The Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) has partnered with Axis Bank to establish the Axis Bank Centre of Economics at its Dorabji Tata School of Undergraduate Studies in Bengaluru. This new centre aims to strengthen economics education by focusing on quantitative and computational learning, data analysis, and empirical research. It will also provide need- and merit-based scholarships to deserving students.
- The centre will support academic infrastructure, research, and faculty development.
- It will focus on applying economic concepts and analytical methods to real-world challenges.
- Axis Bank will facilitate the construction and operationalisation of the centre.
- The centre will offer a curriculum aligned with global standards, combining core economics with quantitative and computational methods.
- The first undergraduate batch at IIMB’s Dorabji Tata School began in August 2026 with 80 students.
What is the Axis Bank Centre of Economics at IIM Bangalore?
The Axis Bank Centre of Economics is a new academic centre established at IIM Bangalore’s Dorabji Tata School of Undergraduate Studies. It aims to enhance economics education by integrating quantitative and computational approaches with traditional economic theory. The centre will also promote empirical research and data-driven analysis to help students understand and solve real-world economic problems.
How will the centre support students and faculty?
The centre will provide scholarships based on need and merit to deserving students. It will also support faculty development and improve academic infrastructure. By encouraging interdisciplinary learning and research, the centre aims to create an environment where both students and faculty can engage deeply with economic issues affecting global and national development.
Who are the key partners and leaders behind this initiative?
The agreement was signed in Mumbai with key representatives from both institutions present. These include Devi Prasad Shetty, chairperson of the IIM Bangalore Board of Governors; Amitabh Chaudhry, managing director and CEO of Axis Bank; U. Dinesh Kumar, director-in-charge of IIM Bangalore; and Vijay Mulbagal, group head at Axis Bank. Their collaboration reflects a shared commitment to advancing economics education and research in India.
What is the curriculum focus of the centre?
The centre’s curriculum combines core economics with quantitative and computational methods. It emphasizes the use of data and empirical analysis to study economic challenges. This approach prepares students to apply economic concepts and analytical tools to complex real-world problems, aligning with global educational standards.
What is the significance of the first undergraduate batch at IIMB?
The Dorabji Tata School of Undergraduate Studies welcomed its first batch in August 2026. Out of nearly 12,000 applicants, 80 students were selected for Bachelor of Science (Honours) programmes in Data Sciences and Economics. Forty of these students are pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics with a minor in Data Sciences at the new Axis Bank Centre of Economics. This marks a significant step in expanding undergraduate education at IIM Bangalore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What kind of scholarships will the Axis Bank Centre of Economics provide?
A: The centre will offer need- and merit-based scholarships to deserving students to support their education.
Q: How does the centre plan to enhance economics education?
A: By integrating quantitative and computational learning with core economics and encouraging empirical research and data analysis.
Q: Who can benefit from the centre’s programs?
A: Undergraduate students studying economics and data sciences, as well as faculty involved in research and teaching at IIM Bangalore.
Q: When did the first undergraduate batch start at IIM Bangalore’s Dorabji Tata School?
A: The first batch began in August 2026 with 80 students enrolled.
