Why Indian Students Excel in the World

Increase in Indian MBA Applicants and Students

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of Indian MBA applicants and students, making their presence increasingly prominent in Western business schools. According to the latest data from GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council), Indian students now account for approximately 33.7% of international students at top-tier U.S. business schools, up from 28.5% the previous year, marking an all-time high. This percentage significantly surpasses that of Chinese students (13.9%), highlighting that Indian students constitute the largest international student group.

GMAC surveys also indicate that around 80% of Indian applicants prefer pursuing an MBA overseas, with campuses in the United States being particularly favored. Driven by strong global ambitions and rising application numbers, the presence of Indian MBA students is steadily growing not only in the U.S. but also across Canada, the United Kingdom, and other European countries.

5-Star MBA

【No GMAT+QS 5-Star】Top MBA & Master’s in Germany, Switzerland and Spain

Prominent Presence of Indian Students at Top Business Schools

Indian students have become highly prominent at leading MBA programs, such as those at Harvard, Stanford, Wharton (University of Pennsylvania), Chicago Booth, INSEAD, and London Business School (LBS). For instance, at Wharton and Chicago Booth, approximately 30% of MBA students are reportedly from India. This means roughly one in every three students in these classes is Indian, representing the largest national group aside from U.S. students.

At Harvard and Stanford, Indian students also constitute a significant proportion of the diverse international student body. Notably, at Harvard Business School, international students account for about 35% of the total student population, with Indian students forming a core part of this group.

The situation is similar in Europe’s prestigious institutions. At INSEAD and LBS, Indian students are among the largest national groups. For example, approximately 15% of the LBS MBA class consists of students from South Asia, predominantly from India, and INSEAD admits a considerable number of Indian students each year.

Canadian MBA programs reflect this trend as well. At the University of Toronto’s Rotman School, the 2019 MBA cohort of 350 students included 56 Indian students. Moreover, at the University of Calgary’s Haskayne School, reports indicate that between 60-70% of international MBA students are from India.

Thus, across major Western business schools, Indian students stand out significantly both in numbers and proportions, highlighting their growing influence and presence.

Our Rankings

EU Business School Rankings: 5-Star Excellence & Top MBA Programs in Europe

Why Indian Students Excel in MBA Admissions

Several factors contribute to the strong competitive edge Indian MBA applicants have in global admissions, including educational and cultural influences:

Intense Domestic Competition

Firstly, competition within India itself is extremely fierce. To gain admission to India’s top business schools, such as the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), candidates must score within the top 1% (99th percentile) of the approximately 250,000 students who annually sit the Common Admission Test (CAT). Due to these stringent criteria, many highly capable candidates who narrowly miss admission to top domestic institutions choose overseas MBA programs as alternative paths.

Additionally, Indian MBA programs frequently admit students directly after graduation or with minimal work experience. In fact, at IIMs, up to 70% of admitted students in certain years may have little or no professional experience. Consequently, experienced professionals often look abroad to pursue an MBA to further advance their careers.

English-Language Proficiency

Secondly, India’s widespread use of English in higher education and business provides Indian students with a significant advantage. The English-medium instruction throughout universities and workplaces ensures Indian students adapt quickly and excel academically in English-speaking environments. This linguistic strength allows Indian students to actively engage in classes and excel in assignments, significantly differentiating them from students facing greater language barriers.

Strong Academic Backgrounds and High Test Scores

Thirdly, many Indian applicants come from rigorous academic backgrounds, particularly in science and engineering. Graduates from prestigious institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and IT professionals often possess exceptional quantitative skills and analytical abilities.

Each year, Indian test-takers consistently achieve high scores on standardized tests such as the GMAT. In 2023 alone, approximately 4,435 Indian candidates scored 700 or above on the GMAT, reflecting one of the highest concentrations of top scorers globally. This robust pool of high achievers significantly contributes to their noticeable presence in competitive admissions processes at Western schools.

Global Ambitions and Strong Motivation

Finally, global ambitions and a strong drive for personal and professional growth underpin the success of Indian students. There is a deeply ingrained cultural aspiration in India to pursue better educational opportunities abroad, often reinforced by familial and community support from a young age. The motivation to broaden their horizons by studying internationally, away from a rapidly growing domestic economy, results in high application numbers and consistently strong candidate profiles for leading MBA programs worldwide.

Scholarship Guaranteed

Agent EU Business School Scholarship｜100% Scholarship for Our Applicants

Post-Graduation Success and Career Trends Among Indian MBA Graduates

Indian graduates holding MBAs from Western institutions have demonstrated remarkable success in the global business arena. Prominent examples include Google’s CEO Sundar Pichai, an Indian national who earned his MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 2002.

Similarly, former PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi, who was born and raised in India, moved to the United States in 1978 and earned her master’s degree in management (equivalent to an MBA) from Yale School of Management. Another notable figure is Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, who completed his MBA at the University of Chicago. From leaders at top global corporations to influential managers across various industries, Indian MBA graduates from Western institutions continue to thrive worldwide.

In terms of career trends, Indian MBA graduates notably gravitate towards consulting and technology sectors. Prominent post-MBA employers, including strategy consulting firms like McKinsey, BCG, and Bain, as well as major technology firms like Google, Apple, Facebook, and Amazon (GAFA), actively recruit Indian graduates for their strong analytical skills and English proficiency. Research indicates that approximately 25% of Indian MBA graduates, both domestically and internationally, initially aim for roles in strategic consulting.

In technology fields, Indian MBA graduates increasingly assume key roles such as product managers or data analytics leaders, significantly contributing to fintech and tech startups in Silicon Valley, London, and other global innovation hubs. While finance, particularly investment banking and private equity, traditionally attracted many graduates, these areas have become relatively less prominent compared to consulting and technology in recent years.

Entrepreneurship also appeals strongly to Indian MBA graduates. Many graduates launch startups or expand family businesses on a global scale. Leveraging robust alumni networks worldwide, Indian MBA holders effectively create ongoing business opportunities among themselves even after graduation.

Additionally, a notable trend is the growing number of Indian graduates returning home to assume leadership roles. Armed with knowledge and insights gained from Western MBA programs, they increasingly hold senior executive positions at established Indian corporations or serve as CXOs in thriving startups, actively contributing to India’s economic growth. As a result, these overseas-educated MBAs are emerging as influential leaders shaping India’s business landscape.

Overall, the notable presence of Indian students in Western MBA programs stems from their deep talent pool and strong global aspirations, closely aligning with the needs and goals of business schools. The resulting success stories continue to inspire the next generation of Indian students, creating a beneficial cycle of motivation and achievement.

Looking forward, Indian MBA graduates are poised to maintain their significant influence, playing crucial roles in business education and global industry alike.

British Degrees in Germany, Switzerland, Spain

U.K. Public University Degree 🇬🇧 with EU Business School: Double Degree Advantages with University of Derby & London Metropolitan University

Scholarship Agent

XFacebookInstagramContact

Official agent for EU Business School. Your scholarship is guaranteed with us only when you contact us about the school before you apply. We cannot register you for our scholarship after you apply.