India Gets Its First Undergraduate Bureaucrat-Training Programme at IIM Sambalpur in Collaboration with NTA
In alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, IIM Sambalpur in collaboration with NTA 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”. Anchored in the core values of Integrity and Innovation, the programmes provide 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.
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 event also witnessed a roundtable discussion with the theme: "Global Capability Centres (GCCs) as Engines of Innovation for Global Enterprises. Bramhanand Jha, PMP, Vice President, National eGovernance Division under MeitY, Ministry of Electronics & IT, Government of India graced the occasion as the chief guest. While Lt. Col. Piyush Shukla, Director (JEE), National Testing Agency (NTA) and Rajesh Kumar, Director (CUET), National Testing Agency (NTA) were present as the keynote speakers, who came together to discuss the evolving role of GCCs as crucial hubs driving innovation and global digital transformation and contributed valuable insights on the future of global enterprises and the strategic role of GCCs.
Chief Guest, Bramhanand Jha, PMP, Vice President, National eGovernance Division under MeitY, Ministry of Electronics & IT, GOI, said, "India's Global Capability Centres (GCCs) are no longer low-cost arbitrage centres; they are becoming strategic innovation hubs for value for global business. With the economy shifting towards a digital-first economy, GCCs are leading the way in developing agile, technology-enabled, and future-proof organizations. Academic institutions like IIM Sambalpur, with vision-oriented programmes in Data Science, AI, and Public Policy, are developing the talent and mindset to drive this change. At MeitY, we are committed to developing an ecosystem in which the academia, industry, and governance collaborate to drive sustainable innovation, transformation, and digital leadership.”
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director, IIM Sambalpur, said, “It is a great pride that we have successfully launched Bachelor of Science (B.S) four-year fully residential programme. This is a pioneering step towards building future-ready leaders of tomorrow. In line with India’s National Education Policy, (NEP 2020) our vision is to create responsible leaders with entrepreneurial mindset. These undergraduate programmes have a flexible structure that allows students to gain a certificate after one year, a diploma after two years, a degree after three years, and an honors degree after successfully completing four years, with multiple entry and exit points. The first is the Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, a four-year program. The admissions will be to this program through an entrance test held by the National Testing Agency (NTA). This program will shortlist students who have obtained minimum 70% marks in their 10th and 12th board exams, together with top percentile or high marks in the JEE (Main) test. We are admitting 90 students to this program in phase one.”
“The second programme, first in India, is the Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Management and Public Policy. This is for those who want to enter the bureaucracy, or the Indian Administrative Services (IAS). There isn't an undergraduate-level programme in India today that specifically prepares an individual for such a career. We feel that some of the best minds who are targeting a career in the civil services must be given foundation-level training through a formal B.Sc. programme. This programme will enable students to make an informed decision right at the start of their academic career and give them the right mindset and skillset to enter the government.” He added.
It is to be noted that IIM Sambalpur is the first IIM to offer admissions to its B.S. in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence programme through IIT JEE Main, and to its B.S. in Management and Public Policy programme through CUET, both national-level entrance exams conducted by the National Testing Agency. It is to be noted that admissions for the B.S. programmes will begin in June 2025. Classes for the first batch will commence from September 2025.
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