The Red Pen and Admit Beacon merge MBA and Business Master’s Admissions Services, backed by U.S. News & World Report

Through the merger, The Red Pen becomes a co-owner of Admit Beacon, which will house MBA and business master’s admissions services for both organisations. Niketa Desai will lead Admit Beacon’s next growth phase, expanding its admissions and career coaching services for applicants pursuing a global business education. This strategic integration is backed by the U.S. News & World Report, a part-owner of The Red Pen.

A stronger foundation for MBA and business master’s admissions

The Admit Beacon board will comprise Niketa Desai and Kim Dixit, with Namita Mehta and Neil Maheshwari serving as Non-Executive Directors.

“This merger brings together some of the most experienced professionals on one platform,” said Niketa Desai, Founder and CEO of Admit Beacon. “Our applicants will benefit from the combined expertise of specialists in application strategy, career coaching and long-term professional guidance.”

Distinct roles for The Red Pen and Admit Beacon

The arrangement establishes a clear division of responsibilities between the two organisations. The Red Pen will continue to advise applicants pursuing boarding school, undergraduate and non-business postgraduate programmes. Admit Beacon, meanwhile, will focus on MBA and other business master’s admissions, alongside career coaching.

Both brands will retain their identities and areas of specialisation, while existing applicants will continue to receive support without disruption.

Dr Kim Dixit, CEO and Co-founder of The Red Pen, framed the merger as a sharpening of focus. “Bringing two established organisations together requires more than shared values. It requires the right framework to back a vision. This structure gives us the ability to scale Admit Beacon's reach while The Red Pen continues to build on its strengths.”

U.S. News & World Report also sees long-term value in the arrangement. Neil Maheshwari, its CFO & COO, said the merger reflects how the admissions counselling business itself is evolving. “Together, these organisations are building a long-term ecosystem that supports students across multiple stages of their educational and professional journeys.”

About the companies behind the merger

Admit Beaconis an MBA and business master’s admissions consultancy led by Niketa Desai, a Chicago Booth alumna and former admissions fellow. With offices in Mumbai, New York, Washington, D.C. and Bengaluru, the firm provides admissions guidance and career coaching. Its applicants have earned places at Harvard Business School, Stanford Graduate School of Business, the Wharton School and Kellogg School of Management.

The Red Pen is an independent global education consultancy that guides students through applications to boarding schools, colleges and postgraduate programmes across the US, UK, Canada, Europe, Singapore, Australia and India. Its applicants have secured admission to every Ivy League institution, as well as Cambridge, Oxford, MIT and other leading universities.

U.S. News & World Reportis a global journalism organisation that provides unbiased rankings, independent reporting, and consumer advice across education, health, politics, the economy, personal finance, travel, automobiles, real estate, careers, and consumer products. It has been a trusted source of insight for more than 90 years.

Are you applying to a boarding school, an undergraduate programme or a non-business postgraduate programme? Connect with The Red Pen. For MBA and other business master’s applications, contact Admit Beacon.

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