The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi’s School of Management has commenced its application period for the Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. This program targets the 2026-28 batch . Prospective students must submit their applications online via the official website, iitmandi.ac.in. The firm deadline for all applications is January 27 .
The MBA in Data Science and AI is designed to equip graduates with advanced skills for careers in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. The selection process evaluates candidates based on their Common Admission Test (CAT) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) scores. Academic performance and prior work experience also play significant roles in the admission criteria.
Application Fees
Application fees for the IIT Mandi MBA program vary based on the applicant’s category. All submitted fees are non-refundable.
| Category | Fee (INR) | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| General, OBC (NCL), EWS (Male) | 2,400 | – |
| All Female Applicants | 1,200 | – |
| SC, ST, PwD Applicants | 1,200 | – |
| Foreign Nationals, NRIs (SAARC Countries) | – | 100 |
| Foreign Nationals, NRIs (Non-SAARC Countries) | – | 200 |
Selection Process Details
Candidates proceed through a multi-stage selection process. Initial shortlisting relies on a combination of factors. These include a valid Common Admission Test (CAT) score or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) score. Academic records and professional work experience are also critical components. The selection committee holds final authority over the process structure.
Shortlisted candidates will receive invitations for personal interviews (PI). These interviews may be conducted online or in-person. Group discussions (GD) are also a potential part of the selection methodology. Personal interviews and group discussions are scheduled to take place in March 2026 . Successful applicants must pay their admission fees within one week of result notification. The academic session for the 2026-28 MBA batch is set to begin in the last week of July 2026 .
Eligibility Criteria for Admissions
Applicants to the IIT Mandi MBA in Data Science and AI program must fulfill specific eligibility requirements. These criteria depend on the candidate’s application category.
Category 1: CAT Score Based Applications
- Applicants must possess a full-time bachelor’s degree.
- A minimum of 60% marks is required for general category candidates.
- SC, ST, and OBC (NCL) candidates require a minimum of 55% marks in their qualifying degree.
- A valid CAT 2025 score is mandatory for this category.
Category 2: CAT-Exempted Applications
- Candidates in this category must have completed their qualifying degree.
- A minimum of 65% marks is required for general category candidates.
- SC, ST, and OBC (NCL) candidates require a minimum of 60% marks in their qualifying degree.
- The degree must originate from a Centrally Funded Technical Institution. Alternatively, the institution must rank among the top 100 in the NIRF 2025 rankings . This ranking applies to either the overall or engineering categories.
Foreign Nationals and NRI Applicants
- Foreign national and Non-Resident Indian (NRI) candidates must present a valid GMAT 2025 score .
- These applicants are treated equivalently to Category 1 (General) candidates regarding other eligibility parameters.
All prospective students must have completed Mathematics in Class 12 as a core subject. Candidates who are currently appearing for their final year degree examinations are also eligible to apply. Their admission remains provisional until they submit final degree results meeting all requirements.