Why Indian MBAs Are Going Global: And How We Can Make Them World-Class

There was a time when “doing an MBA” meant either going abroad or settling for a purely domestic experience. Not anymore.

Today, Indian management programs — particularly AICTE-approved PGDMs — are stepping into the global spotlight. From curriculum innovation and international exposure to industry-linked learning and entrepreneurial thinking, we’re seeing a transformation that’s both exciting and necessary.

At Vivekanand Business School (VBS) Mumbai, we’ve had a front-row seat to this evolution. And as someone involved in shaping student journeys every day, I believe we’re just getting started.

But what’s fueling this global shift? And more importantly, what must we do to truly make Indian PGDMs world-class?

Let’s dive in.

The Rise of Global Ambition: Why Indian Students Want More

Today’s students are no longer content with just a postgrad degree and a decent placement. They’re thinking bigger — global roles, cross-cultural teams, international brands, startup ecosystems abroad. And rightfully so.

India’s economic rise, growing startup culture, and integration into global supply chains have opened doors for Indian talent to be seen — and sought — on the world stage. As a result, students are looking for B-schools that can prepare them for this borderless business world.

And institutions like Vivekanand Business School, Mumbai are listening.

What Makes an MBA or PGDM Truly Global?

It’s easy to throw around buzzwords like “global curriculum” or “international exposure.” But let’s break down what it really takes to build globally competitive B-school graduates:

1. Curriculum That Reflects the Real World

We can’t prepare students for international markets with outdated syllabi. A world-class PGDM must offer industry-aligned coursework, updated case studies, and teaching that goes beyond theory.

At VBS, for instance, we integrate Harvard case methodology, live projects, and current affairs to ensure that what students learn is immediately applicable — anywhere in the world.

2. Global Immersion: Seeing Is Learning

Nothing replaces the value of being on the ground. Vivekanand Business School’s global immersion programs in Singapore, Switzerland, Malaysia, and South Africa allow students to experience business in different cultural and economic settings. These aren’t just field trips — they’re curated learning journeys.

Students return with a sharper worldview, cultural fluency, and sometimes, even international internship offers. That’s how global competence is built — not in the classroom, but through exposure.

3. Industry Mentorship and Corporate Collaboration

World-class programs don’t just teach; they connect. Whether it’s through guest lectures, CXO sessions, or mentorship from alumni placed across the globe, we expose students to real business challenges and real conversations.

VBS Faculties ensures that students aren’t just industry-ready — they’re industry-aware from Day One.

4. Emphasis on Soft Skills and Adaptability

Business today is as much about collaboration as it is about competition. Skills like communication, emotional intelligence, and adaptability are non-negotiables for success in multicultural environments.

That’s why Vivekanand Business School PGDM program includes an Incubation lab, team-based challenges, and workshops on cross-cultural communication — preparing students to thrive in boardrooms from Mumbai to Munich.

5. Faculty with Global Exposure

One often overlooked piece of the puzzle is faculty. Institutions must empower educators to stay updated through international conferences, faculty exchange, and research collaborations.

Vivekanand Business School’s faculty members bring with them not just academic excellence, but real-world industry experience at the global level. That’s the kind of mentorship students deserve.

But Let’s Be Honest — There’s Still Work to Be Done

While the trajectory is promising, we’re not there yet. If Indian PGDMs want to compete with Ivy Leagues and European business schools, we must:

• Invest more in research and innovation
• Create stronger ties with global universities
• Offer more flexible, personalized learning paths
• Focus not just on placements, but on career readiness for evolving global roles

It’s not about replicating the West — it’s about defining our own brand of management education, rooted in Indian strengths and designed for global relevance.

What the Future Looks Like — From Where We Stand

Here’s the good news: Indian B-schools are beginning to walk the talk. AICTE’s push for outcome-based education, the rise of international accreditations like NBA and the growing role of edtech and hybrid learning models are all signs that we’re moving in the right direction.

Vivekanand Business School vision is clear:
To equip our students not just with knowledge, but with the mindset, confidence, and global fluency to lead anywhere in the world.

Because the future of business is global — and so must be the future of business education.

A Final Thought

We often get to see the moment when students realize they are capable of more — of leading projects, presenting to global clients, or securing offers from companies they once dreamed of.

Those moments remind us why this journey matters. Because when we create a world-class PGDM, we don’t just elevate institutions — we elevate people, communities, and the future of Indian talent on the global map.

And that’s a future worth building.

 

Hetaal Palan
Assistant Director, Student Relations
Vivekanand Business School Mumbai