At a time when several business schools across India are witnessing a decline in MBA applications, the Jagdish Sheth School of Management (JAGSoM), Bengaluru, has emerged as a notable exception. The AACSB-accredited business school has reported a 35% increase in applications for its 2026 admissions cycle, reflecting a significant shift in how management aspirants are evaluating B-schools.
Bengaluru: At a time when several business schools across India are witnessing a decline in MBA applications, the Jagdish Sheth School of Management (JAGSoM), Bengaluru, has emerged as a notable exception. The AACSB-accredited business school has reported a 35% increase in applications for its 2026 admissions cycle, reflecting a significant shift in how management aspirants are evaluating B-schools.
According to JAGSoM, the surge in applications indicates that students are increasingly prioritizing institutions that combine academic excellence with industry relevance, specialized learning, and strong career outcomes rather than relying solely on legacy brand names.
Commenting on the admissions trend, Dr. Sridevi, Director, JAGSoM, said the growth represents a broader transformation in student expectations.
"The increase in applications and admissions is encouraging, but more importantly, it reflects a change in what students value. Today's MBA aspirants are evaluating institutions based on the quality of learning experience, pedagogy, industry exposure, and long-term career outcomes rather than just historical reputation," she said.
She added that prospective students are asking more informed questions about how an MBA program will help them develop domain expertise and prepare them for an increasingly dynamic business environment.
One of the key factors contributing to JAGSoM's growing appeal has been its transparent approach to placement reporting.
Earlier this year, the institute released a comprehensive Placement Report 2026, presenting actual placement outcomes instead of selectively highlighting only the highest salary packages. The report provides prospective students with a realistic understanding of career opportunities after graduation.
According to the institute, transparency enables students to make informed decisions while setting realistic career expectations.
"We believe informed students make better decisions. Our commitment is to present placement outcomes honestly without inflating numbers or creating unrealistic expectations," the institute stated.
Unlike conventional MBA induction programs, JAGSoM introduces students to the corporate world immediately after they join the institute through an extensive industry immersion initiative.
The induction program includes sector-specific sessions by leaders from companies such as Razorpay, Flipkart, and Amazon, along with industry visits to organizations including IKEA, Microsoft, and TVS.
Explaining the objective behind the initiative, Prof. Suman, Director, Centre for Continuous Learning and Employability, said,
"Our induction follows a three-pronged approach that combines sectoral insights from industry leaders with on-ground exposure through company visits. This enables students to understand how businesses operate, how decisions are made, and what employers expect from future managers."
JAGSoM also places strong emphasis on experiential learning through team-based challenges designed to simulate real workplace situations.
According to Dr. M. Sivagnanasundaram, Dean, JAGSoM, these exercises help students understand leadership, collaboration, conflict management, communication, and decision-making under pressure.
"Students discover how they respond to uncertainty, support teammates, resolve conflicts, and make decisions when circumstances don't go according to plan," he explained.
As part of the 2026 admissions process, every incoming student undergoes an independently developed psychometric assessment.
The evaluation helps students identify their natural learning styles, professional strengths, development areas, and potential career fit, enabling them to create a more personalized learning journey throughout the MBA program.
Established in 1995, JAGSoM has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past fifteen years.
The institute today attracts students from 25 Indian states and focuses on helping each learner build capabilities aligned with individual career aspirations and industry requirements.
2010: Tech entrepreneur and BITS alumnus Sanjay Padode assumed leadership as Chairman of IFIM Business School, founded by the late V.B. Padode, founder of the Dalal Street Journal (DSJ) Group.
2018: IFIM Business School became the sixth business school in India to receive the prestigious AACSB accreditation.
2020: IFIM Business School was renamed Jagdish Sheth School of Management (JAGSoM) in honor of globally renowned management thinker Dr. Jagdish Sheth.
2021: JAGSoM's Master's in Marketing program was ranked among the Top 100 globally in the QS Masters in Marketing Rankings, a position it has consistently maintained.
2022: The institute became one of India's first business schools to receive AACSB Multi-Campus and Multi-Program Accreditation, covering its Bengaluru and Greater Mumbai campuses along with multiple academic programs.
2024: JAGSoM was ranked 26th among all business schools in India by Business Today.
The institute has consistently completed successful placements and internships. In 2023, it recorded its highest-ever domestic and international salary package of INR 43 LPA, while the average salary stood at INR 13.30 LPA. Placement seasons for 2024 and 2025 were also completed successfully.
JAGSoM currently operates two campuses—its flagship Bengaluru campus, established in 1995, and its Greater Mumbai campus at Vijaybhoomi University, launched in 2019.
The institute also boasts a network of more than 9,000 alumni working across India, the Middle East, Europe, and North America in leadership and specialist roles across diverse industries.
The 35% growth in JAGSoM's admissions for 2026 signals more than just an increase in application numbers. It reflects a changing mindset among MBA aspirants who are increasingly seeking institutions that combine academic rigor, industry engagement, transparent career outcomes, and holistic student development.
As business education continues to evolve, JAGSoM's emphasis on experiential learning, industry integration, and student-centric practices appears to be resonating strongly with the next generation of management professionals.
