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.

LiveIIM CAT 2025 Result (OUT) LIVE: MBA admission criteria for IIMs; CAT score weightage, cut-offsDec 26, 2025 | 11:01 PM IST

IIM Kozhikode will retain its three-stage admission process for the MBA (PGP) 2026–28 batch, with CAT 2025 scores carrying a final weightage of 35 percent. The minimum overall CAT cut-off for general category candidates remains at 85 percentile, with sectional qualifying scores required in VARC, DILR, and QA. Shortlisting of candidates will be based on CAT performance, academic record, and personal interview rounds.

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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 ?

With 84.91 percentile in CAT (General, male, no work experience), top colleges like IIMs, IITs, FMS, MDI, etc. are not possible. You may get calls from private institutes such as IMT Nagpur/Hyderabad, IMI Bhubaneswar, XIME, SDMIMD, Welingkar (some programs) and similar colleges. Universities like Amity or LPU are also options.

It’s better to choose carefully, as placements and ROI may be average. Reattempting CAT or trying XAT/CMAT could improve options.

Hello,

With a CAT percentile of 88.77 and a strong CGPA of 9.0, you are in a competitive range for newer IIMs (like IIM Amritsar, IIM Bodh Gaya, IIM Sirmaur, IIM Nagpur) and several top non-IIM B-schools such as TAPMI, BIM Trichy, Great Lakes, IMI Delhi, FORE School of Management, and KJ Somaiya. You may not reach the older IIMs (Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, etc.) since they usually require 98+ percentile, but you have excellent chances at mid-tier and emerging institutes.

For more details access mentioned link below:

https://bschool.careers360.com/articles/cat-cutoff-2025-category-wise-iims-iits-top-mba-colleges-cutoff

Hope it helps.

Hello

The expected cutoff for the JAP (Joint Admission Process) is around 90 to 95th percentile, with a minimum sectional cutoff of around 75 percentile in Quantitative Ability. You have scored 82.2% which is very low; that's why you are unlikely to meet the minimum criteria for the JAP IIMs in the general Category.

I hope this information helps you.

Thank you.

Hello,

Here is your IIM Cutoff for Gen/OBC/SC/ST, CS Score Cut Off. I am providing you the link. Kindly open and check it out. From here you can get all the details.

https://bschool.careers360.com/articles/cat-2025-cut-off-live-updates-iim-blacki-expected-cat-cs-score-cut-off-iim-cat-call-cut-off-latest-updates

I hope it will help you.

Thank you.


With a CAT score of around 80 percentile and about 2 years of work experience, getting a call from the top IIMs (IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, Lucknow, Kozhikode, Indore) is extremely difficult, as their cutoff percentiles are usually much higher, even for reserved categories. These institutes typically shortlist candidates above 95–99 percentile depending on category, academic profile, and diversity factors.

However, you may still have some chances at a few of the newer or baby IIMs, especially if you belong to a reserved category (SC/ST/OBC/EWS) and have a decent academic background. IIMs such as IIM Jammu, IIM Bodh Gaya, IIM Sirmaur, IIM Sambalpur, IIM Nagaland, IIM Amritsar, and IIM Vizag have historically called candidates in the 75–85 percentile range for certain categories. Your 2 years of work experience can also work in your favour, as most IIMs give weightage to professional experience during shortlisting and final selection.

That said, selection does not depend on CAT percentile alone. Factors like your 10th and 12th marks, graduation score, academic consistency, gender and academic diversity, work experience quality, and performance in the personal interview play a very important role. Even with an 80 percentile, a strong interview and profile can improve your chances at newer IIMs.

You should also keep strong non-IIM options open. At this percentile, good colleges like newer IIT MBA programs, some NITs, and reputed private B-schools can offer better and more realistic opportunities. Applying broadly and preparing seriously for the interview stage is very important.

In summary, while top IIMs are unlikely at 80 percentile, you may still have a realistic chance at some of the newer IIMs depending on your category and overall profile.