MBA Course

MBA course is a two-year postgraduate degree that a candidate can choose if they have an interest in the business and corporate world. This course provides specialisations in various fields, including finance, human resources, marketing, operations, international business, and more. A candidate can pursue this degree either full-time or part-time (distance education). This program allows a student to excel in business management and leadership roles. They can start a new business or work in the corporate world. 

Admission to MBA colleges and universities requires a good score in the Bachelor's program. Additionally, candidates need to pass entrance exams like CAT, XAT, SNAP, or others. There are group discussion and interview phases that follow MBA admissions in India to the top MBA colleges like IIMs, ISB, FMS, etc.

Many MBA institutes also offer internship opportunities in prestigious institutions. The salary packages for an MBA start from INR 5 LPA and go up to INR 55 LPA and more. Thus, all the candidates interested in the MBA course should check out this page for complete information.

In a world that’s driven by various businesses, the demand for MBA graduates has been growing by leaps and bounds. No wonder, we see an increasing number of MBA applications year after year. Going by data from AICTE’s report, more than 4 lakh students applied for MBA and PGDM courses last year. This number is expected to grow further this year, as more students realise the significance of an MBA course and how it helps to kickstart a career in the business world. 

Indian institutes and universities, on the other hand, are also going all out to offer as much variety as possible in their management programmes. From Sales and Marketing to Operations and Finance, there is no dearth of MBA courses or PGDM courses being offered to students. Variety, not just in terms of specialisations, but also colleges and their fee range is available for those who are worried about the expenditure involved in pursuing this popular discipline. The best MBA courses in demand in India are finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, human resources, operations management, supply chain management, health administration, international business, and more. 

The next season of MBA admissions will happen in 2025 and there are many requirements that aspirants have to fulfil before qualifying for a seat. In some cases, students may have to appear for MBA entrance exams like CAT, MAT, XAT or CMAT whereas some admissions will happen based on the student's academic background. In either case, one must possess a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50% marks.

If you are interested in pursuing an MBA course, check out the major highlights mentioned below.

MBA full form is Master of Business Administration (also known as Master in Business Administration). MBA is a postgraduate degree that offers fundamental management knowledge and enhances an individual's skills and abilities to make them competent enough to work at managerial levels. This degree is widely recognised and respected in the business world, offering a gateway to numerous career opportunities across various industries and sectors. Admission to top MBA colleges is done based on MBA entrance exams and a bachelor's degree in Business Administration or any other stream.

MBA is an internationally acclaimed degree preferred by individuals who wish to get a holistic view of the business across areas like finance, marketing, human resources, operations, accounting, etc., all while developing vital skills necessary to lead. If you're wondering ‘Is MBA a useful degree?’ or ‘How does an MBA help your career?’ then read below to get all the answers for why you should do an MBA.

• Acquire Managerial Skills: The MBA course helps develop business acumen and managerial skills and prepares a candidate to perform various managerial duties. It also instils communication, analytical, logical, comprehension, and various other crucial skills.
• Better Career Opportunities: With an MBA degree from a well-recognized institute, one can find high-paying jobs in some of the biggest organisations in India and abroad. Many working professionals choose MBA courses to boost their careers and grab better career opportunities.
• Develop Leadership Skills: By pursuing an MBA course, one can acquire leadership roles in top companies across the world. It prepares a candidate to lead a team, convey his ideas clearly to the team members, make decisions that can impact hundreds of people, and keep the functioning and operations of the business intact.
• Entrepreneurial Skill Development: The benefits of MBA in India include enabling students to understand how a business works and what contributes to its success; thus, preparing them for entrepreneurial roles and starting their own company. So, if you have a burning idea for a business, an MBA course may help you get started.
• Lucrative Salary & Great Benefits: Students are offered exceptional salary packages between 20-50 lakhs per annum after graduating from an MBA course from a well-established college or university. Through IIM placements, one can even get a package of 70 lakhs per annum and above.
• Global Exposure to Business and Economy: Professionals working in the Management sector are exposed to businesses and economies of various nations. One can learn about global business administration and management techniques by taking up jobs after an MBA.

As mentioned above, the benefits of pursuing an MBA course are great; however, the decision should be made based on what a candidate is seeking out of it. If you are not sure about whether you should go for an MBA, check out the below points that discuss who should consider this course. These points should satisfy your query about who should do an MBA course in India:

• Candidates Who Want to Evolve as Leaders: An MBA is ideal for aspiring leaders eager to develop their leadership skills in any field of interest. If you're ready to refine your managerial abilities and embrace leadership roles, then pursuing an MBA is your path forward.
• Graduates Looking for a Career in Management: Management is a highly sought-after profession worldwide. If you aspire to work in this field, pursuing an MBA is a worthwhile consideration. Regardless of your undergraduate course, an MBA can launch your career in Management.
• Individuals Aspiring to Become Entrepreneurs: An MBA equips aspiring entrepreneurs with the essential skills needed to navigate every facet of running a business, from managing finances and operations to empowering sales and marketing teams.
• Working Professionals Seeking Career Advancement: Full-time executives, with 3-5 years of experience, aiming to boost their networks, skills, and career prospects should do an EMBA. These programs provide an accelerated route to career growth and higher earnings.
• Business Owners Driven by Desire for Learning: Business owners can leverage an MBA for improved communication, team-building, and management strategies. Enhanced skills in strategic thinking and critical analysis enable them to elevate their business to new heights.

Types of MBA courses in India vary depending on the modes and formats. In the past, a full-time MBA degree was the most commonly chosen path by candidates in the nation. However, time has shifted and now many students opt for distance or part-time MBA while pursuing their career options simultaneously. Many such options are now available for students to apply for MBA admissions 2024 without entrance exam. The following points provide insights into these choices:

Online MBA course is a great option for those who don't have time to attend classes due to various responsibilities. If you are a working professional who can't invest time in a full-time MBA program or just need to get a degree from the comfort of your home, then MBA online is a great option. The classes are conducted online and the recorded lectures are also available. The online MBA course subjects are designed to ensure one grasps the core values of the course and also develops the necessary skills.

Candidates can take admission to MBA online from any city to any desired college around the country by filling out the application form. IGNOU, Chandigarh University, LPU, and Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning are some of the top online MBA colleges. The annual course fees start from INR 40,000 to INR 2 lakhs, approximately. If you're wondering what is the qualification for an MBA online, then it's the same as a regular MBA- you need to have a bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks.

List of Online MBA Courses in India

Check the most popular Online MBA courses in India mentioned in the table below:

Also Read: 10 Popular Online MBA Courses by Institute

Most of the candidates aspiring for an MBA Course usually have many questions, like, 'What is the qualification for an MBA?', 'Can I do an MBA after 12th?', or 'Does an MBA require Maths in 12th?' The eligibility for admission to the MBA course, in India, requires students to fulfil certain requirements that again vary from college to college. Check below the detailed MBA course eligibility criteria:

• Educational Qualification: The candidate needs to have a bachelor's degree in any stream from a recognised university. The minimum aggregate required for the IIMs and IITs is 60% or equivalent CGPA, while for other colleges, the student needs to have 50% marks in graduation. For reserved category students, there is a relaxation of 5%. Students who are in their final year are also eligible to apply, but the admission will be subjected to the final aggregate.
• Entrance Exams: For admission to the MBA course in IIMs and IITs, Candidates necessarily need to appear for the CAT exam. More than 1000 colleges accept CAT scores for admission to the MBA course in their respective institutes. Some other very popular entrance exams include the CMAT, XAT, MAT, MAH MBA CET, etc. Candidates have to check at the time of form filling which entrance test is accepted by their desired college.
• Work Experience: There is no such clause of work experience for an MBA aspirant. However, if you have any, you will be at an advantage during the admission process. For Executive MBA courses, one must have a work experience of 3-5 years or more, depending on the institute.
• Age Limit: There is no MBA course eligibility age.

Skills Required for MBA Course

• Analytical Skills: Interpreting large amounts of complex data, identifying trends, and making decisions based on that information.
• Leadership Skills: Leading cross-functional teams, motivating people, and bringing change to an organisation.
• Communication Skills: Verbal and written communication skills to interact effectively with stakeholders.
• Time Management: Setting priorities, beating deadlines, and addressing multiple responsibilities efficiently.
• Problem-Solving: Identifying problems, finding creative solutions, and implementing effective strategies.
• Critical Thinking: Objectively assess information, and risks, and exercise good judgment.
• Adaptability: Be flexible and adjust to new situations, environments, and business dynamics.
• Teamwork: Can work with diverse teams to deliver a common objective.
• Financial Literacy: Knowledge of financial concepts, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
• Strategic Thinking: The ability to think long-term, develop strategic plans, and link organisational goals to market trends.

Mentioned below are some of the top national, state, and university-level MBA entrance exams required to make a cut into the MBA colleges.

Top National-Level MBA Entrance Exams in India

Here is the MBA entrance exam list at the national level:

Top State-Level MBA Entrance Exams in India

The best MBA entrance exam for government colleges at the state levelis given in the list below:

Top University-Level MBA Entrance Exams in India

For admissions into universities, candidates must fulfil MBA course entrance exams in India eligibility:

MBA Entrance Exam Preparation Tips

Preparing for MBA entrance exams requires a strategic approach to ensure success. If you’re worried about how to prepare for MBA entrance exam at home, here are some tips to help you prepare effectively:

• Understand the Exam Format: Familiarise yourself with the exam pattern, types of questions, and marking scheme.
• Create a Study Plan: Develop a comprehensive study plan that covers all the important topics. Allocate sufficient time for each subject based on your strengths and weaknesses.
• Focus on Fundamentals: Build a strong foundation in quantitative aptitude, verbal ability, logical reasoning, and data interpretation.
• Practice Regularly: Solve practice questions, sample papers, and mock tests regularly to improve your speed, accuracy, and problem-solving skills.
• Learn Time Management: Practise solving questions under timed conditions to improve your speed and accuracy. Learn to prioritise questions and manage time efficiently in each section.
• Stay Updated: Read newspapers, magazines, and online resources regularly to stay informed about the latest developments.
• Seek Guidance: Consider joining coaching classes or online courses specifically designed for MBA entrance exam preparation.
• Review and Analyse: After taking mock tests or practice exams, review your performance thoroughly. Identify your strengths and weaknesses, analyse your mistakes, and work on improving them.
• Stay Healthy and Manage Stress: Take regular breaks, practice relaxation techniques, and stay positive and focused throughout your preparation journey.
• Believe in Yourself: Lastly, believe in yourself and stay confident. With dedication, perseverance, and the right preparation strategy, you can crack any MBA entrance exam.

Best Book for MBA Entrance Exam Preparation

If you are planning to appear for popular MBA entrance exams, it's important to have the right study material to help you prepare. To give you a head start, we have compiled a list of the best books for MBA entrance exam preparation in India that cover a wide range of topics from quantitative aptitude to verbal ability.

For admission to MBA colleges that accept entrance exams, candidates need to clear the minimum cutoff. The MBA cutoff is typically released separately by every college and students must meet it to be eligible for counselling rounds. Check out the MBA cutoff for top B-schools in India.

CAT 2024 Cutoff for Top IIMs in India (Expected)

CAT cutoff for IIM for general, SC, ST, EWS, and OBC are given below:

CAT 2024 Cutoff for Top Non-IIMs in India (Expected)

The basic MBA admission process consists of certain phases that are similar across a majority of management institutes. Here are the stages that every MBA candidate must go through to seek admission into an MBA course.

• Apply for Entrance Exams: The first step is to apply for the MBA entrance exams accepted by the colleges to which one is seeking admission. Check all the requirements of the entrance exam and ensure you meet them.
• Qualify for Entrance Exams: If you qualify for the entrance exam and meet the minimum cutoff, you will be called for selection rounds. Students need to register to take part in the counselling and fulfil all the requirements.
• Participate in Counselling: Based on the entrance exam scores, candidates are shortlisted and called for Group Discussions, Written Ability Test, or Personal Interview rounds. MBA colleges offering direct admissions to MBA, on a merit basis also conduct personal interview rounds. 
• Appear in the Merit List: After evaluating candidates based on entrance exam scores, GD/PI performance, academic performance, and work experience (if any), the final list of selected students will be declared.
• Report to the College: Those who have been allocated a seat in the MBA college will be required to do the reporting (offline or online) and pay the admission fees. The classes will commence after that.

Also Read:

Direct MBA admission without entrance exams is easy if academic performance up to the graduation level is better, for many MBA colleges in India. This simple admission process saves the students many steps that one usually has to take in the route of entrance exams, counselling sessions, and seat allotment rounds. The candidate desiring to seek admission to an MBA programme under the direct admission process has to meet the eligibility criteria set by the interested college.

In basic terms, it means direct admission in MBA without entrance exam in Mumbai, Pune, or any other locality requiring just graduation from a recognised board, with at least 50% marks aggregately. However, some institutions can vary in this aggregate mark. Some can even conduct personal interviews to analyse prerequisites like effective communication and analytical ability, among others. The eligibility criteria and other requirements from college to college for direct admission to the MBA course may vary, so candidates who want to take admission have to verify the requirements from the college where they wish to take admission.

Studying for an MBA degree can be an expensive deal, and winning a scholarship is definitely a fabulous way to partly offset this large financial burden. If you are planning your MBA course in India, you will be delighted to know that there are more than a few colleges with scholarships for meritorious students. Here are the top MBA colleges in India offering fully funded MBA scholarships for Indian students, scholarships for SC students, etc.

The MBA course is designed in such a way that it equips students with extensive and in-depth knowledge of the multi-dimensional management sector. It is very thoughtfully conceptualised to produce an apt insight into the role played by management within the fraternity of business and how it puts in the effort to succeed organisations. The course exposes one to various theories and practical approaches toward management and how to apply them in practical life.

Follow the semester-wise MBA syllabus, providing MBA subjects in 1st year and 2nd year in the table below.

There are more than 50 MBA specialisations in courses that would target every industry and field. Candidates, based on their interests, can opt for the right career path. Given below in the table are some of the most popular MBA specialisations offered in India.

Which is better CA or MBA from IIM? After completing a bachelor’s degree, many students get confused between an MBA and CA. There is a huge difference between both courses as an MBA focuses on marketing, finance, operations, sales, and many other business areas while a CA course mainly focuses on accounting and taxation. A quick comparison is given here to help candidates decide whether to choose an MBA or a CA course:

‘Is PGDM better than MBA?’ ‘MBA or PGDM which has more value?’ ‘Which is better MBA or PGDM for government jobs?’ Well, these are some of the common queries of candidates seeking postgraduate management education as both MBA and PGDM are popular choices. To answer such questions, we have provided below some key difference between MBA and PGDM to help students pick the right course.

Also Read: Distance Learning MBA Vs Part Time MBA

Before applying to their desired colleges, candidates must check out MBA fees in India so that they do not face any financial issues down the road. Here's the MBA fee of top colleges in India:

India has some of the best government MBA colleges that are known globally such as IIMs, IITs, etc. Getting into IIMs is only possible if a candidate qualifies for CAT, and the competition is quite tough. Have a look at the top government MBA colleges in India with their NIRF Ranking 2024 and MBA course fees.

There are various private B-schools in India offering the best management education. MBA aspirants can have a look at the list of top private MBA colleges in India with their NIRF Ranking 2024 and average MBA course fees.

The table below includes the college list of the best distance learning MBA in India along with the courses offered and the fee structure

Check out the top B-Schools in India offering direct admission to MBA without entrance exams.

MBA courses in India are offered by more than 5,000 MBA colleges. Check out the list of top MBA colleges by state and city provided below.

State-Wise MBA Colleges in India

City-Wise MBA Colleges in India

Depending on the specialisation, skillset, and knowledge, candidates can opt for highly lucrative job options after completing their MBA, which provide high salary packages and other fantastic benefits. The possibilities are endless for MBA graduates in India, and it is truly an exciting time to enter the job market with this degree. Check out the top MBA jobs available in different sectors.

MBA Salary in India

A fresh graduate can expect an average salary of INR 5-8 lakh per year, while a professional with 4-5 years of experience can earn between INR 10-18 lakh per year. Senior or executive-level professionals can earn between INR 30-55 lakh annually. The average salary package offered by top IIMs ranges from INR 20-25 lakh per annum, while the highest salary ranges from INR 70 lakh to INR 1 crore. Check the average MBA salary for different jobs provided below.

Top Recruiters Hiring MBA Graduates

Almost every company requires skilled managers to manage all its activities. Below are some of the major recruiters hiring graduates with MBA degrees.

Also Read: Government Jobs After MBA

Students often get confused between MBA in India vs MBA abroad for so many reasons. Based on the country, candidates also have to either appear for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The fee for doing an MBA abroad is generally higher than in India, however, students can earn an MBA scholarship to afford education in foreign countries.

Eligibility Criteria to Study MBA Abroad

• Completed graduation in Management or a related stream from a recognised college or university.
• Clear the GMAT (Graduate Management Aptitude Test).
• Proficient in the local language of the country.
• 3-5 years of work experience and a Letter of Recommendation may be required.

Top MBA Colleges Abroad

Here are the best MBA colleges abroad for Indian students for admission:

After an MBA, candidates have the option of continuing their study in the field of management or they can also expand their knowledge and expertise by opting for courses from different fields and areas. Some of the best courses to pursue after an MBA are mentioned in the table below: