History & Legacy

Named the Institute of Public and Business Administration (IPBA), IBA started out with the patronage of the Government of Sindh and the academic support of the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Southern California. These early collaborations formed IBA’s original curriculum and standards, positioning it as the region’s first business school.

Over time, IPBA developed into the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), growing from business disciplines into social sciences, computer science, and beyond—while maintaining its original mission of building ethical and competent leaders.

Academic Structure & Programs

IBA functions on two campuses:

• University Road Campus (near the University of Karachi)
• City Campus (in the heart of Saddar, Karachi)

Combined, they educate more than 4,000 students in various undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs.

Undergraduate Programs

• BBA (Hons.)
• BS in:
  • Accounting & Finance
  • Business Analytics
  • Computer Science
  • Economics
  • Economics & Mathematics
  • Social Sciences & Liberal Arts

Graduate Programs

• MBA (Regular & Executive)
• MS/MPhil in:
  • Computer Science
  • Economics
  • Mathematics
  • Management Sciences
  • Mathematics & Statistics

Doctoral Programs

• PhD in:
  • Computer Science
  • Economics
  • Mathematics

Faculties & Specialized Centers

IBA’s academic structure is categorized into major departments and centers that foster interdisciplinary learning:

• School of Business Studies
• School of Economics and Social Sciences
• School of Mathematics and Computer Science
• Centre for Executive Education
• Centre for Islamic Finance
• Centre for Entrepreneurial Development (CED)

These facilities instill critical thinking, innovation, and entrepreneurial leadership in keeping with Pakistan’s economic growth.

Campus & Facilities

Both campuses are well-endowed with world-class facilities:

• Smart Classrooms and Multimedia Lecture Halls
• High-Speed Wi-Fi & Advanced Computer Labs
• Central Library with digital facilities
• Case-Study Method Classrooms
• Auditoriums, Cafeterias, Mosque, and Recreational Areas
• Sports Facilities & Student Lounges

Research & Innovation

IBA is at the forefront of research with national significance through:

• Centre for Business & Society – Addressing Pakistan’s development issues
• Social Sciences & Liberal Arts Department – Leading social influence and cultural debate
• Faculty Research & Publications – International peer-reviewed journals and conferences
• Executive Education – Collaborations with global universities and think tanks

Rankings & Accreditations

IBA Karachi has national and international ranking and accreditation:

• HEC Accredited
• SAQS Certified – First Pakistani business school to achieve the South Asian Quality Assurance System (2011)
• CFA Institute Partner – Pakistan’s first partner school in finance professionals

Admissions & Financial Aid

Undergraduate

• Entry Requirements: SAT/ACT or IBA Entry Test, Academic Record, Interview
• Intakes: Fall and Spring
• Financial Aid: Scholarships (Need & Merit-Based), External Fellowships

Graduate

• Requirements: GMAT/GRE (where applicable), Interview
• Flexible Programs: Weekend MBA, Evening MPhil/MS

Notable Alumni

IBA’s alumni network cuts across corporate, political, and creative fields:

• Shaukat Aziz – Former Prime Minister of Pakistan
• Mamnoon Hussain – Former President of Pakistan
• Asad Umar – Former Federal Minister & CEO, Engro
• Sheheryar Munawar – Actor, Producer
• Tipu Sharif – TV Personality & Artist

Student Life & Societies

With more than 630 student societies and clubs, IBA encourages vibrant, well-balanced campus life:

• Debate & Public Speaking Society
• Arts & Culture Club
• Entrepreneurial Society
• Sports Clubs (Cricket, Basketball, Football)
• IBA MUN, Confluence Festival, Case Competitions, and more!

Location & Contact

Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Karachi
Undergraduate Admissions: admissions@iba.edu.pk
Graduate Admissions: gradadmissions@iba.edu.pk
Phone: +92‑21‑38104700
Director: Prof. Dr. S. Akbar Zaidi

Final Thoughts

The Institute of Business Administration, Karachi is at the crossroads of tradition and change. Having a legacy that exceeds six decades, IBA goes on to empower future leaders through intellectual rigor, moral foundation, and a world view for a brighter tomorrow.