The programmes were first announced in May 2025 and have now welcomed 178 students to the Sambalpur campus in Odisha. Out of the total, 88 students have enrolled in Data Science & AI while 90 students have joined the Management & Public Policy program. The batch represents students from over 20 states bringing strong cultural and regional diversity.  With 51 male and 39 female students in Management & Public Policy and 69 male and 19 female students in Data Science & AI the gender ratio is likewise fairly balanced.

Admissions and Academic Profile

Admissions were made via CUET-UG 2025 for Management & Public Policy and JEE (Main) 2025 for Data Science & AI. Students have an impressive academic background with an average Class 12 score of 90.5% in Data Science & AI and 88.2% in Management & Public Policy.

Inauguration Highlights

The inauguration ceremony was attended by chief guest Ratnesh Jha who is the Executive Director of UN Global Compact Network India along with senior leaders like Amit Sareen (Accenture) and Anjan A (North Trust). Director Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal welcomed the students and invited to the launch a landmark move for IIM Sambalpur. He highlighted that the programs are structured to empower future leaders with firm bases in data analysis, critical thinking and decision-making along with instilling values of integrity, innovation and responsibility towards society.

For a calm and fulfilling existence Prof. Jaiswal urged students to develop their four intelligences namely intellectual (IQ), emotional (EQ), physical (PQ) and spiritual (SQ).

In addition to congratulating IIM Sambalpur on its higher NIRF ranking Chief Guest Ratnesh Jha stated that the new programs have the ability to shape students into capable professionals who can benefit the country. To achieve the balance of academics, physical fitness, creativity and character he asked the pupils to put a higher priority on holistic development.

Program Focus and Vision

BS in Management & Public Policy is designed to create the next-generation leaders who are able to close the gap between policy formulation and on-ground implementation with an emphasis on sustainability, ESG and community development. The BS in Data Science & AI is designed in collaboration with industry practitioners to develop digital competencies, encourage ethical application of AI and enable students to compete at a global level in technology and innovation.

This launch positions IIM Sambalpur as the first IIM to provide BS program admissions on the basis of both JEE Main and CUET two of India's most elite entry exams.

IIM Sambalpur has also achieved a major leap in the NIRF 2025 rankings climbing 16 positions this year reflecting its focus on innovation, academic quality and global competitiveness.