IIT Mandi MBA Data Science: Applications Open For 2026

IIT Mandi Invites Applications for MBA in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence for the 2026–28 Batch

SUMMARY

December 24th, 2025 | Mandi: The Indian Institute of Technology Mandi (IIT Mandi), one of India’s leading IITs, through its School of Management (SOM), invites applications for the 2026–28 batch of its MBA in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DS&AI) program. Now welcoming its fifth batch, the program has rapidly emerged as one of the country’s leading management offerings, producing graduates equipped to lead in an AI-powered business landscape.

Key Highlights of MBA in DS&AI Program:

AI-Powered Business Transformation: A curriculum integrating business fundamentals with AI, machine learning, data science, and digital strategy.
Industry-Aligned Learning: Regular curriculum updates co-developed with industry to match evolving market needs.
Cutting-edge Technical Ecosystem: Access to state-of-the-art analytics laboratories, computing facilities, and IIT Mandi’s technology incubator—Catalyst.
Experiential Learning: Live projects, AI-driven business case challenges, internships, hackathons, and industry immersion.
Global Orientation: International collaborations, visiting faculty, and global exposure programs.

.Prof. Laxmidhar Behera, Director, IIT Mandi, extended a heartfelt welcome and said,
“The MBA in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence embodies our vision of shaping future business leaders who can harness the power of data and AI responsibly and innovatively. IIT Mandi remains committed to excellence in technology-driven management education.”

Prof. Anjan Kumar Swain, Chairperson, School of Management, IIT Mandi, stated,
“Our program seamlessly fuses management, analytics, and technology to create leaders who can thrive in today’s fast-evolving digital economy. We aim to deliver a transformative learning experience that sharpens critical thinking, fosters innovation, and strengthens leadership capabilities.”

The School of Management has recently expanded its academic offerings by introducing new elective clusters like Generative AI for Managers, AI-driven Financial Decision Making, and AI for Marketing. These additions are supported by enhanced practicum components that enable students to work closely with industry mentors on live industry projects and strategic assignments ensuring strong practical exposure alongside classroom learning. Collectively, these initiatives reflect IIT Mandi’s commitment to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, with a focus on multidisciplinary learning, experiential pedagogy, and inclusive education.

Strong placement outcomes reinforce the program’s value, with the previous batch achieving an average CTC of ₹18 LPA and a highest CTC of ₹49 LPA with recruiters from analytics, consulting, BFSI, technology services, and AI-driven business domains.

Eligibility and Admission Process	Applicants may apply under either of the following categories:
Applicant Category 1 (CAT-based)	Candidates who have appeared for CAT 2025 may apply using their CAT 2025 scores.
Applicant Category 2 (CAT-exempted)	Candidates holding a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from Centrally Funded Technical Institutions (CFTIs) or from institutions ranked within the Top 100 of NIRF 2025 (Overall or Engineering), subject to the minimum required CGPA.
Detailed Eligibility Criteria	Available at: https://som.iitmandi.ac.in/
Application Submission	Candidates are required to submit their applications through the online application form available on the SOM website.
Personal Interview	Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a Personal Interview following initial screening.
Application Opens	December 24, 2025
Application Closes	January 27, 2026

About IIT Mandi:

IIT Mandi is one of the top second-generation IITs located in Kamand Valley, Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is one of eight new Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) established by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India, and recognized as one of Institutes of National Importance. IIT Mandi’s permanent campus about 14 km (8.7 mi) from Mandi consists of the South and North campuses connected by a narrow neck. The South campus is on the left bank of the Uhl River below Kamand village. The North campus is along the Kataula Khad opposite Salgi village.

A transit campus at Government Post graduate College, Mandi was handed over by the Himachal Pradesh Government on 16 November 2009. The Kamand campus ground-breaking ceremony, to mark the start of construction, was held on 13 April 2012. On 25 April 2015, IIT Mandi became the first of all the new IITs to completely shift B. Tech students to its permanent campus in Kamand. Since its inception the institute has been involved with more than 275 Research and Development (R&D) projects worth more than ₹120 crore. In the past 10 years, the institute has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with as many as 11 international and 12 national universities.