IIM Udaipur Launches a Groundbreaking BBA Programme
The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Udaipur is set to introduce a unique Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) program. This initiative marks a significant milestone as it will be the first bilingual online undergraduate program offered by any IIM.
Access to the IIM Brand for All
While several IIMs have integrated programs that combine undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in management, IIM Udaipur’s new offering focuses on providing access to the prestigious IIM brand for underserved learners in India.
Breaking Barriers in Management Education
“For decades, management education in India has remained the preserve of a small, English-speaking, urban elite,” stated Prof Ashok Banerjee, Director of IIM Udaipur. He highlighted the challenges of high academic cut-offs, residential requirements, and cultural expectations that traditionally exclude many potential students.
Innovative and Inclusive Curriculum
The four-year BBA program, scheduled to launch in July 2026, aims to disrupt these traditional barriers. Prof Banerjee commented, “It is designed for learners who have been historically excluded,” including students from Hindi-medium schools, rural youth, NEET learners, homemakers, and first-generation college aspirants.
Emphasizing Language Inclusion
A distinguishing feature of this program is its inclusive approach to the medium of instruction. Aligned with the National Education Policy, the course promotes both Indian languages and foreign languages. Hindi will serve as the primary medium of instruction for the first three years, while students can opt for English starting in the first year.
Leveraging Technology for Enhanced Learning
IIM Udaipur is also integrating advanced artificial intelligence (AI) in the learning experience. AI-based voice cloning and lip-syncing will enable students to access content in both languages, improving comprehension and facilitating English proficiency without adding to the faculty’s workload.
Flexible Learning Pathways
The program is structured to accommodate learners’ various needs by offering multiple exit points: a certificate after Year 1, a diploma after Year 2, a BBA after Year 3, and a BBA (Honours) after Year 4. This flexibility caters especially to learners who might not be able to commit to a full-time residential course.
Yearly Curriculum Highlights
The curriculum is carefully designed to foster essential skills and knowledge:
- Year 1: Focuses on workplace survival and entrepreneurship, laying the groundwork for income generation and micro-enterprise.
- Year 2: Concentrates on MSME and operations readiness, equipping students with the skills to manage or contribute to micro, small, and medium enterprises.
- Year 3: Develops skills in strategy and leadership, enhancing decision-making, finance, and project execution capabilities.
- Year 4: Prepares learners for global and research readiness, transitioning to full English instruction and postgraduate preparedness.
Accessibility and Assessments
The program is designed to be mobile-first, low-bandwidth friendly, and largely asynchronous. Course content will be easily accessible via public platforms like YouTube, while assessments will take place at regional centers for convenience.
Affordability and Financial Support
The tuition fee for the program will start at Rs 50,000 per year and rise to Rs 2,00,000 by the fourth year. To alleviate financial burdens, both merit-based and need-based scholarships will be available. A low-income student who excels academically could pay only Rs 87,500 for the entire three-year BBA, and Rs 1.37 lakh for the four-year Honours degree.
Conclusion
IIM Udaipur’s BBA program presents a groundbreaking opportunity for learners across India, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility in management education like never before.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the primary language of instruction for the BBA program?
The primary medium of instruction will be Hindi for the first three years, with an option to switch to English starting from the first year. - What is the duration of the BBA program?
The program is structured over four years. - What kind of students is this program aimed at?
It is designed for students from Hindi-medium schools, rural backgrounds, NEET learners, homemakers, and first-generation college aspirants. - How much is the tuition fee?
The tuition fee starts at Rs 50,000 per year and increases to Rs 2,00,000 by the fourth year. - Are there any scholarships available?
Yes, IIM Udaipur will offer both merit-based and need-based scholarships.
