Companies are hiring MBA graduates faster than ever. According to the GMAC Recruiters Survey 2025, over 90% of employers plan to hire B-school grads this year. This marks a strong comeback after the hiring dip during the pandemic.
However, quick hiring often brings hidden risks. A strong resume does not always mean a trustworthy candidate. This is why background verification for MBA graduates is now a top priority for HR teams.
The Rising Demand for B‑School Graduates
In India, MBA employability has surged from 47% in 2021 to over 78% in 2025, driven by sharper industry integration, AI-savvy curricula, and real-world learning programs (India Today).
Moreover, global B‑school graduates are landing roles at top firms in consulting, finance, analytics, and sustainability—with salaries pushing into the ₹1 crore range at international placements.
Therefore, it’s no surprise that companies are ramping up MBA hiring across functions. Yet, as hiring velocity increases, so do the risks—from embellished resumes and unverifiable credentials to misaligned experience claims and moonlighting.
But fast hiring brings challenges:
- Fake degrees
- Misleading job titles
- Unverified work history
- Online courses presented as full-time programs
- Remote hires working two jobs
Therefore, HR leaders need more than interviews. They need proof.
The Role of Background Verification for MBA Graduates
Hiring someone with the wrong skills—or worse, a fake profile—can be costly. In leadership roles, a single wrong hire may cost a company up to ₹30 lakh. It may also harm team morale and reputation.
This is where background verification for MBA graduates comes in.
By checking a candidate’s education, work history, and behavior, HR can avoid major risks. It also helps build trust between the company and new hires.
The “MBA Tag”: What Needs Verifying
Not all MBAs are created equal—and HR teams know it. With over 6,000 management institutes in India alone, and dozens of new-age online MBAs entering the scene, vetting becomes essential. Here’s what HR needs to verify:
| Credential | Common Risks | Pietos Screening Approach |
|---|---|---|
| MBA Degree | Fake institutes, unaccredited online programs | University/AICTE/UGC accreditation checks + physical/university API validation |
| Internship Experience | Fictitious firms, friend-run startups | Corporate incorporation and legal existence check |
| Certification Add-ons | Online badges without skill proof | Verification with issuing platform, credential ID mapping |
| Cross-border Degrees | Unrecognised or non-equivalent foreign MBAs | NACES/UK-NARIC equivalency + direct registrar engagement |
Additionally, Pietos conducts structured reference checks that go beyond HR contacts—reaching out to previous managers to validate behavioral traits and leadership ability.
Why Many Companies Use Third-Party BGV Tools
Many HR teams work with expert partners like Pietos to carry out background checks. The benefits are clear:
- Faster results – Our checks are completed in under 3 business days
- More accuracy – We use smart tools to find errors and red flags
- Better coverage – We even verify in remote or hard-to-reach areas
- Stronger documentation – All results are audit-ready
Most importantly, using a partner like Pietos gives your team peace of mind.
A Real Example: When Verification Saved a VC Firm
One of our clients, a Mumbai-based venture capital firm, hired eight MBA graduates last year. Before onboarding, they asked us to run background checks.
We discovered:
- One person had faked a degree from NYU Stern
- Another had a 4-month gap hidden between jobs
- One candidate had a job title online that didn’t match their HR records
Because of the checks, they avoided two poor hires. They also updated their screening policy based on what we found.
Remote Hiring & Moonlighting: The Silent Threat in MBA Talent Pools
With remote and hybrid hiring now the norm, employers face increased risks of:
- Dual employment
- Ghost internships or self-started firms with no revenue
- Credential stacking via generative AI resume builders
Our digital address verification and continuous monitoring tools have helped employers detect:
- Candidates working two roles simultaneously in remote setups
- Fabricated digital proof of address in Tier 2/3 cities
- Discrepancies between salary slips and declared compensation
At Pietos, our AI and on-ground network allow us to screen even in challenging terrains—including remote hilly regions or flood-prone zones—through digital validation and video checks.
Background Verification Is No Longer Optional—It’s Strategic
According to NASSCOM, 76% of companies reported hiring fraud cases in 2024, especially in mid to senior roles. Meanwhile, India Inc. is investing 3x more in screening tech and HR compliance tools to keep pace with fast hiring and high mobility.
As B-school grads continue to dominate leadership pipelines, screening must match the sophistication of hiring. HR cannot afford to treat BGV as a check-box—it’s a risk control mechanism, a brand protector, and a performance filter.
Final Takeaways for HR Leaders
In 2025, hiring is fast—but risks are real. That’s why more companies are investing in background verification for MBA graduates.
If you’re hiring MBAs, make sure you:
Use a trusted partner to help you do it right
Check their degree and education history
Verify their previous roles and achievements
Speak to past managers or mentors
Why Choose Pietos
At Pietos, we help companies like yours screen MBA and leadership talent with speed and care. Whether it’s an IIM graduate or a global MBA, we check their story—so you can trust your hire.
For example, at Pietos:
- We use GPS-tagged address verification to detect fake rental proofs
- Our continuous monitoring services alert HR if a candidate joins another employer post-hire
- Video-based checks ensure presence and identity validation in real-time, especially in inaccessible regions
These checks help HR teams stay ahead of risks, rather than react to post-onboarding surprises.
Whether you’re hiring your next MBA for strategy, analytics, or transformation—we ensure their background is as strong as their resume.
Let’s help you screen smarter, hire faster, and build a future-ready workforce.
Connect with our BGV experts or schedule a demo to see how Pietos works for your next MBA hiring wave.
