Top MBA Admission Trends in 2025: What's Changing for Aspirants?

Top MBA Admission Trends in 2025: What's Changing for Aspirants?

Himanshu ShekharUpdated on 07 Apr 2025, 04:08 PM IST

MBA admissions in India are witnessing significant transformations in 2025. With AI-driven curricula, rising domestic applications, and a growing preference for STEM-certified programs, aspirants need to stay updated on the latest trends. This article explores the key changes shaping MBA admissions this year. In an era specified by technological advancements, digital literacy is quite essential for business leaders. Currently, companies increasingly rely on data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and other technologies. MBA aspirants are expected to possess such a deeper understanding of these areas.

LiveCAT 2025 Result LIVE: IIM CAT result soon at iimcat.ac.in; cut off, seat matrix, MBA admission processDec 22, 2025 | 11:07 PM IST

IIM Raipur, IIM Kashipur, IIM Ranchi, and IIM Tiruchirappalli have jointly launched a JAP admission process. In this joint admission process (JAP 2026), IIM Raipur will shortlist candidates and conduct the interview rounds on behalf of the other three institutions.

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Top MBA Admission Trends in 2025: What's Changing for Aspirants?
Top MBA Admission Trends in 2025

MBA Admission Trends 2025: An Overview

Here are some concise points summarizing the key MBA admission trends for 2025:

  • Digital Skills: Growing emphasis on tech proficiency, which includes Data Analytics, AI, Blockchain etc in candidates.
  • Diverse Profiles: Business schools prioritize candidates with diverse backgrounds such as Gaming, healthcare, etc.
  • Flexible Programs: There is rising demand for online, hybrid, and part-time MBA options, which allow flexibility for working professionals.
  • Specialized MBA Programs: Increase in industry-specific MBAs (e.g., healthcare, technology, sports management) for targeted career goals.
  • Global Experience: Strong emphasis on international exposure, global internships, and cross-cultural learning opportunities.
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1. Surge in MBA Applications

MBA applications have increased by 12% in 2024, with full-time two-year and one-year MBA programs seeing the highest growth.

2. Rising Domestic Applications

More Indian candidates are choosing to study within India rather than applying abroad, citing affordability and career prospects.

3. Demand for AI and STEM Programs

AI-integrated MBA programs are gaining popularity, especially among candidates from India and China.

4. More Women Pursuing MBA

Female participation in MBA programs has increased, with 42% of total applications coming from women.

5. Declining Interest in Canadian MBA Programs

Indian student applications to Canada are at a five-year low due to job market concerns and diplomatic tensions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are the major MBA admission trends in 2025?
A:

The key trends include a rise in AI-based MBA programs, increased domestic applications, and growing female participation.

Q: Is there a decline in students opting for international MBAs?
A:

Yes, especially for Canada, where Indian student applications have declined due to economic concerns.

Q: Are AI-focused MBA programs in demand?
A:

Yes, 57% of Indian MBA aspirants prefer AI-integrated and STEM-certified MBA programs.

Q: What is the percentage increase in MBA applications?
A:

There has been a 12% rise in applications, particularly in full-time MBA programs.

Q: Are women applying for MBA programs in higher numbers?
A:

Yes, the percentage of female applicants has risen to 42% in 2024, showing positive growth.

Q: What are the reasons behind the shift towards domestic MBA programs?
A:

Affordability, better career opportunities, and strong education systems are key factors.

Q: Which MBA specializations are trending in 2025?
A:

AI, Business Analytics, Digital Marketing, and Finance are among the most sought-after specializations.

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Questions related to CAT

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to CAT ?

CAT does not restrict eligibility based on stream. Candidates from commerce, arts, science, engineering or any other background can appear for CAT and apply to MBA programmes offered by IIMs and other top B-schools.

The basic eligibility criteria for CAT are:
You must hold a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognised university with at least 50 percent marks (45 percent for SC, ST and PwD categories). Final-year graduation students are also eligible to apply.

Being a commerce graduate can actually be an advantage in areas such as accounting, finance, economics and business studies, especially during MBA coursework in finance, marketing and operations.

After qualifying CAT, admission depends on multiple factors including CAT percentile, academic background, work experience (if any), performance in GD, WAT and personal interview rounds. Many IIMs and B-schools follow a diverse academic background policy, which means non-engineering candidates, including commerce graduates, often receive additional weightage.

Apart from IIMs, several reputed institutes such as FMS Delhi, SPJIMR Mumbai, MDI Gurgaon, IMT Ghaziabad, and many state and private universities also accept CAT scores for MBA admissions.

So, as a commerce graduate, you are fully eligible to appear for CAT and pursue an MBA, provided you meet the minimum academic requirements and perform well in the selection process.

If you want, I can also help you with realistic CAT percentile targets based on your academic profile or suggest suitable MBA colleges.


Hello aspirant,

With a CAT 2025 raw score of 84 and strong sectionals, your expected percentile may fail in the high 98 range , depending on scaling. Your excellent academics and 2 years of work experience strengthen your profile .IIM Lucknow calls are possible but competitive for EWS engineers , while FMS Delhi looks mainly at CAT score and VARC , so you have a reasonable chance there . Final calls depend on cutoffs and composite score.

FOR REFERENCE : https://bschool.careers360.com/articles/cat-cutoff

Hope the details will help you.

THANK YOU

Hello aspirant ,

For MANAGE Hyderabad MBA , the OBC cutoff in CAT 2024 was generally around 85-90 percentile for shortlist consideration , tough exact figures vary by section and profile . For CAT 2025, if fewer candidates appeared , the cutoff might slightly adjust , but percentile based cutoffs dont change drastically year to year. A minor decrease is possible , but you should still aim for 90+ percentile to be competitive. Factors like VARC, QA-LRDI and overall profile influence the final shortlist.

FOR REFERENCE : https://bschool.careers360.com/articles/cat-cutof f

Hope the details will help you.

THANK YOU

Hello,

For a raw score of 56 in CAT 2025 Slot 3, your expected overall percentile is likely to be in the range of the 90th-95th percentile. The exact percentile can vary slightly on the final normalization process and the process and performance of all test-takers. In this article you'll find more about the CAT result.

I hope it will clear your query!!

Hello,
With a projected CAT percentile of 87% but not clearing sectional cutoffs, your chances at top IIMs are limited because they require both overall percentile and sectional minimums. However, you still have a good shot at other reputed management institutes and non-IIM B-schools. Consider colleges like NMIMS, SPJIMR, IMT, TAPMI, Great Lakes, and other well-ranked private or state-level B-schools that accept CAT scores and weigh your profile holistically. Your academic record, BSc in Animation with 80%, and 5 years of work experience at Ubisoft India are strong points and may help in institutes that value work experience in their selection process. Also, explore institutes that accept XAT, MAT, or CMAT, where your profile can be competitive.
Hope this helps you.