IIT Mandi Launches Integrated MBA (IMBA): Anjan Kumar Swain, Discusses Programme's Vision and Unique Offerings

In an effort to address the evolving demands of the business and technology landscape, IIT Mandi has introduced its innovative Integrated MBA (IMBA) programme. In an Interview with BW Education, Anjan Kumar Swain, a distinguished member of the IMBA Admissions Committee at IIT Mandi, shares  insights into what makes this programme a compelling choice for aspiring business leaders. Swain elaborates on the programme's unique offerings, its distinctive curriculum and the vision that inspired its creation. Below, we delve into his detailed responses to our questions about the IMBA program and why it stands out as a transformative educational journey for students aiming to lead data-driven new-age businesses.

Why should students choose this programme?

Students choosing the IMBA programme at IIT Mandi can look forward to a unique opportunity to launch their careers in managing and leading data-driven new-age businesses. This innovative programme allows them to pursue an integrated master’s degree in business immediately after completing their school education, culminating in two separate degrees: a BBA in Analytics (Honors) and an MBA in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, all within five years. Beyond academics, the programme offers a vibrant campus life set in the serene Himalayan valleys, where students can engage in a variety of co-curricular activities such as hiking, trekking, mountain biking, football, cricket, swimming, and badminton.
 

What are the Unique Selling Points (USP) of the programme?

The USP of the IMBA programme:

An innovative curriculum

The programme blends management education with state-of-the-art emerging technologies such as data science and AI delivered through immersive and experiential learning pedagogy.

Learning by doing

Emphasis on learning by doing through nine months-long internships in two stretches, and a year-long management project.

Entrepreneurial initiatives

Through a year-long sabbatical and access to a well-established incubation and start-up ecosystem at the institute.
 

How did IIT Mandi come up with the idea of curating this programme?

In today’s world where businesses are using technology such as artificial intelligence for process automation to reduce costs and enhance process effectiveness, IIT Mandi sees a growing need for business leaders who have the knowledge and skills in the technology domain to shepherd the business to achieve these goals. IIT Mandi has always been at the forefront of developing courses according to the current and future needs of the industry. Therefore, IIT Mandi became the first IIT to introduce this five-year Integrated MBA (IMBA) programme with a strong emphasis on developing data-driven business decision-makers, managers, and leaders.

The initial part of the programme prepares a strong foundation for students in analytics through rigorous courses in mathematics, statistics and programming apart from foundational courses in management and communication. In the latter phase of the curriculum, the students are exposed to the application of analytics in various functions of management through specialised courses such as social analytics, marketing analytics, supply chain analytics, fintech, etc. Recognising the growing need for socially conscious business leaders, the programme also offers several courses to inculcate ethical values and build resilience in the students.
 

Please indicate which set of students will benefit the most from the programme?

Students in their XII grade with a passion for analytics, data science and artificial intelligence are encouraged to apply for this program. Eligible applicants must have achieved a minimum of 75 per cent marks (65 per cent for SC/ST/PwD) in their XII (or equivalent) exams and must have studied Mathematics and English at that level. Additionally, applicants must have appeared in the JEE (Main) 2024 exam and obtained a Final NTA SCORE for Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech.) to qualify for consideration.

What students should keep in mind while applying for this programme?

The students wishing to pursue management after engineering education have an alternative to directly pursue management with a data science orientation. The programme offers students an opportunity for peer learning and developing resilience by training in a competitive environment with a large pool of students from various disciplines.