Quick Summary
An MBA isn’t just a piece of paper—it’s your ticket to stepping into leadership positions, earning a better paycheck, and exploring career opportunities around the globe. But let’s be real, getting that MBA takes some serious planning. You’ll need to gear up for entrance exams and carefully choose the right specialization and school. Additionally, understanding how to do mba can set you on the right path.
This article lays out a clear, step-by-step guide for anyone looking to pursue an MBA in India. It covers everything from eligibility requirements and the top entrance exams to expert tips on picking the perfect program that aligns with your career aspirations. Whether you’re fresh out of college or already in the workforce, you’ll discover practical advice and insights to help you make the most of your MBA journey and boost your career prospects.
The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a two-year postgraduate degree that prepares students for leadership roles in various industries. The MBA courses offer multiple specializations such as Finance, Marketing, Human Resources, Operations, and Business Analytics, helping graduates secure high-paying jobs. Admission to MBA courses is based on entrance exams, group discussions, and personal interviews. Candidates can pursue MBA courses in different modes, including Full-time, Part-time, Distance, Online, and Executive MBA. Below is a quick overview of MBA course details:
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Form | Master of Business Administration |
| Course Duration | Full-time MBA: 2 years, Online/Distance MBA: 1–2 years, Executive MBA: 1–1.5 years, Integrated MBA: 5 years |
| Course Level | Postgraduate |
| Types of MBA | Full-time, Part-time, Distance, Executive, Online, and Integrated MBA |
| Course Fees | INR 2 Lakh – INR 27 Lakh+ |
| Admission Process | Entrance Exam + Group Discussion (GD) + Personal Interview (PI) |
| Eligibility Criteria | Bachelor’s degree in any discipline |
| Entrance Exams | CAT, CMAT, XAT, MAH MBA CET, etc. |
| Top MBA Colleges | IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, IIM Lucknow, IIM Indore, IIM Kozhikode, etc. |
| Top Specializations | Sales, Marketing, Finance, Operations, Human Resources, Digital Marketing, Business Analytics |
| Career Opportunities | Finance Manager, Marketing Manager, Sales Manager, HR Manager, Product Manager, etc. |
| Salary Range | INR 5 LPA – INR 25 LPA |
| Top Recruiters | Boston Consulting Group, McKinsey, Bain & Co., Morgan Stanley, Citibank, JP Morgan Chase, Amazon, Facebook, Google, Adobe, etc. |
Full form of MBA is Master of Business Administration degree which is offered through business schools. This postgraduate degree can enable you to increase your job opportunities and responsibilities as well as your remuneration. An MBA program will give students relevant business and management skills. While an MBA is most applicable to a business career, professionals in government, marketing, human-resources, IT departments of businesses and organizations also will benefit from the degree. Students in an MBA program take courses in accounting, marketing, economics and operations. Students can also pursue optional courses related to their own career interests.
This article lays out a clear, step-by-step guide for anyone looking to pursue an MBA in India. It covers everything from eligibility requirements and the top entrance exams to expert tips on picking the perfect program that aligns with your career aspirations. Whether you’re fresh out of college or already in the workforce, you’ll discover practical advice and insights to help you make the most of your MBA journey and boost your career prospects.
There are three primary pathways to pursuing an MBA, including how to do mba:
Choosing the right MBA specialization and institution is crucial, as it is a significant investment of both time and money. The fee structure varies from INR 10 lakh to INR 25 lakh, depending on the college, with top institutes like IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, XLRI, FMS, and ISB being highly competitive. Graduates can expect salaries ranging from INR 5 LPA to INR 25 LPA, with top recruiters like Amazon, Flipkart, Deloitte, and Google offering lucrative job opportunities.
An MBA enhances business skills and provides strong networking opportunities, with over 90% of MBA graduates experiencing significant career growth. With rising demand for skilled professionals, an MBA remains among the most valuable degrees for aspiring business leaders.
The formal eligibility mandated by AICTE and UGC for MBA programs is 50% aggregate bachelor’s degree marks from a recognized university.
However, the IIMs and other top business schools in India usually have higher cutoffs:
Strong performance on these parameters significantly increases your chances of getting into premier MBA institutes. Graduating in quantitative domains like engineering or commerce is preferred.
To pursue an MBA course, candidates must have a bachelor’s degree as a mandatory requirement. However, eligibility criteria vary based on the type of MBA course and the college tier (Tier 1, Tier 2, or Tier 3). Factors such as minimum percentage, entrance exams, interviews, and work experience differ across institutions. Below is a summarized table of MBA eligibility requirements across different college tiers:
| Criteria | Tier 1 MBA Colleges | Tier 2 MBA Colleges | Tier 3 MBA Colleges |
|---|---|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | Minimum 50% marks, but IIMs & IITs require 60%. | Minimum 50% marks. | Minimum 50% marks. |
| Entrance Exams | CAT, XAT, GMAT. | SNAP, NMAT, XAT, TISSNET. | MAT, CMAT, and other state/university-level exams. |
| Interview Criteria | GD + WAT + PI (Group Discussion, Written Ability Test & Personal Interview). | WAT + PI, some colleges conduct only PI. | No WAT rounds, colleges have their own interview process. |
| Work Experience | Not mandatory, but preferred for the Executive MBA. | Not mandatory, but preferred for Executive MBA. | Not required. |
This table helps students understand MBA admission requirements based on the tier of the college, making it easier to choose the right institute based on eligibility and entrance exams.
When considering how to do MBA, it’s essential to know that there isn’t just one type of MBA. The degree comes in various formats, each catering to different needs and circumstances:
In addition, many reputed B-schools offer industry/domain focused MBA specializations like Finance, Marketing, HR, Healthcare, Operations & Supply Chain, Information Technology and more. Choosing the right specialization aligned to your interests is key to getting your dream job.
| Type | Duration | Format | Work Experience |
| Full-time | 2 years | Weekday classes | 0-2 years |
| Part-time | 3 years | Weekend/evening classes | Required |
| Executive | 1-2 years | Weekend classes | Minimum 5 years |
| Online | 1-3 years | Anytime, anywhere | Not mandatory |
MBA subjects are designed to give students a clear and practical understanding of how different areas of management work in the real business world. An MBA, or Master of Business Administration, is a two-year postgraduate program that helps you build strong technical, managerial, and leadership skills. It’s meant to prepare you for the challenges of the corporate world and help you grow into a confident and capable professional.
In the first year of an MBA, students usually start with core subjects that build a strong foundation—these include topics like Organisational Behaviour, Marketing, and Principles of Management. As they move into the second year, the syllabus becomes more specialized, with subjects like Entrepreneurship and Business Law coming into focus.
Colleges typically divide MBA subjects into core and elective categories. While core subjects are mandatory for everyone, electives give students the freedom to explore areas that match their interests or career goals.
Here are some of the common subjects you’ll come across in an MBA program:
| Marketing | Finance Management |
| HR Management | Principles of Management |
| Business Laws | Retail Management |
| Business Environment | Taxation |
Note: This information is sourced from different sources and may vary.
The MBA syllabus is structured to give students a well-rounded understanding of how the business world works, while also helping them develop the skills they need to grow in their careers. The course is usually divided into semesters, with each one focusing on a different area of business—ranging from management basics to more advanced, specialized topics as the program progresses.
Here’s a look at some of the common subjects you’ll find across different semesters in an MBA program:
| MBA Course Syllabus – Semester 1 | |
|---|---|
| Organizational Behaviour | Quantitative Methods |
| Managerial Economics | Financial Accounting |
| MBA Course Subjects – Semester 2 | |
| Organization Effectiveness and Change | Management Science |
| Environment of Business | Financial Management |
| MBA Subjects – Semester 3 | |
| Business Ethics & Corporate Social Responsibility | Legal Environment of Business |
| Strategic Analysis | |
| MBA Subjects – Semester 4 | |
| Project Study | Strategic Management |
| International Business Environment | – |
To learn how to do MBA in India, let’s take a look at the three key pathways to pursue an MBA:
A few colleges in India offer integrated MBA programs of 5 or 6 years duration to which you can enroll after completing 12th grade.
Some of the institutes offering integrated MBA courses are:
The key benefit here is saving 2 extra years that a separate bachelor’s degree would require before a regular MBA. But very few colleges offer this option, so seats are limited.
If you’re asking “how to do MBA after graduation,” the process is relatively straightforward. This is the most popular route chosen by a majority of MBA aspirants in India. Completing your bachelor’s degree with strong academic scores gives you the required eligibility and foundational skills to prepare for MBA entrance tests.
Choosing your undergrad major is super important—whether it’s engineering, economics, commerce, or something else. Aim to keep your CGPA high, around 8+ out of 10 or 70% and above, throughout your semesters. Start prepping for competitive exams in your final year. Take exams like CAT and go through group discussions and personal interviews. Apply to various business schools based on your scores.
Careful selection of graduation stream based on interests and MBA courses goals is crucial. Programs like Engineering, Chartered Accountancy, Commerce, Statistics, Economics offer a strong foundation for MBA quant courses later.
Alternatively, you can choose to work for a few years post your bachelor’s degree and accumulate professional experience before taking up an MBA.
Many premier B-schools prefer candidates with deep industry knowledge and look for minimum work ex of 2-5 years. Leadership skills and career progression are also evaluated during these executive MBA admission processes.
Complete your undergraduate and start working to gain 3-5 years of experience. After that, take the GMAT exam along with any optional tests. Use your essays and MBA interviews to highlight your achievements and impact. Top IIMs offer 1-year executive MBA courses for those ready to take the next step in their careers.
These are rigorous programs tailored for professionals with higher maturity levels and real-world business context.
For engineering graduates wondering “how to do MBA after BTech,” here’s what you need to do:
Many MBA courses value the analytical skills that BTech graduates bring to the table, especially for specializations like Operations Management or Technology Management.
The brand value and reputation of your MBA college play a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of your career. Premier B-schools have extensive industry networks, top-notch faculty and state-of-the-art curriculum design. Here’s a quick look at how to do an MBA from the top MBA colleges in India:
The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) across Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta and others offer the most prestigious and coveted MBAs in India with the highest salary packages. Their robust selection process makes it very competitive to get in.
Over 2 lakh students appear for CAT enticed by the brand value of an IIM MBA and high ROI it offers. You need around 4-6 months of rigorous prep focusing on quant aptitude, data interpretation, logical reasoning, verbal and essay writing.
The IITs are globally recognized for excellence in engineering research and education. The MBA degrees offered by various IITs like Bombay, Delhi, Madras, Kharagpur, Kanpur, Roorkee also have strong brand value in the industry.
Apart from the common MBA specializations, some unique offerings from various IITs are MBA in Operations Management, Energy Management, Infrastructure Management, Manufacturing Management, Entrepreneurship and others tailored to industry demand.
Candidates can check the table below to see the best government MBA colleges in India (in no order).
| MBA Government Colleges | MBA Course Fees |
|---|---|
| JMI | INR 38,700 – 3 Lakh |
| Department of Management Studies, IIT Delhi | INR 12.5 Lakh |
| IIM Lucknow | INR 12.2 Lakh |
| IIM Kozhikode | INR 17.9 Lakh – 21.5 Lakh |
| IIM Indore | INR 16.25 Lakh – 34 Lakh |
| IIM Rohtak | INR 17.66 Lakh – 18 Lakh |
| IIM Bangalore | INR 25.5 Lakh |
| IIM Ahmedabad | INR 26 Lakh |
| IIM Calcutta | INR 26 Lakh |
Note: This information is sourced from the official website of the institute and may vary.
Candidates can check the table below to see the best private MBA colleges in India (in alphabetical order).
| MBA Colleges | MBA Course Fees (in INR) |
|---|---|
| Vishwa Vishwani Institute of Systems and Management | INR 1.9 Lakh – 11 Lakh |
| Management Development Institute | INR 1.77 Lakh – 26 Lakh |
| Chandigarh University | INR 4.8 Lakh – 9.99 Lakh |
| Christ University | INR 4.7 Lakh – 8.6 Lakh |
| Amity University, Noida | INR 6 Lakh – 21 Lakh |
| NMIMS School of Business Management | INR 7.9 Lakh – 24.04 Lakh |
| NMIMS | INR 10 Lakh |
| S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research | INR 14.5 Lakh – 24 Lakh |
| XLRI Xavier School of Management | INR 15 Lakh – 58.84 Lakh |
Note: This information is sourced from the official website of the institute and may vary.
Let’s dive into some popular specializations in MBA subjects and the exciting career paths they unlock:
Choosing the right MBA subjects are critical steps in maximizing the value of your degree. Consider your interests, skills, and previous academic background to find the path that aligns with your career aspirations. An MBA offers numerous benefits, including:
In short, an MBA is a powerful catalyst for unlocking your potential and achieving your career goals.
Cracking the right MBA entrance exam with stellar scores and outperforming in group discussions/interviews is key to getting into a top B-school. The competitive intensity of these exams continues to rise each year.
Here is a comparison of the popular MBA entrance exams in India:
| Exam | Conducted By | Exam Pattern | Difficulty Level |
| CAT | IIMs | Quant, Verbal, LRDI | High |
| XAT | XLRI | Decision making, Essay | Moderate |
| SNAP | Symbiosis B-schools | Analytical, Logical Reasoning | Moderate |
| NMAT | Narsee Monjee | Language Skills, QA | Moderate |
| CMAT | AICTE | QA, Language, Logic | Moderate |
| MAT | AIMA | Intelligence, Language, Data | Low-Moderate |
The MBA admission process generally consists of three main stages. Candidates typically need 6-12 months of preparation across quantitative, verbal, and analytical domains, along with staying informed about current events. Planning from graduation onwards, based on personal capabilities and preferred colleges, can increase the chances of getting into a top B-school. The three stages are:
The standard MBA admission process also includes researching and exploring different MBA programs, preparing and submitting applications, and potentially completing recommendation letters. To ace the MBA admission process, you need around 6-12 months of rigorous preparation across quant, verbal, analytical domains and keeping up with general awareness. The earlier you start planning from graduation onwards, based on capability and colleges of choice, the higher the chances of converting to a top B-school.
Preparing for an MBA course requires strong skills in quantitative aptitude, verbal ability, logical reasoning, and data interpretation. Several books can help aspirants build a solid foundation before starting their MBA journey. Below is a list of highly recommended books by renowned authors that can assist in MBA entrance exam preparation:
| Book Title | Author(s) |
|---|---|
| How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT | Arun Sharma & Meenakshi Upadhyay |
| How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT | Arun Sharma |
| How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT | Arun Sharma |
| Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations | R.S. Aggarwal |
| A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal |
| The Pearson Guide to Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for CAT | Nishit K. Sinha |
| Word Power Made Easy | Norman Lewis |
These books cover all essential topics required for MBA entrance exams like CAT, XAT, CMAT, and GMAT, ensuring aspirants develop the right problem-solving strategies and analytical skills.
Now that you have a comprehensive understanding of how to do MBA, it’s time to take action! Choose the path that aligns best with your career goals and personal circumstances. Remember, an MBA is not just about the degree – it’s about the skills you develop, the network you build, and the perspectives you gain.
Planning early, targeting institutes as per capability, maintaining strong quantitative, logical and verbal skills will help you successfully get through the competitive admission processes for the best B-schools. The proven high return on investment and versatile career growth potential make an MBA an attractive proposition for young aspirants and mid-career professionals alike.
Make informed choices and enjoy the journey of personal transformation that an MBA promises to unleash your leadership potential as an industry-ready management professional.
Pursuing an MBA is a smart move for your future, equipping you with the skills and connections you need to succeed in business. By thoughtfully choosing the right specialization, gearing up for entrance exams, and selecting a respected institution, you’re laying the groundwork for lasting success.
But remember, getting in is just the beginning – ongoing learning, networking, and hands-on experience are crucial to maximizing your MBA. Think of this guide as your trusty companion as you journey through the MBA process and open doors to new opportunities for leadership and growth.
It refers to getting a Master of Business Administration, including eligibility, exams, admissions, and career opportunities.
Example: A commerce graduate asks, “How do I pursue an MBA?” after finishing a B.Com.
Tip: Define your career goals before selecting an MBA specialization.
You can’t directly pursue an MBA after 12th grade. First, you need to complete a bachelor’s degree in any field. After that, apply for MBA programs.
For example, a student finishes a BBA and then prepares for the CAT to pursue an MBA.
Tip: Select a bachelor’s program related to business for an easier MBA experience.
In India, you need a bachelor’s degree, pass entrance exams like CAT, XAT, MAT, or GMAT, and then attend group discussions and interviews.
For example, a student passes CAT and gets admission to IIM Ahmedabad.
Tip: Begin preparing for entrance exams in your final year of graduation.
To pursue an MBA abroad, you need a bachelor’s degree, work experience (2 to 5 years), GMAT or GRE scores, English proficiency tests (IELTS or TOEFL), and a strong statement of purpose.
For example, an engineer from India can get an MBA in the USA with a GMAT score of 710.
Tip: Look into country-specific requirements and scholarship options early.
Some universities offer direct MBA admissions based on merit, work experience, or a management quota.
For example, a private university admits an MBA student with two years of corporate experience.
Tip: Check the accreditation of these colleges before enrolling.
Many recognized institutions now offer online MBAs that are flexible and relevant to the industry. You need a bachelor’s degree and internet access.
Example: A working professional enrolls in an online MBA in Digital Marketing.
Tip: Make sure the program is UGC-approved or internationally recognized.
Career options include finance, consulting, marketing, HR, operations, and entrepreneurship roles.
Example: An MBA in Marketing leads to a position as a Brand Manager at a leading FMCG company.
Tip: Select your MBA specialization according to your career goals.
A Comprehensive Guide to Entrance Exams for MBA Aspirants
Authored by, Gagandeep Khokhar
Career Guidance Expert
Gagandeep is a content writer and strategist focused on creating high-performing, SEO-driven content that bridges the gap between learners and institutions. He crafts compelling narratives across blogs, landing pages, and email campaigns to drive engagement and build trust.
Editor's Recommendations
Chegg India does not ask for money to offer any opportunity with the company. We request you to be vigilant before sharing your personal and financial information with any third party. Beware of fraudulent activities claiming affiliation with our company and promising monetary rewards or benefits. Chegg India shall not be responsible for any losses resulting from such activities.
Chegg India does not ask for money to offer any opportunity with the company. We request you to be vigilant before sharing your personal and financial information with any third party. Beware of fraudulent activities claiming affiliation with our company and promising monetary rewards or benefits. Chegg India shall not be responsible for any losses resulting from such activities.
