Must Read Books for MBA Students and Aspirants in 2025-2026
Ritik Kumar
August 1, 2025
When it comes to building a strong foundation in business, leadership, and strategic thinking, reading the must read books for MBA students is just as important as classroom learning. Whether you are preparing for entrance exams or already enrolled in a top B-school, these books offer timeless wisdom, real-world insights, and practical knowledge that textbooks often miss.
In this guide, we’ve compiled the must read books for MBA students and aspirants in 2025–2026—covering essential topics like business strategy, finance, marketing, leadership, and personal development. These books are highly recommended by industry leaders and top global MBA programs to help you gain a competitive edge in your career.
Table of Contents
Why You Should Read Beyond the MBA Curriculum
- Broadens Perspective: Books synthesize global best practices, case studies, and frameworks you won’t find in lectures alone.
- Develops Critical Skills: Reading sharpens analytical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and leadership abilities.
- Prepares You for Real-World Challenges: Learn directly from industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and strategists.
Why Reading is Essential for MBA Students
Leaders are readers.”
Books help MBA students think critically, make informed decisions, and understand the business world from multiple perspectives. They also aid in:
- Enhancing communication and analytical thinking
- Understanding global economic trends
- Gaining leadership and entrepreneurial insight
- Preparing for interviews and group discussions
- Learning from the real-life experiences of business leaders
Subject-Wise Must-Read Books for MBA Students
1. General Management & Leadership
Good to Great by Jim Collins
Understand what differentiates world-class companies from mediocre ones, and the leadership behaviors that enable long-term greatness.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
A foundational work on personal effectiveness and ethical leadership, trusted by managers around the world.
The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz
Raw insights about building, growing, and leading companies, especially during tough times—an essential for every future leader.
2. Strategy & Innovation
Blue Ocean Strategy by W. Chan Kim & Renée Mauborgne
Reveals how to create uncontested market space and make competition irrelevant—a modern must.
The Innovator’s Dilemma by Clayton Christensen
Essential for understanding disruptive innovation and why even the best-run companies need to constantly adapt.
Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World by David Epstein
Explores why diverse experience trumps specialization in solving complex business problems today.
3. Marketing & Influence
Marketing Management by Philip Kotler & Kevin Lane Keller
The MBA gold standard in marketing frameworks, strategies, and analytics.
Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert B. Cialdini
An exploration of persuasion backed by research—priceless for students interested in marketing, sales, or negotiation.
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
Timeless principles on networking and relationship building—critical for career success.
4. Finance, Economics & Business Analysis
The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham
Warren Buffett’s favorite investment book, introducing value investing and financial discipline.
Principles of Corporate Finance by Brealey & Myers
Comprehensive guide to finance fundamentals, risk analysis, and capital budgeting—core MBA finance knowledge.
Managerial Economics by William Samuelson & Stephen Marks
Connects economic concepts to real-life business decision-making.
5. Entrepreneurship & Productivity
- The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
Practical, step-by-step approach for building innovative businesses and products through rapid experimentation. - Atomic Habits by James Clear
Transformative, science-backed advice for habit formation and continual personal improvement—vital for MBA self-management.
6. Organizational Behavior & HR
- Organizational Behavior by Stephen P. Robbins & Timothy Judge
A key textbook covering motivation, leadership, team dynamics, and corporate culture. - Leadership and Self-Deception by Arbinger Institute
A powerful guide for developing self-awareness and effective leadership.
7. Decision-Making & Psychology
- Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
Nobel-winning insights on how people think, make decisions, and the cognitive biases that shape business judgments.
8. Real-World Lessons & Biographies
- Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike by Phil Knight
Entertaining and inspiring journey of building a global brand from scratch. - How They Started Digital by David Lester
Chronicles the early stories of modern tech giants—revealing innovation, resilience, and entrepreneurial thinking. - Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
Learn the basics of financial literacy, investing, and wealth-building, through compelling storytelling.
Tips to Build a Reading Habit During MBA
- Schedule 20–30 mins daily in your calendar exclusively for reading.
- Start with books that match your interests—don’t jump straight to heavy theory.
- Use apps like Notion or Kindle highlights to take notes and revisit key ideas.
- Join a reading group within your B-school or online.
- Try audiobooks during travel or gym sessions.
Bonus: Exam Preparation & Skill-Building Books
- Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by R.S. Aggarwal
Ideal for MBA entrance and placement test practice. - Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis
Essential for vocabulary building and acing verbal ability rounds in B-school tests and interviews.
Why Reading is a Differentiator in MBA Interviews
MBA aspirants with a reading habit stand out during GD-PI rounds. Books help:
- Form opinions on business and economy
- Improve vocabulary and articulation
- Enhance general awareness
- Develop unique perspectives on leadership and innovation
So, if you’re preparing for CAT, XAT, GMAT, or planning to join a B-school soon, make these books part of your journey.
How Career Plan B Can Help You
At Career Plan B, we believe in holistic preparation—not just for exams, but for life beyond the classroom. Our services include:
- Enhance general awareness
- B-School Shortlisting Based on Profile
- Personalized MBA Reading List & Book Discussions
- GD-PI Mentorship with Real-Time Feedback
- Career Path Mapping and Industry Insights
- Monthly Book Club for MBA Aspirants
- Webinars with Alumni from IIMs, XLRI, ISB
With Career Plan B, you don’t just prepare for an MBA—you prepare for a future in business leadership.
conclusion
The right book at the right time can change your thinking—and your career. As you embark on or continue your MBA journey, use these books to gain clarity, insight, and the edge that top professionals possess. Don’t just study business—understand it, live it, and lead it.
Keep reading. Keep growing.
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