In a significant milestone marking its entry into undergraduate education, IIM Bangalore launched the BBA in Digital Business and Entrepreneurship (BBA DBE) programme on September 16, 2024, through a virtual inauguration. The event featured distinguished speakers such as IIMB Director Prof. Rishikesha T Krishnan, Shri K. Sanjay Murthy (Secretary, Ministry of Education, Government of India), Dr. Devi Shetty (Chairman, Narayana Health), Mr. Mukesh Bansal (CEO of Curefit & Founder of Meraki Labs), Prof. Vasanthi Srinivasan (Chairperson, Digital Learning), and Prof. Suresh Bhagavatula (Chairperson, BBA DBE). These experts addressed the first cohort of more than 1,000 students attending the session.


In his opening remarks, Prof. Rishikesha T Krishnan emphasized IIMB’s extensive experience in delivering digital education over the past decade. He highlighted the institute’s mission to offer high-quality education to undergraduates across India, integrating traditional business management principles with the demands of digital business environments. Prof. Krishnan promised an engaging and interactive learning experience for students.


Shri K. Sanjay Murthy, in his keynote address, spoke about the government's vision for digital education, praising initiatives like SWAYAM for democratizing access to learning. He emphasized IIMB’s critical role as a National Coordinator in advancing digital education across the country.


Dr. Devi Shetty lauded the programme as a groundbreaking initiative aimed at expanding access to higher education in India. He commented, "At a time when education is often perceived as elitist, IIMB's new programme provides opportunities for students who once could only dream of such an education." Dr. Shetty emphasized the strong demand in the job market for graduates equipped with digital expertise and an IIMB degree.


Mr. Mukesh Bansal focused on the transformative potential of the programme, advocating for high standards and increased accessibility. Drawing from his e-commerce background, Bansal stressed the importance of understanding consumer behavior through a digital lens and urged students to take ownership of their educational journey.


Prof. Vasanthi Srinivasan outlined the key competencies required for the future workforce: critical thinking, collaborative learning, digital literacy, and communication. She highlighted IIMB's digital platforms as tools that not only deliver academic content but also equip students with essential life and digital skills.


Prof. Suresh Bhagavatula elaborated on the programme's focus on merging digital awareness with core business acumen. He explained that the curriculum dedicates 30% to emerging digital business technologies, another 30% to foundational business topics like finance, operations, and marketing, and places a strong emphasis on entrepreneurial thinking.


The programme incorporates prerecorded lectures, live sessions, offline assessments, internships, and projects through NSRCEL, one of India's premier business incubators. Prof. Bhagavatula also emphasized the flexible exit options, compliance with UGC guidelines, and engaging content, ensuring students are well-prepared for the digital economy.


In his closing remarks, Prof. Bhagavatula reiterated IIMB's commitment to shaping future leaders capable of driving digital transformation across industries.


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