What is an MBA? Courses, Fees, Eligibility

The full name of the MBA is Master of Business Administration, which is a two-year postgraduate course in the study of business management and leadership. The course merges theoretical information with practical exposure through the application of case studies and actual events to prepare the students to fill managerial and executive roles in various industries.
For Master of Business Administration, the candidates should have a bachelor’s degree in any field—Science, Commerce, or Arts—with a minimum aggregate of 50% marks. The requirements vary with institutions. The top institutions such as the IIMs usually require a better academic record (50%-60%) and a better CAT score (80 percentile and above). They also shortlist the candidates based on written tests and personal interviews. Other top colleges accept scores in entrance exams such as XAT, GMAT, and CAT with a minimum of 50% to 55% graduation percentage.
Only entrance examinations are used to determine admission to MBA programs; candidates’ personalities are then evaluated by a Group Discussion (GD), Written Ability Test (WAT), and Personal Interview (PI). The CAT, CMAT, XAT, MAH CET, GMAT, and ATMA are entrance tests that are taken into consideration for programs.
Both public and private universities, including prestigious IIMs like IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, IIM Lucknow, and IIM Indore, as well as other universities like XLRI Jamshedpur, FMS, ISB, and Vishwa Vishwani Institute of Systems and Management, provide programs to candidates. Depending on the college, the cost of an MBA degree might range from INR 10 lakh to INR 25 lakh. Depending on their interests, candidates can pursue a Master of Business Administration with a variety of concentrations, such as marketing, sales, or human resources.
On Master of Business Administration course completion, the candidates can opt for career opportunities in Sales Managers, Finance Managers, Marketing Managers, Human Resources Managers, Product Manager, etc, human resources. The income of the MBA graduates would range from INR 5 LPA to INR 25 LPA. Amazon, Flipkart, Deloitte, and Google are the leading recruiters.
Students can take courses in various modes such as Full-time Regular MBA, Distance MBA, Online MBA, Executive MBA, and Integrated MBA and the duration differs based on the type of course.
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MBA COURSE DETAILS: HIGHLIGHTS
After completing the two-year postgraduate program, there are numerous employment options available. Students who earn a master’s degree in business administration are better equipped to lead in the corporate world and obtain employment across a range of industries.
Details of the Master of Business Administration course are shown in the table below:
Particulars | MBA Course Details |
MBA Full Form | Master of Business Administration |
MBA Course Duration | Full-time MBA: 2 years Online/ Distance MBA: 1- 2 years Executive MBA: 1 – 1.5 year Integrated MBA: 5 years |
MBA Course Level | Post Graduation |
MBA Course Types | Full-Time MBA, Part-Time MBA, Distance MBA, Executive MBA, Online MBA, and Integrated MBA |
MBA Course Fees | INR 2 Lakh – INR 27 Lakh and above |
MBA Courses Admission Process | Entrance Exam + Group Discussion + Personal Interview |
MBA Course Eligibility Criteria | Undergraduate Degree Programme |
MBA Entrance Exams | CAT, CMAT, XAT, MAH MBA CET, etc. |
MBA Top Colleges | IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, IIM Lucknow, IIM Indore, IIM Kozhikode, etc. |
MBA Top Specialisations | Sales, Marketing, Operations, Finance, Human Resources, Digital Marketing and Business Analytics |
MBA Jobs | Finance Managers, Marketing Managers, Sales Managers, Human Resources Managers, etc. |
MBA Salary | INR 5 LPA – INR 25 LPA |
MBA Top Recruiters | Boston Consulting Group, McKinsey, Bain & Co, Morgan Stanley, Citibank, JP Morgan Chase, Amazon, Facebook, Google, Adobe, etc. |
MBA ADMISSION 2025
Here is the general step-by-step guide for the Admission in MBA Course:
Step-1 Choose the program:
Initially, carry out research and select the program then search for universities or colleges that provide Master of Business Administration programs. Remember to examine the curriculum, specializations, faculty, and facilities and afterward verify academic qualifications, entrance exam criteria, and any extra requirements.
Step-2 Prepare Required Documents:
Gather all necessary documents in advance to avoid any last-minute obstacles. The documents consist of academic mark sheets, certificates, Standardized Test Scores (CAT, MAT, XAT, etc. ), and recommendation letters.
Step-3 Fill out the Application Form and Pay the Fees:
Complete the application form supplied by the institution. This can be done online or in print and remit any necessary application fees.
Step-4 Entrance Exams (if applicable):
If the program necessitates an entrance exam, like a common MBA entrance assessment or a specific university’s exam, enroll and prepare for it. Undertake the examination and await the results.
Step-5 Submit Application:
Forward all required documents along with the filled-out application form. Always verify that all documents have been received and check the status of your application.
Step-6 Interview (if applicable):
Certain programs call for a personal or virtual interview Attend the interview and showcase your motivation, skills, and fit for the program.
Step-7 Await Admission Decision:
Keep an eye on the admission portal or your email for notifications about the outcomes. Upon acceptance, an official offer letter will be issued by the university.
Step-8 Confirm Enrollment:
Affirm your decision to enroll in the program and remit the required enrollment or tuition Fees.
Step-9 Prepare for the Start of Classes:
Adhere to instructions for course registration and orientation. If necessary, organize for on-campus or off-campus housing and participate in any orientation activities to get acquainted with the campus and program.
Step-10 Start Classes:
Participate in classes and begin your academic journey.
MBA ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Since MBA courses are postgraduate programs, graduation is mandatory. However, there is more to the eligibility requirements than meets the eye, since they vary depending on the kind of Master of Business Administration program and the universities that offer it.
The various aspects of eligibility requirements that one should be aware of before applying to Master of Business Administration programs in tiers 1, 2, and 3 are highlighted in the table below.
Particulars | Tier 1 MBA Colleges | Tier 2 MBA Colleges | Tier 3 MBA Colleges |
Educational Qualification | Should be greater than 50%IIMs and IITs require 60% for selection. | 50% or more | 50% or more |
Entrance Exams | CAT, XAT, GMAT | SNAP, NMAT, XAT, TISSNET | MAT, CMAT, and other state-level or university-level exams |
Interview Criteria | GD + WAT + PI | WAT + PI, In some cases only PI is conducted. | Not WAT rounds, colleges conduct their interview rounds to assess the personality. |
Work Experience | Not Mandatory, is required in case of Executive MBA Admission. | Not Mandatory, but required for MBA executives in some colleges. | Not required |
MBA Entrance Exams 2025 in India
The best MBA programs Aspiring students hoping to gain admission to top business schools in India eagerly await entrance exams. These entrance tests for Master of Business Administration programs act as a means of gaining admission to nationally recognized Master of Business Administration programs. To increase their chances of getting accepted into prestigious Master of Business Administration programs in India, prospective applicants should carefully study and plan for these tests.
MBA Entrance Exam Preparation
Preparing for an entrance exam for an MBA program is a considerable endeavor, as these exams are very competitive and can significantly affect your career and education. Here are some steps to assist you in adequately preparing for an MBA degree:
- Understand the Exam Format: Every Master of Business Administration entrance exam has its specific format, which includes the number and type of questions, sections, and time constraints. Get acquainted with the structure of the exam you are taking.
- Create a Study Plan: Formulate a comprehensive study plan that encompasses all the MBA subjects and areas of the exam. Dedicate more time to your weaker areas, but ensure you also review your stronger areas.
- Practice Tests: Frequently take practice tests under test conditions. This allows you to acclimate to the timing and pressure of the Master of Business Administration entrance exam.
- Time Management: Effective time management is essential in most Master of Business Administration entrance exams. Learn to control your pace and assign a specific amount of time for each section.
- Online Resources: Make use of online resources, such as websites, forums, and blogs, to gather tips and strategies from individuals who have previously experienced the Master of Business Administration process.
- Vocabulary and Language Skills: For tests that assess verbal or language skills, focus on enhancing your vocabulary, reading comprehension, and grammar.
- Math and Quantitative Skills: Refresh your math skills and practice solving quantitative problems. This is particularly important for exams like the GMAT and GRE.
- Analytical and Logical Thinking: For exams that evaluate analytical and logical reasoning, practice tackling problems that require these abilities.
- Mock Interviews: If the Master of Business Administration program requires an interview as part of the selection process, rehearse mock interviews to prepare yourself for potential interview questions.
- Time Management: Utilize effective time management. Divide your preparation into daily, weekly, and monthly objectives, and adhere to your study schedule.
MBA Recommended Books
Depending on one’s past education and experience, there are many ways to prepare for Master of Business Administration courses. Nonetheless, a basic selection of books that may be helpful to study before beginning MBA classes is provided below:
Book Title | Author(s) |
How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT | Arun Sharma and 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 the CAT | Nishit K. Sinha |
Word Power Made Easy | Norman Lewis |
Different Types of MBA Courses and Comparisons
Full-time, part-time, distance, online, executive, and integrated MBA programs are among the different ways that students can enroll in Master of Business Administration courses. The specifics of each mode are listed below.
Modes of Master of Business Administration Courses
There are several formats and modalities of delivery for Master of Business Administration courses. Historically, the most common option for management candidates has been a two-year full-time MBA. Nonetheless, because of their flexibility, online and executive MBA programs have been increasingly popular in recent years.
MBA Courses | MBA Course Details |
Full-Time MBA Courses | Full-time is the regular MBA degree of two years’ duration. It is a residential program that includes physical classes, live projects, semester-wise assessments, summer internships, and final placements. There are about 5,710 Full-Time MBA colleges in India. |
Part-Time MBA Courses | A part-time MBA degree is not a residential program. Best suited for working professionals who wish to learn key managerial skills. There are no campus placement or internship opportunities. There are about 269 Part-Time MBA colleges in India. |
Distance MBA Courses | A part-time MBA degree is not a residential program. Best suited for working professionals who wish to learn key managerial skills. There are no campus placement or internship opportunities. There are about 269 Part-Time MBA colleges in India. |
Online MBA Courses | This is currently the most popular mode of MBA course owing to convenience and flexibility. Lectures are imparted through video conferencing and the notes, tests, and assessments are shared in the Learning Management System (LMS). There are no physical classes in Online MBA, thus one can pursue a course in one city while living in another. There are about 246 Online MBA colleges in India which are mostly private institutions. |
Executive MBA Courses | These MBA courses are exclusively designed for working professionals with more than five years of work experience. The curriculum is similar to Full-Time MBA but it is of a shorter duration (15 to 19 months). Executive MBA programs are expensive. There are about 457 Executive MBA Colleges in India. |
5-year-Integrated MBA Courses | This is a five-year dual degree course that includes UG and PG degrees. An Integrated MBA degree can be pursued after class 12. |
MBA SYLLABUS
The Master of Business Administration programs aim to provide students with a thorough understanding of the various aspects of the management field and its role in the business environment. A Master of Business Administration is a two-year postgraduate business degree that imparts technical, managerial, and leadership skills to students.
Master of Business Administration Course Curriculum
First-year candidates begin with a foundational curriculum that covers subjects such as marketing, organizational behavior, and management principles, among others. In the second year of the program, they delve into areas such as business law and entrepreneurship. These classes are categorized into core and elective sections by the institutions, allowing students to choose from the elective options.
Main Master of Business Administration Subjects | |
Marketing | Finance Management |
HR Management | Principles of Management |
Business Laws | Retail Management |
Business Environment | Taxation |
MBA Subjects Semester-Wise
The goal of the MBA curriculum is to give students a thorough awareness of the business world and the information and abilities they need to be successful in their jobs. Each semester of the program focuses on a distinct facet of the business environment.
The subjects broken down by semester are listed below:
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 Syllabus Semester 3 | |
Business Ethics & Corporate Social Responsibility | Legal Environment of Business |
Strategic Analysis | |
MBA Subjects Semester 4 | |
Project Study | Strategic Management |
International Business Environment | – |
FAQS- Frequently Asked Questions
What is an MBA, and why should I pursue it?
Master of Business Administration is a postgraduate degree that enhances management, leadership, and business skills, leading to better career opportunities.
What are the eligibility criteria for an MBA program?
Most Master of Business Administration programs require a bachelor’s degree with a minimum percentage and a valid entrance exam score (such as CAT, GMAT, XAT, etc.). Some programs also require work experience.
Which entrance exams are required for Master of Business Administration admissions?
Popular Master of Business Administration entrance exams include CAT, XAT, GMAT, NMAT, MAT, and CMAT. The required exam varies based on the university or business school.
What are the different types of MBA programs available?
MBA programs include full-time, part-time, executive MBA (for working professionals), and online MBA. Specializations like Finance, Marketing, HR, and Operations are also available.
What career opportunities can I expect after a Master of Business Administration?
Master of Business Administration opens doors to careers in consulting, finance, marketing, operations, and entrepreneurship. Graduates often secure roles like business analysts, managers, or consultants.