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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.
Quick Links to know the affordable MBA abroad for Indian students:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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
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
Thank You!!!
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