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MBA in India vs abroad is a confusing question, as it involves considering various factors such as the quality of education, cost of tuition, living expenses, future career prospects, and personal career goals. The decision to pursue an MBA, a globally recognised postgraduate programme designed to develop skills required for careers in business and management. MBA in India vs MBA abroad opens doors to new opportunities, enhanced skills, and increased earning potential.
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MBA in India vs abroad salary must considered while looking for a postgraduate degree from any MBA institute from India or abroad. Read this article, which helps MBA aspirants make a final decision on whether to pursue an MBA abroad vs India and also get answers to their questions such as MBA in India vs abroad which is better and MBA in India vs abroad salary statistics.
Particulars | MBA in India | MBA Abroad |
Top MBA Entrance Exam | GMAT, GRE | |
MBA in India vs abroad fees | Rs. 12 lakhs to Rs. 30 lakhs | Rs. 25 lakhs to Rs. 50 lakhs |
Work Experience | No Work Experience or 2 - 5 years | 2 - 3 years |
Opportunities | Low compared to Abroad MBA | High level of opportunities |
MBA average Salary | Rs. 7 lakhs to Rs. 15 lakhs | Rs. 50 lakhs to Rs. 15 crores |
Exposure | No international Exposure | International Exposure |
Visa Requirements | No Visa required | Study visa required |
Top Colleges |
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Check out the selection criteria for doing an MBA in India vs abroad.
The candidates who wish to apply for MBA admission in India must fulfil the following eligibility criteria:
The MBA eligibility criteria for the institutes are different from one another.
Candidates can apply for the foreign MBA programmes based on the eligibility criteria mentioned below.
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The Indian B-schools admissions process is not complex as compared to the Abroad MBA.
Pros | Cons |
The cost of MBA courses in India is less than that of similar overseas MBA programmes. | The Indian B-schools are not able to give global exposure to the students, even though they provide international internships. |
Many of the institutes do not require any work experience as part of their MBA / PGDM eligibility criteria. | MBA in India focus mainly on theoretical knowledge rather than practical skills. |
Candidates will get an opportunity to understand the Indian market and business. | While top Indian B-schools are globally recognised, an MBA from lesser-known institutions may not have the same global recognition. |
The Indian B-schools admissions process is not complex as compared to the Abroad MBA. | Some Indian B-schools may have a more rigid curriculum with less flexibility to choose electives compared to international programmes. |
Pros | Cons |
Studying in a different country gives students a broader view, understanding of different cultures, and chances to make international connections. | The MBA abroad fees can be significantly higher than those in India. |
Business schools abroad typically emphasise experiential learning and case studies, equipping students with practical skills. | Most foreign B-schools require 2-3 years of work experience for admission. |
Candidates can improve their proficiency in any foreign language. | Getting used to a new culture and surroundings can be tough. |
Understanding the cultural practices of other countries boosts your value as a businessperson. | The international MBA admissions process is complex and lengthy compared to India. |
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Candidates can go through the below table to know the top MBA colleges in India vs abroad based on the NIRF ranking and QS ranking 2023.
Check out below the top MBA colleges in India according to the NIRF ranking for 2024.
NIRF ranking MBA colleges | NIRF Ranking for MBA | NIRF Score 2024 |
IIM Ahmedabad | 1 | 83.32 |
IIM Bangalore | 2 | 81.16 |
IIM Kozhikode | 3 | 77.90 |
IIT Delhi | 4 | 76.25 |
IIM Calcutta | 5 | 75.07 |
IIM Mumbai | 6 | 74.73 |
7 | 74.43 | |
8 | 73.53 | |
9 | 68.13 | |
10 | 67.16 | |
Management Development Institute (MDI) | 11 | 66.85 |
IIM Rohtak | 12 | 66.49 |
Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM) | 13 | 65.13 |
IIM Raipur | 14 | 64.40 |
Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) | 15 | 62.36 |
IIT Madras | 16 | 61.73 |
IIM Ranchi | 17 | 61.27 |
IIT Roorkee | 18 | 61.21 |
IIT Kharagpur | 19 | 61.03 |
S. P. Jain Institute of Management and Research | 20 | 60.97 |
The below table lists the top colleges abroad along with the QS ranking 2024.
College / Universities | Country | QS Rank |
USA | 1 | |
USA | 2 | |
The Wharton School | USA | 3 |
UK | 4 | |
HEC Paris | France | 5 |
USA | 6 | |
USA | 7 | |
Spain | 8 | |
UK | 9 | |
IESE Business School | Spain | 10 |
MBA abroad admission is done through exams like the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) and the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) are usually required. These exams test the verbal, mathematical, and analytical writing skills of the students. Candidates who meet the GMAT / GRE cutoff can seek admission to foreign universities.
In India, entrance exams like the Common Admission Test (CAT), Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT), Symbiosis National Aptitude (SNAP), and NMAT by GMAC are popular among MBA aspirants. These exams test a candidate’s aptitude in English, mathematics, and reasoning and form the basis for MBA admission into various Indian business schools.
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The admission process for MBA programmes in India and abroad varies significantly. In India, after clearing the entrance exams, shortlisted candidates have to go through a written test, group discussion, and a personal interview. Work experience is considered for admission into IIM MBA programmes.
In contrast, foreign universities often require 2-4 years of work experience along with a good GMAT or GRE score. The admissions process may also include writing essays and a round of personal interviews.
MBA aspirants can go through the below table to get an outline of the Indian MBA vs Foreign MBA course structure and specialisations.
Particulars | MBA in India | MBA in Abroad |
Course Duration | 2 years | 1-2 years |
Course type | Full-time, part-time, and online | Full-time, part-time, and online |
MBA Specialisations | Finance, Human Resources, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, International Business, Supply Chain Development, and Healthcare Management | Finance, Marketing, Human Resources, Entrepreneurship, Data Analytics, Digital Marketing, Consulting, and Information Systems |
The average salary for an MBA graduate in India is around Rs. 7 to 12 LPA, while in the average package for an MBA in the US, it’s around Rs. 90 lakhs. It’s important to note that the cost of living and tuition fees are also higher abroad. Placements are generally higher for MBA graduates abroad compared to India, with a higher percentage of students getting placed through campus placements.
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The choice between an MBA in India vs abroad ultimately depends on an individual’s career goals, financial capacity, and personal circumstances. Both options have their own advantages and offer valuable opportunities for career growth. An MBA in India might be more affordable and have less complexity in its admission criteria, while an MBA abroad offers global exposure and better job opportunities.
Remember, the decision to pursue an MBA should align with your long-term career goals. Whether in India or abroad, an MBA can be a stepping stone to a successful career in management.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The choice between studying abroad or in India after the 12th depends on individual goals, desired academic, financial capacity, and cultural experiences.
An MBA in India is quite cost-effective and culturally familiar, while an MBA abroad offers broader international exposure and networking opportunities.
Students can apply for the MBA programmes abroad based on certain eligibility criteria and the MBA abroad course fee ranges from Rs. 25 lakhs to Rs. 50 lakhs.
Yes, an MBA obtained from India is typically acknowledged and accepted internationally. However, the recognition can vary based on the particular institution and the country’s regulations.
MBA aspirants can do the MBA programme at any of the top universities available in countries such as USA, UK, Canada, Australia and France.
On Question asked by student community
Hey! With a NEET score of 344 in the ST category, it is highly unlikely to get admission in any government BDS college in Delhi through the All India Quota. The cutoff for government BDS seats in Delhi usually falls around 400–450 for ST category, so your score is below that range.
You can consider private dental colleges, state quota seats in other states, or reattempt NEET next year to improve your chances.
Hello dear candidate,
YES, with NEET score 344in the ST category you have high chances of getting admission in a BDS College in J&K through JKBOPEE counselling.
check the seat availability and next participate in JKBOPEE Counselling with all the necessary documents.
Thank you.
Hey! With an All India Rank (AIR) of 302,821 in NEET and belonging to the BCE category, it is highly unlikely to get a BDS seat in Telangana under the state quota, as the closing ranks for BCE are usually below 50,000. You may consider applying to private colleges under management quota or explore BDS seats in other states, but the chances remain very limited with this rank.
At KIMS Amalapuram, the internship stipend for MBBS students is generally reported to be around 20,000 per month, though some students have mentioned that in certain years no stipend was provided at all, which means it can vary depending on the policies in place at the time of your internship. To get the most accurate and updated information, it is always best to confirm directly with the college administration or recent interns, but on average, you can expect a stipend in the range of 18,000-20,000 per month during the compulsory rotating internship.
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