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MBA Specializations List in India: Which one to select?- An MBA degree opens up a world of career opportunities that take one’s career several notches up in the field of business management. There are many types of MBA courses in India that target the requirements of many industries. Because of the pool of MBA specializations in India to choose from, students often get confused about how to choose the best MBA course in India. In this article, Careers360 brings you which MBA specializations are best paid and demand in India along with the syllabus covered, skills required, scope, and much more.
There may be numerous factors that influence your decision regarding the area you wish to specialize in. Depending upon your priority, you may choose a field as per the market demand (job availability), your interest area, preferred job profiles, and the compensation package. Listed below is detailed information on these best MBA courses in India along with curriculum, career options, MBA specialization list with salary, top colleges, etc:
Check out below the MBA branches list and which one is best for a career, etc.
A business or organization has multiple, complex functions and departments. During the MBA programme, business schools allow students to take up more courses and assignments in a certain area/ domain such as Marketing, Human Resources, or Finance as a part of their electives.
When the student successfully completes this set of elective courses devoted to a certain area, he/she is awarded an MBA degree with a specialization in that particular area. It helps the students gain in-depth knowledge in areas of their specific interest. This article will gives you the indepth idea and knowledge about the best MBA specialization for future in India.
When choosing an MBA specialization or type of MBA, you must take into consideration the following:
Also Read: How To Choose Your Specialization In MBA
The eligibility criteria and admissions process for MBA specializations are generally the same at most business schools, although specific requirements may vary depending on the institution and specialization.
Criteria | Details |
---|---|
Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university. |
Minimum aggregate marks usually range from 50% to 60% (varies by institute). | |
Work Experience | Not mandatory for all programs, but preferred for Executive MBA or top-tier institutes. |
Typically, 1-3 years of work experience is required for Executive MBA programs. | |
Entrance Exams | Common exams: CAT, XAT, GMAT, GRE, MAT, CMAT, SNAP, NMAT. |
Minimum percentile/cutoff varies by institute (e.g., 90+ percentile for IIMs). | |
Age Limit | Generally, no strict age limit, but some Executive MBA programs may have age criteria. |
Check out below the list of top MBA specializations in India and which MBA specialization has more job opportunities?
In India, Marketing management revolves around meeting consumers' needs with the marketing resources available to the company. Candidates opting for marketing management as an MBA field can understand the process of transforming consumer demands into products/services. How companies produce, deliver, promote in the marketplace and earn good profits.
Various Aspects Taught in Marketing Management Fields
S. No. | Major Aspects |
1. | Consumer Behavior |
2. | Retailing Management |
3. | Business Marketing |
4. | Marketing Channels |
5. | Product and Brand Management |
6. | Competitive Marketing |
7. | Marketing Communications Management |
8. | Customer Relationship Marketing |
9. | SalesForce Management |
10. | Advanced Research Techniques in Marketing |
Candidates willing to take up the MBA field in Marketing Management are judged and assessed on the basis of the following skills -
In India, some of the major colleges that offer an MBA in Marketing Management are given below which can be referred to by candidates.
Major Colleges:
S. No. | Top Colleges Offering MBA Fields in Marketing Management |
1. | |
2. | |
3. | |
4. | SP Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR), Mumbai |
Career After MBA in Marketing Management
One of the most popular MBA specializations in India which is opted by a number of candidates due to its growth prospects, is MBA in Finance. It allows candidates to focus on planning and controlling the financial resources of any particular industry and imparts knowledge on management & review of the procurement & investment of money.
Various Aspects Taught in Finance Field
S. No. | Major Aspects |
1. | Accounting for Managers |
2. | Business Communication |
3. | Quantitative Methods for Management |
4. | Portfolio Management |
5. | Securities Analysis |
6. | Treasury and Risk Management |
7. | Public Financial Administration |
8. | Investment Analysis and Portfolio Management |
9. | Financial Markets and Institutions |
10. | Strategic Management |
The below-mentioned skillset is a must for candidates who wish to pursue MBA in Finance Field as they will be judged and assessed on the basis:
Some of the major colleges that are offering MBA in Finance are given below which can be referred by candidates.
Major Colleges:
S. No. | Top Colleges Offering MBA Field in Finance |
1. | |
2. | |
3. | |
4. |
Career After MBA in Finance
One of the most popular MBA specializations in India amongst female candidates is Human Resource Management. MBA in HR imparts knowledge and training to candidates related to managing the workforce of the organisation, be it small or large. The role of an HR professional is to inculcate, develop and manage the culture of a company, recruit suitable candidates & retain them for the benefit of the company.
The MBA field in HR is one of the most demanding specializations these days for the simple reason that every domain needs skilled Human Resources professionals to manage the workforce.
Various Aspects Taught in Human Resource Management Specialization
S. No. | Major Aspects |
1. | Employment Relations Law - Law of Industrial Relations |
2. | Human Capital Management and HR Audit |
3. | Fundamentals of Human Resource Management |
4. | Fundamentals of Labor Laws |
5. | Human Resource Planning & Management |
6. | Fundamentals of Industrial Relations |
7. | Wage Determination and Administration |
8. | Performance Management and Appraisal |
9. | Economics of Human Resources |
10. | Cross Culture and International Human Resource Management |
Below mentioned skill set is assessed in candidates who aim to get MBA in Human Resource Management field:
Major colleges that are providing the MBA degree in HR specialization are given below which can be referred by candidates.
Major Colleges:
S. No. | Top Colleges Offering MBA Specialization in Human Resource Management |
1. | |
2. | |
3. | |
4. |
Career After MBA in Human Resource Management
A large number of candidates are opting to work in the field related to the socio-economic scenarios and thus prefer having an MBA in Rural Management specialization. It involves planning, organizing, and controlling cooperatives & organisations that are working for the benefit of the agricultural domain. Candidates who pursue an MBA in Rural Management get complete knowledge about the rural economy and agri-business of India, and they are encouraged to visit rural areas, interact and stay with villagers as a part of their fieldwork.
Various Aspects Taught in Rural Management
S. No. | Major Aspects |
1. | Corporate Social Responsibility |
2. | Legal Environment |
3. | Economic Analysis for Rural Management |
4. | International Trade |
5. | Rural Society and Indian Polity |
6. | Microfinance |
7. | Social Entrepreneurship |
8. | E-Business for Rural Enterprises |
9. | Natural Resources and Sustainability |
10. | Operations Research |
The following qualities/skills are a must for candidates who wish to pursue MBA in Rural Management Specialization, as they will be judged and assessed on this basis:
A list of some of the major colleges that are offering an MBA in Rural Management is provided below in tabular form which can be referred by candidates who wish to pursue RM Specialization.
Major Colleges:
S. No. | Top Colleges Offering MBA Field in Rural Management |
1. | |
2. | |
3. | Amity School of Rural Management |
4. |
Career After MBA in Rural Management
Keeping in view the current globalisation scenario, the need for experts in the field of business management has accelerated due to the MNCs and business groups set up in India. MBA in Business Management teaches policies and methodology related to sales, finance, human resources, personnel management, international business, operations, retail management, and much more. Business Management is one of the highest paying MBA specialization in India.
Various Aspects Taught in Business Management Field
S. No. | Major Aspects |
1. | Business Ethics |
2. | Corporate Governance |
3. | Strategic Management |
4. | Decision Models and Optimization |
5. | Marketing Management |
6. | Market Research |
7. | International Business |
8. | Operations Management |
9. | Project Management |
10. | Management Information Systems |
The expertise given below must be there in a candidate/s who wishes to pursue MBA in Business Management Specialization.
MBA specialization in Business Management is offered by many institutes in India. Some of the popular institutes are given below whereby candidates can apply for admission.
Major Colleges:
S. No. | Top Colleges Offering MBA Specialization in Business Management |
1. | |
2. | |
3. | |
4. |
Career After MBA in Business Management
Details related to delivering valuable end products to the end customer by continuously improving productivity, quality, cutting costs, and reducing turnaround time are taught to candidates in the Operations Management specialization. An MBA degree in Operations Management is an ideal career path for those who wish to understand complete business operations.
Those candidates who pursue MBA in Operations Management specializations are also trained to deal with challenges related to supply chain design, logistic services, supply chain management, etc.,
Various Aspects Taught in Operations Management Field
S. No. | Major Aspects |
1. | Project Management |
2. | Information Technology & Systems Management |
3. | Marketing Management |
4. | Technology and Innovation Management |
5. | Supply Chain Management |
6. | Materials Management |
7. | Total Quality Management Inventory Management Service & Production Planning |
8. | Purchase Management of Logistics |
9. | Plant Design and layout |
10. | Computer-Aided Design & Manufacturing |
Expertise required in candidates who wish to pursue MBA in Operations Management Specialization are given below:
MBA specialization in Operations Management is offered by many institutes in India. Some of the popular institutes are listed below, where candidates can apply for admission.
Major Colleges:
S. No. | Top Colleges Offering MBA Specialization in Operations Management |
1. | |
2. | |
3. | |
4. |
Career After MBA in Operations Management
MBA in Event Management Specialization inbuilt candidates with conceptualising, planning, and executing any event. By taking up an MBA degree in Event Management candidates will learn how to identify the target audience, decide the theme for the event, the major purpose of events, plan and execution of the theme & send an invitation.
Although Event Management is considered a part of mass communication courses, candidates willing to go solely for Event Management can go for this MBA specialization which is offered by many popular colleges in India at the master's degree level.
Various Aspects Taught in Event Management Specialization
S. No. | Major Aspects |
1. | Event Logistics |
2. | Advertising |
3. | Event Accounting & Coordination |
4. | XMedia Management |
5. | Study of Law and Licenses |
6. | Customer Service |
7. | Celebrity Management |
8. | Crowd Management |
9. | Security and Safety Management |
10. | Insurance and Risk management |
The event Management Specialization of MBA required candidates to be from an extremely creativity field and have the expertise given below:
MBA specialization in Event Management offered by some of the major institutes in India is listed below:
Major Colleges:
S. No. | Top Colleges Offering MBA Specialization in Event Management |
1. | |
2. | |
3. |
Career After MBA in Event Management
Candidates possessing an MBA degree have an upper hand in this competitive business world as MBA in Information Technology provides a conceptual vision & knowledge of technological trends. Apart from that, candidates who have done MBA in Information Technology specialization have a solid foundation in management skills along with educating and developing managers who can effectively manage not only planning, designing, and selecting but also have knowledge about implementation, usage as well as administration of emerging Information Technology trends.
Various Aspects Taught in Information Technology Specialization
S. No. | Major Aspects |
1. | Business Applications of IT |
2. | E-Business |
3. | Emerging IT Platforms and Services |
4. | IT Strategic Planning |
5. | Technology-Enabled Business Model Innovation |
6. | IT Outsourcing Strategy and Operations |
7. | IT Consulting and Advisory Practice |
8. | Data mining & coding |
9. | Technology Entrepreneurship |
10. | IT Project Management |
Candidates pursuing MBA in Information Technology Specialization are expected to have the following skillset:
MBA specialization in Information Technology is offered by many institutes in India. Some of the popular institutes are given below whereby candidates can apply for admission.
Major Colleges:
S. No. | Top Colleges Offering MBA Field in Information Technology |
1. | |
2. | Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies (JBIMS), Mumbai |
3. | |
4. |
Career After MBA in Information Technology
Supply chain management or simple Logistics Management deals with the planning, implementing & controlling of the supply and stock of goods/services between origin & consumption. Candidates who do not wish to go for studying Operations Management as a whole can opt for MBA in Logistics Management.
S. No. | Major Aspects |
1. | Economics and Management Decisions |
2. | Financial Management in the Supply Chain Industry |
3. | Business Process Re-Engineering |
4. | Strategic Management |
5. | Introduction to Logistics and Supply Chain Management |
6. | Logistics Planning and Strate |
7. | IT Application in Supply Chain |
8. | Supplier Relationship Management |
9. | Procurement Consultant Management |
10. | Global Supply Chain Management |
Given below is a list of skills that candidates must have who are planning to opt for Logistics Management as an MBA specialization:
Many institutes in India offer an MBA degree in Logistics Management specialization. Some of the popular educational institutes are listed below which can be considered by candidates:
Major Colleges:
S. No. | Top Colleges Offering MBA Specialization in Logistics Management |
1. | School of Business, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun |
2. | |
3. | |
4. |
Career After MBA in Logistics Management
Due to the enhancement of technology, the whole concept of healthcare is only limited to hospitals. MBA degree in Healthcare Management attracts those candidates who have an interest in the pharmaceutical, insurance organizations and consulting firms related to the healthcare sector. Having an MBA degree in Healthcare Management allows candidates to respond to various critical management problems faced by hospitals and other related agencies that come under the healthcare domain.
S. No. | Major Aspects |
1. | Medical Tourism Financial Management |
2. | Hospital Information Management Systems |
3. | Business Policy and Strategic Management |
4. | Financial and Cost Accounting for Hospitals |
5. | Health Service Management |
6. | Medical Emergency Systems |
7. | Clinical Pharmacy |
8. | Medical Ethics Quality Management |
9. | Operations and Services Management |
10. | Material Management |
Skill Set required in candidates who wish to pursue MBA in Healthcare Management Specialization are given below:
MBA specialization in Health Care Management is offered by many institutes in India. Some of the popular institutes are given below which candidates can apply to.
S. No. | Top Colleges Offering MBA Specialization in Health Care Management |
1. | |
2. | Max Value University, Chennai |
3. | |
4 | IIHMR University, Jaipur |
Here is a comparison table for most in-demand MBA specializations, including average salaries and common job duties:
MBA specializations in India | Average Salary (INR) | Common Job Roles |
---|---|---|
Finance | 10,00,000 - 20,00,000 | Financial Analyst, Investment Banker, Portfolio Manager, CFO, Risk Manager |
Marketing | 8,00,000 - 18,00,000 | Marketing Manager, Brand Manager, Product Manager, Digital Marketing Strategist |
Consulting | 12,00,000 - 25,00,000 | Management Consultant, Strategy Consultant, Business Analyst, Operations Consultant |
Entrepreneurship | 6,00,000 - 15,00,000 | Startup Founder, Business Development Manager, Venture Capitalist, Innovation Manager |
Operations Management | 9,00,000 - 18,00,000 | Operations Manager, Supply Chain Manager, Logistics Manager, Production Manager |
Information Technology | 10,00,000 - 22,00,000 | IT Manager, Technology Consultant, Product Manager (Tech), Chief Technology Officer |
Human Resources | 7,00,000 - 15,00,000 | HR Manager, Talent Acquisition Manager, Organizational Development Specialist |
Healthcare Management | 8,00,000 - 18,00,000 | Healthcare Administrator, Hospital Manager, Pharmaceutical Product Manager |
International Business | 9,00,000 - 20,00,000 | Global Business Manager, International Marketing Manager, Export/Import Manager |
Data Analytics | 12,00,000 - 25,00,000 | Data Scientist, Business Intelligence Analyst, Data Analytics Manager, Data Consultant |
Here is a list of the highest paying MBA specializations in India, based on average salary packages and industry demand:
Finance, consulting, and data analytics are the highest-paying specialties in India, with salaries for graduates from top institutions like IIMs, ISB, XLRI, and FMS often exceeding Rs 20 lakh per annum.
Choosing the best MBA specialization depends on your career goals, interests, and industry preferences. Below is a guide to help you align your career choices with the right MBA specialization:
Career Goal | Best MBA Specialization | Key Job Roles |
---|---|---|
Climbing the Corporate Ladder | General Management | CEO, COO, Business Unit Head, General Manager |
Working in Finance and Investments | Finance | Investment Banker, Financial Analyst, Portfolio Manager, CFO |
Leading Marketing Campaigns | Marketing | Marketing Manager, Brand Manager, Product Manager, Digital Marketing Strategist |
Solving Business Problems | Consulting | Management Consultant, Strategy Consultant, Business Analyst |
Starting Your Own Business | Entrepreneurship | Startup Founder, Business Development Manager, Venture Capitalist |
Managing Operations and Supply Chains | Operations Management | Operations Manager, Supply Chain Manager, Logistics Manager |
Leading Technology-Driven Projects | Information Technology (IT) | IT Manager, Technology Consultant, Product Manager (Tech), CTO |
Managing People and Culture | Human Resources (HR) | HR Manager, Talent Acquisition Manager, Organizational Development Specialist |
Working in Healthcare Administration | Healthcare Management | Healthcare Administrator, Hospital Manager, Pharmaceutical Product Manager |
Working in Global Business | International Business | Global Business Manager, International Marketing Manager, Export/Import Manager |
Analyzing Data for Business Decisions | Data Analytics | Data Scientist, Business Intelligence Analyst, Data Analytics Manager |
The MBA environment is evolving rapidly, with new specializations emerging to meet the needs of changing industries and technologies. Below is a list of emerging MBA specializations that are gaining popularity due to their relevance in today's changing business environment:
Emerging MBA Specialization | Key Industries |
---|---|
Data Analytics & Business Intelligence | IT, E-commerce, Consulting, Healthcare, Finance, Retail |
Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning | Technology, Healthcare, Finance, Manufacturing, E-commerce |
Digital Marketing | E-commerce, Advertising, Media, Retail, Technology |
Sustainability & Green Business | Renewable Energy, Manufacturing, Consulting, NGOs, Government |
Healthcare Management | Hospitals, Pharmaceuticals, Healthcare Consulting, Medical Devices |
E-commerce & Online Business | E-commerce, Retail, Logistics, Technology |
Entrepreneurship & Innovation | Startups, Venture Capital, Business Development, Innovation Hubs |
Cybersecurity Management | IT, Banking, Consulting, Government, Defense |
Blockchain & Cryptocurrency | Finance, Technology, Banking, Supply Chain, E-commerce |
Product Management | Technology, FMCG, E-commerce, Manufacturing |
Agri-Business Management | Agriculture, Food Processing, Rural Development, NGOs |
Luxury Brand Management | Fashion, Hospitality, Automotive, Real Estate, Retail |
Sports Management | Sports, Media, Entertainment, Fitness, Event Management |
Public Policy & Governance | Government, NGOs, Consulting, International Organizations |
Global Business & Trade | Multinational Corporations, Export/Import, Consulting, Logistics |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Marketing, Finance, Human Resources (HR), Operations Management, and Information Technology (IT) are the best opt for fresher.
MBA students who are very interested in a particular field or profession, then it would be to their advantage to pursue a specialized MBA program. Special MBA graduates have the best chance of getting a job in their preferred field.
Also, those who want to pursue entrepreneurship will have a margin to run a successful business due to the expertise they have gained in the area during the two years of the special MBA.
Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Finance, Operations, International Business, Luxury Management are some of the highest-paid MBA specialties.
Choosing between an MBA in HR and an MBA in Finance depends on your interests, skills, and career goals. Both specializations offer unique opportunities and cater to different aspects of business administration.
Entrepreneurship, Innovation Management, General Management, Technology Management, and Social Entrepreneurship are the best MBA for entrepreneurs.
Popular concentrations in “very easy” online MBAs typically include general management, marketing, healthcare administration, and data analytics.
While there are plenty of MBA specializations offered by B-schools across India, it is difficult to pinpoint an MBA expertise as the best. Each specialty MBA program has its own benefits and objectives.
Some of the popular MBA specialties include marketing, human resources, finance, operations, and supply chain, international business, and retail management.
While each specialty is in demand from the respective industries, there are some key areas such as luxury management or brand management that also have industrial demands.
Global and most common MBA specialization required in the fields of finance, marketing, and human resource management.
Students who choose the General MBA may choose one or more exams in the second year, which are similar to the specializations.
Special MBA programs provide candidates with an in-depth knowledge base about the place, its objectives, and challenges. It will provide management experience to the candidates, which will help them to build a reliable career map in a particular field of industry in the long run.
On Question asked by student community
Yes, you can fill the CAT form even if you currently have a backlog. CAT eligibility requires you to be in your final year of graduation or already graduated backlogs don’t stop you from applying.
While filling the form:
Enter the aggregate percentage/CGPA of marks you have obtained up to the latest semester for which results are declared (in your case till 4th semester).
There will be an option to mention that you have a backlog.
If you clear the backlog later, you’ll just need to show the updated marks during admission.
Hello Aspirant,
Yes, you can apply for the CAT exam as a final-year student. You must declare your backlog on the online application form. You do not write about it on the final-year student certificate; that document is to certify your enrollment status. You must clear all backlogs before the final admission process to any MBA college.
Hello,
Thank you for your question!
KL- MAT syllabus: Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, English/Verbal Ability, and General Awareness (similar to MAT/CMAT pattern).
CAT scores are valid in many private universities including KL University, but always check the year’s admission notification.
CAT vs other exams: CAT is toughest (IIMs + top B-schools), while MAT/CMAT/ATMA are relatively easier and accepted by many mid-level private universities.
Hello it will clear your doubt!
Hello Aspirant,
I saw a cat. The cat found an old map inside a drawer of the king's palace.
Here's why:
"a cat": It's the first time we mention the cat, so it's indefinite.
"The cat": Now we're talking about that specific cat we just mentioned, so it's definite.
"an old map": It's the first time we mention a map, and "old" starts with a vowel sound, so "an."
"a drawer": It's one of possibly many drawers, not a specific one known to us yet.
"the king's palace": This is a specific, unique place, so "the."
Hello Kapish
You can find the last 5 year questions of DILR for CAT at Careers360 website. Moreover, you can find the previous year papers of all the subjects i.e. DILR, Quants and VARC. I am attaching the link through which you would be able to access the same.
Here's the link:
CAT Previous Year Papers by CAREERS360
Sample paper of DILR:
CAT Sample Paper (DILR) by CAREERS360
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