Known as ‘The Original MBA,’ Harvard Business School (HBS) remains the gold standard in business education. Ranked consistently among the top 5 MBA programs globally (QS Global MBA Rankings 2025), HBS combines case-based learning, a global alumni network, and a reputation that transcends borders. For Indian students aspiring to lead at the highest levels, Harvard offers both a brand and a transformation.
Here’s all you need to know:
Why Indian Students Aspire to Harvard Business School
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Ivy League + Global Brand | Universally recognized and respected |
| Case Method Pedagogy | 100% case-based learning builds decision-making skills |
| Leadership Focus | Centered on personal growth, ethics, and influence |
| 95%+ Job Placement | Across consulting, finance, tech, social enterprise |
| Global Cohort | ~35% international students, including 8–10% from South Asia |
| Global Alumni | Over 80,000 alumni across 170+ countries |
Program Snapshot
- Degree: MBA (2 years, full-time)
- Class Size: ~930 students
- Median GMAT: 740
- Average Work Experience: 4.9 years
- Indian Applicants Accepted Annually: ~25–35
- Teaching Method: 100% case-based
Cost of MBA at Harvard Business School (2025)
| Expense | Approx. Cost (USD/year) |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $76,000 |
| Living, Materials & Other | $30,000 |
| Total Yearly Cost | ~$106,000 |
| 2-Year Estimate: ₹1.75 – ₹2 crore |
Scholarships for Indian Students
- HBS Need-Based Fellowships (up to $80,000 total)
- JN Tata Endowment, Inlaks, PNB, KC Mahindra Scholarships
- Indian Trusts (Ashok Khurana, Narotam Sekhsaria)
- External MBA Scholarships for Women, STEM, or impact professionals
Admission Criteria (Indian Applicants)
| Requirement | Typical Profile |
|---|---|
| GMAT/GRE | 730+ strongly recommended |
| Work Experience | 2–10 years, with leadership |
| Essays | One open-ended: “What else would you like us to know?” |
| LORs | 2 references from supervisors or mentors |
| TOEFL/IELTS | Required if UG not in English |
| Interview | Invite-only; conducted by admissions staff |
Application Rounds: Round 1 (Sep), Round 2 (Jan), Round 3 (Apr)
Round 1 or 2 preferred for Indian applicants.
Post-MBA Outcomes
| Metric | Result |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary | $175,000 base |
| Signing Bonus | $30,000 |
| Top Fields | Consulting, PE/VC, Tech, Social Impact, Healthcare |
| Recruiters | BCG, McKinsey, Google, Sequoia, Blackstone |
Why Harvard Business School for Indian Students
- Flagship brand in India for both corporate and public sector careers
- Broad-based curriculum with entrepreneurship and impact leadership tracks
- Immense alumni access in India, Middle East, UK, and APAC
- Strong gender diversity and growing Indian women representation
You Might Also Like: The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania
Admitix Helps You Prepare for Harvard Business School
Admitix supports Indian applicants with:
- Essay crafting for introspective storytelling
- Profile positioning for leadership impact
- Interview prep with HBS-style behavioral mock rounds
- Scholarship strategy and proof-of-fund planning
Book your free consult today!
FAQs – Harvard Business School
Q. How hard is it to get into HBS?
Acceptance rate is around 9%. A standout story, leadership, and clear impact are essential.
Q. What is the GMAT score required for Indian applicants?
Target a 730+, though strong applicants with 700+ can succeed with exceptional profiles.
Q. Is there an Indian scholarship specifically for HBS?
No HBS-only scholarship, but several India-based fellowships can support funding.
Q. Can I apply with a non-business background?
Yes. HBS values diversity and accepts candidates from engineering, medicine, public policy, and more.
Q. Does HBS offer a STEM MBA?
Not currently, but many post-MBA job options still qualify for STEM-related OPT pathways.
