Jagdish Sheth School of Management (JAGSoM) has reported a significant 35% increase in admissions for its 2026 intake, reflecting a surge in demand for specialized management education. The school also experienced a 40% rise in applications compared to the previous year, signaling a growing preference among students for business programs that closely align with industry needs.
Why Students Are Choosing Industry-Focused Business Schools
The rise in admissions at JAGSoM is largely attributed to its emphasis on industry-oriented teaching methods and global accreditations, which have strengthened the institution's reputation. Students today are increasingly prioritizing programs that offer specialized academic tracks and practical skills tailored to evolving business environments. This shift indicates a move away from simply choosing schools based on legacy or brand name toward evaluating the quality of education, innovative teaching approaches, and clear career pathways.
Dr. Sridevi, Director of JAGSoM, highlighted that prospective students are asking more detailed questions about how programs will equip them with domain expertise and adaptability in a fast-changing workplace. The transparent placement reports published by the school have also helped build trust by showcasing tangible professional outcomes.
Key Features Driving JAGSoM’s Growth
- Admissions increased by 35% for the 2026 intake.
- Applications rose by 40% compared to the previous year.
- Focus on applied learning and industry engagement.
- One-month induction program introduces students to business fundamentals.
- Sectoral talks by leaders from companies like Razorpay, Flipkart, and Amazon.
- Industry visits to organizations such as IKEA, Microsoft, and TVS.
- Team-based challenges to develop communication, decision-making, and conflict management skills.
How JAGSoM Prepares Students for Real-World Challenges
JAGSoM’s academic model centers on practical learning and close collaboration with industry partners. The program begins with an induction that familiarizes students with the business landscape and management education. Throughout their studies, students engage with industry leaders through talks and site visits, gaining firsthand insights into operational strategies and workplace expectations.
Suman, Director of the Center for Continuous Learning and Employability at JAGSoM, explained that these interactions help students grasp the realities of modern business environments. Additionally, the school incorporates team-based challenges that simulate workplace pressures, enabling students to develop critical soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving under uncertainty.
M. Sivagnanasundaram, Dean of JAGSoM, emphasized that these experiences reveal how students handle conflict, support peers, and adapt when plans go awry—skills essential for success in dynamic professional settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What caused the increase in applications to JAGSoM?
A: The rise is due to growing student interest in specialized, industry-relevant management education, combined with JAGSoM’s strong reputation and global accreditations.
Q: How does JAGSoM prepare students for the workforce?
A: Through applied learning, industry talks, company visits, and team challenges that build practical skills and workplace readiness.
Q: Why are students focusing less on legacy brands?
A: Students now prioritize programs offering specialized knowledge, innovative teaching, and clear career outcomes over traditional brand names.
