The Indian Institute of Management Lucknow (IIM Lucknow) has welcomed the inaugural cohort of its first undergraduate programme, the BS in Artificial Intelligence and Business Analytics. The new programme began on 17 August 2026 with a batch of 60 students, marking IIM Lucknow’s entry into undergraduate education focused on artificial intelligence, data-driven decision-making and business management.

The inaugural cohort is expected to graduate in 2030. Their education will be closely linked to India’s growing AI ecosystem and the long-term national vision of Viksit Bharat@2047. The programme is intended to develop professionals who can combine technical knowledge with business understanding, leadership and responsible decision-making.

Programme launched at AI conclave

The BS programme was launched at the Bharat Bodhan AI Conclave 2026, held in Delhi as part of the India AI Impact Summit 2026. The induction event brought together leaders from technology, research, defence, industry and public policy.

Their diverse perspectives gave students an understanding of how AI is being applied across areas such as enterprise technology, defence systems, scientific research, public administration and industrial innovation.

Combining AI with business education

The programme has been designed around the growing need for professionals who understand both artificial intelligence and business analytics. AI is increasingly influencing marketing, finance, operations, healthcare, manufacturing, public policy and entrepreneurship. However, organisations also need professionals who can identify business problems, interpret data, manage teams and convert technology into meaningful outcomes.

IIM Lucknow’s programme aims to provide students with exposure to AI concepts, analytics, business strategy, management principles and practical applications. According to reports, students may also have an opportunity to pursue a Tech MBA after the third year, enabling a possible dual-degree pathway.

The interdisciplinary structure is expected to prepare graduates for careers in data science, AI product management, business intelligence, technology consulting, analytics, entrepreneurship and digital strategy.

Message to the inaugural batch

Addressing the students, Prof. M.P. Gupta, Director, IIM Lucknow, emphasised that the programme was created as part of a larger vision to contribute to India’s growth story. He encouraged the students to understand the responsibility associated with being the first cohort.

He said the programme was strongly built around the idea of creating a definite impact on India’s development. Being part of the inaugural batch also gives students the opportunity to help shape the culture and legacy of the new programme.

Shri Alok Kumar said AI-focused programmes would become increasingly sought after as the technology expands across sectors. He noted that students from the first batch had secured a unique place in IIM Lucknow’s history.

Developing future-ready talent

Prof. Sanjay K. Singh, Dean of Programmes, encouraged students to make full use of learning opportunities both inside and outside the classroom. He advised them to use technology as a tool while maintaining critical thinking and independent judgement.

Prof. Suresh Kumar Jakhar, Chairperson of the BS AI and Business Analytics programme, highlighted the unique distinction of the inaugural cohort. He urged students to cultivate focused attention, learn continuously and use their time effectively.

The launch of the BS AI and Business Analytics programme reflects the changing role of management institutions in India. As AI reshapes careers and industries, IIM Lucknow is building an academic pathway that connects technology, analytics and management. The first cohort now begins a four-year journey that could help shape India’s AI capabilities for decades to come.

Conclusion

The launch of IIM Lucknow’s BS in Artificial Intelligence and Business Analytics marks an important expansion of the institute into undergraduate education and reflects the growing convergence of technology and management. With its inaugural batch of 60 students beginning the four-year programme in August 2026, the course aims to develop professionals who can combine AI and analytics expertise with business strategy, leadership and responsible decision-making.

As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly important across industries, the programme could open new career pathways in data science, AI product management, business intelligence, technology consulting and entrepreneurship. For the inaugural cohort, the journey is also an opportunity to shape the identity and legacy of a programme designed to contribute to India’s evolving AI ecosystem and the broader vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.

FAQs

1. What is the IIM Lucknow BS in Artificial Intelligence and Business Analytics programme?

The BS in Artificial Intelligence and Business Analytics is IIM Lucknow’s undergraduate programme combining artificial intelligence, data analytics, business management and decision-making. It is designed to prepare students for technology-driven business roles.

2. When did the first batch of IIM Lucknow’s BS AI and Business Analytics programme begin?

The inaugural batch began its academic journey on 17 August 2026.

3. How many students are part of the first IIM Lucknow BS AI and Business Analytics batch?

The first cohort consists of 60 students, who are expected to graduate in 2030.

4. What career opportunities can students pursue after the programme?

Graduates may explore careers in areas such as data science, artificial intelligence, AI product management, business intelligence, technology consulting, analytics, digital strategy and entrepreneurship.

5. Is there a Tech MBA option with the IIM Lucknow BS AI and Business Analytics programme?

According to reports, students may have an opportunity to pursue a Tech MBA after the third year, potentially providing a dual-degree pathway. Students should check the latest official IIM Lucknow programme guidelines for eligibility and structure.

Researchers at the National Institute of Technology Rourkela (NIT Rourkela) have secured a patent for a high-strength composite material made from coal-mining waste and industrial waste. The innovation could support the construction of durable roads capable of handling heavy vehicle traffic, particularly in mining regions where haul trucks and transport vehicles place intense pressure on road infrastructure.

The patented technology addresses two major challenges facing India: the need to manage large quantities of mining and industrial waste, and the demand for stronger roads that can withstand repeated heavy loads. The patent has been granted under Patent No. 597749, based on Application No. 202331070306.

The research team includes Prof. K. Umamaheshwar Rao, Professor and Director, NIT Rourkela; Dr. Manoj Kumar Mishra, Professor; and research scholar Dr. Subhasrita Choudhury from the Department of Mining Engineering.

Coal mine parting contains rocks and non-coal materials separated during mining. It is often disposed of through conventional dumping methods, which can occupy large areas of land and create environmental pressures. The material may also contribute to dust, water contamination and long-term land degradation if not properly managed.

The NIT Rourkela researchers identified that coal mine partings contain silica, alumina and clay minerals with useful engineering characteristics. These minerals can provide stiffness and compressive strength when combined with suitable industrial additives.

A circular economy solution

The team developed a composite by combining coal mine parting, fly ash and a binder. The mixture was carefully evaluated to determine the optimum formulation for strength, load-bearing capacity and durability.

Fly ash, a major by-product of coal-based power generation, is already being studied for use in road bases and sub-bases. Research has shown that fly ash-stabilised mine spoil and coal partings can improve strength and stiffness for haul-road construction.

By combining two high-volume waste materials into a single construction product, the patented NIT Rourkela technology follows the principles of a circular economy. Instead of treating coal waste and fly ash as disposal problems, the system converts them into an engineering resource.

Designed for heavy vehicle corridors

Mining roads are exposed to repeated loads from trucks transporting coal, minerals and other materials. Frequent traffic can lead to rutting, cracking, potholes and surface deformation. Repairing such roads requires significant time, money and material.

Prof. K. Umamaheshwar Rao said the innovation was particularly relevant to coal-mining regions, where roads routinely carry heavy vehicles and deteriorate under repeated loading. A stronger composite road material could help extend service life, reduce repair frequency and improve transport efficiency.

The technology may be suitable for haul roads, industrial access roads, road sub-bases, embankments and other infrastructure projects where high load-bearing capacity is required.

Benefits for infrastructure and environment

Prof. Manoj Kumar Mishra described the composite as an example of converting industrial waste into a resource with engineering and economic value.

The technology could offer several benefits:

• Reduced dependence on natural construction materials.
• Lower volumes of coal waste and fly ash sent for disposal.
• Stronger roads for heavy industrial traffic.
• Potential reduction in maintenance and repair costs.
• Support for sustainable infrastructure development.
• Better utilisation of locally available waste materials.

The researchers’ next step is to conduct pilot-scale field trials to assess the material’s long-term strength, durability and performance under real-world traffic and weather conditions.

If field testing confirms its laboratory potential, the NIT Rourkela patent could provide mining regions with a practical, indigenous and sustainable solution for both waste management and durable road construction.

Conclusion

NIT Rourkela’s patented coal-waste composite offers a promising approach to addressing two major infrastructure challenges: industrial waste management and the need for stronger roads in heavy-traffic regions. By combining coal mine parting, fly ash and a suitable binder, the researchers have developed a material designed to deliver improved strength, load-bearing capacity and durability.

The technology could be particularly useful in mining and industrial areas where roads face continuous stress from heavy vehicles. At the same time, productive utilisation of coal-mining waste and fly ash could reduce pressure on landfills and dependence on conventional construction materials.

With pilot-scale field trials planned, the next phase will determine how effectively the composite performs under actual traffic, weather and operating conditions. Successful field validation could pave the way for wider adoption of the patented material in haul roads, industrial corridors, road sub-bases and other infrastructure projects while supporting India’s circular-economy and sustainable-development goals.

FAQs

1. What has NIT Rourkela patented for road construction?

NIT Rourkela researchers have patented a high-strength composite material made using coal mine parting, fly ash and a binder. The material is intended for durable road construction, particularly on routes exposed to repeated heavy-vehicle traffic.

2. What is the patent number of NIT Rourkela’s coal-waste composite?

The technology has been granted Patent No. 597749 based on Application No. 202331070306.

3. Who developed the patented coal-waste road material?

The research team includes Prof. K. Umamaheshwar Rao, Professor and Director of NIT Rourkela; Dr. Manoj Kumar Mishra, Professor; and Dr. Subhasrita Choudhury, research scholar from the Department of Mining Engineering.

4. What are the potential applications of the composite material?

The material could potentially be used for mine haul roads, industrial access roads, road sub-bases, embankments and other infrastructure projects requiring high load-bearing capacity.

5. How does the technology support sustainable development?

The innovation converts coal mine parting and fly ash—two major waste materials—into a useful construction resource. This could reduce waste disposal requirements, decrease dependence on natural construction materials and support circular-economy practices in the infrastructure sector.