MBA
May 3, 2026
IIM Ahmedabad to Launch New Executive MBA in Digital Governance and Policy for 2027 Session
M
Meera Iyer
May 3, 2026
34
128
In a move to address the growing need for tech-savvy leaders in the public and private sectors, the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) has officially unveiled its new Executive Post Graduate Programme (PGPX) in Digital Governance and Policy. The program, set to commence in the 2027 academic year, is designed for professionals with a minimum of five years of work experience who wish to navigate the complexities of digital transformation within the framework of national and international regulations. This announcement comes as part of IIMA's broader strategy to modernize its curriculum in line with the 'Digital India' initiative.
The curriculum of the new program will cover a wide range of subjects, including Artificial Intelligence ethics, data privacy laws, blockchain in public administration, and the economics of digital platforms. Unlike the traditional MBA, this course will involve collaborative modules with international policy schools and internships with government think tanks like NITI Aayog. 'The gap between technological advancement and policy formulation is widening,' said Professor Arindam Das, Dean of Programs at IIMA. 'Our goal is to create a cadre of managers who can lead digital initiatives while ensuring they are socially responsible and legally compliant.'
Admissions for the first batch will be based on GMAT or GRE scores, followed by a rigorous multi-stage interview process and a review of the candidate's professional portfolio. IIMA has also stated that it will consider CAT 2026 scores for domestic applicants who have the requisite work experience. The application portal is expected to open in September 2026. The program will be a one-year full-time residential course at the Vastrapur campus, featuring a mix of case-study-based learning and live projects with various state governments.
Industry experts have hailed the move, noting that as more Indian companies expand globally, they face a labyrinth of digital regulations like the GDPR in Europe and India's own Digital Personal Data Protection Act. Professionals who understand both the business and the regulatory side of technology are in high demand. Leading consulting firms and tech giants have already expressed interest in the placement cycle for this specialized cohort. The tuition fee for the program is expected to be competitive with other executive offerings at IIMA, with several corporate sponsorships and bank loans being made available to prospective students.
This launch follows a trend among top-tier Indian B-schools to diversify their offerings beyond general management. IIM Bangalore and IIM Calcutta have also recently introduced short-term certifications in FinTech and Sustainability Management. However, IIMA's full-time degree program in Digital Governance is the first of its kind in the IIM ecosystem. Prospective students are encouraged to attend the virtual open house scheduled for late June to learn more about the elective options and the faculty who will be leading this innovative program.
The curriculum of the new program will cover a wide range of subjects, including Artificial Intelligence ethics, data privacy laws, blockchain in public administration, and the economics of digital platforms. Unlike the traditional MBA, this course will involve collaborative modules with international policy schools and internships with government think tanks like NITI Aayog. 'The gap between technological advancement and policy formulation is widening,' said Professor Arindam Das, Dean of Programs at IIMA. 'Our goal is to create a cadre of managers who can lead digital initiatives while ensuring they are socially responsible and legally compliant.'
Admissions for the first batch will be based on GMAT or GRE scores, followed by a rigorous multi-stage interview process and a review of the candidate's professional portfolio. IIMA has also stated that it will consider CAT 2026 scores for domestic applicants who have the requisite work experience. The application portal is expected to open in September 2026. The program will be a one-year full-time residential course at the Vastrapur campus, featuring a mix of case-study-based learning and live projects with various state governments.
Industry experts have hailed the move, noting that as more Indian companies expand globally, they face a labyrinth of digital regulations like the GDPR in Europe and India's own Digital Personal Data Protection Act. Professionals who understand both the business and the regulatory side of technology are in high demand. Leading consulting firms and tech giants have already expressed interest in the placement cycle for this specialized cohort. The tuition fee for the program is expected to be competitive with other executive offerings at IIMA, with several corporate sponsorships and bank loans being made available to prospective students.
This launch follows a trend among top-tier Indian B-schools to diversify their offerings beyond general management. IIM Bangalore and IIM Calcutta have also recently introduced short-term certifications in FinTech and Sustainability Management. However, IIMA's full-time degree program in Digital Governance is the first of its kind in the IIM ecosystem. Prospective students are encouraged to attend the virtual open house scheduled for late June to learn more about the elective options and the faculty who will be leading this innovative program.