The Rise of Emerging Business Schools in India: A New Era of Management Education
For decades, the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), Indian Institute of Technology (IITs), and a few private top B-Schools such as XLRI, FMS, MDI, SPJIMR, and more dominated the space.

Emerging Business Schools in India: India’s management education sector is experiencing a remarkable transformation. For decades, the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), Indian Institute of Technology (IITs), and a few private top B-Schools such as XLRI, FMS, MDI, SPJIMR, and more dominated the space. But now a new wave of business schools is making their mark, one that is modern, agile, and globally aware. These emerging institutes are redefining what it means to get a management education in India today. They are not just alternatives; in many cases, they are setting the pace.
Why Emerging Business Schools Are Becoming Popular:
One reason is the growing demand for quality management education beyond the traditional metropolises. As India’s economy diversifies, industries need managers who are not just technically competent but also socially and regionally aware. Meanwhile, globalisation and digital transformation have changed the way businesses operate, and many traditional Business schools have struggled to keep pace. Emerging B-schools are capitalising on this gap.
The New B-Schools Typically Offer These Features:
+ Curriculum Agility: Quick integration of subjects such as AI, data analytics, sustainability, healthcare, and entrepreneurship.
+ Industry Alignment: Strong relationships with startups, SMEs, and large corporations seeking work-ready talent.
+ Faculty Diversity: A blend of Indian and international faculty to bring in different perspectives.
+ Affordability and Access: Reasonable fees and scholarship programmes for middle-income and rural students.
Notable Emerging B-Schools in India:
Name of The Institute | Courses | Established Year | Average Placement |
Flame University, Pune | MBA | 2015 | INR 9.46 Lakh |
Bennett University | MBA | 2016 | INR 7.41 Lakh |
XLRI Delhi-NCR | PGDM | 2017 | INR 25.08 Lakh |
Masters Union | PGP | 2020 | INR 23.59 Lakh |
BITSoM | MBA | 2021 | INR 23.41 Lakh |
HSB Jaipur | MBA | 2024 | NA |
Important Note: The Placement data we have taken from website research, so before applying, please check on the official website.
Tech-savvy, Startup-ready Model:
India’s emerging business schools are also capitalising on the country’s startup culture. Instead of preparing students only for corporate roles, they are preparing them to set up enterprises or join early-stage startups.
Accelerators, incubators, venture funds and capstone projects have now become an integral part of these programmes. Schools like BITSoM, Masters Union and HSB are going even further, encouraging students to start businesses while studying. Their model is not theoretical, but experiential.