Core Insights - U.S. business schools are increasingly reliant on Indian students, who represent a significant portion of the international student body, particularly in MBA programs [1][2][3] Group 1: Dependency on Indian Students - Indian nationals accounted for 73% of new H-1B visas in 2023, highlighting their dominance in the U.S. immigration system [2] - In the 2024 intake (MBA Class of 2026), Indian students made up at least 25% of the class in several top-50 business schools, significantly outnumbering students from other countries, particularly China [2][4] - The average share of Indian students across 46 of the top 50 U.S. business schools was 33.9% of all international students, compared to 17.2% for Chinese students [5] Group 2: Impact of H-1B Visa Changes - Proposed changes to the H-1B visa process include a wage-based selection system and a $100,000 fee for new applications, which could disrupt the flow of Indian talent into U.S. MBA programs [2][6] - The new wage-weighted selection process would favor higher-paying job offers, potentially altering how international MBA students approach their education and career paths in the U.S. [6][7] Group 3: Contributions of Indian Students - Indian students are not only filling seats but also contribute significantly to classroom discussions, cultural diversity, and the financial sustainability of business programs, which charge over $100,000 annually [3] - Many Indian students pursue STEM-designated MBA tracks, which provide a longer Optional Practical Training (OPT) window, seen as a crucial pathway to obtaining an H-1B visa and securing long-term employment in the U.S. [3]

For decades, US business schools like Harvard, Wharton, Stanford, and UC Berkeley have been the go-to destination for Indian MBA hopefuls. But India's own B schools are now holding their ground with three universities featured at the top of Bloomberg's best business school rankings in Asia for 202526. The Indian Institute of Management in Bangalore ranked third in Asia two years in a row, right behind the Shangghai University of Finance and Economics and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.Me ...