IIMB UG Test and admission process 2026
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IIM Bangalore Undergraduate Programme
B.Sc. (Hons) in Data Science & Economics - Admissions 2027–31 (Batch entering 2026 cycle)
1. IIMB UG Programme Overview
Two four-year, full-time residential undergraduate programmes offered by IIM Bangalore:
B.Sc. (Hons) — Data Science, with an Economics minor: stochastic processes, algorithms, data structures, and psychology combined with applied business learning.
B.Sc. (Hons) — Economics, with a Data Science minor: economic theory, statistical inference, econometrics, behavioural insights, and data mining combined with applied business learning.
Both programmes emphasise analytical depth, contextual thinking, and professional readiness through internships, global exposure, and life-skill development.
Campus: Jigani campus of IIMB, approximately 30 km from the Bannerghatta campus. Fully residential — on-campus living is required to fully experience the academic and extracurricular environment.
Campus facilities include modern classrooms, computer labs, a library, sports facilities, dining halls, and residential accommodation, supporting both academic collaboration and personal development.
2. IIMB UG Key Dates
Milestone | Date |
Application Window | August 17, 2026 – October 15, 2026 (5:00 pm IST) |
UG Admissions Test | November 15, 2026 (Tentative) |
UG Admissions Test Results | December 15, 2026 (Tentative) |
Interview Dates | 2nd and 3rd Week of January 2027 (Tentative) |
Offers & Waitlist | 3rd Week of February 2027 (Tentative) |
Marksheet/Class XII certificate submission (provisionally admitted) | On or before 31st December 2027 |
3. IIMB UG Eligibility Criteria
Age
Applicant must be 20 years or younger as of August 1, 2027.
Academic
Studying / completed Class XII or equivalent from a recognised board.
Mathematics compulsory in both Class XI and Class XII, for both majors.
Minimum 60% marks in Mathematics in Class X.
Students without Mathematics in XI/XII may meet the requirement via NIOS — acceptable per FAQ.
No preference between Pure and Applied Mathematics; any student with Mathematics as a subject may apply.
4. IIMB UG Entrance Test — Format & Syllabus
Note: the official FAQ states 60 questions / 135 minutes; the Admission Procedure document also references this as the same 60-question test. Duration and structure below reflect the official syllabus document.
Syllabus: NCERT Class X, XI and XII
Duration: 135 minutes
Format: Computer-based test, 60 multiple-choice questions
Negative marking: Yes — 1/3rd mark deducted for each incorrect response
Section-wise breakdown
Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation (QADI) — 30 questions
Logical Reasoning (LR) — 15 questions
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) — 15 questions
Test location: currently available only within India; no overseas test centres.
Mock test link is made available to applicants only after the application window closes.
5. Selection Process — Stage I (Shortlisting)
The first shortlist is built from candidates who cross a minimum positive raw score in all three test sections. Percentile cut-offs below are drawn from UG Test 2025 data, used for the 2026-30 batch shortlist.
Minimum percentile requirements for first shortlist (based on UG Test 2025)
Category | VARC | LR | QADI | Aggregate |
General | NA | NA | 80 | 114 |
NC-OBC | NA | NA | 75 | 75 |
EWS | NA | NA | 75 | 75 |
SC | NA | NA | 70 | 51 |
ST | NA | NA | 70 | 50 |
PWD | NA | NA | 70 | 60 |
Only candidates in the first shortlist proceed to standardization and further evaluation.
6. Pre-Personal Interview (Pre-PI) Scoring
For candidates in the first shortlist, a composite pre-PI score determines who advances to interviews.
Component | Weight (points) |
UG Test (total) | 70 |
— Logical Reasoning (LR) | 30 |
— Quantitative Aptitude & DI (QADI) | 20 |
— Verbal Ability & RC (VARC) | 20 |
10th board overall (standardized) | 15 |
10th board math (standardized) | 10 |
Gender diversity (pre-PI only) | 5 |
The gender diversity component applies only at the pre-PI stage and is dropped from the post-PI (final) score.
7. Stage II — Personal Interview & Final Scoring
The interview evaluates: consistency in academic performance, clarity of motivation, communication skills, intellectual curiosity, extracurricular achievements, integrity, and authenticity.
Post-PI (final admission) weightage
Component | Weight (points) |
10th board overall (standardized) | 10 |
10th board math (standardized) | 10 |
UG Test score | 40 |
Personal Interview | 40 |
Final offers are made strictly on the basis of post-PI scores within each category.
8. Programme Preference & Allocation Rules
Candidates may apply to Data Science, Economics, or both.
If applying to both, candidates must indicate an order of preference at the time of application.
Candidates shortlisted for both get one final opportunity to revise this order — at the time of the interview. This revised preference is treated as final.
Candidates qualifying for both programmes are called for a single common interview covering both.
If a candidate qualifies for both, the offer is made only for their higher-preference programme — no simultaneous offers.
A candidate is considered for their second-preference programme only if they do not qualify for the first, and only if they meet that programme's requirements.
9. Fees & Financial Information
Annual programme fee: ₹8.5 lakh per annum for the first two years (tuition, hostel accommodation, and test fees included; subject to limited increase in years 3–4 as approved by the IIMB Board)
Mess charges: Not included in the annual fee; managed on a cost-sharing basis — approx. ₹8,000–₹10,000/month additional (indicative, actuals may differ)
Financial aid: Need-based financial aid is available for deserving students
Test examination fee: ₹3,000 for General category; ₹2,000 for EWS, NC-OBC, SC, ST, and PwD candidates
Reservations: EWS, NC-OBC, SC, ST, and PWD reservations applied in accordance with law
10. Required Documents
Class X and Class XII board transcripts and certificates
Statement of Purpose
SC/ST/NC-OBC/EWS certificate (if applicable)
Relevant disability certificate and UDID card for PwD candidates
Two online reference letters, submitted directly by referees before the application deadline. Referees must be teachers who taught the candidate within the last four years. No extensions or offline submissions are permitted; the application cannot be submitted until the reference section is complete.
11. How to Apply
Applications are submitted online through the official IIMB admissions portal within the application window. The process for international candidates is not yet finalised and will be updated separately.
When is the IIMB UG Admissions Test 2026 application window open?
The IIM Bangalore UG Admissions Test application window for the B.Sc. (Hons) Data Science and Economics programme runs from August 17, 2026 to October 15, 2026, 5 pm IST. This is the only window to apply for the IIMB UG programme for the 2027-31 batch.
When is the IIMB UG Admissions Test 2026 conducted?
The IIM Bangalore Undergraduate Admissions Test is scheduled for November 15, 2026 (tentative), a full month after the application window closes. Candidates commit to the IIMB UG programme before sitting the entrance test.
When are IIMB UG Admissions Test results declared?
IIMB UG Test results are expected on December 15, 2026 (tentative), roughly a month after the test date.
When are IIMB UG interviews and final offers?
IIM Bangalore UG interviews are scheduled for the 2nd and 3rd week of January 2027 (tentative). Offers and waitlist movement follow in the 3rd week of February 2027 (tentative).
What is the age limit for IIMB UG Admissions 2027-31?
Applicants to the IIM Bangalore Undergraduate Programme must be 20 years or younger as of August 1, 2027, to be eligible for the B.Sc. (Hons) Data Science or Economics programme.
What are the academic eligibility criteria for IIMB UG Admissions Test?
Candidates must be studying or have completed Class XII or an equivalent qualification from a recognised board. Mathematics is compulsory in both Class XI and Class XII for both the Data Science and Economics majors, and candidates need a minimum of 60% marks in Mathematics at the Class X level.
Can I apply to IIMB UG without Mathematics in Class XI or XII?
Yes. If a candidate has completed or is studying Class XI and XII without Mathematics as a subject, they can take Mathematics through NIOS to meet the IIMB UG eligibility criteria. This is officially accepted by IIM Bangalore.
Does IIMB UG Admissions Test prefer Pure Mathematics over Applied Mathematics?
No. IIM Bangalore has no preference between Pure Mathematics and Applied Mathematics. Any student who has taken Mathematics as a subject in Class XI and XII is eligible to apply for the IIMB UG programme.
What entrance exam is required for IIMB UG Admissions?
Applicants must take the IIM Bangalore Undergraduate Admissions Test, commonly referred to as the IIMB UG Test, as a mandatory part of the admissions process for the B.Sc. (Hons) Data Science and Economics programmes.
Can I take the IIMB UG Admissions Test from outside India?
No. Currently, the IIM Bangalore Undergraduate Admissions Test can only be taken at test centres within India. There is no provision for candidates to appear for the test from an overseas location.
How do I apply for IIMB UG Admissions 2026?
Candidates must submit their application through the official IIM Bangalore admissions portal before the application window closes on October 15, 2026, 5 pm IST.
Is IIMB UG Test preparation material or a mock test available?
A mock test link for the IIMB UG Admissions Test is made available to applicants only after the application window closes, meaning candidates do not have access to official practice material during the application phase.
What is the format and syllabus of the IIMB UG Admissions Test?
The IIM Bangalore UG Admissions Test is a computer-based test with 60 multiple-choice questions, based on the NCERT syllabus for Class X, XI, and XII. The test duration is 135 minutes, and there is negative marking of 1/3rd mark deducted for every incorrect response.
What are the sections in the IIMB UG Admissions Test?
The IIMB UG Test has three sections. Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation (QADI) has 30 questions. Logical Reasoning (LR) has 15 questions. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) has 15 questions, for a total of 60 questions in 135 minutes.
What are the IIMB UG Test cut-offs for the first shortlist?
Based on UG Test 2025 data used for the 2026-30 batch, the minimum aggregate percentile cut-offs for the first shortlist were 114 for General, 75 for NC-OBC and EWS, 51 for SC, 50 for ST, and 60 for PWD. The General category additionally required an 80th percentile in QADI, while reserved categories required a 70th percentile in QADI.
How is the IIMB UG pre-interview (pre-PI) score calculated?
The IIMB UG pre-PI score weights the UG Test at 70 points total, split as 30 points for Logical Reasoning, 20 points for Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation, and 20 points for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension. Class X overall standardised score contributes 15 points, Class X Mathematics standardised score contributes 10 points, and a gender diversity component contributes 5 points at this stage only.
Why does Logical Reasoning matter so much in the IIMB UG Admissions Test?
Logical Reasoning has only 15 questions out of 60 in the IIMB UG Test, but it is weighted at 30 of the 70 test-derived pre-PI points, more than QADI's 20 points despite QADI having double the number of questions. This makes LR proportionally the highest-value section for IIMB UG Test preparation.
What does the IIMB UG personal interview evaluate?
The IIM Bangalore UG personal interview evaluates a candidate's consistency in academic performance, clarity of motivation, communication skills, intellectual curiosity, extracurricular achievements, integrity, and authenticity.
How is the final IIMB UG admission score calculated?
The post-PI, or final, IIMB UG admission score weights Class X overall standardised score at 10 points, Class X Mathematics standardised score at 10 points, UG Test score at 40 points, and the personal interview at 40 points. Final offers are made strictly based on this post-PI score within each category.
Can I apply to both IIMB UG Data Science and Economics programmes?
Yes. Candidates can apply to one or both of the B.Sc. (Hons) Data Science and B.Sc. (Hons) Economics programmes at IIM Bangalore. Applicants to both must indicate an order of preference at the time of application.
Can I change my programme preference after applying to IIMB UG?
Yes, but only once. Candidates shortlisted for both the Data Science and Economics programmes get one final opportunity to revise their order of preference at the time of the interview. This revised preference is treated as final for the purpose of admission.
What happens if I qualify for both IIMB UG programmes?
If a candidate qualifies for admission to both the B.Sc. (Hons) Data Science and Economics programmes, an offer is made only for the programme indicated as the higher preference. Candidates do not receive simultaneous offers from both programmes. The second-preference programme is only considered if the candidate does not qualify for their higher-preference programme.
What is the fee for the IIMB UG programme?
The IIM Bangalore Undergraduate Programme annual fee is ₹8.5 lakh per annum for the first two years, covering tuition, hostel accommodation, and test fees, with a limited fee increase in years three and four as approved by the IIMB Board.
Are mess charges included in the IIMB UG fee?
No. Mess charges are managed separately on a cost-sharing basis, with students expecting an additional expense of approximately ₹8,000 to ₹10,000 per month, though actual costs may vary.
Is financial aid available for IIMB UG students?
Yes. IIM Bangalore offers need-based financial aid for deserving students admitted to the Undergraduate Programme.
What is the IIMB UG Admissions Test examination fee?
The IIMB UG Admissions Test examination fee is ₹3,000 for General category candidates and ₹2,000 for EWS, NC-OBC, SC, ST, and PwD candidates.
Does IIMB UG follow caste and category reservations?
Yes. IIM Bangalore follows reservation norms for EWS, NC-OBC, SC, ST, and PWD candidates in the UG programme in accordance with applicable law.
Is the IIMB UG programme residential?
Yes. The IIM Bangalore Undergraduate Programme is a full-time residential programme, and students are required to live on campus.
Where is the IIMB UG programme campus located?
The IIM Bangalore UG programme is held on the Jigani campus, located approximately 30 kilometres from the main Bannerghatta campus of IIM Bangalore.
What facilities are available at the IIMB UG campus?
The IIMB UG Jigani campus offers modern classrooms, computer labs, a library, sports facilities, dining halls, and residential accommodation, supporting both academic collaboration and personal development.
What documents are required for IIMB UG Admissions?
Applicants need Class X and Class XII board transcripts and certificates, a Statement of Purpose, an SC/ST/NC-OBC/EWS certificate if applicable, and a relevant disability certificate along with a UDID card for candidates with disabilities.
Are reference letters required for IIMB UG Admissions?
Yes. Two online reference letters are mandatory for candidates shortlisted after Stage I of the IIMB UG process. Referees must be teachers from the candidate's current or previous academic institution who taught the candidate within the last four years, and letters must be submitted online before the deadline with no extensions or offline submissions accepted.
Is there a separate process for international candidates applying to IIMB UG?
A separate process and procedure for international candidates applying to the IIM Bangalore Undergraduate Programme will be updated in due course and has not yet been finalised.
Who do I contact for IIMB UG Admissions queries?
The IIM Bangalore UG admissions team can be reached at 080-26993940 or 080-26993941, or by email at ugadmissions@iimb.ac.in.
Does the IIMB UG Admissions process change every year?
All information regarding the IIMB UG Admissions Test and process applies specifically to the 2027-31 batch admissions cycle. IIM Bangalore reserves the right to change, modify, or adopt a new admissions process for future cycles, and no inference should be drawn about subsequent years based on this cycle's process.
How many applications did IIM Bangalore's UG programme receive for its inaugural batch?
The IIM Bangalore Undergraduate Programme received 12,000 applications for its inaugural batch of 80 students, with the first cohort set to begin classes on August 31, 2026. This is the first-ever batch admitted to the IIMB UG programme, ahead of the 2026-27 admissions cycle covered elsewhere in this FAQ.
How many students are in the inaugural IIMB UG batch?
The inaugural cohort has 40 students each in the B.Sc. (Hons) Data Science and B.Sc. (Hons) Economics programmes, for a combined total of 80 students.
Has IIM Bangalore signed any partnership for its UG programme?
Yes. IIM Bangalore signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tata Trusts (Sir Dorabji Tata Trust) for philanthropic support toward developing its School of Undergraduate Studies. The MoU was signed by Tata Trusts Chairman Noel Tata and IIM Bangalore Board of Governors chairperson Dr Devi Shetty, in the presence of Tata Trusts CEO Siddharth Sharma and IIM Bangalore Director-in-charge Prof U Dinesh Kumar.
What is IIM Bangalore's undergraduate school officially named?
The school has been named the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore – Dorabji Tata School of Undergraduate Studies, following the Tata Trusts partnership.
What does the Tata Trusts partnership support at IIMB UG?
Tata Trusts will support the establishment and initial development of academic infrastructure for the undergraduate school, its strategic direction, policy formulation, and governance. This includes funding the new undergraduate campus, academic facilities, student accommodation, and accessible infrastructure for people with disabilities.
Does the Tata Trusts partnership extend beyond the UG campus?
Yes. It will also support IIM Bangalore's broader research and academic capabilities, including research clusters in Artificial Intelligence, data science, algorithmic design, Indian Knowledge Systems, and applied business learning, along with developing a dedicated multidisciplinary faculty body for the undergraduate school.
Where exactly is the IIMB UG campus located?
The IIMB UG campus is located in the Jigani-Anekal area, approximately 23 km from IIM Bangalore's main Bannerghatta Road campus. It is being developed as a dedicated residential academic environment focused on interdisciplinary learning, research, and innovation.