- Maiden batch of 71 professionals marks a new era in tech-integrated management education
- Blended MBA combines AI, analytics and strategy for next-gen leadership roles
- Diverse cohort brings rich industry experience across BFSI, IT, consulting and beyond
- Krishnamurthy Tandon School of AI anchors future-ready, innovation-led learning model
- Programme aims to bridge data intelligence with real-world business decision-making
NE EDUCATION BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, APR 16
In a defining moment for management education in India, the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad welcomed the maiden cohort of 71 professionals into its pioneering Blended MBA Programme in Business Analytics & Artificial Intelligence (BPGP: BA & AI)—a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to shape data-driven business leaders of the future.
Offered by the Krishnamurthy Tandon School of AI, the programme represents a strategic convergence of advanced analytics, artificial intelligence and management excellence, tailored for working professionals and entrepreneurs navigating data-intensive ecosystems.
A cohort built for the future
The inaugural 2026–28 batch reflects a diverse and experienced talent pool, with participants drawn from sectors such as BFSI, IT, consulting, education, retail, e-commerce, biotech, healthcare, and more.
With an average work experience of 7 years and 4 months, the cohort includes 55 men (77%) and 16 women (23%), underscoring a strong mix of industry exposure and leadership potential.
Blended Learning, Immersive Experience
Designed as a flexible yet rigorous programme, BPGP: BA & AI combines live, direct-to-device learning with three immersive on-campus modules at IIMA, ensuring both accessibility and depth.
Participants will gain cutting-edge expertise in analytics and AI, complemented by IIMA’s renowned case-based pedagogy, fostering strategic thinking and leadership capabilities.
Leadership speaks: Vision and impact
Addressing the cohort, Satish Deodhar, Dean (Faculty), said: “The BPGP: BA & AI offers a unique educational experience in multifaceted ways. It is a pivotal stepping stone for professionals like you, who will not only be balancing the demands of careers and families with this rigorous programme, but also emerge as capable leaders who can lead operations and companies at the intersection of data, management, analytics, and strategic thinking. With its blended mode of learning, this programme offers you value both on and off the IIMA campus.”
In his inaugural address, Diptesh Ghosh, Dean (Programmes), highlighted the transformative edge of the programme: “Our aim for this programme is to hone professionals who possess a fundamental understanding of technical know-how, gain functional depth in management, and can apply data-driven techniques to solve managerial problems. This programme offers a highly forward-thinking view of management, meshing analytics, data techniques, and artificial intelligence with modern business requirements. Businesses today may have an abundance of data but might not know how to make the best use of it. That is where you will be stepping in.”
Welcoming the pioneering batch, Anindya Chakrabarti, Chairperson of the programme, said: “Today is a special day for the Institute and a defining moment for everyone in this room, as we launch IIMA’s very first technical MBA programme under the Krishnamurthy Tandon School of AI. The BPGP: BA & AI reflects the rapidly evolving landscape of business practices, wherein the integration of business analytics and artificial intelligence is no longer optional, but essential. As the pioneering batch, you will not only be participating in this transformative journey but also shaping the future identity of the programme.”
Redefining management education
With industries increasingly driven by data, automation and intelligent systems, IIMA’s new programme signals a decisive shift toward future-ready, interdisciplinary learning.
By equipping professionals with the ability to translate data into strategy and insight into action, the institute is positioning itself at the forefront of the AI-led transformation of business education.
