MBA + AI In 2026: 5 Roles That Didn’t Exist 2 Years Ago; Salary Trends, MBA Colleges

MBA + AI In 2026: 5 Roles That Didn’t Exist 2 Years Ago; Salary Trends, MBA Colleges

Malvika ChawlaUpdated on 28 Aug 2025, 10:50 AM IST

MBA + AI in 2026: The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has changed the way businesses work, creating job roles that didn’t even exist years before. Alongside, MBA remains a strong career option, giving future leaders the skills to manage people, strategies and organisations. When both are combined, MBA + AI, together, will open a whole new world of opportunities for professionals who will be able to connect business strategy and technology. In 2025, several AI-powered roles have emerged, such as AI Business Strategist, Generative AI Product Manager, AI Ethics & Compliance Officer and several others. For MBA graduates, learning AI has become essential. Continue reading this article to learn to find out about MBA + AI roles, courses that you take and more.

LiveCAT 2025 Result LIVE: MBA entrance exam results on December 24? cut-offs, IIM admission requirementsDec 20, 2025 | 7:23 PM IST

Candidates seeking admission to MBA programmes through the Common Admission Test 2025 (CAT 2025) will have to appear in three stages of process for management admissions. The selection procedure includes a written ability test, personal interview round, and group discussion.

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This Story also Contains

  1. MBA + AI 2026: Top Roles that Didn’t Exist 2 Years Ago
  2. MBA AI Courses
  3. Why AI Knowledge in 2026 is a Must for Today’s MBA Graduates
  4. Top AI MBA Colleges 2026-28
  5. MBA + AI 2025: Salary Trends and Career Growth
MBA + AI In 2026: 5 Roles That Didn’t Exist 2 Years Ago; Salary Trends, MBA Colleges
MBA + AI In 2026

MBA + AI 2026: Top Roles that Didn’t Exist 2 Years Ago

Take a look at the following list of AI-powered roles which didn’t exist 2 years ago.

AI-Powered Roles

Focus

Requirements

Top Companies/Sectors

Average Salary Package Offered

AI Business Strategist

Works closely with business leaders and stakeholders to:


  • Understand the company’s primary objective and business goals.

  • Evaluate the competitive landscape to highlight key areas of focus in operational plans.

Blend of technical understanding, business acumen and leadership skills.


One must be proficient in AI technologies, understand business needs and be able to translate technical possibilities to strategic business value.

Companies like Tata Consultancy Services, Tech Mahindra and Fractal Analytics actively hire AI Business Analysts.

Rs. 61.0 LPA- Rs. 65.5 LPA/yr



Generative AI Product Manager

Analyse data trends about user and model performance metrics. The insights obtained from data should then be used to iterate AI features, improve user experience and boost product performance.

Must have a blend of technical knowledge, product management expertise and strategic thinking to drive the development and deployment of AI-powered products.

Snap Inc., Google, Apple, Amazon, Facebook and Microsoft

Rs. 9 LPA - Rs. 21.8 LPA/yr

AI-Driven Marketing Analyst

Use consumer data and incorporate modern tools like machine learning, reinforcement learning, natural language processing (NLP) and predictive analysis.

  • Technical Skills: Data Analysis, Machine Learning, Programming and understanding of digital marketing tools.

  • Soft Skills: Critical thinking, communication and problem-solving abilities

Google, IBM, OpenAI, Alibaba Cloud, Bosch, Grammarly and others

AI Ethics & Compliance Officer

Ensuring the ethical development and development of AI systems within an organisation, while adhering to legal and regulatory requirements

Blend of technical expertise, ethical reasoning and strong communication skills.

Accenture, Microsoft, Google AI and DeepMind, Meta, AWS, Deloitte, IBM and others.

Rs 5 LPA - Rs. 12.1 LPA/yr

Business Intelligence Automation Lead

Developing and implementing automated BI solutions, ensuring data quality and accuracy, optimising system performance and driving value and automated insights.

Strong technical skills in data warehousing, data modelling and ETL processes, along with expertise in BI tools like Tableau or Power BI.

IBM, Accenture, AWS, Microsoft Power BI, Tableau Software, SIEMENS AG and others.

MBA AI Courses

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for Business

Emerging Business Tech

Generative AI for business practitioners

AI ethics and bias for business practitioners

AI and business applications

Customer analytics and AI

Generative thinking

Python

Natural Language Processing

Project Management

mba-ai-in-2026

Why AI Knowledge in 2026 is a Must for Today’s MBA Graduates

In today’s tech-first business landscape, AI is no longer just a buzzword — it has become a core business driver. From fields like finance to marketing, operations to HR, AI now transforms how decisions are made, customers are engaged, and strategies are executed. Therefore, at this time, any MBA graduate who aspires to lead must have some amount of AI literacy.

Take a look at the following reasons why MBA professionals can no longer afford to ignore AI:

  • Enhanced Employability: According to a LinkedIn report, AI and machine learning are among the most sought-after skills in the job market.

  • Data Driven Decision Making: AI equips managers with tools which will help them make faster, smarter decisions based on data analytics.

  • Ethical Leadership: Having an understanding of AI comes with its risks — bias in algorithms, cybersecurity issues, and data privacy concerns. Therefore, it is crucial for one to have a proper ethical training in AI, which will prepare them to use technology respectfully.

  • Start-Up Potential: With government initiatives supporting AI-based innovation, MBA students can find ample opportunities in launching AI-driven ventures.

Skills Needed to Thrive in these Roles

Here are some of the skills which an MBA graduate must have:

  • Prompt Engineering

  • Data Storytelling and visualisation

  • Be equipped with the knowledge of AI tools such as ChatGPT, Bard, Midjourney (domain-specific use)

  • Strategic thinking with tech execution

  • Python for business modelling (Basics)

Great Lakes - PGDM & PGPM Admissions 2026

Globally Recognized by AACSB (US) & AMBA (UK) | 17.8 LPA Avg. CTC for PGPM 2025

BIMTECH PGDM Admissions 2026

AACSB Accredited | Highest CTC: 22 LPA | Last Date: 31st December 2025

Top AI MBA Colleges 2026-28

Here is a list of the top MBA colleges in 2025 which offer students courses with AI integration.

Name of College in India

Indian School of Business, Hyderabad, IIM Bangalore, S.P. Jain Institute of Management & Research (SPJIMR), IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Calcutta, IIM Lucknow and IIM Kozhikode

Name of College (International)

Wharton, INSEAD, NYU Stern (AI Specialisation)

Online Certifications

Coursera, edX, Google AI, Microsoft Learn

MBA + AI 2025: Salary Trends and Career Growth

In 2025, pursuing an MBA degree with a focus on AI and Machine Learning is expected to offer students higher salary potential and career growth opportunities. All those professionals with this combination can expect to be in high demand across several industries.

Let us look at the salary trends and career growth that an MBA graduate will witness:

Experience Level

Salary Package (Annual CTC)

Freshers (0-2 Years)

Rs. 8 to Rs. 30 LPA with top performers from premier institutions potentially earning more.

Mid-Level (3-7 Years)

Rs. 12 to Rs. 25 LPA

Senior (8+ Years)

Rs. 15 to Rs. 20 LPA, with senior management roles potentially exceeding Rs. 30 LPA

Top Job Roles

AI Strategy Consultant, AI Product Manager, AI Director, AI Product Marketing Manager, AI Research Manager, AI Solutions Architect, Chief AI Officer and others.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Why don’t jobs exist anymore because of AI?
A:

With automation, several changes have been made to many roles, which have been lost to technology. These roles are as follows:

  • Cashiers

  • Factory workers

  • Lift operators

  • Pin Boys

  • Human computers 

  • Data-entry clerks

  • Warehouse workers 

Q: Will AI replace MBA jobs?
A:

AI is constantly transforming the job market, and it is very unlikely that AI will replace MBA graduates. Instead, AI is creating new opportunities and reshaping existing roles, requiring MBA professionals to adapt and acquire new skills. This is particularly for areas like AI strategy and data analysis.

Q: Is MBA worth it after AI?
A:

The answer is yes. The MBA program teaches the student to have leadership qualities, emotional intelligence, effective communication and strategic thinking. These qualities require a human touch and cannot be replicated by AI. 

Q: Can AI replace MBA graduates?
A:

No, AI is unlikely to completely replace MBA programs, but it will significantly reshape them. While it is true that AI can automate certain tasks and enhance efficiency, it can’t replicate the strategic thinking, adaptability and emotional intelligence which are key requirements for leadership and complex decision making. 

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Questions related to CAT

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to CAT ?

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.

Good Morning,

NIT Rourkela CAT cutoff range is between 70-85 percentiles for the general category. 70 is the minimum percentile needed to apply, and 85 is the highest percentile. However, the maximum percentile depends on the particular year competition. It can be changed.

Thank You.

If you filled the UGC NET form under EWS but you don’t have a valid EWS certificate, then forget using the EWS category. They won’t accept it. You’ll automatically be treated as General category during document verification.


And no, this won’t make your form “invalid” or “illegal.” It just means you won’t get the EWS benefit.


So yes — you can still go for General category posts and Professor recruitment. Just don’t try to submit a fake/invalid certificate; that will get you disqualified.

Hello,
If your CAT admit card shows your surname first followed by your first name as entered in the form, it is correct. You do not need to worry about this format as long as it matches the details you provided. Ensure all other information on the admit card is accurate and carry it to the exam along with the required identification documents.
Hope this helps you.