Piyush Ranjan

Founder

Management Masters

India

Net Promoter Score: 9.82

Consultant Bio

“When you do something you love, it’s like you are getting paid for your hobby.” A professor told me while I was interviewing him for the college magazine. I smirked at that idea then – I loved talking to people and writing stories. Turning writing stories into a viable career was more of a distant dream, one that required an insane amount of luck. I never thought it was possible.

That was until I went for my MA in Strategy & International Management at the University of St. Gallen – the #1 MIM program (FT rankings) for ~15 years. What started then as an effort to help friends make it to top business schools has now evolved into my full-time career. I am the Founder of Management Masters, a boutique MBA admissions consulting firm based in India and Japan.

I love talking to people and getting to know their stories. That’s why I spend 8-10 hours per candidate in personal conversations. Their amazing and wildly different journeys keep me hooked! These extensive conversations help the candidates,
– First, discover themselves. So many of our conversations end with, “I had never looked at my journey from that lens.”
– Second, assert themselves. I believe my job is to give you the confidence to believe in yourself. More often than not, it’s more than enough to get exceptional admits.

I also love enabling my candidates to turn their journeys into incredible stories. With each candidate, I work with a singular objective: to help them build the best possible application they could have. Fortunately, this has also led to exceptional results for us. Since three years, ~100% of my candidates have received at least 1 interview invite from their dream schools. On average, they secured 2.3+ interviews and 1.75+ admits.

A few things to highlight:
– I focus exclusively on the Top 25 MBA programs worldwide.
– That means I am selective about my candidates. If I don’t believe we align, I’ll be the first one to tell you.
– I work with ~20-25 candidates over one admissions cycle, and I have no plans to scale this to more candidates.

Why NOT to work with me?
– If you believe I’ll make your life easier. I won’t. I am a taskmaster, and I’ll hold you to an exceptional standard. You will most likely end up working way harder on your application than you expected to.
– If you expect me to write your essays. I don’t believe this needs an explanation.

Company Information

Management Masters is a truly “boutique” MBA admissions consulting firm. We are a small team of 3 consultants based across India and Japan. We work with a limited number of candidates each year, and are quite selective about our candidates. We have no plans to expand aggressively to dilute our personalized approach to admissions consulting.

Our candidates have received calls from almost all of the Top 25 MBA programs, with ~$2.5M in scholarships. With 150+ admits and 750+ profile evaluations under our belts, we have built a reputation for honest, supportive, and no-nonsense approach in guiding candidates towards their dream business schools.

Menu of Services and Associated Costs

We primarily offer three application packages for global MBA programs. All packages include 3 mock interview practice sessions complementarily (worth USD 600).
3-school package: USD 6,000
5-school package: USD 9,000
7-school package: USD 11,000

An hour-long profile evaluation is mandatory for all candidates looking to work with us on any of these packages. It costs USD 250/- and is adjustable towards the package costs.

Additionally, special discounts are available for women candidates.

Location: India

Phone: +917488141540

Email: contact@managementmasters.in

Website: https://managementmasters.in

Provide a Candid Review

10=Without Hesitation, 1=I would advise against it.

About You
Please provide a valid email address
Verification Process

The information provided in this section is solely for verification purposes by Poets&Quants staff. It will not be published, shared, or used in any other way. We may need to contact you via email to confirm details of your review, because only completed reviews will be published. If you are leaving the review after a successful admissions process, please upload an acceptance letter. Please make sure your name is visible on the acceptance letter; you may redact all other personal or financial details. Alternatively, Poets&Quants will accept any of the following documents as proof of acceptance: emails from the school, a class schedule, or a tuition invoice, provided your name is clearly visible.

If you are not leaving a review for a successful application season, that’s OK! We accept positive and negative reviews for: applicants only, rejections, and those who have been wait listed. It is MOST beneficial for your consultant if you are as thorough as possible in your review and with your personal verification details. If we cannot verify you, the review will not be published.

Select "N/A" if you are a career coaching client only.

MBA Schools For Consideration

Upload Acceptance Letter

Please upload a pdf, png, jpg or gif file.

P&Q Consultant Reviews

  • More Than an Admit: A Mentor Who Showed Up When It Mattered Most
    2 months ago
    When I started this cycle, I was carrying a lot of personal baggage and genuinely wasn't sure I had the bandwidth to complete applications for even one school. Working with Piyush changed that entirely. What stood out from the very first session was that he refused to rush into essays. Before touching a single prompt, we spent real time uncovering my story, my motivations, and who I am as a professional. That grounding made everything else easier. By the time we got to the actual writing, I wasn't scrambling for content. I knew exactly what I wanted to say and, more importantly, why. That clarity showed up not just in my essays but in my MBA interviews and consulting interviews as well. Piyush never gave up on ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2028 Anonymous
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Definitely Recommend Working with Piyush!
    2 months ago
    I worked with Piyush for the 2026 MBA intake cycle. I received admits from Kellogg and Yale. I decided to work with Piyush because of his stellar results the year before as well as the feedback regarding his process. Specifically, that he is extremely honest and really drives you to create the best output possible. From my experience, I truly second this. A couple of things that I appreciated that really helped me: 1. The pre-work: Piyush spends a significant amount of time in 1-1 workshops with his candidates which helps flesh out the foundations of your story - strengths, goals, weaknesses, etc. This pre-work is super helpful and something you find yourself coming back to again and again 2. The story: Piyush is really ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2026 Anonymous
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Piyush sets the bar for MBA consultants!
    2 months ago
    I worked with Piyush on my MBA applications for the Fall ’26 intake, and the experience was nothing short of fantastic. He brings a highly structured approach to building your story and profile, while still investing significant time in understanding you as an individual and tailoring that approach to bring out the very best in your application. He provides thoughtful, timely feedback on essays and ensures that you get every step of the process right. What truly sets him apart is his honesty—he tells you what you need to hear, not just what you want to hear. From shaping my narrative to preparing for interviews, I found myself trusting Piyush completely. More than a consultant, he becomes a mentor through the process. I would strongly recommend him ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2026 Anonymous
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Best at what he does!
    2 months ago
    Been following him on Linkedin for a long time before I choose to work with him for my application. I was on a very tight timeline. Despite the time constraints, Piyush didn't skip steps. The initial exploratory conversation we had reflecting on my career helped me unlock foundational insights about myself which I will carry well beyond my MBA. He's extremely friendly and understanding, and his feedback on my work was highly targeted and actionable which helped me present a holistic & compelling profile of myself in front of the adcoms. The 'alumni' of Management Masters are also very approachable and helpful. I got to understand more about my target industry through association with Piyush. The interview preparation service was also extremely valuable, the mock interviews were spot-on ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2027 Anonymous
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • From Applications to Admits — A Consultant Who Truly Has Your Back
    3 months ago
    When I started my MBA application journey, I was overwhelmed with choices — schools, essays, positioning. Hiring Piyush was one of the best decisions I made throughout the process, and I say that having now been through the full rollercoaster of R1 applications. I purchased a 5-school package, but his support never felt transactional or capped at that number. He actively helped me ideate and think through essays for additional schools I was applying to independently — schools that weren't even part of our formal engagement. That kind of generosity with his time and expertise is rare, and it made a real difference in the quality of applications I submitted across the board. The real test came when I got waitlisted at 5 major programs in Round ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2028 Anonymous
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Piyush was emotionally invested in my journey
    4 months ago
    I took Piyush's services for ISB and got an admit with a significant scholarship. Piyush helped me bring out the best version of myself and highlighted those qualities via the essays. I also have a procrastinating habit, so Piyush ensured, with timely follow-ups, that my application gets completed on time. Will definitely recommend him for his work.
    Class of 2027 Anonymous
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Supportive, Insightful, & Genuinely Invested, Recommended
    4 months ago
    I initially tried applying to MBA programs on my own, but it didn’t work out as I had hoped. Working with Piyush completely changed my approach. He helped me understand how to bring my authentic self into my applications and, more importantly, articulate the “why” behind my choices and experiences. That clarity made all the difference. With his guidance, I was successful in the next application cycle, including receiving an admit from an M7 school. Beyond results, what truly stood out was how enjoyable and engaging he made the process. Whenever I felt confused or unsure, he was always available to clarify things and help me make thoughtful decisions. Piyush patiently listened, supported me through stressful moments, and helped me build confidence. More than a ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2027 Anonymous
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Brings Out The Better In YOU...
    5 months ago
    I came across Piyush and Management Masters on LinkedIn and followed their series of insightful posts on MBA admissions. After the initial interactions and the profile evaluation workshop, what stood out to me was Piyush's no-fluff attitude and his structured way of working. I opted for the 5-school package and loved his series of workshops, motivating me to interpret my journey better and join the dots backwards. As someone based in Japan, I was initially worried about the logistics and relatability of my experiences. However, Piyush was always a ping away, took sufficient time to understand my PoVs, and further guided me in communicating them well to the admission committee. Moreover, during the interview phase, he helped me schedule mock-interviews with his trusted network of alumni, providing ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2028 Anonymous
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Made A Tough MBA Journey Feel Manageable
    6 months ago
    I had a great experience working with Piyush and was fortunate to receive admits from Kellogg, Darden, and ISB (25% scholarship). He was extremely easy to work with, very organized, always accessible, and consistently responsive throughout the process. I felt comfortable reaching out to him with questions at any stage, even revisiting the same doubts, and he was patient and helpful every single time. What truly stood out was how invested he was in the journey beyond just applications. He helped keep my confidence and morale high during stressful moments and acted as both a mentor and a friend. His guidance made the entire process feel structured, supported, and manageable, and I would highly recommend working with him.
    Class of 2028 Anonymous
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Incredible Guidance!
    6 months ago
    I chose Management Masters because I wanted thoughtful, honest guidance rather than a templated admissions process and that’s exactly what I received. With their support, I secured admits from LBS, HEC Paris, Darden ($60k scholarship), Tuck, and ISB. What I appreciated most was how invested they were in my journey: they helped me sharpen my narrative, identify my strengths clearly, and make confident decisions throughout the process. Their balance of strategic insight and genuine encouragement made the entire experience both effective and reassuring.
    Gurkirat Arneja
    MBA Application Class of 2028
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • A Consultant Who Truly Invests In You
    6 months ago
    Piyush is just incredible. I worked with him on 8 schools for 2026 admissions cycle and I got an admit from 4/8 schools - INSEAD (Euros 20K scholarship), ISB, Tuck and Darden ($90K scholarship). His 8 step process really helped me dig deeper into my journey and understand my whys. Trust me when I say this: Once you are onboarded with Piyush, he is just a call away and he will be your rock throughout this process. He was my mentor, friend and consultant, who was there to support me in my application journey. He was more than happy to go through each of my applications in detail multiple times to make sure I was putting my best foot forward. He is someone who would ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2026 Anonymous
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Highly Recommend Working With Piyush
    6 months ago
    I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Piyush! This is not only because of the outcome of my applications but also because of the interest Piyush took in my journey and my story which translated to my school selection and essays. Piyush was always ready to get on a call to discuss any doubts I had regarding the process. His support for mock interviews helped me convert all three of my interview invites. The application process can be taxing, but having someone like Piyush who can keep even serious conversations light-hearted really helps! I took the 5-school package and ended up with 3 admission offers from Kellogg, NYU Stern and ISB.
    Class of 2028 Anonymous
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Highly Recommended 10/10
    6 months ago
    Working with Pitush was one of the best decisions I made during my MBA application journey. He didn’t just help me create strong essays, he pushed me to understand my own story more clearly. What I appreciated most was how thoughtful and structured his guidance was. He asked the right questions, challenged me when needed, and made sure every piece of my application reflected who I truly am. His ability to combine strategic advice with genuine empathy made the process far less stressful. I always felt like I had someone in my corner who cared about my success. I would highly recommend Piyush to anyone who wants to bring out their best in an MBA application.
    Vaibhav Agrawal
    MBA Application Class of 2027
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Great Consultant To Work With
    6 months ago
    Piyush has had a good track record, I highly recommend him for niche MBA programs. He’s also quite reliable and proactive in helping with all sorts of queries.
    Class of 2027 Anonymous
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Highly Recommend 10/10
    6 months ago
    I was applying to MBA programs with relatively less work experience, so I wanted someone who genuinely believed in my profile and trusted me enough to give honest, unfiltered feedback and that’s exactly what I got with Piyush. Our early sessions, where we broke down my profile, were insanely helpful and honestly felt like talking to a therapist who was also shaping my application clarity at the same time. What stood out was how available and supportive he was throughout the entire process, constantly motivating me, backing my ideas when they worked, and calling things out when they didn’t. His honesty and trust in my potential helped me show up confidently, and the impact reflected in my results: admits from IESE Business School and Tuck ...
    Read the full review
    Anushka Singh
    MBA Application Class of 2027
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Great Experience 10/10 Recommend
    7 months ago
    Working with Piyush was a great experience. He really took the time to understand my background and experiences before we started working on my essays. What I appreciated most was how he helped me craft a story that felt authentic and true to my profile, rather than something generic or overpolished. His feedback was clear, practical, and always pushed me to think deeper about my motivations. I’d highly recommend him to anyone looking for a genuine and thoughtful MBA counsellor.
    Avanti Shroff
    MBA Application Class of 2027
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Amazing Person
    7 months ago
    When I began my search for a consultancy to guide me through my MBA applications, reaching out to current students from my target schools seemed like the most effective strategy. One name consistently surfaced in every conversation: Piyush Ranjan. I reached out to Piyush, sharing my plans to apply to NUS and NTU in the first round, and requested his support with my entire application process. To my surprise, he politely declined, explaining that he would be on a planned vacation for 10 days and might not be able to support me effectively within the tight timeline. What stood out to me was that he didn’t leave me stranded—he thoughtfully recommended other reputable consultants who could assist me instead. Before approaching Piyush, I had spoken to several ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2025 Anonymous
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • The Consultant You Need Not Want
    7 months ago
    I took 2 services from Piyush in 2024 - The Profile Review and Interview Prep for 2 schools. The profile review was extremely holistic, instead of just giving superficial guidance on what works or doesn't work in your profile Piyush follows an extremely structured approach and provides advice on where and HOW you can improve if you have time. For the interview prep he has a great team which also includes alums from your target school. This gave me insights from people who have experienced the interview first hand and could pinpoint exactly what I needed to work on. The whole service provided by Piyush and his team is exceptional, they are straightforward and give you advice based on what you need not want to hear. ...
    Read the full review
    Ankita Mukherji
    Interview Prep Only Class of 2027
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Highly Reliable, Professional, Candid & Genuinely Cares For Candidates He Works With
    7 months ago
    Even as a Consultant at an MBB with a strong GMAT score, my application journey did see roadblocks when I tried to do R1 by myself, taking help from friends and colleagues. Subsequently working with Piyush made me firsthand experience the tremendous upside of working with an admissions consultant - albeit a great one. Flexing his schedule to support my application, Piyush was extremely practical and candid. He supported me both on essays and interview prep, and I always found his advice to be crisp and clearly reflective of the school's realities. Ended up with an INSEAD admit!
    Aryaman Shah
    MBA Application Class of 2026
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Asking Good Questions - Start With A 'Why'
    7 months ago
    My journey with Piyush started with an MBA application, but evolved into much more than that of a coach and coachee. I found him after working with a few coaches, and his approach immediately clicked for me. The process was grueling but extremely satisfying. At every turn, I was asked "Why"- 'Why does this story matter?', 'Why does it make sense for the school?', 'Why should the adcom care about this achievement?'. Questions such as these implored me to think beyond the surface, to motivation for actions, reasons for pursuing certain avenues, and how I got where I was professionally and personally. While I didn't succeed in all the applications, I can confidently say, that it wasn't because of my essays or how well I ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2025 Anonymous
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Great Coach & Experienced Advisor
    7 months ago
    I worked with Piyush from July 2024 until the admissions outcome in May 2025. When I started my application process I was overwhelmed by the amount of information available and I was nervous because I knew I had a below par CGPA to work with. Piyush helped me decide on parameters to pick the schools to apply to. He helped me identify my core values and refine my story which resulted in an admit to Haas School of business. I come from an overly overrepresented pool of candidates, yet Piyush has helped me to develop an outstanding application that I could not have made on my own. Thank you, Piyush!
    Daniel Sujay R
    MBA Application Class of 2025
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Top Tier Admissions Consulting — & An Even Better Consultant
    8 months ago
    I had been following Piyush on LinkedIn well before starting my MBA journey, and the depth and clarity of his posts were enough to convince me to work with him - without even considering other consultants. I’m truly glad I made that decision. Right from the beginning, his guidance, responsiveness, and attention to detail were exceptional. Piyush not only helped me refine my essays through 6+ thoughtful iterations but also worked closely with me to craft a compelling narrative that truly differentiated my profile. He also provided honest, data-backed insights on my target schools and my realistic chances at each, helping me make informed decisions throughout the process. No fluff, straight to the point, with sharp humor and an outstanding work ethic - that’s exactly how I aspire ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2027 Anonymous
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.