--- title: "IIMB attracts 12,000 applications for first UG batch" url: https://projectchintan.com/article/iimb-12k-applications-ug-batch-7p1hy publisher: Project Chintan author: Project Chintan Newsroom section: Society published: 2026-08-21T18:00:33.544Z modified: 2026-08-21T19:30:07.777Z language: en-IN --- # IIMB attracts 12,000 applications for first UG batch IIM Bangalore reports 12,000 applications for 80 seats in its inaugural Dorabji Tata School of Undergraduate Studies batch, with admissions set to begin their August 31 start. The institution also signed an MoU with Tata Trusts to support infrastructure and governance. ## Key takeaways - IIMB received 12,000 applications for its first UG cohort. - The inaugural batch has 80 seats and will start on August 31, 2026. - An MoU with Tata Trusts funds and guides the school’s initial infrastructure and governance. ## What Happened The Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) announced that its Dorabji Tata School of Undergraduate Studies will commence on August 31. For the first cohort, the institution received a record 12,000 applications from across the country for a total of 80 available seats in the inaugural class. The selection process is described as highly competitive, with the first batch expected to comprise high-calibre students with strong profiles. On August 21, Devi Shetty, Chairperson of the IIMB Board of Governors, signed a memorandum of understanding with Noel Tata, Chairman of Tata Trusts. The MoU commits the Tata Trusts to support the establishment and initial development of the undergraduate school’s academic infrastructure, as well as contributing to strategic direction, policy formulation, and governance oversight. Noel Tata commented that the Tata Trusts have a long history of supporting landmark institutions and that the partnership with IIMB aims to help the new undergraduate school set benchmarks in education and contribute to the country’s growth. Devi Shetty expressed appreciation for the Trusts’ support and highlighted the aim of building a multidisciplinary education model for future learners. These developments were published on August 21, 2026, alongside the announcement of the admission cycle and the MoU. ## Why It Matters The record level of applications for a limited inaugural cohort signals strong demand for a new undergraduate program affiliated with a premier business school. The collaboration with Tata Trusts could provide critical funding and governance support, potentially shaping the school’s infrastructure and long-term strategic direction as it launches. ## Background IIMB announced the creation of the Dorabji Tata School of Undergraduate Studies, aligned with a broader effort to expand undergraduate education under the IIM brand. The August 31 start date marks the program’s operational beginning, with the first cohort consisting of 80 students. ## Key Facts - Applications received for the first UG batch: 12,000 - Seats in the inaugural batch: 80 - Inaugural program start date: August 31 (year 2026 per publication) - MoU signed with Tata Trusts: August 21, 2026 - MoU scope: support for infrastructure, strategic direction, policy formulation, and governance oversight - Signatory organizations: Devi Shetty (IIMB Board Chairperson) and Noel Tata (Tata Trusts Chairman) ## What Happens Next The MoU indicates ongoing support for building the school’s academic infrastructure and governance framework, alongside ongoing strategic guidance from Tata Trusts. The institution is expected to proceed with admissions and enrollment processes for the inaugural cohort in the upcoming cycle, in line with the August 31 start date. --- Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/iimb-12k-applications-ug-batch-7p1hy Reported from: Multiple Sources