IIT Mandi Opens Applications for MBA in Data Science and AI for 2026-28

MBA Admission 2026 at IIT Mandi

Application Process Begins: The Indian Institute of Technology Mandi (IIT Mandi) has initiated the application process for its MBA program specializing in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DS&AI) for the 2026-28 academic batch. Interested candidates can submit their applications via the official IIT Mandi website until January 27, 2026. The program boasts impressive placement packages, with salaries reaching as high as Rs. 49 lakh per annum.

This MBA program integrates core business principles with advanced topics such as AI, machine learning, data science, and digital strategy. Students will benefit from state-of-the-art analytics labs, computing resources, and access to IIT Mandi's technology incubator, Catalyst.

Eligibility Criteria for IIT Mandi MBA Admission 2026:
Applicants must have taken the CAT 2025 exam to qualify. Additionally, candidates with a Bachelor's or Master's degree from Central Funded Technical Institutions (CFTIs) or those ranked in the top 100 of the NIRF 2025 (overall or engineering) are also eligible to apply. For further details, please refer to the official IIT Mandi website.

Professor Anjan Kumar Swain, Chairperson of the School of Management at IIT Mandi, emphasized, "Our program merges management, analytics, and technology to cultivate leaders capable of thriving in the fast-evolving digital landscape. We aim to deliver a transformative educational experience that enhances critical thinking, encourages innovation, and bolsters leadership skills."

Placement Opportunities: Up to Rs. 49 Lakh
The School of Management has recently revamped its curriculum, introducing new elective clusters such as Generative AI for Managers, AI-driven Financial Decision Making, and AI for Marketing. IIT Mandi's official announcement highlighted that the strong placement outcomes reflect the program's value. The previous cohort achieved an average CTC of 18 LPA, with the highest CTC reaching 49 LPA. The placement drive attracted companies from various sectors, including analytics, consulting, BFSI, technology services, and AI-driven businesses.