Media Release
Mangaluru, Mar 4: Lauren, a student of the Centre for Advanced Learning (CFAL), has achieved an extraordinary feat by scoring a 99.97 percentile in the IIM Bangalore undergraduate admissions test. Competing against 12,000 applicants for a highly selective programme with only 40 seats, Lauren’s performance marks a significant milestone for students from the coastal region.
Breaking the traditional education ceiling
For decades, India's brightest students at age 17 have predominantly faced a choice between engineering or medicine. However, IIM Bangalore has now broken this ceiling by launching its newly formed school of multidisciplinary studies. Lauren is among the elite few to qualify for these forward-looking residential degrees, which include a BSc (Hons) in economics with a minor in data science and a BSc (Hons) in data science with a minor in economics.
These programmes are designed to integrate economics, data science, philosophy, communication, and ethics. According to IIMB director Prof Rishikesha T Krishnan, the vision is to nurture critical thinkers and problem solvers capable of driving positive change.
CFAL’s role in academic excellence
Lauren’s success highlights the effectiveness of the training provided at CFAL, which prepares students of high ability through rigorous academics and thoughtful mentoring. The institution emphasises that education must prepare young people to "aim correctly" by identifying future-oriented opportunities rather than just aiming high in traditional fields.
"Lauren didn't just score well; she chose the right target at the right time. Getting into this first cohort is the equivalent of getting into an IIT in 1960; you become part of the institution's founding story and legacy," stated a representative from CFAL.
Preparing for future economic chapters
The graduates of these new IIMB programmes will be positioned for high-level roles as data analysts, machine learning engineers, and policy consultants. With IIMB ranked 31st globally for masters in management and recording 100% placements with an average salary of Rs 35.92 lac per annum for its PGP 2024 batch, the brand power will directly benefit the undergraduate cohorts.
CFAL continues to support students in achieving such global standards of excellence, fostering a deep respect for learning and helping them navigate the evolving landscape of Indian education.