MBA full form is Master in Business Administration. It is a 2-year postgraduate course concentrated on business administration. The major MBA subjects impart knowledge of different areas of business administration, such as Management, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Marketing, Accounting, Business Communication, Business Ethics, Human Resources, Business Law, Business Strategy, Managerial Economics, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Strategic Management, and Applied Statistics. MBA is the most popular and the highest achievable degree in the Management field, opted by millions of students every year around the world.
In India, accreditation bodies like the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and the University Grants Commission (UGC) ensure the consistency and quality of Management education across all the colleges and universities. Various B-schools around the world offer full-time MBA course, part-time, executive (evening & weekend MBA programme), and distance learning MBA in a wide range of specializations. MBA admission is done on the basis of entrance exam scores and academic background. The best MBA colleges in India include IIMs, MDI Gurgaon, JBIMS Mumbai, IIFT Delhi, SIMSREE Mumbai, and XLRI Jamshedpur among others. The total course fees generally range between INR 5 lakh and INR 25 lakh.
From Marketing to Tourism and Healthcare, every economic sector today has a need for qualified managers and offers a wide range of MBA jobs like Finance Manager, Marketing Manager, Media Planner, Product Manager, Sales Manager, etc. The average salary for freshers can range between INR 2-4 lakhs per annum, depending on the specialization they have pursued and the industry where they are looking for employment. A professional with an experience of 4-5 years, can easily get an MBA salary between INR 7-15 LPA. Senior or Executive level MBA jobs offer a salary package between INR 20-30 lakhs per annum. Read further for more information about the MBA course.
MBA Program Highlights
Check out the significant highlights of MBA provided below:
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of the Course | MBA or Master of Business Administration |
| Level | Post Graduate |
| Duration | 2 Years |
| Exam Type | Semester |
| Types of MBA | Full-Time MBA, Part-Time MBA, Distance MBA, Online MBA, Executive MBA, Integrated MBA |
| Top MBA Specializations in India | Sales, Marketing, Finance, Human Resources, IT, Operations, Digital Marketing, Business Analytics |
| Admission Process | Entrance Exam & Merit-Based (Private Colleges) |
| Minimum Qualification Requirement | Undergraduate Degree Programme |
| Minimum Aggregate Required for Admissions | 50-60% |
| Popular MBA Entrance Exams | CAT, MAT, XAT, ATMA, SNAP, TISSNET, CMAT, NMAT, GMAT |
| Top B-Schools in India | IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Indore, IIM Bangalore, FMS Delhi, IIM Calcutta, IIM Kozhikode, IIM Lucknow, SPJIMR Mumbai, XLRI, etc. |
| MBA Fees in India | INR 10 to 25 Lakh |
| Major MBA Recruiters | Amazon, Citigroup, Deloitte, Apple, Bain & Company, Flipkart, Microsoft, Google, Tesla, LinkedIn, PepsiCo, Unilever, Nike, Ernst & Young, and Deutsche Bank. |
| Average Starting MBA Salary | INR 5 to 22 Lakhs Per Annum |
MBA Full Form
The full form of MBA is Master of Business Administration (also known as Master in Business Administration). MBA is a post-graduate degree that can enhance an individual’s skills and abilities and make them competent enough to work at managerial levels, thereby opening doors to countless career opportunities. Admission to top MBA colleges is done based on MBA entrance exams and a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or any other stream.
Why Choose an MBA Degree?
MBA is an internationally acclaimed degree preferred by individuals who wish to gain knowledge of business practices. Here are a few top reasons to choose an MBA:
Developing Managerial Skills
MBA programme helps develop business acumen and managerial skills and prepares a candidate to perform various managerial duties. An MBA degree also instills communication, analytical, logical, comprehension, and various other crucial skills.
Better Career Opportunities
With an MBA from a well-recognized institute, one can find high-paying in some of the biggest organizations not just in India but abroad as well. Many working professionals do MBA to boost their careers and grab better career opportunities.
Developing Leadership Skills
With an MBA degree, 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
An MBA helps students understand how a business works and what contributes to its success; thus, preparing them for entrepreneurial roles and starting their own company.
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 90 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 MBA.
What is the Difference Between MBA and PGDM?
MBA (Master of Business Administration) and PGDM (Post Graduate Diploma in Management) are both postgraduate business management programs. But there are some key differences between MBA and PGDM discussed in the table below.
| Point of Difference | MBA | PGDM |
|---|---|---|
| Qualification | Master’s degree conferred by universities or affiliated colleges. | Postgraduate diploma awarded by autonomous institutes or business schools. |
| Affiliation and Recognition | Offered by universities and are subject to the regulations and approval of the respective university and higher education authorities. | Offered by autonomous institutes and are approved by bodies like AICTE, but the curriculum and evaluation methods are set by the institute itself. |
| Curriculum Flexibility | Limited flexibility in terms of course offerings. | More flexibility in designing their curriculum. |
| Emphasis on Practical Skills | Theoretical approach, with a mix of practical exposure, depending on the university and the specific program. | Emphasize practical training and real-world exposure through internships, industry projects, and workshops. |
| Duration | 2 Years | 1-2 Years |
| Admission Criteria | Entrance Exam + Merit | Entrance Exam + Merit |
| Global Recognition | MBA degrees from reputed universities are often recognized and respected worldwide. | Varying degrees of global recognition, depending on the reputation of the institute offering the program. |
Types of MBA Programs
Have a look at the types of MBA courses available.
| Type of MBA Program | Duration | Eligibility | Approx. Fees (in INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time MBA | 2 Years | Graduation in any discipline | 2 Lakh to 25 Lakh |
| Part-time MBA | 2-4 Years | Graduation | 1 Lakh to 10 Lakh |
| One Year MBA | 12-15 Months | Graduation with 2-5+ years of experience | 10 Lakh to 40 Lakh |
| Executive MBA | 1-2 Years | Graduation with 5-10 years of work experience | 10 Lakh to 45 Lakh |
| Online MBA | 2 Years | Graduation | 40,000 to 2 Lakh |
| Distance MBA | 2-4 Years | Graduation in any discipline | 30,000 to 2.5 Lakh |
| Integrated MBA | 5 Years | Minimum aggregate score in 10+2 | 1 Lakh to 17 Lakh |
MBA Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must make sure they check the specific eligibility criteria for an MBA course at their preferred MBA college before applying for admission. The basic MBA eligibility criteria have been mentioned below:
- Academic Qualification: Candidates must have completed graduation in any stream from a recognized board. The minimum aggregate for General Category students is 50-60% (5% relaxation for Reserved categories).
- Final-Year Students: Final-year students can also apply. However, admission is subject to the final exam results of their UG. If the candidate does not score the minimum aggregate, their admission will be revoked.
- Entrance Exam Scores: A valid scorecard of any entrance exams such as CAT, MAT, XAT, SNAP, NMAT, CMAT, etc. (whichever is applicable) is required.
- Work Experience: It is compulsory to have work experience of 3-10 years for an Executive MBA.
Top MBA Entrance Exams
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
| Exam Short Name | Exam Full Name | Conducting Body | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAT | Common Admission Test | Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) | Once a year |
| GMAT | Graduate Management Aptitude Test | Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) | All around the year |
| ATMA | AIMS Test for Management Admissions | Association of Indian Management Schools (AIMS) | 4-5 times a year |
| MAT | Management Aptitude Test | All India Management Association (AIMA) | Multiple times a year |
| CMAT | Common Management Admission Test | National Testing Agency (NTA) | Once a year |
| XAT | Xavier Aptitude Test | XLRI, Jamshedpur | Once a year |
| NMAT by GMAC | NMIMS Management Aptitude Test | Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) | Once a year (74-day test window) |
| SNAP | Symbiosis National Aptitude Test | Symbiosis International (Deemed) University (SIU) | Once a year |
| IIFT | Indian Institute of Foreign Trade Exam | National Testing Agency (NTA) | Once a year |
| IBSAT | ICFAI Business School Aptitude Test | IFHE, Hyderabad | Once a year |
MBA Syllabus
Check the semester-wise MBA syllabus provided in the table below.
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business CommunicationFinancial AccountingHuman Resource ManagementInformation Technology ManagementManagerial EconomicsMarketing ManagementOrganizational BehaviourQuantitative Methods | Economic Environment of BusinessFinancial ManagementManagement AccountingManagement of Information SystemManagement ScienceMarketing ResearchOrganization Effectiveness & ChangeProduction & Operations Management | Business Ethics & Corporate Social ResponsibilityLegal Environment of BusinessStrategic AnalysisElective Course | International Business EnvironmentProject StudyStrategic ManagementElective Course |
List of Popular MBA Specializations
There are more than 50 specializations in MBA that cater to various industries and fields. Based on their interest, candidates can choose a career path best suited for them. Check out the table below to know about the most popular MBA specializations available in India.
| MBA in Human Resources Management | MBA in Marketing | MBA in Banking and Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| MBA in Finance | MBA in Business Analytics | MBA in Accounting |
| MBA in Information Technology | MBA in Project Management | MBA in Digital Marketing |
| MBA in International Business | MBA in Logistics and Supply Chain Management | MBA in Pharmaceutical Management |
| MBA in Entrepreneurship | MBA in Travel and Tourism Management | MBA in Event Management |
| MBA in Hospital Management | MBA in Hotel Management | MBA in Sales Management |
MBA Syllabus for Different Specializations
MBA syllabus for different specializations is designed keeping in mind the needs of corporate management in this day and age. Check out the syllabus for top MBA specializations provided in the table below.
| MBA Specialization | MBA Syllabus |
|---|---|
| Finance | Security Analysis & Investment ManagementProject Planning, Analysis & ManagementQuantitative Analysis of Financial DecisionsFinancial DerivativesInternational Financial ManagementFixed Income SecuritiesPortfolio ManagementRisk ManagementManagement Control SystemCorporate GovernanceManagement of Financial ServicesFinancial ReportingCorporate Taxation |
| Marketing | Advertising ManagementAnalytical MarketingConsumer BehaviourBrand ManagementCompetitive MarketingRetailing ManagementSalesForce ManagementInternet MarketingBusiness MarketingMarketing ChannelSales Promotion ManagementAdvanced Research Techniques in MarketingService Marketing |
| Organizational Behavior & Human Resource Management | Management of Industrial RelationsCounseling Skills for ManagersManpower Development for Technological ChangeManaging DiversityHuman Resource Planning and DevelopmentHuman Resource Development: Strategies & SystemsPerformance ManagementNegotiation, Persuasion & Social Influence SkillsCross-Cultural and Global ManagementPersonal Power & Leadership through Asian ValuesManaging Interpersonal and Group ProcessesCompensation ManagementTraining and DevelopmentLeadership, Power, and Politics |
| Production and Operations Management | Advanced Operations ManagementDecision Models and OptimizationTotal Quality ManagementProduction Planning and ControlOperations StrategyQuantitative Analysis of Risk and UncertaintyOperations ResearchSupply Chain ManagementModelling in Supply Chain ManagementTechnology, Innovation, and New Product ManagementEnvironment and Safety Management |
| Entrepreneurship | Entrepreneurial ManagementFamily Business & EntrepreneurshipSocial EntrepreneurshipManaging the Growing BusinessEntrepreneurship, Creativity & InnovationFinancing the Entrepreneurial Business |
| IT Management | Business Process Re-EngineeringNetwork Operations, Management & SecurityManaging E-BusinessStrategic Management of Information TechnologySystem Analysis and DesignManaging IT-Enabled ServicesDatabase Management SystemsKnowledge ManagementBusiness Intelligence |
| Services Management | Management of NGOsHospitality Operations ManagementTransportation ManagementService Operations ManagementTourism MarketingAirport ManagementHospitality MarketingTotal Service Quality ManagementCivil Aviation Management |
Online MBA Course
Online MBA 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 you enroll in the online course. The classes are conducted online and the recorded lectures are also available.
The curriculum is designed specially to ensure one grasps the core values of the course and also develops the necessary skills. Candidates can take admissions 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 institutes for online MBA. The annual course fees start from INR 40,000 to INR 2 lakhs, approximately.
MBA Admission Process in India
The basic admission process for MBA courses 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:
- The first step is to apply for the MBA entrance exams accepted by the colleges one is seeking admission to. Check all the requirements of the entrance exam and ensure you meet them.
- 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 fulfill all the requirements.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Direct MBA Admission Process Without Entrance Exam
Direct admission into MBA without entrance exams is offered by most of the private MBA colleges and deemed universities in India. The admission process is very simple and candidates don’t have to go through various stages. Check the eligibility criteria and admission process without an MBA exam.
Eligibility Criteria for Direct MBA Admission
- Candidates should have completed graduation with at least 50% marks from a recognized board. The requirement for aggregate marks may vary from college to college.
- For management quota seats in private MBA colleges across various states, candidates should have at least 50% marks at the UG level.
- There is generally no get limit to getting direct admission. However, candidates must check the requirements of the college they are applying to.
Direct MBA Admission Process
- Fill out the application form of the desired college before available on its official website.
- Getting shortlisted for admission based on academic qualifications.
- Appearing for Group Discussion/ Personal Interview, if conducted by the college.
- Reporting at the designated college and paying the admission fee.
MBA Scope in India
Being an MBA graduate in India has great scope. Immediately after graduating, there are high possibilities to bag the best jobs. With 10-19 years of experience, any candidate can easily get a salary of INR 14,00,000 LPA undoubtedly. With 20 or more years of experience, an MBA in India can easily get senior-level jobs. A senior-level job in Management offers posts such as Director, Vice president, and Senior Director. The MBA salaries offered in these posts can wind up to INR 25 Lakhs Per Annum or more without any upper limit.
Graduates with excellent knowledge and skills can get top private and government jobs after MBA. From Marketing to Tourism and Healthcare, every sector offers a wide range of jobs for graduates with business degrees at junior, senior, and executive levels. MBA jobs can be highly rewarding and satisfactory, especially if you are a top B-school alumni. If not for college placements, with the right skill set, candidates can easily get jobs in the top companies and organizations. Depending upon the specialization, skills, and knowledge, a candidate can attract lucrative job options after MBA that offer high salary packages and other great benefits.
MBA Career Options and Job Prospects
MBA is a highly skilled degree and opens up various opportunities for candidates. Mentioned below are the top jobs after MBA available in different sectors.
| Employment Areas | Job Profiles |
|---|---|
| Banks | Account Manager, Administrative Officer, Human Resource Manager, Marketing Manager, Card Payments Operations Head, Vice President – Investment Banking |
| Brand & Marketing | Brand Manager, IT Services Marketing Head, Marketing Manager |
| Business Consultancies | Human Resource Manager, Management Consultant |
| Educational Institutes | Trainer, Administrative Officer |
| Financial Organizations | Recruitment Manager, Administrative Officer, Equity Research Analyst, Human Resource Manager |
| Industrial Houses | HR Generalist Business Partner, Zonal Business Manager, Project Manager, Administrative Officer, Finance Manager, Marketing Manager |
| Multinational Companies | Lobbyist/Organizer, Recruitment Manager |
| Personal Business | Entrepreneur |
| Public Works | Research and Development Manager, Labour Management Relations Specialist |
| Tourism Industry | Human Resource Managers, Administrative Officer |