INSEAD JAN 2026 Intake Essays & Deadlines: Key Changes & Insights

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INSEAD MBA Essay Changes 2026
Key updates and actionable tips for the INSEAD
January 2026 intake essays.
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Major Essay Changes
The key changes, unpack what they reveal about
INSEADs evolving expectations, and share sharp,
actionable tips on the INSEAD Essays.
Job Description
Personal Section
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Condensed from four to two essays.
Leadership focus, stress lessons, extra
activities.
Kira Interview
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Essential for showcasing passions and interests.
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Career Progression Achievements
Summarize your career since graduation.
Explain key decisions and progression.
Describe your current role and achievements.
Summarize
Explain
Describe
Career since graduation.
Key decisions.
Current role.
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Career Goals INSEAD's Role
Describe short and long-term career aspirations.
Include target geography, industry, and function.
Explain how INSEAD will help achieve goals.
Short-term
Long-term
Immediate aspirations.
Future vision.
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Candid Description Leadership Focus
Describe yourself as a person and a leader.
Emphasize strengths and weaknesses.
Explain how you are actively developing.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Highlight leadership qualities.
Show self-awareness.
Development
Active self-improvement.
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Lessons from Stressful Situations
Describe a highly stressful situation.
Explain how you managed it.
What did you learn about yourself?
Situation
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Describe the stress.
Management
2
How you handled it.
Lessons
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What you learned.
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Extra-Professional Activities
Describe your activities.
Explain how they have enriched your life.
Skills developed, personal growth, impact.
Sports
Music
Art
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Key Takeaways
INSEAD values leadership, self-awareness, and
clear career goals.
Essays should reflect these qualities.
Prepare for the Kira video interview.
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Contact us
Mail mbaguideconsulting_at_gmail.com