IIM Bangalore introduces BBA in digital business, entrepreneurship. Details here

In a milestone event marking its entry into undergraduate education, IIM Bangalore has launched the BBA in Digital Business and Entrepreneurship (BBA DBE) programme. The curriculum dedicates 30 percent to emerging digital business technologies, and another 30 percent to core business subjects such as finance, operations, and marketing, while fostering a strong entrepreneurial mindset.

In Short

• IIM B launches BBA DBE programme, merging digital skills with core business topics
• Focus on merging traditional business with digital demands
• Programme aims to make higher education more accessible in India

In a landmark event marking its foray into undergraduate education, IIM Bangalore inaugurated the BBA in Digital Business and Entrepreneurship (BBA DBE) programme on September 16, 2024, in a virtual session.

The session brought together eminent speakers including the IIM Bangalore Director Professor Rishikesha T Krishnan; K Sanjay Murthy, Secretary, Ministry of Education, Government of India; Dr Devi Shetty, Chairman, Narayana Health; Mukesh Bansal, CEO of Curefit & Founder of Meraki Labs; Professor Vasanthi Srinivasan, OB&HRM area, and Chairperson, Digital Learning; and Professor Suresh Bhagavatula, Entrepreneurship area, and Chairperson BBA (DBE), to address the inaugural cohort attending the session.

In his opening address, Professor Rishikesha T Krishnan reflected on IIMB's decade-long expertise and experience in delivering digital education. "Our goal is to extend high-quality education to undergraduate students nationwide," Professor Krishnan stated.

He emphasised the need to merge traditional business management with the evolving demands of digital businesses, ensuring a rich, interactive learning experience for the inaugural cohort of over 1,000 students.

K Sanjay Murthy, in his keynote, outlined the government's vision for digital education. He attributed platforms such as SWAYAM for democratising access to education and emphasised IIMB's crucial role as a National Coordinator.

Dr Devi Shetty celebrated the programme's launch as a significant step toward making higher education more accessible in India. He remarked, "In an era where education has become elitist, IIMB's new programme opens doors for students who previously could only dream of such opportunities".

Dr Shetty emphasised that graduates with digital skills and an IIMB degree would be highly sought after in the job market.

LEADERS HIGHLIGHT BBA DBE'S ROLE IN SHAPING FUTURE ENTREPRENEURS

Mukesh Bansal discussed the programme's potential to revolutionise education by ensuring high standards and accessibility. Drawing on his experience in e-commerce, he stressed the importance of understanding consumer behaviour through a digital-native lens and encouraged students to take ownership of their learning journey.

Professor Vasanthi Srinivasan outlined four essential competencies for future-ready learners: critical thinking, collaborative learning, digital literacy, and communication. Professor Srinivasan noted that IIMB's digital platforms provide more than educational content-they equip students with vital digital and life skills.

Professor Suresh Bhagavatula outlined BBA DBE's focus on blending digital awareness with core business skills.

"Our aim is to prepare students for a digitally-driven world," he said.

He added, "The curriculum includes 30 percent on emerging digital business technologies, 30% on core business topics like finance, operations & marketing, and emphasises an entrepreneurial mindset. The programme combines prerecorded course content with live sessions and offline exams. It features community-building through internships and projects with NSRCEL, one of India's leading business incubators, offering flexible exit options and highly engaging content-all while complying with UGC and other national guidelines".

Professor Bhagavatula presented the closing remarks, highlighting IIMB's role in "developing the right talent to drive unprecedented digital transformations".