Business schools in India are evolving as the country’s education sector experiences significant growth, with projections indicating that the market will reach US$102.29 billion by 2029. This growth signals an increasing appetite for high-quality, future-ready education, particularly in business. In response, a new generation of undergraduate business programmes is reshaping the academic landscape. These institutions extend beyond traditional theory by incorporating real-world exposure, entrepreneurial thinking, and global insights. This blog explores four emerging business schools in India that are leading this shift.
| Institution | Location | Degree Awarded | Global Exposure | Key Distinction |
| Tetr College of Business | Multiple global campuses | BSc from Illinois Tech; BSc (Hons) from a UK-accredited university | 7-country rotation model | Industry-designed, hands-on curriculum |
| Mesa School of Business | Bengaluru | Professional certificate (not a degree) | 3-month Silicon Valley immersion | Build 3 real businesses + 3 internships |
| Master’s Union School of Business | Gurugram | Bachelor’s degree (final year optional at Illinois Tech) | Optional 4th year in the US | Faculty of 60+ CXOs and a high placement rate |
| Bower School of Entrepreneurship | Hyderabad | BBA from Manipal University | Hyderabad startup hub | Venture-building curriculum + VC access |
1) Tetr College of Business
Tetr College of Business is a future-focused institution offering a four-year, mentor-led undergraduate business programme designed to develop real-world skills through immersive, hands-on learning. Unlike traditional models, Tetr follows a global rotation format. Each term takes place in a different country across seven international destinations. Its industry-aligned curriculum, created with input from global business leaders, prioritises problem-solving, venture building, and applied knowledge over passive theory. Students learn directly from Ivy League faculty and seasoned professionals, including founders, CXOs, and venture capitalists. This exposure builds practical, high-level insight. With a cohort drawn from over 45 countries, the programme fosters a collaborative, cross-cultural learning environment integrated into every project and challenge.
Tetr offers two undergraduate degrees. The Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence, delivered in partnership with the Illinois Institute of Technology, includes immersive projects such as building tech platforms and launching startups, alongside global business and cultural experiences. Students graduate with a degree from Illinois Tech and benefit from paid internships, research opportunities with leading companies, and scholarships covering up to 100% of tuition. The Bachelor’s Programme in Management & Technology combines entrepreneurial learning with academic rigour across locations like IIT in India, NUS in Singapore, and INSEAD in Europe. Students engage in real-world projects, including launching e-commerce ventures and sustainable brands, while faculty assess performance against clear business metrics. Graduates earn a Bachelor of Science (Honours) from a UK-accredited university, with the option to major in International Business, Management, or AI/ML.
What makes this Indian business school unique?
- Global rotation model with each term in a new international study destination
- Strong industry partnerships enabling live project work
- “Learn By Doing” approach that blends academics and real-world learning
2) Mesa School of Business
Located in Bengaluru, India, The Mesa School of Business offers a cutting-edge, four-year, full-time, residential Undergraduate Program in Business Management and Entrepreneurship. This programme is carefully designed with a hands-on, practical teaching approach, aiming to foster future leaders and job creators by embedding students deeply within the startup community.
The programme combines academic rigour with practical application. It covers core business management principles alongside modern topics such as technology, AI, and product development. A key part of the curriculum involves students establishing three actual businesses with genuine customers, real revenue, and tangible products during their studies, offering unparalleled practical experience.
Students learn from professors at leading universities, such as IIM, ISB, and Kellogg, as well as industry leaders, and participate in expert-run societies for drama, debate, public speaking, performing arts, and sports.
Additionally, Students complete three internships, spanning four months directly within the “founder’s office” of rapidly growing early-stage startups, providing invaluable practical work experience. These internships ensure students are immersed in the operational realities of dynamic businesses. Students also spend three months in Mountain View, USA, learning entrepreneurship directly from top Silicon Valley founders and operators. The internships and international exposure prepare graduates for immediate, impactful roles in businesses, product management, and other high-growth sectors, nurturing their development as effective entrepreneurs and business leaders.
What defines this business school in India?
- Students launch three real businesses to gain hands-on startup experience.
- Three internships at various founders’ offices provide exposure to startups.
- A Silicon Valley module provides direct access to top innovators.
Note – Mesa School of Business is not a UGC-accredited higher education institution and does not offer degrees or diplomas. Students who complete all program requirements will earn a professional certificate.
3) Master’s Union School of Business
Located in Gurugram (Gurgaon), Haryana, Master’s Union School of Business was founded by a collective of business stalwarts, academics, and bureaucrats who aimed to redefine business education.
The institution offers comprehensive four-year, full-time undergraduate programmes that emphasise experiential learning to gain practical skills by engaging in real-world challenges and projects rather than solely theoretical study. The faculty comprises over 60 active CXOs, MDs, and industry leaders from leading companies, ensuring that students learn directly from those who shape the business world. Master’s Union offers three distinct undergraduate programmes:
- Undergraduate Programme in Technology & Business Management: This programme equips students with a robust understanding of both core business principles and cutting-edge technological advancements. It focuses on preparing students for dynamic roles at the intersection of business and technology. The curriculum emphasises experiential learning through real-world projects and industry-aligned challenges.
- Undergraduate Programme in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence: This programme equips students with the analytical skills and technical expertise necessary for success in the fields of data science and artificial intelligence. Students learn to master data interpretation, develop AI-driven solutions, and understand the ethical dimensions of these powerful technologies.
- Undergraduate Programme in Psychology and Marketing: This unique interdisciplinary programme explores the fascinating synergy between human behaviour and effective marketing strategies. Students gain in-depth knowledge of psychological theories, consumer insights, and contemporary marketing practices, including digital and brand management.
Students can choose a “Global Track,” which allows them to spend their fourth year at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago, graduating with a B.S. degree from Illinois Tech. This unique structure ensures students are exposed to both domestic and international business practices. The business school also boasts a 92% placement rate, with graduates securing roles at top global firms, including Microsoft, Zomato, Accenture, BCG, EY, Google, Razorpay, and Bain.
What makes this business school in India different?
- Practitioner-led learning with a faculty comprising industry leaders
- Industry exposure and an experiential curriculum, ensuring practical application of knowledge.
- Global Pathways culminating in a degree from an international university
4) Bower School of Entrepreneurship
Located in Knowledge City, Hyderabad, the Bower School of Entrepreneurship offers an undergraduate programme in Business Entrepreneurship, with a major in Emerging Technologies. Designed for future entrepreneurs, this business school offers a highly immersive and hands-on learning experience. The core philosophy centres on students being actively engaged in building and launching real-world startups from the outset, culminating in a BBA degree from Manipal University. The programme blends structured academic content with boot camps and direct exposure to the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Students typically undergo a journey from idea to venture through structured phases, including ideation, market validation, prototyping, pitching, and scaling, all while immersed in real-world startup environments. They are mentored by domain experts and business leaders, with access to angel and VC networks for potential funding.
The curriculum emphasises experiential learning with live projects, accelerator-style sprints, and ongoing collaboration with seasoned entrepreneurs, investors, and CXOs. It is structured over three years, with each year focusing on critical stages of venture development.
- Year 1: Foundations of entrepreneurship introduces students to core business concepts, innovation methodologies, and essential analytical tools. This includes coursework in Design Thinking, Business Analytics and Technology Foundations, Accounting Information and Decision Making, and Financial Management and Planning. Students also gain an early insight into the entrepreneurial journey through a “Startup Lab” focused on “Experiencing the Life of a Founder.”
- Year 2: Growth and partnerships deepen this practical engagement with a “Startup Lab 360” and dedicated modules on “Venture Creation,” guiding students through the intricacies of growing their businesses and forging strategic alliances.
- Year 3: Scale and Impact focuses on strategies for expanding ventures and maximising their influence, though further detailed curriculum specifics for this year were not explicitly outlined.
What makes this business school in India stand out?
- Tailored specifically for future entrepreneurs
- Expert mentorship from entrepreneurs, seasoned investors, and industry leaders
- Strategically located within Hyderabad’s technology, business, and finance hub
Real-world learning and start-up exposure at business schools in India
The table below compares how these institutions integrate real-world learning and start-up exposure across leading business schools in India.
| Institutions | Real-World Projects | Internships | Startup Experience | Industry Mentorship |
| Tetr College of Business | Global business projects | Paid internships with top firms | E-commerce and AI venture building | Ivy League faculty + business leaders |
| Mesa School of Business | Build 3 businesses with real customers | 3 founders’ office internships | Deep integration in the startup lifecycle | Founders, VCs, and top academics |
| Master’s Union School of Business | CXO-led real-world projects | Practicum-based learning | Optional capstone ventures | 60+ active industry leaders |
| Bower School of Entrepreneurship | Live projects + accelerator-style sprints | Not standardised internships | Structured startup labs every year | Direct mentorship + VC network |
Institutions like Tetr, Mesa, Master’s Union, and Bower reflect how business schools in India are responding to industry needs through experiential, application-led undergraduate programmes. For prospective students seeking dynamic, future-ready business education in India, these breakthrough institutions are certainly worth exploring. For assistance with the application process, connect with us today. Meanwhile, read our blogs, The Revival of Liberal Arts Education in India and The Ultimate Guide to 16 Exceptional Summer Programmes in India.