IIM Kozhikode introduces new course: Bachelor of Management Studies (IIMK BMS)

Are you passionate about business and management?

Dreaming of joining one of India's premier institutes right after 12th grade?

The Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIMK) has unveiled its first-ever undergraduate program the Bachelor of Management Studies (BMS) (Honours with Research) starting academic year 2025-2026.

This pioneering four-year program, delivered at IIMK's Kochi Campus, aims to cultivate responsible, globally minded, and innovation-driven leaders for various sectors of industry and commerce.

IIM Kozhikode BMS Course Structure: Foundation, Core & Electives

At IIM Kozhikode, the Bachelor of Management Studies (BMS) program is thoughtfully designed in line with the National Education Policy (NEP), giving students the flexibility to customize their academic journey. With a robust credit-based system, you can tailor your learning to match your interests and career goals.

The IIMK BMS curriculum is divided into three key categories to ensure depth and breadth in learning:

Foundation Subjects

These build the essential academic base for deeper learning in management. Subjects include:

• Economics

• Quantitative Methods

• English Communication

• Accounting

• Computer Science

• Psychology and Sociology

• Law

Core Subjects (Major in Management Studies)

The heart of the BMS program lies in its core courses, focusing on the major in Management. Students will complete approximately 80 credits (20–24 courses) covering key management disciplines such as:

• Marketing Management

• Organizational Behaviour

• Human Resources Management

• Strategic Management

• Operations Management

• Supply Chain Management

• Accounting and Finance

• International Business

• Digital Business

• Retailing

• Service Operations

• Entrepreneurship

• Leadership

• Sustainability

• Design Thinking

Elective Subjects (Minors & Specializations)

In the third and fourth years, students can choose at least one minor specialization, each requiring 40 credits (10–12 courses). Options include:

• Economics and Public Policy

• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

• Psychology and Behavioural Sciences

• Finance and Big Data

• Liberal Studies in Management

• Marketing, Sales and Digital Promotion

IIM Kozhikode BMS Academic Calendar:

• The IIMK BMS program runs on a semester system, with two semesters in a year:

  • Odd / Fall Semester (Semesters 1, 3, 5, 7): Runs from September to December

  • Even / Spring Semester (Semesters 2, 4, 6, 8): Runs from January to April

• Each semester spans a minimum of 15 weeks, ensuring a well-paced, comprehensive learning experience.

• During the summer break (May to August), students can:

  • Take up internships in leading organizations

  • Engage in research projects with IIMK faculty

• Enroll in summer term courses (usually worth 2 credits) to earn extra credits

IIM Kozhikode BMS Eligibility Process:

To apply for the BMS program at IIMK, candidates must have completed their Class 12th from any stream (science, commerce, arts) or hold a diploma, recognized by boards approved by the Government of India.

IIM Kozhikode BMS Admission Process:

Admissions are granted based on a combination of your academic record, entrance test score, and personal interview performance.

Entrance Test – IIMK BMS Aptitude Test (IIMK BMS AT)

• IIM Kozhikode conducts its own entrance exam called IIMK BMS Aptitude Test (IIMK BMS AT).

• IIMK BMS AT is a computer-based test with MCQs type questions evaluating Verbal Ability and Quantitative Ability.

• You don’t have to take the IIMK BMS AT if you already have valid scores from JEE (Main), SAT, or ACT

• If you're applying through one of these other tests, make sure your official test scores are submitted along with your application.

Shortlisting Criteria

• IIM Kozhikode uses an Aggregate Index Score (AIS) to shortlist candidates for the next stage.

• This score takes into account your entrance exam score (IIMK BMS AT, JEE, SAT, or ACT) and academic performance in Class 10th and 12th (or Diploma equivalent)

Personal Interview (PI)

• Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a personal interview, held in major cities like: Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Kozhikode, Mumbai and New Delhi

• The PI process will last half a day, and the interview itself is expected to take around 15 minutes per candidate.

• During the personal interview, the following factors will be accessed: academic consistency and drive, awareness of current affairs and social issues, communication skills, attitude, and overall personality fit for the BMS program

Final Selection and Merit List

• Once the interview round is complete, a final composite score is calculated using: performance in the personal interview, and standardized test scores (IIMK BMS AT, JEE, SAT, or ACT), and academic record

• Based on this, IIMK prepares category-wise merit lists and extends admission offers according to Government of India reservation norms.

Career Opportunities after IIM Kozhikode BMS program:

Graduates of the IIM Kozhikode BMS program will be ready to explore a wide range of career paths. Students can expect job opportunities in top companies across multiple sectors, such as:

• Sales & Marketing

• Operations & Supply Chain Management

• E-Commerce & Retail

• Banking, Finance & FinTech

• Product, Project & Program Management

• Human Resource Management

• IT & IT-enabled Services (ITES)

• Infrastructure & Service Industries

The BMS degree from IIM Kozhikode also opens doors beyond traditional jobs. Graduates may choose to:

• Pursue higher education MBA or Masters Programs or academic research (PhD) in India or abroad

• Start their own entrepreneurial ventures

• Prepare for Civil Services

• Take on consulting or analyst roles in niche sectors

Final Thoughts: Career-Ready From Day One

Whether you're aiming for a career in corporate strategy, data analytics, marketing, or social impact, IIM Kozhikode’s BMS program equips you with the tools, knowledge, and real-world exposure to succeed. With a flexible semester structure, hands-on learning opportunities, and cutting-edge electives, you're in charge of shaping your own future.

With a rigorous four-year curriculum, hands-on projects, mandatory internships, and access to real-world problem-solving, students graduate from the IIM Kozhikode BMS program industry-ready and future-focused.

IIM Kozhikode doesn’t just give you a degree; it equips you with a career mindset, professional skills, and the confidence to thrive in any industry you choose.

BBA, BMS, BBM, IPM programs, BCom Hons etc … Confused what to choose?

Are you passionate about building a career in management and business after 12th but feeling unsure about which degree to choose? You're not alone. Many students face the same confusion when planning their future. Choosing the right course is crucial to aligning your interests with career opportunities in fields like BBA, BMS, BBM, BCom Hons, IPM programs and many more.

At Career Nurturer, we provide expert career guidance and career counselling in Mumbai to help you make informed decisions about your academic and professional path. Led by Mr. Farzad Minoo Damania, a renowned Career counsellor in Mumbai, Career Nurturer offers career counselling, aptitude testing, and detailed career planning.

For guidance tailored to your goals, visit www.careernurturer.com or contact Farzad directly at 9833971773 or farzad@careernurturer.com.

Take the first step toward a successful career in business and management today!

Explore our other blog posts below ...