The Indian Institute of Management Lucknow has opened a new chapter in Indian management education by inviting applications for its first-ever undergraduate programme. IIM Lucknow has opened applications for admission to its Bachelor of Science (BS) in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Business Analytics programme, designed to develop future-ready professionals equipped to lead in an AI-driven job market.
How to Apply for the IIM Lucknow BS Programme
Interested candidates need to act quickly, as the application window is time-bound. Eligible candidates can apply for the Undergraduate (UG) programme in Artificial Intelligence and Business Analytics through the official website at iiml.ac.in by July 3.
Eligibility Criteria for IIM Lucknow BS in AI & Business Analytics
The eligibility norms are clearly defined and target a specific pool of students. As per the eligibility criteria, those who have completed their Class 12 exam in 2025 or 2026 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics as main subjects are eligible to apply. Candidates must also have qualified in JEE Advanced.
Age criteria have also been specified for applicants. The maximum age limit is 21 years as of July 31, 2026. Additionally, 15% of the seats will be reserved for Scheduled Caste (SC) and 7.5% for Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates, as per the central government reservation policy for admission to higher educational institutions.
Limited Seats Make the IIM Lucknow BS Programme Highly Selective
With such a niche entry pathway, competition for seats is expected to be intense. There are only 60 seats in the BS programme, making this one of the most exclusive undergraduate offerings in the country.
A First-of-its-Kind Programme for an IIM Lucknow BS
This launch marks a historic shift in how IIMs approach undergraduate admissions. MP Gupta, Director of IIM Lucknow, said the institute is opening doors for aspiring young intermediate pass-outs, and in a historic first for a management institute, admissions for the programme will be determined by JEE Advanced, welcoming a new breed of talent and future nation builders.
Traditionally, IIMs have been linked with CAT, but this time IIM Lucknow is tapping into India’s strongest STEM talent pool — JEE Advanced qualifiers. The rationale is that AI today is math-heavy, code-heavy and data-heavy, so selecting students through JEE Advanced ensures strong analytical foundations from Day 1.
Programme Structure and Curriculum
The course is structured to build a strong technical and analytical foundation. The IIM Lucknow BS in Artificial Intelligence and Business Analytics will be a 4-year programme designed for higher secondary (10+2) students with a qualifying rank in JEE Advanced and will be launched in the academic year 2026-27.
The BS programme is designed with a strong foundation in Mathematics and Statistics, with students equipped with programming skills like Python, OOPs, and Vibe coding, on top of which they are exposed to Business Analytics and Artificial Intelligence. The curriculum integrates technical AI proficiency with management, data governance, and ethics, and it is rooted in the academic excellence and intellectual rigour of IIM Lucknow, integrating advanced AI and business analytics with business, management, and ethics.
5-Year Integrated Dual Degree Option
Students opting for this programme will also have access to an extended pathway combining undergraduate and postgraduate study. Students can also opt for a 5-year integrated dual-degree pathway that seamlessly leads into a Tech MBA. This allows students enrolled in the BS (AI & Business Analytics) programme to complete both degrees in five years, on one campus, with one academic roadmap.
Background: Announced at Bharat Bodhan AI Conclave 2026
The programme was first revealed earlier this year at a high-profile event. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan unveiled three new AI and Tech MBA programmes at IIM Lucknow during the Bharat Bodhan AI Conclave 2026. According to the official statement, the initiative aims to equip students with the skills to embed AI into core business functions while inculcating digital leadership and an entrepreneurial mindset, supporting national initiatives like Digital India and the IndiaAI Mission.
Residential Campus Advantage
The location of the IIM Lucknow BS Programme is also expected to play a key role in shaping the student experience. The flagship four-year BS programme will be fully residential, leveraging the features of India’s first AI City and the region’s vibrant start-up and incubation ecosystem, providing strategic advantages in attracting technology-focused faculty and fostering industry collaboration on live projects.
Career Prospects After Completing the IIM Lucknow BS Programme
The course is designed with strong placement outcomes in mind. On completing the IIM Lucknow BS Programme, candidates will have the opportunity to pursue a wide range of career paths across technology, consulting, financial services, e-commerce, healthcare, manufacturing, and public-sector organisations. For context on the institute’s placement track record, the highest domestic CTC offered at IIM Lucknow stands at Rs. 1 Crore.
Advice for Candidates
Students who qualify for JEE Advanced 2026 and meet the eligibility criteria are strongly advised to complete their IIM Lucknow BS application before the July 3 deadline. Given the limited seats and the unique selection process, candidates should prepare all required documents — including Class 12 mark sheets and JEE Advanced scorecards — well in advance to ensure a smooth application experience.
