02-07-2025
From 47% to 78% in 4 years: MBA employability rises with skill-focused curriculum
Once criticised for producing degree-holders with limited practical application, India's MBA education sector is now enjoying a remarkable transformation. Backed by data, industry demand, and updated pedagogy, MBA graduates are now more employable and relevant than ever India, employability among MBA graduates has risen sharply to 78% in 2025, up from 47% in 2021, according to Statista from Wheebox's India Skills Report 2025 and GMAC's 2024 Prospective Students Survey confirm the shift, hiring managers now actively seek MBA graduates with digital fluency, leadership potential, and
According to IIM Sambalpur Director Prof Mahadeo Jaiswal, 97% of Indian employers are willing to pay more for candidates with micro-credentials, especially in generative AI and LEARNING IS THE NEW NORMIndian B-schools have overhauled their approach in response to a shifting job market. Institutions like SP Jain Global, IIM Sambalpur, BIMTECH, and Badruka School of Management are embedding AI-powered decision-making, data storytelling, sustainability, and cross-cultural leadership into their MBA Christopher Abraham of SP Jain notes, 'We no longer just teach AI -- we integrate it into learning paths, personalised mentorship, and real-world simulation exercises.' Students now graduate equipped to automate workflows, build predictive models, and apply AI across DEGREE-NEXTHiring needs have evolved. Today, recruiters care less about the name of the institution and more about the functional skills and emotional intelligence of Siddharth Anand, CEO of Tertiary Education Advisors, puts it: 'The MBA graduate who can speak the language of both Excel and empathy is the one who stands out'.This reflects in how MBA programmes now offer courses in ESG strategy, public governance, behavioural economics, and human-centric leadership. Business schools are creating labs for digital transformation, experiential entrepreneurship, and consulting case competitions to help students master practical CLASSROOM TO BOARDROOM: CURRICULAR CHANGESHere's how B-schools are rethinking the MBA journey:Live business simulations and startup incubators—e.g., IIM Sambalpur's I-Hub and Rangavati CentreBlockchain and fintech labs like BIMTECH's 'BIMCOIN' initiative for applied finance learningAI-integrated learning assistants at SP JainRural immersion and sustainability projects for ground-level exposureInterdisciplinary pathways such as BS in Management and Public Policy feeding into MBA tracksAs per Dr Pankaj Priya of BIMTECH, the key shift is in pedagogy: 'From traditional models, we have moved to lab-based learning, career mapping through AI, and psychometric profiling to align strengths with career paths'.STRONG PLACEMENT RECORDS AND FUTURE READINESSIIM Sambalpur reported 100% placements in 2024, with a 21% year-on-year increase in placement value. Recruiters from consulting, BFSI, FMCG, and IT sectors are actively hiring MBA grads who can navigate uncertainty and use digital tools in platforms like GMAC indicate a sharp rise in global recognition of Indian MBA talent, with students eyeing international internships and hybrid work opportunities. MBA students trained in storytelling, negotiation, and personal branding are especially in demand.A SHIFT IN MINDSET: THE INNER MBAWhile technical and analytical skills are crucial, leading B-schools are also focusing on the 'Inner MBA' -- emotional resilience, ethical judgement, and influence. Through structured coaching, case discussions, and workshops, students learn to lead with purpose and build clarity in Anand sums it up: 'We aren't just giving them skills -- we're changing the way they perceive their own potential and their role in the world of work'.FUTURE-READY, TODAYThe rise in employability is not accidental -- it's the result of deliberate reform, collaboration with industry, and a greater understanding of what the market demands. With India poised to become a USD 5 trillion economy, the demand for MBA graduates equipped with adaptive, ethical, and technical prowess is only expected to MBA has come a long way in India -- from being a credential to becoming a powerful launchpad to leadership, innovation, and purpose-driven success.- Ends
