Why More International Students Are Choosing Indian B-Schools for MBA in 2025

Indian business schools are witnessing a strong surge in global interest, with a 26% rise in international students enrolling in MBA programmes this year. The trend marks a major shift in how the world views management education in India. Top institutes like the IIMs, ISB, XLRI, and SPJIMR are increasingly attracting students from countries such as the UK, UAE, Bangladesh, Nepal, and African nations, thanks to affordable fees, global exposure, and strong placement records.

I’m writing about this topic because this growth in international admissions signals a turning point for Indian higher education. For a long time, students from India looked abroad for management degrees, but now the trend is beginning to reverse. Foreign students are recognising that Indian B-schools offer world-class education, experienced faculty, and diverse networking opportunities—at a fraction of the cost compared to the US or UK. It’s important to understand what’s driving this change and how it could shape the future of global business education in India.

Why Indian B-Schools Are Becoming a Global Choice

Indian business schools have come a long way in terms of curriculum design, global partnerships, and corporate exposure. Many B-schools now collaborate with leading universities in Europe and North America, offering exchange programmes and dual degrees. For example, ISB Hyderabad has tie-ups with the Kellogg School of Management and Wharton, while several IIMs have partnerships with global institutions for student exchange and research collaboration.

Apart from academic excellence, cost plays a huge role. While an MBA abroad may cost between ₹50 lakh and ₹1 crore, Indian MBA programmes typically range between ₹20 lakh to ₹30 lakh, offering nearly the same corporate exposure and placement potential.

Data Shows Growing International Enrolments

According to recent education reports, the number of foreign students in Indian MBA programmes has gone up by 26% compared to last year. The Ministry of Education and various institutions have also been working to simplify visa processes and improve campus facilities for international learners.

Some of the major contributors to this rise include:

Competitive tuition fees compared to Western universities
High-quality placements with leading global companies
English-medium instruction that makes learning accessible
Cultural diversity and safety within Indian campuses
Government focus on “Study in India” and internationalisation of education

Top B-Schools Attracting Foreign Students

The top Indian management institutes that have seen a notable increase in international enrolments include:

Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) – Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta
Indian School of Business (ISB), Hyderabad and Mohali
XLRI, Jamshedpur
SPJIMR, Mumbai
Amity Global Business School
Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM)

These institutes not only provide excellent teaching and global exposure but also ensure that students participate in real-world projects, industry talks, and cross-cultural collaborations.

Placement Trends Supporting Growth

Indian B-schools have built a solid reputation for their placement records. In 2024, top institutes recorded placement rates above 95%, with average packages between ₹25–35 lakh per annum for premier IIMs and around ₹18–22 lakh for others. Many international firms, including Amazon, McKinsey, Deloitte, and Google, recruit directly from Indian campuses.

For international students, this combination of strong academics and promising career outcomes makes India an attractive choice.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

While the numbers are promising, there’s still scope for improvement. Many campuses need to strengthen their global marketing, improve hostel infrastructure, and expand international partnerships. The focus should now shift from quantity to quality — attracting top talent from across the world and ensuring their academic and cultural integration.

If this growth continues, India could soon emerge as a regional education hub for business and management, giving students from neighbouring countries a competitive alternative to studying in the West.

Puducherry CM Rangasamy Highlights How Medical Education Builds the Nation

Puducherry Chief Minister N. Rangasamy addressed the induction ceremony for new MBBS students at Takshashila Medical College, under Takshashila University in Tindivanam, and emphasised that medical education is a key pillar of nation-building. He called on young doctors to serve society with both compassion and integrity as they embark on their journey in the medical profession.

I’m writing about this because when a senior political leader highlights the value of medical education in such a way, it’s a reminder how future doctors are not just healthcare providers — they are nation-builders. In a country like ours, where healthcare and public service are deeply tied to societal progress, leaders’ messages like these matter a lot. New MBBS students often feel the weight and promise of their choice; to hear from the CM that their role goes beyond hospitals and clinics gives them a broader purpose. This also signals the government’s long-term commitment to supporting quality medical education in Puducherry, which can motivate more students to contribute meaningfully to public health.

Why Medical Education Matters for Nation-Building

Medical education is more than just learning to treat illness — it shapes the very infrastructure of a country’s health system. With strong medical training, future doctors contribute to public health, innovation in medicine, and healthcare equity. By urging graduates to use their education in service of others, the CM reinforced that these students are part of a larger mission: creating a healthier, stronger nation.

What CM Rangasamy said at the Induction Day

He praised the establishment of Takshashila Medical College, saying it aligns with the vision of building a socially responsible healthcare future.
Rangasamy reminded students that skills must be matched with values: “Compassion and integrity should guide your decisions,” he said, urging them to treat patients not only as cases, but as people in need.
He mentioned that medical education in Puducherry must serve all sections of society, encouraging graduates to go beyond personal ambition and contribute to public service.
He also called for leveraging government support and infrastructure to improve healthcare access, reinforcing that training alone is not enough without purpose.

The Prominence of Takshashila Medical College

Takshashila Medical College, under the larger umbrella of Takshashila University, represents a fresh push in healthcare education in the region. By starting a new MBBS batch, the college is playing its part in developing more doctors who can serve both local communities and national needs. For many students in Puducherry and nearby regions, this college offers an opportunity to receive good medical education without having to move far from home.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

Even as the CM’s words inspire, there are practical challenges:

Infrastructure: Medical colleges need strong labs, hospital attachments, and patient inflow for effective training.
Faculty Quality: To uphold the CM’s vision of compassionate education, the institution will need teachers who are excellent clinicians as well as educators.
Affordability and Access: There is always a risk that medical education remains out of reach for economically weaker students. Government policies and scholarships will play a big role.
Public Health Orientation: Graduates must be encouraged to work in underserved areas, not just big cities, so that the promise of nation-building becomes a reality in poorer communities.

Why This Message Is Important for Students and Society

For students, this is a moral call: being a doctor is not just a profession, it’s a public trust.
For parents, it underscores that supporting a child through medical college has wider societal value.
For society, strong medical education means having trained professionals who can respond to public health crises, improve healthcare access, and innovate in medical research.
For policymakers, it’s a cue to continue investing in medical colleges, infrastructure, and ethics-driven training.