Supergrads Exclusive: NMIMS Mumbai Officials Talks About New NMIMS IPM Program

Overview: Supergrads interviewed NMIMS Mumbai officials to provide key insights into the newly launched Integrated BBA-MBA program. Check out the whole conversation.

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams"-and today, that vision takes flight.

Supergrads team is glad to have an official conversation around NMIMS Mumbai's newly launched Integrated BBA-MBA program.

The host will be two esteemed dignitaries-Dr. Balakrishna Murthy (Associate Dean & Strategy Professor, SBM NMIMS Mumbai ) and Dr. Minu Mehta (Dean & Professor, NMIMS ASMSOC, Mumbai) -along with Mr. Amit Sabu (Director of Growth, Toprankers Mumbai center), and Mr. Rahul Vaswani (APD - Communication, Supergrads).

Let's dive into their conversation.

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Mr. Rahul: How will the integrated BBA MBA curriculum at NMIMS differ from traditional IPM programs like that of Indore and Rohtak?

Dr. Minu: The School of Commerce at the Mumbai campus, which is the Anil Surendra Modi School of Commerce, has a very established and respected legacy in both the undergraduate as well as postgraduate space. Our BBA program, BBA FinTech program, BSc Finance program, as well as our BCom program, are all highly sought after and very highly ranked. Similarly, our MSE Finance program is also very competitive.

Having established our credibility in both the UG and PG spaces, when we decided to venture into the integrated space, you can understand that we are very well placed to curate a very rich program for our students because we understand the demands of both UG and PG.

Coming under the NM umbrella, we have a very unique advantage in terms of sister schools that have excelled in many different domains. The integrated BBA-MBA program that we have developed is a very strong blend of technology, management, and liberal arts, and is also infused with elements of innovation, AI, analytics, and social sensitivity. This makes us very strong and unique.

Dr. Bala: We thought of introducing this BBA-MBA from the Anil Surendra Modi School of Commerce, definitely had a vision that there should be synergy for seamless integration of the advantages we have in the School of Business Management - which is why I am here, as academic advisor for this program.

Having said that, the most important thing that we are bringing in to infuse integration between the BBA and MBA is: first, we have benchmarked with the best in the country, in terms of how programs like IPM and others are running. Also, our ASB accreditation and all the quality consciousness that we always imbibe in SPM will be part of the curricular aspects in SOC.

Going forward, we are also contemplating making our undergraduate program as well as this integrated program EACSB accredited.

When we designed the curriculum and got our illustrious Board of Studies to review the courseware, we ensured strong interlinkages between the BBA and MBA. Because when we say it's an integrated BBA-MBA, there have to be elements linked between the two programs. I am very conscious that those curricular aspects are important for students.

One of the best advantages in an integrated program is that students do not need to worry about the selection process, admission tests, etc. Grooming starts right from 12th grade. It's going to be a fantastic journey for them in terms of thinking about a business degree from the start.

In terms of integration, we have ensured that our students get a holistic and integrated view of the different domains of business. We have a strong general management focus, and our students will receive concentrations in finance, marketing, operations, and data science.

This is a seamless five-year journey curated especially for early aspirants who have clarity about making a career in management. They join us after 12th grade, and by the time they graduate, they hold an integrated BBA-MBA degree carrying the weight of the NMIMS brand.

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Mr. Rahul: How is a normal routine day going to look like in an MIS integrated BBMBB program?

Dr. Minu: It's going to be a very interesting day-day after day-for each of the students throughout their five-year journey with us.

A typical day will involve various aspects of academic learning that are both immersive and experiential. Students will attend classroom lectures, work on projects that they must prepare and present, and engage with real-world case studies. Additionally, they'll participate in social initiatives, industry-led projects, and have multiple opportunities for immersive experiences and internships.

This blend ensures a dynamic and well-rounded routine that goes far beyond traditional academics.

Dr. Bala: I would like to add something here. A typical day for a BBA-MBA student will begin with curricular activities through classroom learning. In addition, co-curricular engagements-such as various clubs and initiatives-will be an integral part of their experience.

We are also planning to incorporate team-building exercises and outbound training programs. All of this is aimed at providing a holistic personality development experience for every student.

Another very important aspect is corporate readiness. Since this is a career-oriented degree, students must be prepared from day one to step into the professional world. Drawing from the legacy of the School of Business Management, we will form student groups right from the beginning. These will act as "living groups"-a concept that ensures peer-driven development and support.

Given NMIMS' pan-India reach, students will come from diverse backgrounds. Our campus culture is known for promoting inclusivity and providing ample opportunity for assimilation. All of this makes the experience of entering the portals of NMIMS an extremely exciting and enriching one.

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Mr. Amit: Is the program residential or non-residential?

Dr. Bala: I look at the legacy of NM as a non-residential program that has been around since 1981. If you come to the hub of Vile Parle, on both sides, you'll find fantastic opportunities for student housing. Especially for Gen Z students, who prefer a more individualized style of living, this model works extremely well.

The advantages that one typically associates with a residential program are fulfilled here through these individual housing options. While walking from one NMIMS building to another, you'll notice that almost every building on the left and right is known as a student villa-these are accommodations where students live in groups. It effectively mirrors the experience of a residential campus.

Our campus remains open till 10 PM, so whenever students have group work or collaborative assignments, they can stay back and use the facilities to work together.

Residential programs, on the other hand, can become quite expensive-especially in a city like Mumbai. Considering the property prices in this area, affordability can become a challenge for many students. Hence, this housing model is a thoughtful decision.

Dr. Minu: Additionally, we have tie-ups with several hostels and PG accommodations. We also offer separate hostel facilities for girls and boys.

To add to what ma'am mentioned earlier-Amit, we like to define Mumbai city itself as our campus. This offers us two major advantages: one, it keeps the cost of education more competitive; and two, it keeps us closely connected to industry. Unlike campuses located on the outskirts, where students live in isolation, we chose to be right in the heart of the city-surrounded by ample opportunities that match student preferences.

Mr. Amit: What kind of support do you provide to the students through scholarships or through financial aid or something that subsidize living?

Dr. Minu: Our program costs are competitive, though we do acknowledge that Mumbai, as a city, comes with its own set of complexities-one of which is the relatively high cost of living. We are aware of this, and on a case-to-case basis, we are open to understanding and addressing student-specific needs.

Dr.Bala: I'd also like to add a few important points. Firstly, discussions around scholarships and freeships are currently underway. These will be announced based on merit.

Secondly, for deserving students, we facilitate access to educational loans. NMIMS has tie-ups with several banks that offer concessional education loan schemes. In fact, we have a dedicated department within the university that supports students in this regard.

Regarding the banks: HDFC Bank is one of our loan partners. Bank of Baroda is another, which has been associated with us for many years (earlier through Dena Bank, which has now merged with Bank of Baroda).

Moreover, during admission season, we invite representatives from these banks to set up helpdesks in the atrium of our NM building. They interact with students, explain their loan offerings, and provide clarity on the entire process.

This support isn't limited to just this new integrated program. Even for SBM (School of Business Management) programs-which are priced higher-students actively pursue loans. Often, they're guided by seniors on which loan options are better, what the interest terms are, and how to plan repayments. The general mindset is clear: the ROI on the program justifies taking a loan. They secure financing, step confidently into the MBA journey, and repay over time. That's how it typically works here.

Mr. Amit: What are the kind of expectations NMIMS has of its students in terms of discipline, in terms of academics, in terms of you know a learning attitude or commitment is there something that you would like to know share on this?

Dr. Minu: I've made it very plain and clear that we are tough taskmasters-because we take our role very seriously.

Our first expectation from students is self-discipline, especially when it comes to maintaining the high academic standards that NMIMS is known for.

Secondly, we expect immense curiosity-because only then can students truly take advantage of the unique infrastructure and learning environment we offer.

Third, we place great emphasis on the ability to network with students from diverse fields. Within just a half-kilometer stretch, you'll find some of the brightest minds: engineers, lawyers, innovators, performing arts students, commerce graduates, and aspiring managers. You name the stream, and the talent is here. Your ability to make friends across disciplines might just lead you to your future startup co-founder-perhaps over a cup of tea in the canteen or at a student event.

Lastly, you must be deeply invested in your own self-development. We will provide opportunities, but it's the student who must be mentally prepared, willing to put in the hours, and committed to sincere effort. If that sounds like you, then you are the right fit for this program.

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Dr.Bala: To add to that, students will receive a Student Resource NPAT Books outlining the commitments, expectations, and discipline required. We strongly believe in a concurrent evaluation model-which means assessments are continuous and internal across all subjects, not just limited to final exams.

Additionally, we organize value-added components such as the CEO Series, expert workshops, and interactive sessions to enhance real-world learning and exposure.

Discipline extends beyond academics. We have a very strict attendance policy, which is non-negotiable. Students must meet the bare minimum of 70-80% attendance in every subject to qualify for the exams. The Dean or faculty members have no authority to relax this requirement-it is managed directly by the University's Examination Department.

We also leverage technology for attendance-students' presence is digitally recorded the moment they enter the classroom. There's no way to bypass the system by sitting elsewhere or missing classes.

This is not a movie-style college experience, and it's important for students to let go of such illusions. We're not trying to scare anyone-but rather to ensure that expectations are clearly understood from day one.

If a student fails to meet the attendance requirement, the process to get examination approval is very cumbersome.

Mr.Amit: Is there a interview that the students have to crack after the examination or how how is the admission process going forward for?

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Dr. Minu: Amit, as of now, we are primarily looking at academically driven students, and we are following the ENPAT route for admissions. We believe that ENPAT helps us identify and reach the kind of students we envision for this program.

Since this is the inaugural year of the Integrated BBA MBA program, there is no interview process involved. The only route available for admission is by invitation only.

The top-ranking students of ENPAT, who have opted for any undergraduate program under the School of Commerce, will be extended an offer to join the five-year Integrated BBA MBA program.

From next year onwards, the program will follow the regular admission route. At the time of ENPAT registration, students will also be given the option to explicitly choose this program.

Mr.Amit: Is there any option for students who have not uh taken the NPAT? Is this alternate route which is available?

Dr.Bala: This year, we are launching the Integrated BBA MBA program, and as of now, as ma'am mentioned, admissions will be based on the NPAT score. ENPAT is a competitive exam, and students have already made their choices by applying to the School of Commerce across India. The top scorers in NPAT will receive a special invitation to join this particular program.

Now, NPAT itself includes strong components such as logical reasoning and other relevant areas, which typically would be assessed in an interview. So, in a way, the test already incorporates elements that evaluate students holistically, making it a comprehensive screening mechanism.

Our challenge is that the program was launched quite recently-just about two months ago-and we operate under various national-level regulatory frameworks. As of now, we are not permitted to consider any other tests equivalent to NPAT. Therefore, introducing alternative tests at this stage would be technically non-compliant and risky.

Since we are committed to a merit-based admission process, it will strictly be based on NPAT scores this year. Like Dr.Minu ma'am said, from next year onward, we may explore options like accepting SAT scores or other equivalent exams, as we've already received such queries from students.

Mr.Amit: How is the program structured to adapt to or how is a curriculum structured to adapt to evolving fields like AI, digital transformation, sustainability?

Dr. Minu: Our curriculum is industry-vetted, guided by a distinguished Board of Studies that regularly advises us. Our Vice Chancellor is a hands-on academic administrator who personally conducts ongoing reviews of all our programs. Additionally, we have renowned academicians on our Academic Council who contribute to the regular revision of the curriculum.

We strongly believe in 360-degree feedback-we actively seek input from current students, alumni, parents, industry experts, and employers. Whenever we receive a suggestion that has the potential to enhance the curriculum, we make sure it is quickly incorporated into classroom delivery.

At NMIMS, we also place significant emphasis on faculty development. The university invests heavily in faculty training programs, and with the launch of this integrated program, we are specifically organizing faculty development sessions to keep our School of Commerce faculty up to date, especially in case-based teaching methods.

Thanks to the broader NMIMS ecosystem, we are supported by a pool of faculty with strong academic qualifications and diverse industry experience across schools. We frequently engage in resource sharing-drawing on the expertise of faculty from the School of Business Management and other departments-whenever needed, to strengthen our teaching capabilities.

Whether it's in terms of pedagogy or curriculum, students can be assured that what we offer is always industry-relevant, contemporary, and cutting-edge.

Mr.Rahul: Is there a formal commitment of placements from NMIMS Mumbai site? What uh kind of placements are you aiming at?

Dr.Bala: If you look at our legacy-be it the School of Business Management (SBM) or any of our business programs-we have consistently provided placement support to our students. It goes without saying that the Integrated BBA-MBA program will also receive dedicated career support and placement assistance.

As an institution, we don't make claims of 100% placement without first ensuring that we've done the groundwork. There are strong internal checks and balances in place, and we are committed to strengthening the placement ecosystem for this program as well.

Speaking as a senior faculty member, my advice to students is this: From day one, focus on deserving, developing, and preparing yourself so thoroughly that every corporate visiting campus feels compelled to say, "This is the candidate I want on my team." If students invest that level of commitment, we as faculty are fully prepared to guide, groom, and support them in achieving their placement goals.

So, are we grooming students for placements? Absolutely. Are we providing the necessary support for the right kind of opportunities? Without a doubt. But students must also be ready to step up and fit the role-that's non-negotiable.

Now, since this is the first year of the program, we frequently get asked about expected packages. At this point, I can only offer a broad range. The placement package will be in line with what a fresh management graduate from institutions like NMIMS typically commands in the job market. Madam and I will be closely monitoring the profile matches and opportunities as we move forward.

Mr.Rahul: Is NMIM is going to follow the same route are SBM students going to sit along with this set of students after the passage of threes and they'll be sitting in the placements also for the same part?

Dr.Bala: We'll wait for the course to begin before addressing this question in detail. I say this because I've seen a similar situation before. When we launched the MBA Tech program at the Mukesh Patel School of Technology, I was personally involved in its early years. At that time, we faced the same question from students and stakeholders.

But over time, the MBA Tech students not only met expectations-they exceeded them.

So, my response is: let's give this program time to evolve. We will definitely address these concerns at the appropriate stage. Right now, it's simply too early to give a definitive answer.

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Mr.Rahul: What kind of ROI one can expect?

Dr.Minu: The fee structure is ₹5 lakhs per annum. For the full five-year program, it totals approximately ₹6.5 lakhs per year on average, depending on progression and other components.

Given the strength of the NMIMS brand, you can expect a very high Return on Investment (ROI). There's significant excitement around this program-both from employers and students. When it comes to offering a truly integrated experience that benefits both, this is exactly where our program stands out.

Mr.Rahul: How many seats are there in the program?

Dr.Bala: We are initially launching the program with 60 seats, but we are fully prepared to scale up to two batches (120 seats) if there is an overwhelming market response. While it may be a bit early to predict, we are confident that in terms of faculty resources, infrastructure, and academic support, we are well-equipped to handle the expansion.

This year, the program will begin from the NMIMS Mumbai campus. Moving forward, based on the regional demand and student interest, we plan to scale the program to other NMIMS campuses. As you know, we have well-established campuses in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Indore, Chandigarh, and more.

We are also mindful of the evolving landscape-many reputed institutions are entering the integrated BBA-MBA space, and we are positioning ourselves to meet that competition with a strong, future-ready offering.

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Mr.Rahul: You know a lot of students who are actually writing IPMPAT indor examination are interested in NMIMS because NMIMS particularly in the PG space is a very fantastic program uh for the MBA part right and fortunately or unfortunately for them now when they're writing NPAD maths becomes or statistics becomes mandatory right so in IPAT in the or examination mathematics it's not mandatory yeah it becomes integral part of it but it's not mandatory so you know that particular space of audiences or that particular realm of audiences is now affected because of this particular decision. So what's your take on that?

Dr.Bala: Let me address this in two parts.

Earlier, we spoke about the rigor of the program in terms of shaping a strong, industry-ready product. We also emphasized that since this is a business degree, we must be mindful of the demands of the roles our graduates will take on.

Now, if we look at the typical profiles offered to MBA freshers-and I use the term "freshers" to indicate those without prior work experience-roles such as Business Analyst are quite common. For such roles, a strong foundation in mathematics and statistics is critical. We've observed, for instance, how institutes like IIM Indore design their programs to meet these expectations.

Without exposure to rigorous quantitative courses, students will find it difficult to cope. That's why, from an academic standpoint, it's imperative that we ensure students are adequately prepared. For those who may need additional support, we will introduce tutorials, foundational modules, and career-oriented coursework to bridge the gap.

As a professional management institute, we are committed to maintaining high standards. Given this, and as of now, it would not be feasible to admit students from non-quantitative backgrounds like pure biology, simply because the curriculum demands a strong analytical base.

Mr.Amit: Is there something that you are planning for international exposure to students it could be in terms of an exchange program or it could be study tours or it could be you know joint degrees or diplomas etc that you could offer. So, is there anything which is there in the pipeline?

Dr. Minu: We have a dedicated International Linkages Cell that functions across the entire NMIMS University, including the BBA-MBA space. At present, we are in the discussion and planning phase for international exposure initiatives, and as rightly pointed out, global exposure is a significant value addition for our students.

We are working towards organizing an International Immersion Program where students will:

• Study a short course at one of our partner institutions abroad
• Be evaluated by faculty members from the host institute
• Visit a curated list of companies and interact with senior management
• Network with international students and gain cross-cultural exposure
• Participate in assessments and gain real-world insights

Beyond international immersion, we also emphasize holistic development through:

• Industry immersion programs
• Outbound training sessions
• Live industry projects
• Social sensitization initiatives

Our aim is to not just produce academically strong and industry-ready professionals, but also responsible citizens and well-rounded individuals.

Additionally, I'd like to highlight that our School of Business Management (SBM)-the oldest and most established school-already has a wide network of global partner universities and B-schools. These exchange programs are available across NMIMS and will be extended to this integrated BBA-MBA program as well.

Since SBM follows a trimester system and the integrated program runs on a semester model, there's even greater flexibility for credit transfers and program alignment, making the immersion process smoother.

These opportunities are already being offered to students in our regular BBA and B.Com programs and will only be enhanced further for the integrated cohort. It's truly a win-win situation for our integrated BBA-MBA students.

Mr.Amit: Is there something specifically that we are doing to ensure that the first batch of the students experience the same kind of no learning that any other batches?

Dr.Bala: We've already initiated the process of involving our BBA alumni, who are being invited to engage with the incoming batch during the orientation program. Many of them have expressed their strong willingness to support the students and share valuable insights on how to groom themselves professionally.

This BBA program has been running since 2007, and over the years, we've built a strong and passionate alumni network that remains deeply connected to the School of Commerce. These alumni are not only accomplished professionals but also enthusiastic mentors who are eager to give back.

In addition to the core BBA program, we also offer cutting-edge specializations such as BBA in FinTech, where a wide array of expert resources and mentorship are available. All of this adds significant value to the learning experience and professional development of our students.

Mr.Rahul: There will be a symbiotic relationship between school of business management and school of commerce we are ready. Okay. Are we going to merge right now?

Dr.Bala: I completely understand the question, and yes-there will be a symbiotic relationship between our existing programs and the new Integrated BBA-MBA. We are fully committed to making that happen.

As I mentioned earlier, my association with the School of Business Management (SBM) for a long time is precisely why I've been entrusted with the role of Advisor-to ensure the successful rollout and growth of this new integrated program.

If you observe the education landscape across India, you'll notice that many institutions are now launching integrated MBA programs. This is the future of management education, and naturally, it's going to be a highly competitive space.

We are prepared for the challenge, and we're counting on strong support from the market. Ultimately, it's about how well the market accepts us and we are confident in the strength of our offering.

Let me also emphasize: once a student is admitted into our program, their future becomes our responsibility. While operating from Mumbai presents certain cost-related constraints, we are doing our best within those limitations.

It's also important to note that government funding is generally reserved for public institutions, whereas we are a self-financed university. So we work within a very different ecosystem. But despite these constraints, we are committed to delivering exceptional quality and outcomes for our students.

Kudos to both of you, and to the entire NMIMS team, for launching this Integrated BBA-MBA program. I'm confident that this initiative will take NMIMS on a new and exciting trajectory.

Thank you, ma'am, for taking time out of your extremely busy schedule to speak with us. And a special thanks to Amit sir as well-for joining us for the very first time.

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