Mumbai, August 22 (TNA) IIM Bangalore’s Undergraduate Programmes have been met with tremendous success, attracting a record 12,000 applications from across the country for the inaugural cohort of 80 students. The highly competitive selection process has brought together exceptionally high-calibre students in the first batch, many with outstanding profiles, marking a strong beginning for IIMB’s foray into full-time undergraduate education. With a full house, the inaugural batch of the programmes is set to commence on 31st August 2026.
The success of the inaugural cohort comes alongside a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between IIM Bangalore and the Tata Trusts (Sir Dorabji Tata Trust). The MoU formalises a significant philanthropic contribution by the Tata Trusts towards the development of the school that is being named ‘Indian Institute of Management Bangalore – Dorabji Tata School of Undergraduate Studies’.
On Friday, Noel Tata, Chairman, Tata Trusts, and Dr Devi Shetty, Chairperson, Board of Governors, IIMB, signed the MoU in the presence of Siddharth Sharma, CEO, Tata Trusts, and Prof. U Dinesh Kumar, Director-in-charge, IIMB. Under the MoU, the Tata Trusts will support the establishment and initial development of world-class academic infrastructure for the School of Undergraduate Studies, along with contributing to the strategic direction and vision-setting, policy formulation and governance oversight.
On the occasion, Noel Tata, Chairman, Tata Trusts, said, “For over a century, the Tata Trusts have seeded some of India’s most defining institutions that have influenced generations, and continue to serve public good long after the initial investment. India’s next phase of growth will require institutions that can be ranked amongst the best in the world. Our partnership with IIM Bangalore reflects that approach. Through the IIMB – Dorabji Tata School of Undergraduate Studies, we hope to support an institution that can set new benchmarks for undergraduate education and make a lasting contribution to the country.”
Dr. Devi Shetty, Chairperson, Board of Governors, IIMB, expressed deep appreciation for the Trusts’ generous support. “IIM Bangalore is a public institution of eminence with a distinguished history of creating transformative educational opportunities. Our partnership with the Tata Trusts, a name synonymous with integrity, nation-building and innovation for the public good, will provide the IIMB – Dorabji Tata School of Undergraduate Studies with a strong foundation to develop an ambitious model of multidisciplinary education for a new generation of learners.”