May 8, 2025
Overview: In an exclusive conversation with the IIM Kozhikode officials, the leaders share everything students and parents need to know. Let's hear their heart to heart conversation.
IIM Kozhikode's introduction of the Bachelor of Management Studies (BMS) program is a bold move towards redefining undergraduate education in India.
Speaking openly and perceptively, in an exclusive interview, Professor Anandakuttan B Unnithan.(Dean, Programs), and Mr. Sreekanth Narayanan (Head of Admissions) revealed the thinking, pedagogical framework, and vision for the future of this innovative move.
From the freedom of choosing majors and minors to mentorship opportunities, global exposure, and career preparedness, the BMS program is designed to equip young minds with options and clarity from Day 1.
This blog captures the essence of that discussion, bringing you genuine answers to the questions that concern students and parents the most.
Our host Mr. Rahul Vaswani (Product Head Supergrads) & Mr. Anil Sable (Product Director (Academics)) will now pose questions to the officials regarding the newly launched IIMK BMS program.
Answer by Prof. Anand:
Whatever IIM Kozhikode is today is the result of almost 25 years of hard work. We are ranked #3 in India as per NIRF rankings, we achieve excellent placements, and have one of the largest executive education portfolios, catering to participants ranging from students to professionals with 30-35 years of experience.
All of this is the outcome of focused efforts-led by our Director, strategic planning, alumni contributions, and active student engagement. Excellence at IIMK is embedded in our culture, processes, and the quality of inputs we provide.
This new undergraduate BMS program is a continuation of that same legacy. There should be no doubt that it will uphold the standards and values of IIMK.
In fact, it's a disruptive program-timely and much needed in a changing world and evolving nation.
We've designed it after deep consideration and planning. This will likely be among the first four-year undergraduate programs offered by any IIM or top business school in the country.
Answer by Prof. Anand:
We are planning to have a batch strength of 120 students for the first cohort of the BMS program.
As for reservations, we are fully compliant with the Government of India's constitutional reservation norms.
This means reservations will be provided for Scheduled Tribes (ST), Scheduled Castes (SC), Other Backward Classes (OBC - non-creamy layer), Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), and persons with physical disabilities.
All these mandated categories will be duly accommodated.
Answer by Prof. Anand:
We understand students have a lot of queries and comparisons in mind, whether with IPMAT Indore, JIPMAT, or others.
To bring clarity, here's what we have planned:
The entrance test for IIM Kozhikode's BMS program will be a computer-based test (CBT), conducted in collaboration with TCS, the same agency that handles the Common Admission Test (CAT).
Note that this is not an online (remote proctored) test-you'll have to appear at designated TCS test centres across various cities in India.
Exam Pattern:
The test will consist of two sections:
Quantitative Aptitude (QA):
The difficulty level will be based on Class 10 (CBSE/ICSE) mathematics.
This is to accommodate students from varied academic backgrounds, including those who haven't studied Math in Class 12.
The section is designed to test foundational math skills necessary for future coursework in areas like economics, statistics, and computer science.
Verbal Ability (VA):
This section will test the ability to read and comprehend complex passages, answer inference-based questions, and arrange statements in a logical sequence.
Like QA, the verbal section will also align with a Class 10 level.
What's Not Included:
There will be no separate Logical Reasoning (LR) or Data Interpretation (DI) section.
However, elements of logic and reasoning may still be assessed within the QA and VA sections.
This structure ensures the test is both accessible and a good predictor of readiness for the academic rigor of the BMS program.
Answer by Prof. Anand:
As of now, the test duration will be 2 hours, and we are likely to have around 90 questions in total.
Regarding the marking scheme, it may include negative marking, but that is still under discussion. A dedicated committee is working on the question set, and since the questions go through several rounds of iterations, the final marking scheme will only be confirmed once that process is complete.
Now, in terms of difficulty level, we are aiming for a Class 10 standard, especially for the Quantitative Aptitude section. The entrance exam for the BMS program will not be more difficult than IPMAT Indore. Instead, it is designed to be accessible to students from diverse academic backgrounds-ensuring fairness while also maintaining academic rigor.
Answer by Prof. Anand:
In competitive examinations like this, the level of difficulty isn't the most critical factor. I've been involved with the CAT for many years, and I can tell you: it's easy to create a question that nobody answers, and just as easy to design one that everyone answers-but neither is useful.
What we need are questions that discriminate effectively-that is, they help us distinguish between more and less prepared candidates. Ideally, we want questions where 40-60% of students get them right. That balance allows us to fairly assess aptitude and shortlist students based on top percentile performance.
So, rather than focusing on whether the exam is 'easy' or 'difficult,' students should aim to perform within the top 20 percentile of test takers. The goal is to identify those with strong foundational aptitude-not to overwhelm or under-challenge.
Answer by Prof. Anand:
That's a very good question. We've had a Kochi campus for the last 10 years, and this isn't uncommon-other IIMs have similar arrangements, like IIM Lucknow having a campus in Noida.
Kochi was chosen primarily because it is a metro city with excellent industry presence and connectivity. Our campus is located right in the middle of InfoPark, surrounded by manufacturing industries, ports, and corporate offices. This offers a rich environment for industry engagement.
We already run executive programs there, and the design of the BMS program specifically envisions strong industry linkages. Being in Kochi allows for better real-time exposure and interaction with companies, which is a key part of this undergraduate experience.
In short, this is a strategic move. The BMS program is new and innovative, and we imagined it as a city-based program, rather than hosting it in a more secluded campus like Kozhikode which, while beautiful, is a bit distant from industrial hubs.
Answer by Prof. Anand:
Yes, students will have the option of going out on weekends, especially since the Kochi campus is located in the heart of a thriving, cosmopolitan city. It's like being in Bangalore, Delhi, or Mumbai-cities that offer everything a student could ask for in terms of experiences, exposure, and industry presence.
However, the location wasn't chosen just to let students 'go out' every weekend. The intent is much deeper-to ensure that the campus is embedded within a city ecosystem, with strong industry connections and modern urban amenities.
As for the non-residential nature of the program, that's a valid concern. Students will likely be staying in private hostels or accommodations near the campus, which may not recreate the same 'residential vibe' of traditional IIM campuses.
But that's part of the design. The urban immersion model brings a different kind of experience-one focused on independence, city-based networking, and daily industry interaction rather than just residential bonding.
Answer by Prof. Anand:
There are certainly students who seek the traditional hostel experience, but there are also many who prefer flexibility and look for something beyond just hostel life. Let's be honest-hostel life isn't always ideal for everyone.
At IIM Kozhikode's BMS program, we are not enforcing a mandatory hostel stay. However, for outstation candidates, we will provide hostel facilities if they're interested. So, it's optional, not compulsory.
Also, the kind of experience and vibe students seek comes more from the culture and interactions they create among themselves rather than just staying in the same building. Think of colleges across India, such as Delhi University, where many students do not live on campus, yet they still enjoy a rich student life and vibrant community.
So, why not imagine IIM Kozhikode's BMS program like a DU college-urban, dynamic, and with a culture built by students themselves?
Answer by Prof. Anand:
A very interesting question, and I'd certainly like to address it. But first, what is the frame of reference when we say the fees are "on the higher side"? For example, how much would someone pay for an MBBS degree over five years? Or for engineering at a leading institution in India? These are also high, yet they are seen as professional degrees.
We are building this program to be of global standards. Students go to Singapore, London, or Dubai to pursue four-year degrees. The idea is not just about the cost-but about the value. We believe in "more for more" rather than "less for less." There are undergraduate programs in India where students pay as little as ₹5,000 per semester or study entirely from home. But what matters is not the cost of the certificate, it's the value the institution adds.
At IIM Kozhikode, we aim to offer one of the best undergraduate programs in the country. We're part of a top-tier institution, and that compels us to deliver education, exposure, and outcomes that justify the investment. The return on investment won't be visible immediately after the first year-but over time, it will be evident. This program equips students with knowledge, skills, and a mindset to compete in various professional domains-be it jobs, MBA, or even a PhD.
Importantly, we want to ensure that no meritorious student is denied the opportunity to study with us due to financial constraints.
Follow-up context and clarification:
You're right-other IIMs running IPM programs offer both a bachelor's and a postgraduate degree, which adds perceived value. At IIM Kozhikode, our program currently offers only a bachelor's or bachelor's honors degree. This might seem like a disadvantage when comparing fee structures, but the program's depth, exposure, and academic rigor are designed to match global standards.
Prof. Anand's response:
I cannot promise or confirm any explicit comparison between IIM Kozhikode's flagship MBA program and our proposed four-year degree program at this point.
Answer by Prof. Anand:
At some institutions with an IPM program, the pricing for the first three years differs from that of the last two years. This is often because the fees in the first three years are relatively lower, but they are adjusted in the last two years to compensate for that loss. The students are then expected to either complete the last two years at the same institution or at a similar-standing one.
However, at IIM Kozhikode, our approach is different. We've designed this program to equip students with the skills they need to take on entry-level managerial jobs right after graduation. This is similar to the skillset that a graduate from our BMS program would have. Over the four years, we work with students and prepare them to handle responsibilities that an entry-level analyst would take on.
Our aspiration for these students is for them to be ready to perform at a level similar to a student who has completed two years of an MBA. They will have the skills to do the kind of work an MBA graduate might typically do in their first job.
That said, if a student decides they want to pursue an MBA later, after a couple of years-much like students in the US or Europe-they can pursue either an executive MBA or a one-year MBA. Our curriculum is structured in a way that they will be exposed to some of the courses that an MBA student would take, making it easier for them to transition into an MBA if they choose to later on.
Answer by Prof. Anand:
At IIM Kozhikode, we do not distinguish between faculty for the UG and PG programs. All our faculty members, whether for the MBA or BMS (undergraduate) programs, undergo the same selection process, and the eligibility criteria for faculty appointments are the same. This means that the same faculty who teach in our MBA program will also be teaching in the BMS program.
There may be some specialized courses that require us to bring in adjunct faculty for the undergraduate program, but in general, the teaching staff for both UG and PG programs will be the same. This ensures consistency in the quality of education across the board. We do not plan to have separate faculty pools for the UG and PG programs.
Answer by Prof. Anand:
Regarding exit options, we are bound by the National Education Policy (NEP), which mandates that institutions provide exit options to students. In our program, students will be able to exit after completing a certain number of years, such as after three years, if they wish. This is in line with the policy's guidelines on credit-based systems. Students will need to earn the required credits to either continue or exit the program.
We are committed to following the NEP and will offer students the flexibility to exit once they have earned enough credits. However, the final policy details will be clearer in the coming months, and we will adjust our approach accordingly.
Answer by Prof. Anand:
The primary goal of the program is to make students industry-ready after four years. We envision that the majority of our students will seek employment after completing the program and potentially pursue an MBA after gaining a few years of work experience. However, the curriculum also provides foundational inputs that can help students who wish to pursue higher education, such as an MBA or even a PhD.
In fact, many universities, both in India and abroad, accept students for a PhD after a four-year undergraduate degree, so our program will equip students with the academic and practical skills required for such pursuits.
While the program is designed with a focus on making students industry-ready, it also provides the flexibility for those who aim for further studies in the future.
Answer by Prof. Anand:
The program is designed with flexibility to offer a variety of career paths. Students will need to complete around 160 credits over four years. The curriculum structure is divided into two main parts:
Major: In the first year, students will specialize in Management Studies, which will cover areas like marketing, strategy, finance, operations, and supply chain management. Over time, we plan to offer additional majors, such as economics or computer science.
Minor: The remaining 50% of the curriculum will allow students to choose at least one minor. Some minors available include economics, psychology, behavioral sciences, data science, AI, and ML. Students will be required to complete 25% of their total credits in their chosen minor.
This stackable design allows students to select from a variety of options, giving them the flexibility to align their studies with their interests. For example, a student may choose to pursue organizational behavior and psychology rather than data science or AI/ML.
Additionally, students will take fundamental courses and skills-based courses, such as foreign languages, which will help enhance their overall skill set.
Unlike a typical degree program, where courses are chosen by the institution, this program follows a credit semester system, offering students more choices. Similar to the MBA program at IIM Kozhikode, the students will have the opportunity to choose electives. We have a bidding system, where students receive currency based on their CGPA in the first year, and they can use this currency to select the electives they wish to pursue.
In short, this program provides a comprehensive structure with flexibility in career path choices, allowing students to tailor their academic journey to match their aspirations.
Answer by Mr. Sreekanth:
No, I don't think that's the case. As Professor Anand mentioned earlier, this program is very much aligned with the New Education Policy that is being finalized. Our vision for this BMS program is not just to offer a typical management education but to equip our graduates with a broad range of skills, including both technical and humanistic attributes.
We are offering electives in cutting-edge areas like artificial intelligence, big data, and data analysis. These are crucial for any graduate in today's world. At the same time, we also want our students to be connected to society, embracing both modern innovations and traditional values. We aim to nurture graduates who can dream big with small steps, which is a core part of our program's mission.
The combination of management-oriented courses and liberal studies electives like social sciences provides a balanced perspective, ensuring that students are not just prepared for the business world but are also well-rounded individuals who can think critically about societal issues.
This program is unique in the sense that there is no comparable framework anywhere, whether in terms of pricing, value, or impact. We believe the students will gain much more than just a management degree-they will develop into thoughtful, skilled individuals ready to make meaningful contributions in the world.
Answer by Prof. Anand:
The BMS program at IIM Kozhikode is designed not only to provide theoretical knowledge but also to ensure that students gain practical, real-world experience. We have structured the program to include various opportunities for internships, live projects, and industry engagement.
Internships: The program spans eight semesters, and we plan to have multiple breaks between the semesters where students can participate in internships. Additionally, there will be a mandatory internship component between the third and fourth years.
Research Component: If students meet the required criteria, they will also have the option to engage in research projects during the program.
Industry Projects: Since we are located in a region with numerous companies, we aim to facilitate industry projects where students can work on real-world problems. These projects will provide valuable hands-on experience.
Case Study Competitions: Participating in case study competitions has become a common activity, and we encourage our students to get involved in these as a way to hone their problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Alumni Engagement: We also have a strong alumni network, and our alumni are always ready to mentor and guide current students. This provides students with an additional layer of support in terms of career advice and professional development.
Foreign Immersion Program: We have several international university connections, and students will have the option to spend a semester abroad as part of our immersion program. Students will have the flexibility to choose between spending a semester at IIM Kozhikode or studying abroad. We will continue to expand our international partnerships, providing students with exposure to a global academic environment.
All of these components-internships, industry projects, case study competitions, alumni mentorship, and international exposure-will ensure that our students are well-rounded and industry-ready upon graduation. These experiences will complement their academic learning and prepare them for dynamic careers.
Answer by Prof. Anand:
Absolutely! The BMS students will definitely have the opportunity to engage in the vibrant campus life at IIM Kozhikode, which includes participating in cultural fests and leadership activities.
Fest Participation: Since the BMS program is a four-year program, the students will have a full four years to immerse themselves in the campus culture, much more than what MBA students typically experience in their 18 months at the institute. Over these four years, the BMS students will get involved in the cultural fests, competitions, and leadership roles just like their MBA counterparts.
Dynamic Student Body: We expect the BMS students to be a dynamic and vibrant group, contributing to the energy of the campus, taking part in various activities, and even bringing laurels to the institute. This will help shape them as the first batch of the program, and they will serve as brand ambassadors for the BMS program.
Leadership and Networking: The BMS students will not be limited to interactions only within their batch. They will be encouraged to network and collaborate with MBA students, senior faculty, corporate leaders, and alumni.
While they will have the usual senior-junior interactions within the campus, the program is designed to foster broader interactions-both within and beyond the institute. These interactions with peers, faculty, and industry leaders will be a key part of their development and will help in leadership growth and professional networking.
In short, we want our BMS students to experience holistic growth, which includes active participation in extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and networking opportunities, all of which will contribute to a well-rounded education.
Answer by Prof. Anand:
There are two main aspects to consider when discussing placements and career support:
Internal Preparation (Skills & Exposure): The first aspect is about preparing students to be ready for a job. We will provide our BMS students with the necessary skills, exposure, and inputs that recruiters look for. This includes building competencies such as leadership, communication, analytical skills, and domain-specific knowledge, ensuring that students are equipped to make a strong impression during the placement process.
External Engagement (Corporate Access): The second part involves engaging with businesses and industries to bring them to the campus. Just like with the MBA program, we will have a formal, professional approach to organizing placements. We aim to build a strong brand equity for the BMS program, similar to how IIM Kozhikode has structured its MBA placements. This approach will ensure that our BMS students have ample opportunities in the job market.
As for salary expectations:
While it's early to provide exact figures for the BMS students, we expect their salaries to be on par with what fresh MBA graduates (without work experience) earn after completing their degree.
Salary ranges for MBA graduates vary widely, but typically, they can expect starting salaries between 24 lakh rupees and 60-70 lakh rupees per annum. The exact figure depends on the student's individual capabilities, skills, and the opportunities they bring to the table.
Therefore, we anticipate that BMS graduates will have competitive placement packages, and over time, as the program evolves, this could even increase depending on the success and reputation of the program.
Answer by Prof. Anand:
So, when we were in the process of developing the BMS program, we didn't specifically focus on IPM as an alternative or compare it directly with BMS. I personally chaired the program launch committee, and the discussions took place over 8 months. The core idea was to create something that would be truly future-proof and aligned with the evolving trends in education.
The thought process we followed was centered around the revolutionary changes that are underway in the educational landscape. India is currently undergoing a massive transformation in terms of higher education, with the National Education Policy (NEP) being a key catalyst for this change. The NEP allows for a globalized approach to education, with provisions for student exchanges, credit transfers, and internationalization of campuses. At the same time, the government is opening doors for more foreign universities to set up in India, which will further fuel this transformation.
Now, why not IPM? The big difference between IPM and BMS is how they serve the long-term vision of students. Historically, India's educational system was structured as 10+2+3 (12 years of school, followed by 3 years of undergraduate education). Now, this is changing to 10+2+4, which aligns better with the global academic structure. The BMS program at IIM Kozhikode offers a 4-year undergraduate degree that allows students the flexibility to explore multiple majors and minors within the same academic journey, which is a much more holistic approach than the traditional undergraduate model.
We believe that this 4-year BMS program is aligned perfectly with what the future of education needs. It gives students an opportunity to explore their interests in-depth, without being confined to a rigid academic structure. It integrates a comprehensive management curriculum with the option to pursue subjects like economics, psychology, data science, and even foreign languages. This flexibility is a game-changer, making students well-rounded professionals who are industry-ready.
Answer by Prof. Anand:
If a student does not find engineering fascinating or doesn't enjoy the idea of pursuing an engineering career, then BMS can definitely be a great option for them. The key here is not to choose a program just because they couldn't get into their desired engineering institute. The decision should be driven by their interest and passion for management, not by the fact that they couldn't get into IIT or NIT.
Choosing a program should be based on subject interest and career goals, not just as a backup plan. If engineering doesn't appeal to them, then they should certainly consider the BMS program as it aligns with their true interests in management education.
We have a standardization system in place that ensures the JEE score aligns with the BMS entrance test score. So, if a student performs well in the entrance, it will reflect their aptitude for the program. The final selection will not be based on past scores but on their performance in the entrance and interview process.
Answer by Prof. Anand:
In the interview, we want to understand the student's motivation and their expectations for their career. It's important for us to gauge their understanding of the management field, their strengths and weaknesses, and their goals. We are looking for students who are clear about their desire to pursue a management career, not just those who are uncertain about what they want.
Additionally, we assess the self-presentation skills of the candidates, as communication and presentation skills are crucial for success in the corporate world. So, we expect candidates to demonstrate their ability to present themselves effectively, as this plays a significant role in corporate careers.
Answer by Prof. Anand:
The 10th and 12th scores do play a role, as we expect a consistent academic record. However, the importance of these scores will be standardized depending on the board or the student's academic background. If a student has not performed exceptionally well in their 10th and 12th exams, they will still have a chance to compensate for that by performing exceptionally well in the entrance exam.
While the past academic record matters, it doesn't mean that students with lower marks can't be considered. If they excel in the entrance exam, they have the opportunity to overcome any deficits from their previous academic performance. The entrance exam is a way for us to gauge their aptitude and commitment to the program.
Answer by Prof. Anand:
Yes, we have a strong mentorship and guidance system in place. We boast a large and active alumni network, especially through our Executive Post-Graduate Program (EPGB), which has been running for several years. This has allowed us to develop a robust executive alumni network that is very engaged with our current students.
We believe alumni are better placed to mentor young undergraduates because of their maturity and experience in the corporate world. They take a benevolent interest in shaping the future of students, offering advice based on their real-world experiences.
We expect that alumni will be deeply involved in mentoring, and they are excited about giving back to the next generation of students. Through their mentorship, students will be able to gain valuable insights, career guidance, and academic support throughout their journey and beyond.
Answer by Prof. Anand:
The BMS program at IIM Kozhikode offers flexibility like no other. Unlike traditional programs, students have the freedom to design their own graduation path, combining core management subjects with electives across diverse fields.
This flexibility aligns perfectly with the National Education Policy (NEP), which emphasizes customized learning paths. Our program integrates core management values with the opportunities for personal and professional growth, backed by a strong alumni network and industry connections.
We offer students not just a degree but the ability to shape their future. The combination of flexibility, mentorship, and values sets us apart, ensuring a significant impact in both the corporate world and society.
Thank you again, Professors Anand and Sreekanth, for such insightful sharing-this interaction has not only explained the vision of the BMS program at IIM Kozhikode but also motivated students and parents to take more knowledgeable, goal-oriented decisions for the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the IIM Kozhikode BMS Program 2025?
Who is eligible to apply for the BMS program?
What is the selection process for admission?
What is the total annual fee for the IIMK BMS program?
Does IIM Kozhikode guarantee placements after the BMS program?