JAGSoM admissions rise 35% for 2026 intake as applications jump 40%

Jagdish Sheth School of Management (JAGSoM) has announced a 35% increase in admissions for its 2026 intake, highlighting the rising demand for specialised, professionally focused management education. The institute also noted a 40 per cent rise in the number of applicants as compared with the previous year, which points towards a growing inclination towards industry-oriented business schools among students.

The expansion is attributed to its industry-oriented pedagogy, global accreditation and the growing trust in the JAGSoM brand, the institute said. The increasing interest in management programmes with specialised academic pathways and stronger linkages with changing industry needs has also been evident in the latest admissions cycle.

Applicants are evaluating institutions beyond legacy brand names, focusing instead on career-oriented specialisations, innovative pedagogy, quality of education and long-term professional career growth opportunities.

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Student preferences drive application growth

Dr Sridevi, Director, JAGSoM commented on the trend, “Students today are asking more informed questions. They want to understand how a programme will help them develop domain expertise and the ability to perform in a rapidly changing workplace.”

“The growth in applications and admissions is encouraging. More importantly, it reflects a change in what students value. They are looking beyond legacy brand names and evaluating the learning experience, pedagogy, industry exposure and professional outcomes offered by an institution,” she added.

Its transparent placement report has played a key role in building trust among prospective students by highlighting the outcomes offered through its programmes.

Industry focuses on practical learning

According to JAGSoM, its academic model emphasises "applied learning" and industry engagement and industry engagement and developing workplace-ready skills. The process starts with a one-month induction programme where students are introduced to the business world and are geared towards the management education process.

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Suman, Director- Center for Continuous Learning and Employability, JAGSoM said, "Sectoral talks by industry leaders from organisations such as Razorpay, Flipkart and Amazon help students understand changing business realities and workplace expectations. Industry visits to organisations such as IKEA, Microsoft and TVS allow them to observe operations, systems and decision-making in practice."

M. Sivagnanasundaram, Dean said, “The third component involves team-based challenges where pressure, uncertainty and group behaviour become visible. Students begin to understand how they communicate, make decisions, handle conflict, support others and respond when situations do not go as planned.”