In a significant policy shift aimed at fostering diversity and inclusivity, the prestigious Shailesh J Mehta School of Management (SJMSOM) at IIT Bombay has revised its eligibility criteria for the MBA programme for the 2025–27 batch. This new approach marks a departure from the institution’s historical preference for engineering graduates, opening doors to candidates from a wide array of academic backgrounds.

Traditionally, the MBA intake at SJMSOM predominantly consisted of students holding four-year engineering degrees, reflecting the institution’s deep-rooted technical orientation. However, recognizing the evolving demands of today’s complex business environment, IIT Bombay has now expanded its admission criteria to include graduates with a three-year bachelor’s degree from any discipline. This progressive change aims to cultivate a richer, more varied classroom experience, bringing together talents from arts, commerce, law, medicine, and other fields.

The revised eligibility conditions specify that candidates in the final year of their degree or those awaiting results can apply, provided they have secured a minimum of 60% aggregate marks across all completed examinations. For candidates belonging to SC, ST, or PWD categories, the threshold has been set slightly lower at 55%. Crucially, all applicants must also possess a valid Common Admission Test (CAT) score to be considered for the programme.

This inclusionary move by IIT Bombay is reflective of a broader trend in top management schools acknowledging the value of interdisciplinary learning. By attracting students from diverse academic disciplines, the institute aims to mirror the multifaceted nature of the global business landscape, which increasingly requires managers to possess varied perspectives, adaptability, and creative problem-solving abilities.

The admission process at SJMSOM continues to be rigorous and multi-layered. It begins with the shortlisting of candidates based on their CAT performance, academic records, and work experience, followed by a Personal Interview (PI). The final selection involves a composite score that weighs CAT scores, academic achievements, professional experience, and the PI outcome. This holistic evaluation ensures that candidates selected not only excel academically but also demonstrate potential leadership and managerial capabilities.

Experts and educational consultants have welcomed this change, highlighting how it will encourage a more diverse cohort and potentially enrich classroom discussions with insights from non-technical fields. Students from humanities, social sciences, and professional degrees such as law and medicine, who were earlier disqualified due to rigid eligibility rules, can now envisage a future at one of India’s top management institutions.

The decision also aligns with the growing emphasis on diversity and inclusion across educational institutions worldwide. Management education, in particular, benefits from the convergence of different perspectives that help in tackling complex business challenges. IIT Bombay’s move to broaden the eligibility base resonates well with this philosophy, aiming to create managers who are not just technically sound but also socially aware and versatile.

The expanded eligibility criteria are expected to attract a wider and more varied applicant pool, thereby intensifying the competition and raising the overall quality of candidates. This change will likely encourage more non-engineering graduates to consider IIT Bombay’s MBA as a viable and attractive option, boosting the programme’s reputation and impact in the management education landscape.

While the new criteria open up exciting possibilities for aspirants, the institute has emphasized the importance of fulfilling all eligibility requirements before final admission. Candidates should carefully review the detailed eligibility norms and the entire application process, which is available on the official SJMSOM admissions website.

In conclusion, IIT Bombay’s strategic revision of MBA eligibility criteria is a welcome and timely decision that reflects the evolving nature of management education. By welcoming graduates from a broad spectrum of academic disciplines, the institute is poised to nurture a new generation of leaders equipped to handle the complexities of modern business with a richer, more inclusive outlook. For aspirants from diverse fields, this presents a unique opportunity to join a premier institution and leverage its robust academic environment to build a rewarding career in management.