IIMB’s inaugural UG cohort brings together diverse talent, ambitions

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

One of them is Mahabu Subhani Mohammed, who is pursuing Data Science. A two-time State champion and national champion, he secured first runner-up at an international mental mathematics competition featuring participants from 33 countries. His interests later expanded to astronomy, machine learning and space technology, including asteroid searches and exposure to CubeSat design. “Whenever a subject captures my interest, I explore it in depth and find ways to apply it to solutions that benefit individuals and society,” he said.

Sporting 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, now pursuing Data Science, said the interdisciplinary nature of the UG programme, with its blend of technology, business, economics and entrepreneurship, attracted him.

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 IIMUN Senior Secretariat member, she has organised over 40 conferences and tours across India for more than 500 delegates.

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

From farming family

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

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

Thomas Thekkekara’s interest in economics emerged through school research examining Kerala’s healthcare indicators. He qualified twice for the Indian Olympiad Qualifier in Mathematics and secured the 99.99th percentile in IIM Bangalore’s undergraduate aptitude entrance test. Pursuing Economics with a minor in Data Science, he hopes to further explore these interests.

Handball champion

Soham Senapati, a national-level handball champion, won gold representing Maharashtra at the CISCE National Games in Gorakhpur. He has also competed as a CISCE State-level athlete in the 100 m sprint and high jump. “Inspired by Arrow’s Impossibility Theorem, I 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 pursuing Economics with a minor in Data Science. “Growing up close to an industry where ships are dismantled and recycled shaped my curiosity about economics. Outside academics, I enjoy chess and follow geopolitics. I hope to become an entrepreneur and build something that addresses an underserved business problem,” he said.

Financial aid

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