Did you know that while many star kids make headlines for film debuts, Amitabh Bachchan’s granddaughter Navya Naveli Nanda is busy hitting the books at one of India’s toughest and most prestigious business schools? Currently, she is pursuing her education at Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, or IIM-A, though not in an MBA course, as one may have expected to find in such a premier institution. She is pursuing a Blended Post Graduate Programme in Management, which is specifically designed for working individuals and entrepreneurs, in today’s ever-changing scenario.
What exactly is this Blended MBA at IIM Ahmedabad ?
The Blended Post Graduate Programme in Management, or BPGP, is a two-year management degree offered by IIM Ahmedabad in a hybrid format. Think of it as an MBA that fits around a busy work schedule. Classes are conducted live online, while students visit the campus for short, intensive in-person modules.Despite the flexible format, the programme follows IIM Ahmedabad’s famous case-study teaching style. Students take part in discussions, group work, projects and simulations, just like those enrolled in the flagship MBA.
How long is the course and how do students learn?
The Blended MBA runs for two years, with the option to stretch it to three years if needed. Most learning happens through live online sessions, but students are required to attend campus modules at regular intervals, usually for about a week each term.The course covers all the main areas of management, such as marketing, finance, economics, operations and strategy. As the programme moves ahead, students study advanced subjects, choose electives and work on a capstone project, which helps keep the learning strong and in depth.
Who can apply for the Blended MBA?
This is not a course meant for fresh graduates. To apply, candidates must have a recognised bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks and a minimum of 15 years of formal education. They also need at least three years of full-time work experience after graduation.Applicants must be at least 24 years old, and there is no upper age limit. The programme is aimed at professionals, entrepreneurs and business owners who want an IIM education without pressing pause on their careers.
How does the admission process work?
Entry into the Blended MBA is competitive. Candidates can apply using valid CAT, GMAT or GRE scores from the last five years. Those without these scores can take the IIM Ahmedabad Admission Test (IAT), which is conducted specifically for this programme.Shortlisted candidates are then called for a personal interview, after which final selections are made based on overall profile, experience and performance.
What about the fees?
The total programme fee for the Blended MBA (BPGP) at IIM Ahmedabad is approximately ₹20 lakh. This covers tuition, study materials, access to online learning platforms, and academic resources provided by the institute. However, it does not include travel, accommodation, or food expenses for the mandatory on-campus modules, which students need to budget for separately.The fee is usually paid in instalments over the two-year duration of the programme, making it more manageable for working professionals. Some students may also explore educational loans or employer sponsorships to support the cost.Complete details about the BPGP tuition fees are mentioned in the official programme brochure released by IIM Ahmedabad. The same can be downloaded from the link given here.
Why is this programme grabbing attention?
Navya Naveli Nanda’s academic choice has put the spotlight on a growing trend in management education. The Blended MBA offers the IIM Ahmedabad brand, a rigorous curriculum and alumni status, along with the flexibility modern learners are looking for. It shows that today, even at India’s top B-schools, there is more than one path to an MBA.
