Sambalpur(thestates.news):|Following the announcement made in May 2025, IIM Sambalpur
launched these two cutting-edge programmes in Delhi, and has now welcomed the inaugural
batch of its first-ever B.S. Programme in Data Science & AI and B.S. Programme in Management
& Public Policy at the Sambalpur campus in Odisha.
In alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, IIM Sambalpur has launched its
two cutting-edge new undergraduate programmes: “Bachelor of Science in Management and
Public Policy” and “Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence” in May 2025.
The inaugural batch welcomed 178 students across the two programmes, 88 in Data Science
& AI and 90 in Management & Public Policy. Representing more than 20 states of India,
including Bihar, Odisha, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Lakshadweep,
the batch reflects strong regional diversity. The B.S. in Data Science & AI programme has
enrolled 69 male and 19 female students, while the B.S. in Management & Public Policy has
51 male and 39 female students, ensuring a healthy gender balance.
Admission Process Admissions were made through JEE (Main) 2025 for Data Science & AI, with the highest admitted rank being 44,645, and through CUET (UG) 2025 for Management & Public Policy,
where the top scorers achieved a 99.80 percentile. The academic credentials of the cohort are
equally impressive, with an average Class 12th score of 90.5% for Data Science & AI students
and 88.2% for those in Management & Public Policy.
Ratnesh Jha, Executive Director, UN Global Compact Network India graced the occasion as
the chief guest, while Amit Sareen, Managing Director, Accenture and Anjan A, Vice President,
North Trust were present as the Guests of honour. Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director, IIM
Sambalpur along with faculty and students were also present during the event.
The event also featured expert speaker sessions in which the esteemed speakers were Vivek
Agarwal, Country Director, Tony Blair Institute; Harpreet Singh, Head –Counterparty Credit
Risk, BFSI Sector; Gangadhar Yasam, Head of IT Strategy, Ford Motor Company; Divay Pranav,
Business Strategy & Partnerships, Hyundai Motors; Arpit Bajpai, Co-Founder, Neurosensum,
were present as key note speakers in the event.
During his inaugural address, Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director, IIM Sambalpur, said, “This is a
historic step for IIM Sambalpur. By launching these B.S. programmes, we are investing in young
minds who will become leaders in technology, policy, and society. These programmes will not
only prepare students with academic excellence but also instil in them the values of integrity,
innovation, and responsibility towards nation-building. Anchored in the core values of Integrity
and Innovation, the programmes provides strong roots in data analysis, critical reasoning, and
evidence-based decision-making. The cross-functional courses are designed to develop
responsible leaders who can address intricate societal and industrial challenges with
innovation, compassion, and a global perspective.”
Apart from that, Prof. Jaiswal advised students and said, “Students need to nurture four
kinds of intelligence for holistic growth. First is IQ, which sharpens the intellect. Second is EQ,
which teaches them to manage their emotions effectively. Third is PQ, which emphasizes the
importance of good health, physical fitness, and preferring naturopathy. And Finally, SQ – the
spiritual quotient – which helps them reflect on the deeper purpose of life”.
While addressing the students, Chief Guest, Ratnesh Jha, Executive Director, UN Global
Compact Network, said, “Congratulation to IIM Sambalpur for excellent NIRF rankings 2025
and for successful inauguration of the first batch of the B.S. Programme. IIM Sambalpur
continues to be a hub of creativity and inspiration, opening new avenues for the younger
generation. The four-year B.S. Programme holds immense potential to transform students into
accomplished professional, well-prepared to contribute meaningfully to the nation. He further
emphasized that, while striving for academic excellence, ratings and rankings, it is equally
important not to overlook spiritual growth and physical well-being. He added that students
must focus on the four Cs, as the absence of any one of them makes progress incomplete and
less fulfilling”.
The Bachelor of Science in Management and Public Policy programme is designed to meet
national managerial aspirations in terms of Sustainability, ESG (Environmental, Social, and
Governance), and community-led development. This programme aims to equip a new
generation of change-makers to close the gap between policy and practice at the grassroots
level.
The Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence is focused towards
developing India’s digital capability and global competitiveness. The programme, co-designed
with industry leaders builds future ready skill set among young students and encourages the
use of ethical AI, reaffirming the institution’s pledge to innovation with integrity.
The inaugural marks a new chapter in IIM Sambalpur’s journey to shape responsible leaders
with a balance of academic rigor, innovation, and social responsibility. Notably, IIM Sambalpur
is the first IIM to offer admissions to its B.S. in Data Science & Artificial Intelligence
programme through IIT JEE Main, and to its B.S. in Management & Public Policy programme
through CUET, both prestigious national-level entrance exams conducted by the National
Testing Agency.
IIM Sambalpur has reached a significant milestone this year, climbing 16 positions in the NIRF
ranking 2025. Speaking on the institute’s accreditation journey, Prof. Soumya Guha Deb, Dean
(Ranking & Accreditation), highlighted the strategic initiatives and sustained efforts that have
contributed to this remarkable achievement.
Prof. Diwahar S Nadar and Prof. Rohit Gupta introduced the B.S. Programmes. The welcome
address was delivered by Prof. Diptiranjan Mahapatra, Dean, (Academics), while the vote of
thanks was proposed by Prof. Diwahar S Nadar.
