The inaugural batch of UG IIMB brings together diverse talents and ambitions

The campus opened in September 2026 and enrolled 80 students in Bachelor programs (Hours) in the field of Data Science and Economics | Photo credit: Special arrangement

From national-level sporting achievements and academic excellence to technological innovation, the students of IIMB-Dorabji Tata School of Undergraduate Studies bring diverse experiences and ambitions to the new campus. The campus opened in September 2026 and enrolled 80 students in BSc (Honours) programs in Data Science and Economics.

One of them is Mahabu Subhani Mohammed who is into Data Science. The two-time state and national champion placed first in an international mental math competition with participants from 33 countries. His interests later expanded to astronomy, machine learning, and space technology, including finding asteroids and exhibiting CubeSat design. “Whenever a subject interests me, I explore it deeply and find ways to apply it to solutions that benefit both individuals and society,” he said.

Sports background

Another student, Athish Kiran Olety from Bengaluru, is a national-level swimmer who represented India at the ISF U-15 World School Games in Belgrade in 2021. The 18-year-old, who is now pursuing Data Science, said he was attracted by the interdisciplinary nature of the UG programme, with its blend of technology, commerce, economics and entrepreneurship.

Aditi Saklani, also a Data Science student, co-founded The Whitelines Company, a student leadership startup that integrates Model United Nations training and AI education. A former member of the Senior Secretariat of IIMUN, she organized more than 40 conferences and tours of India for more than 500 delegates.

Although studying Data Science, Aryan Gupta is an international roller hockey player who represented India at the age of 16. At 17, he also became Jammu’s youngest player. The medal-winning athlete and martial artist said, “I want to apply data-driven financial decision-making to create opportunities for young talent in Jammu.”

From a farming family

Hailing from a farming family in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, Harsh Yadav, who studies economics, said, “I discovered the power of education and community action when I was in Class 9. Through the Waste Management Club at school, I provided clothes to 250 people and facilitated the recycling of 900 kg of waste.” At IIMB, he hopes to pursue research in economics and contribute to social development.

A world topper in mathematics, Ridhima Pathak secured admission to several prestigious institutions during her IGCSEs before choosing IIMB. It combines academic excellence with a passion for music and art. The former keyboard player who made it to the national finals of TORRINS’ Battle of the Bands said she enjoys discovering patterns in both numbers and creative expression. She hopes to major in computational economics and become a predictive analyst.

Thomas Thekkekar’s interest in economics emerged through school research that examined the health indicators of Kerala. He qualified for the Indian Maths Olympiad qualification twice and scored 99.99 percentile in IIM Bangalore’s Undergraduate Entrance Aptitude Test. He hopes to major in Economics with a minor in Data Science and explore these interests further.

Handball champion

Soham Senapati, national handball champion, won gold representing Maharashtra at the CISCE National Games in Gorakhpur. He also competed as a CISCE state level athlete in the 100m sprint and high jump. “Inspired by Arrow’s impossibility theorem, I have developed a keen interest in macroeconomics, fiscal policy and governance,” he said, adding that he hopes to contribute to evidence-based policy research and socio-economic development.

Aayush Makwana from Gujarat is studying Economics with a minor in Data Science. “Growing up near an industry where ships are dismantled and recycled has shaped my curiosity about economics. Outside of academics, I enjoy playing chess and following geopolitics. I hope to become an entrepreneur and build something that solves an underserved business problem,” he said.

Financial aid

IIMB also provides 100% financial assistance to undergraduate students who meet the eligibility criteria. Jaagruthi Khaspa is one such recipient. “It helped ease the financial burden on my mother, who is a single mother,” she said. Jaagruthi is particularly interested in understanding how data and economics can contribute to sustainable agriculture and make healthier and more affordable options available to a wider population.

Published – 21 Oct 2026 18:44 IST