI can work together (Human–AI Collaboration)
- Managing changes in a company (Change Management)
- Ethics in AI (AI Ethics), and rules for AI (Policy & Regulation)
- Making supply chains digital (Supply Chain Digitisation)
- Generative AI and Agentic AI (new types of Artificial Intelligence)
Why This Program is Important
Professor Bharat Bhasker, Director of IIMA, spoke about the new program. He said that data analysis and AI are no longer just extra tools for businesses. They are now central to how companies compete, innovate, and create value for everyone involved. He added that there is a big need for professionals who understand both management and deep technology skills.
Professor Bhasker believes this program will offer a strong path for ambitious managers and business owners. It will help them gain high-impact skills, master AI-enabled business models, and lead large-scale digital transitions responsibly. He expects it to play a key role in shaping innovation and competitive AI-led changes across sectors.
