IIM Bangalore’s Dual Degree Programs
- Admin
- May 20
- 10 min read
The Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) has consistently ranked among the leading business schools in India and Asia. Known for its rigorous academic programs and a deep emphasis on leadership, innovation, and global exposure, IIMB continues to innovate in management education. One of its most forward-looking offerings is the Dual / Double Degree Programs, designed for students enrolled in the two-year Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP).
Table of Contents
Introduction to IIM Bangalore’s Dual Degree Programs
These dual degree programs reflect IIMB's commitment to providing global academic experiences and cultivating leadership skills within diverse cultural and academic contexts. By integrating international collaborations into the PGP curriculum, IIM Bangalore offers students the invaluable opportunity to earn two academic degrees — one from IIMB and another from a reputed international partner institution — within a span of two years.
Such programs have gained significance in an increasingly globalized economy where professionals are expected to navigate cross-border business challenges with agility. A dual degree not only enhances a candidate’s academic credentials but also expands their global networks, fosters cultural sensitivity, and improves career prospects in international markets. For prospective applicants seeking to augment their management education with international immersion, the dual degree programs at IIMB present an unparalleled opportunity.
In this comprehensive blog, we’ll unpack every facet of the program — from the list of global partner schools and academic structure to application timelines, fees, and career outcomes. Whether you are contemplating management education in India or exploring dual degree options globally, this guide will help you evaluate how IIMB’s offerings align with your career aspirations.
IIM Bangalore Dual Degree Partner Institutions and Global Collaborations
IIM Bangalore’s Dual Degree Programs are made possible through strategic academic collaborations with renowned international universities. These partnerships are carefully curated to offer students exposure to diverse management perspectives, business practices, and academic environments. As of 2025, IIMB offers dual degree opportunities with the following institutions:
Bocconi University, Italy Renowned for its strong business and economics programs, Bocconi University provides IIMB students an opportunity to immerse themselves in the European business ecosystem. The collaboration emphasizes financial markets, luxury brand management, and entrepreneurship.
ESCP Business School, France Established in 1819, ESCP is one of the world’s oldest business schools. Its multi-campus structure allows students to study in cities like Paris, Berlin, London, and Madrid, making it a gateway to pan-European business exposure.
Groupe KEDGE Business School, France Known for its innovative programs in supply chain management, wine and spirits management, and entrepreneurship, KEDGE offers IIMB students specialized coursework in emerging business fields.
Hitotsubashi University Business School, School of International Corporate Strategy (ICS), Japan Japan’s premier business school for international management, Hitotsubashi ICS specializes in blending Eastern and Western management philosophies. It’s ideal for students interested in Asian business strategy and multinational management.
These partnerships are structured to ensure mutual academic rigor and cultural learning. Selected students spend their first academic year at IIMB and the second year at the partner school, earning two degrees upon completion. This model enables exposure to multiple academic frameworks, faculty expertise, and peer networks — crucial assets for future global business leaders.
IIM Bangalore Dual Degree Program Structure and Academic Framework
The Dual Degree Programs at IIM Bangalore are integrated within its flagship two-year Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP). The design is built around the principle of one academic year at the home institution (IIMB) and one at the host institution (international partner), allowing students to experience two management education systems within a short span.
In the first year, students complete core management courses at IIMB covering foundational areas such as marketing, finance, operations, human resource management, economics, and strategy. This ensures a solid grounding in management essentials before transitioning to the international program.
The second year is spent at the partner institution, where students pursue electives and specializations aligned with their career goals and interests. This structure allows students to tailor their educational experience, deepening expertise in areas like luxury marketing at Bocconi, corporate strategy at Hitotsubashi ICS, or supply chain innovation at KEDGE.
The dual degree framework offers:
Academic Diversity: Two degrees from culturally and academically distinct institutions
Global Peer Networks: Cross-cultural cohorts and international alumni networks
Specialized Curriculum: Flexibility to select electives suiting specific career aspirations
Research Opportunities: Exposure to faculty-led projects and international research centers
Global Exposure: Immersion in two vastly different business ecosystems
On completion of the program and fulfillment of both institutions’ academic requirements, students are awarded degrees by both IIM Bangalore and the partner school. It’s important to note that the final award is at the discretion of each institution, based on performance and compliance with program criteria.
Application and Selection Process
The application process for IIM Bangalore’s Dual Degree Programs is designed to identify students who can benefit most from international academic and cultural exposure. Selection takes place during the first year of the PGP program, making it essential for interested candidates to start preparing early.
Here’s an overview of the selection process:
Notification: The Office of International Affairs (OIA) and the PGP Office jointly release application details, eligibility criteria, and deadlines early in the academic year.
Eligibility: Typically, candidates must demonstrate strong academic performance in the PGP first-year curriculum. Additional criteria may include prior international exposure, language proficiency (if applicable), and alignment of career goals with the partner institution’s offerings.
Application Submission: Applicants are required to submit an intent statement, updated resume, and academic transcripts. Some partner schools may ask for additional documents such as recommendation letters or essays.
Selection Rounds: The selection process may include personal interviews, case discussions, or presentations, assessing a candidate’s adaptability, academic preparedness, and motivation for pursuing the dual degree.
Final Decision: Selections are made jointly by IIMB and the partner institution, and the results are typically announced before the end of the first academic year.
The competitive selection process ensures that only those students who exhibit the potential to thrive in international academic settings and contribute to diverse classroom environments are chosen. Given the highly selective nature of these programs, applicants are advised to engage proactively with the Office of International Affairs and gather insights from alumni of the program.
IIM Bangalore Dual Degree Curriculum Overview and Credit Requirements
The Dual Degree Programs at IIM Bangalore are thoughtfully structured to ensure academic rigor while offering flexibility for specialization. This balanced framework allows students to gain a comprehensive foundation in management during their first year at IIMB, followed by focused specialization through electives at the partner institution during the second year.
First-Year Curriculum at IIM Bangalore
In the first year, students enrolled in the Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP) follow a carefully designed core curriculum that covers the essential domains of business management. These include:
Financial Accounting and Analysis
Managerial Economics
Marketing Management
Financial Management
Operations Management
Organizational Behaviour
Corporate Strategy
Business Law and Ethics
Macroeconomics and Global Economy
Quantitative Techniques and Analytics
This year-long academic journey equips students with a solid conceptual grounding and sharpens analytical and decision-making skills essential for managerial roles. The program also includes interactive workshops, guest lectures by industry leaders, and participation in business competitions to complement classroom learning.
Second-Year Curriculum at Partner Institutions
In the second academic year, students move to the international partner institution to pursue specialized electives based on their career goals. Each partner school offers its own course modules, credit systems, and graduation requirements. The partner institution’s curriculum usually involves:
Electives in areas such as Luxury Marketing, Supply Chain Strategy, International Finance, Corporate Innovation, and Sustainability.
Capstone projects or industry-linked consulting assignments.
Seminars and workshops featuring global business leaders.
Optional language courses and cultural immersion sessions.
To successfully earn both degrees, students must complete a required number of credits at each institution, complying with their academic and assessment criteria. Typically, the credit transfer is facilitated through mutual academic recognition agreements between IIM Bangalore and its partners.
Grading and Assessment
Both institutions maintain independent grading systems. Students are assessed through a mix of:
Class participation
Written assignments
Case studies
Group projects
End-term examinations
Practical projects (where applicable)
This dual structure ensures that graduates possess not only theoretical knowledge but also practical, globally relevant management skills.
Benefits of Pursuing a Dual Degree with IIMB
A Dual Degree from IIM Bangalore and a reputed international partner is much more than a prestigious academic credential — it’s a transformative educational experience that offers both tangible and intangible career and personal development benefits.
Academic Enrichment
Studying at two top-tier institutions exposes students to different academic cultures, teaching methodologies, and management frameworks. The diversity in learning approaches—from case-based pedagogy at IIMB to research-centric courses at European schools—cultivates a multidimensional understanding of global business challenges.
Career Acceleration
Graduating with two respected business degrees significantly enhances employability and opens up global career avenues. Employers increasingly value candidates with international exposure, adaptability, and a global mindset — traits cultivated through dual degree programs. Graduates often secure roles in multinational corporations, global consulting firms, and international NGOs.
Cross-Cultural Competence
Spending a year immersed in an international academic and cultural environment sharpens interpersonal skills and fosters cultural sensitivity. Students learn to navigate cross-cultural business contexts, manage diverse teams, and engage with varied market dynamics.
Global Alumni Networks
Becoming part of two alumni communities offers long-term advantages. Dual degree graduates gain access to extensive alumni networks across industries and geographies, facilitating mentorship, job referrals, and business collaborations.
Research and Innovation Opportunities
Dual degree programs often include opportunities for joint research projects, dissertations, or consulting assignments with international firms. These experiences provide practical exposure and can be a valuable differentiator in competitive job markets.
Career Opportunities and Alumni Outcomes
One of the strongest appeals of IIM Bangalore’s Dual Degree Programs is the significant boost it provides to students’ career prospects. Graduating with two management degrees from prestigious institutions equips candidates to navigate competitive global job markets and secure positions with leading employers worldwide.
Employment Prospects
Graduates from the Dual Degree Programs typically pursue careers in:
Consulting: Global firms such as McKinsey, BCG, Bain, and Deloitte often recruit dual degree graduates for roles in strategy consulting, operations improvement, and digital transformation projects.
Finance and Investment Banking: Opportunities at banks and financial institutions in Europe, Asia, and India.
General Management and Leadership Programs: Multinational corporations offer accelerated leadership development programs tailored for globally trained graduates.
Marketing and Luxury Management: Particularly for those studying at Bocconi University, with its strong links to Europe’s luxury brands.
Supply Chain and Operations Management: Especially through KEDGE Business School’s specialized curriculum.
Salary Outcomes
While salary figures may vary based on job location, role, and prior experience, graduates often report competitive salary packages and fast-tracked career progression. European placements, in particular, command higher starting salaries owing to the global nature of roles and the premium placed on dual degree qualifications.
Entrepreneurial and Research Roles
Some graduates leverage the program’s global exposure and diverse networks to pursue entrepreneurial ventures or research roles in academia or think tanks.
Alumni Testimonials and Case Studies
Many alumni highlight how the Dual Degree Program enhanced their problem-solving abilities, cross-cultural competence, and strategic thinking. Their success stories reflect strong placement support from both IIMB’s Career Development Services and the partner school’s placement offices.
Application Deadlines and Key Dates
Given the competitive nature of the Dual Degree Programs at IIM Bangalore, it is crucial for prospective applicants to be aware of application timelines and plan well in advance.
Key Dates for 2025-26 Admissions Cycle
July–August 2025: Notification of available Dual Degree Programs and partner schools for the PGP batch.
August–September 2025: Application submission window, including submission of intent statements, resumes, and academic transcripts.
September 2025: Shortlisting for interview rounds based on academic performance and application documents.
October 2025: Interviews and final selection process conducted by IIMB and partner institution representatives.
November 2025: Announcement of final selections.
April 2026: Completion of the first academic year at IIMB.
July–August 2026: Commencement of classes at the partner institution abroad.
Advisory for Applicants
Candidates are advised to:
Engage early with the Office of International Affairs and alumni of the program.
Prepare intent statements that clearly articulate their motivation for pursuing the dual degree.
Maintain a strong academic record in the first year of PGP, as it is a crucial selection criterion.
Stay updated through official notifications on the IIMB website.
Meticulous planning around these timelines ensures applicants don’t miss out on this competitive and highly rewarding academic opportunity.
IIM Bangalore Dual Degree Tuition Fees, Scholarships, and Financial Aid
Understanding the financial commitments and available funding options is a vital step for candidates considering IIM Bangalore’s Dual Degree Programs. These programs, while academically rewarding and professionally advantageous, involve significant tuition and living expenses across two institutions and countries. Here’s a detailed breakdown to help prospective students plan effectively.
Tuition Fees
The tuition fees for Dual Degree Programs consist of two components: fees payable to IIM Bangalore for the first year and fees to the partner institution for the second year.
IIM Bangalore PGP Fees (2025-27 batch): As per the latest available figures, the tuition and program fees for the two-year PGP at IIMB are approximately INR 24–26 lakhs. This covers tuition, library, internet, and hostel charges for the entire program.
Partner School Fees (Second Year): The fees for the second academic year at partner institutions vary based on the school and program selected:
Bocconi University: €16,000–€20,000
ESCP Business School: €17,500–€20,500
KEDGE Business School: €14,000–€17,000
Hitotsubashi University ICS: Approximately ¥2,000,000–¥2,500,000
These amounts typically cover tuition and some administrative costs, with additional expenses for housing, insurance, travel, and personal living costs.
IIM Bangalore Dual Degree Scholarships and Financial Aid
Both IIM Bangalore and its international partners offer financial support options to eligible students:
Merit-based Scholarships: Based on academic excellence, leadership achievements, or outstanding professional backgrounds.
Need-based Financial Aid: Available through IIMB’s Financial Aid Committee for students facing economic constraints.
Partner Institution Scholarships: Some partner schools offer dedicated scholarships for incoming dual degree students, often covering a part of the tuition or living expenses.
External Scholarships: Students are encouraged to explore scholarships such as the Erasmus+ Program (for European universities), JASSO scholarships (for Japan), and other government-funded schemes.
Educational Loans: Indian banks and financial institutions offer collateral-free or low-interest education loans for IIMB students, covering both domestic and international study expenses.
Cost of Living
Apart from tuition, living expenses differ significantly by location:
Europe (Milan, Paris, Bordeaux): €1,000–€1,500 per month
Tokyo: ¥120,000–¥150,000 per month
These estimates cover accommodation, meals, local transport, books, insurance, and leisure. Early financial planning and budgeting are essential, and prospective students should factor in currency fluctuations, visa costs, and air travel expenses.
How to Apply and Additional Resources
The application process for IIM Bangalore’s Dual Degree Programs is structured, transparent, and conducted entirely during the student’s first year of the PGP. Given the selectivity and competitiveness of these programs, it is essential for aspirants to familiarize themselves with the procedure and available resources.
Application Process Overview
Program Announcement: The Office of International Affairs (OIA) releases a call for applications, detailing program options, partner schools, eligibility criteria, and deadlines. This typically happens in July–August of the first academic year.
Application Submission: Interested students submit their applications by August–September, including:
A statement of purpose (SOP) detailing career goals and motivation for the dual degree
An updated resume
Academic transcripts and first-term grades
Optional language test scores, if applicable (e.g., TOEFL, DELF)
Screening and Shortlisting: Candidates are evaluated on academic performance, intent clarity, extracurricular involvement, leadership potential, and international exposure.
Interviews: Shortlisted applicants attend personal interviews with IIMB faculty and international program representatives in September–October.
Final Selection: Based on interview performance and academic record, selections are finalized by November.
Advisory Note
Candidates are strongly advised to:
Maintain strong academic performance in the first year of PGP.
Plan financial arrangements early, considering tuition, living costs, and contingencies.
Engage proactively with the OIA and leverage alumni networks for informed decision-making.
Research partner institutions extensively to align program selection with long-term career goals.
The IIM Bangalore Dual Degree Program represents a rare and transformative academic opportunity, and with diligent preparation, applicants can position themselves competitively for this global management education pathway.
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