IIM Sambalpur Launches MBA in Business Analytics: 70% of Inaugural Batch Brings Work Experience, Engineers Dominate Admissions

Seventy‑five per cent of the entire cohort arrive with prior work experience. Within the MBA programme, 72 per cent are experienced hires, while in MBA‑BA, everyone has at least a year of industry exposure. (Image: IIM Sambalpur)

IIM Sambalpur, one of the fastest-growing Indian Institutes of Management, has officially launched its inaugural batch of the MBA in Business Analytics program. The program received a strong response during admissions, with a significant increase in applicants from engineering backgrounds and 70% of the cohort comprising professionals with prior work experience.

This new two-year full-time MBA in Business Analytics aims to meet the rising demand for skilled business analysts, data scientists, and tech-savvy decision-makers across industries.

Surge in Engineering Applicants

The institute reported a remarkable increase in applications from engineering graduates. The technical orientation of the Business Analytics curriculum, combined with IIM Sambalpur’s focus on real-world industry application, made the program particularly appealing to candidates with STEM backgrounds.

The inaugural cohort features graduates from top engineering institutions, many of whom have experience in IT services, fintech, consulting, and analytics.

70% Students Have Work Experience

Setting a new benchmark in program diversity, more than 70% of the incoming batch has prior work experience, ranging from one to five years. This adds tremendous value to classroom discussions and project collaborations, according to the program chairperson.

Students with experience in data analytics, software development, digital marketing, e-commerce, and business intelligence have joined the program, indicating a strong industry orientation from day one.

Strategic Industry-Focused Curriculum

The MBA Business Analytics program at IIM Sambalpur offers a curriculum that integrates:

• Core business management courses

• Advanced analytics tools and techniques

• Real-world case studies

• Capstone projects and live industry assignments

• Training in AI, ML, cloud computing, and data visualization

The institute is also collaborating with leading industry partners to provide mentorship, internship opportunities, and placement support for this program.

Leadership Speaks

Welcoming the inaugural batch, IIM Sambalpur Director Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal said:

This program is designed to shape professionals into strategic thinkers who can convert data into actionable business insights. The rich experience brought in by the students will further strengthen peer learning and classroom engagement.

A Step Toward Future-Ready Business Education

As data continues to drive decision-making across sectors, IIM Sambalpur’s new program is well-aligned with the demands of modern businesses. The institute plans to continue expanding its offerings to meet India’s growing need for skilled professionals in analytics and digital leadership.

Conclusion

The successful launch of IIM Sambalpur’s MBA in Business Analytics with a highly experienced and engineering-heavy cohort underscores the institute’s growing reputation for innovation in management education. As the field of analytics continues to evolve, IIM Sambalpur is positioning itself as a key player in preparing the next generation of data-driven business leaders.