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Inside the IDA Programme: Perspectives from GIM, Nova SBE, and Students
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The recent webinar “Meet the Minds Behind GIM & Nova SBE’s IDA Programme” offered prospective students a front-row seat to the structure, uniqueness, and outcomes of one of India’s most globally immersive analytics programs. The session brought together faculty members from GIM, representatives from Nova School of Business and Economics (Nova SBE), and current IDA students.
Opening the Conversation
The International Double Degree in Analytics (IDA) is a unique programme that combines the academic rigour of Goa Institute of Management (GIM) with the global exposure of Nova SBE, Portugal— a programme built on partnership and excellence. The IDA programme is not just about mastering data analytics — it’s about becoming a globally adaptable, tech-savvy, and business-aware leader. With dual degrees, two international campuses, and a curriculum built with industry feedback, the programme is ideal for students ready to embrace an interdisciplinary and international career path.
Dr. Suman Sanyal, Associate Professor of Big Data Analytics at GIM, explained the program’s core structure:
“IDA is a programme designed in collaboration with Nova SBE. Students spend one year at GIM and another in Portugal to earn a PGDM in Big Data Analytics from GIM and a Master’s in Business Analytics from Nova. It’s a highly selective programme with a 30-student intake.”
He emphasized its global relevance, describing it as a 24-month, full-residency programme that blends academic rigor with real-world application through internships in India and applied work projects in Portugal.
What Sets GIM’s BDA Curriculum Apart
Dr. P. Balasubramanyam, Associate Professor of Big Data Analytics at Goa Institute Management, highlighted the unique techno-managerial blend of GIM’s pedagogy: “Students here are the bridge between the tech domain and business domain. They learn machine learning, Python, and analytics alongside economics, marketing, and strategic management — skills that help them convert business problems into analytical ones, which AI tools alone can’t do.” He noted that GIM’s BDA programme, and by extension the IDA, is in high demand due to its strong placement record and real-world relevance.
What Makes a Strong IDA Applicant?
Dr. Hanish Rajpal, Associate Professor of Finance and Accounting at GIM, detailed what sets exceptional applicants apart: “We’re looking for bright, well-rounded candidates — academically strong, but also open to cross-cultural experiences. The assessment includes the GIM Analytics & Aptitute Test (GAAT), a Written Ability Test (WAT), an interview, and English proficiency scores.” He emphasized that the admission process is designed to identify candidates who can thrive in a demanding, globally oriented environment.
A Curriculum Aligned with Industry
When asked about how the curriculum stays current, Dr. Suman Sanyal explained: “The first year is aligned with GIM’s BDA programme. We constantly adapt based on feedback from alumni, industry partners, and recruiters to ensure what’s taught is relevant and future-ready.” He added that the blend of core management subjects with cutting-edge AI, analytics, and data science equips students with both depth and flexibility.
What Sets IDA Students Apart
Dr. Shawnn Coutinho, Placement Chair and healthcare faculty at GIM, shared his insights: “While this is only the second IDA batch, BDA alumni have consistently secured top roles. What differentiates them is their deep analytical ability. Exposure to the European market further boosts their (IDA's) edge.” He advised applicants to strengthen their grasp of coding and analytics: “Even if you don’t come from a tech background, learning tools like Python helps. What matters is your attitude to learn and your ability to think analytically.”
Life at Nova SBE: More than Just Academics
Representing Nova SBE, Catarina Fortes, Program Manager, spoke about the holistic support students receive in Portugal: “From arrival to graduation, our integration team helps with everything — operational tasks, mental health, accommodation, and cultural immersion.” She explained that students benefit from:
- Career and hobby-based clubs
- Extensive mental health resources
- Campus apps and sustainability initiatives
- Discovery Week, with activities like fado nights and surfing
On the academic side, she emphasized:
“We know the students will already have the hard skills. What we look for is dedication, openness, and clear communication. Students will be completing two separate degrees — and that requires commitment.”
Current Students Share Their Experience
Current IDA students shared their first-hand experiences, reflecting on academic challenges, cultural transitions, and the supportive ecosystems at both GIM and Nova.
Q&A session
The panel answered a wide range of queries from prospective students—ranging from eligibility criteria to career opportunities in India and abroad. Here's a comprehensive summary of the key takeaways from the Q&A session that followed the main discussion.
1. Eligibility & Admission Requirements
The International Double Degree in Analytics (IDA) programme is tailored for students aiming to pursue roles in business analytics, data science, and tech-enabled decision-making. Here’s what you need to apply:
- A minimum of 50% in graduation.
- Valid scores in CAT, XAT, or GMAT.
- One of the English proficiency tests: TOEFL, IELTS, or Cambridge.
- Participation in GIM's Analytics Aptitude Test (GAAT) and Written Ability Test (WAT) – both conducted online and at no additional cost.
- Submission of a Statement of Purpose (SOP).
- Applicants should be below 26 years of age.
Students who have already secured admission into GIM’s BDA programme can write to the admissions team to explore switching to the IDA programme without repeating the entire selection process.
2. A Full-Time Dual-Degree Programme
There was some confusion about internships, but this is important to clarify: the IDA is a full-time, two-year academic programme, not an internship or short-term course. On successful completion, students earn:
- A PGDM in Big Data Analytics from Goa Institute of Management
- A Master’s in Business Analytics from Nova School of Business & Economics, Portugal.
3. Internships, Industry Projects, and Working Professionals
- The internship (during year one at GIM) is a vital part of the curriculum, offering practical exposure to analytics. Students can arrange their own internship, but it must align with the programme’s learning goals and meet GIM’s standards.
- The work project at Nova (essentially a thesis) is based on a research question developed over the final semester and presented before a jury.
- Working professionals cannot continue full-time jobs alongside this programme—it's designed as an immersive learning experience.
4. Non-Tech Backgrounds
Several attendees raised concerns about not having a tech background. One of the current IDA students stated that he came from a BBA background with no coding experience. But the programme starts at a basic level, with an introductory bootcamp, and progresses gradually. The response was reassuring to many prospective students.
Students will be taught from scratch and will gain proficiency in tools such as:
- Python
- Excel
- Power BI
- Big Data platforms like Azure
- Visualization and statistical tools
