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MBA in India vs Abroad: Fees, Salary, Eligibility, ROI & Which Is Better in 2026?
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.
LiveIIM CAT 2025 Result (OUT) LIVE: MBA admission criteria for IIMs; CAT score weightage, cut-offsDec 26, 2025 | 11:01 PM ISTRead More
IIM Kozhikode will retain its three-stage admission process for the MBA (PGP) 2026–28 batch, with CAT 2025 scores carrying a final weightage of 35 percent. The minimum overall CAT cut-off for general category candidates remains at 85 percentile, with sectional qualifying scores required in VARC, DILR, and QA. Shortlisting of candidates will be based on CAT performance, academic record, and personal interview rounds.
This Story also Contains
- MBA in India vs MBA Abroad
- Comparison of MBA in India vs MBA Abroad
- MBA in India vs MBA Abroad: Eligibility Criteria
- Pros and Cons of Doing MBA in India vs Abroad
- Top MBA Colleges in India vs Abroad
- MBA Abroad vs MBA in India: Entrance Exams
- MBA Abroad vs India : Admission Process
- MBA Abroad vs MBA in India: Course Structure and Specialisations
- Indian MBA vs Foreign MBA: Placements and Salary
- MBA in India vs Abroad: Which one to choose?
MBA in India vs MBA Abroad
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.
Comparison of MBA in India vs MBA Abroad
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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MBA in India vs MBA Abroad: Eligibility Criteria
Check out the selection criteria for doing an MBA in India vs abroad.
Eligibility Criteria for MBA in India
The candidates who wish to apply for MBA admission 2026-28 in India must fulfil the following eligibility criteria:
- Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum aggregate of 50% marks from an approved university. The final aggregate can vary based on the reservation policy and institutes chosen by the candidates.
- Candidates must have a valid score in any of the national- or state-level MBA entrance exams, such as CAT, MAT, XAT, TANCET, AP ICET, TS ICET, or any others.
The MBA eligibility criteria for the institutes are different from one another.
Eligibility Criteria for MBA Abroad
Candidates can apply for the foreign MBA programmes based on the eligibility criteria mentioned below.
- MBA aspirants must prove their language proficiency by obtaining a valid score on any of the tests, such as IELTS or TOEFL.
- Candidates should have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field with a minimum aggregate of 50% marks from a recognised university.
- Candidates with work experience of 2 to 5 years are an added advantage.
CAT 2025 College Predictor
Use CAT 2025 College Predictor to check your chances for IIM and top MBA calls based on CAT percentile, profile, work experience and cut-off trends.
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K J Somaiya Institute of Management MBA Admissions 2026
Highest Package 27.25 LPA | Top 100 Average package 16.65 LPA | AACSB Accredited | Ranked 52 by QS International
ISBR Business School PGDM Admissions 2026
400+ Recruiters | Highest CTC 21 LPA | Average CTC 8 LPA | 92% Placements in 2025 | Ranked as Platinum Institute | Awarded Best Business School of the Year
Pros and Cons of Doing MBA in India vs Abroad
MBA in India
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. |
MBA in Abroad
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. |
Top MBA Colleges in India vs Abroad
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 2025.
Top MBA colleges in India
Check out below the top MBA colleges in India according to the NIRF ranking for 2025.
NIRF ranking MBA colleges | NIRF 2025 Ranking for MBA | NIRF Score 2025 |
IIM Ahmedabad | 1 | 83.29 |
IIM Bangalore | 2 | 81.56 |
IIM Kozhikode | 3 | 79.85 |
IIT Delhi | 4 | 78.94 |
5 | 77.97 | |
| IIM Mumbai | 6 | 77.58 |
IIM Calcutta | 7 | 77.34 |
8 | 75.68 | |
Management Development Institute (MDI) | 9 | 71.96 |
10 | 70.63 | |
| 11 | 67.90 | |
| IIT Kharagpur | 12 | 66.97 |
| IIT Madras | 13 | 66.50 |
| IIT Bombay | 14 | 65.82 |
| IIM Raipur | 15 | 65.03 |
| IIM Trichy | 16 | 64.95 |
| Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) | 17 | 62.93 |
| IIM Ranchi | 18 | 62.77 |
| IIM Rohtak | 19 | 62.60 |
| S. P. Jain Institute of Management and Research | 20 | 62.06 |
Top MBA colleges Abroad
The below table lists the top colleges abroad along with the QS ranking 2025.
College / Universities | Country | QS Rank |
|---|---|---|
USA | 1 | |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | USA | 2 |
USA | 3 | |
France | 4 | |
University of Cambridge | USA | 5 |
University of Oxford | UK | 6 |
UK | 7 | |
National University of Singapore (NUS) | Singapore | 8 |
University of Pennsylvania | USA | 9 |
Italy | 10 |
MBA Abroad vs MBA in India: Entrance Exams
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.
MBA Abroad vs India : Admission Process
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 Abroad vs MBA in India: Course Structure and Specialisations
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 |
Indian MBA vs Foreign MBA: Placements and Salary
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.
Know more: MBA Salary in India
MBA in India vs Abroad: Which one to choose?
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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Which country is best for doing MBA?
A:
MBA aspirants can do the MBA programme at any of the top universities available in countries such as USA, UK, Canada, Australia and France.
Q: Is an MBA from India valid abroad?
A:
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.
Q: How much is the course fee for doing MBA abroad?
A:
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.
Q: Is MBA better in IIM or abroad?
A:
An MBA in India is quite cost-effective and culturally familiar, while an MBA abroad offers broader international exposure and networking opportunities.
Q: Is it better to go abroad or study in India?
A:
The choice between studying abroad or in India after the 12th depends on individual goals, desired academic, financial capacity, and cultural experiences.
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Have a question related to CAT ?
With 84.91 percentile in CAT (General, male, no work experience), top colleges like IIMs, IITs, FMS, MDI, etc. are not possible. You may get calls from private institutes such as IMT Nagpur/Hyderabad, IMI Bhubaneswar, XIME, SDMIMD, Welingkar (some programs) and similar colleges. Universities like Amity or LPU are also options.
It’s better to choose carefully, as placements and ROI may be average. Reattempting CAT or trying XAT/CMAT could improve options.
Hello,
With a CAT percentile of 88.77 and a strong CGPA of 9.0, you are in a competitive range for newer IIMs (like IIM Amritsar, IIM Bodh Gaya, IIM Sirmaur, IIM Nagpur) and several top non-IIM B-schools such as TAPMI, BIM Trichy, Great Lakes, IMI Delhi, FORE School of Management, and KJ Somaiya. You may not reach the older IIMs (Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, etc.) since they usually require 98+ percentile, but you have excellent chances at mid-tier and emerging institutes.
For more details access mentioned link below:
Hope it helps.
Hello
The expected cutoff for the JAP (Joint Admission Process) is around 90 to 95th percentile, with a minimum sectional cutoff of around 75 percentile in Quantitative Ability. You have scored 82.2% which is very low; that's why you are unlikely to meet the minimum criteria for the JAP IIMs in the general Category.
I hope this information helps you.
Thank you.
Hello,
Here is your IIM Cutoff for Gen/OBC/SC/ST, CS Score Cut Off. I am providing you the link. Kindly open and check it out. From here you can get all the details.
I hope it will help you.
Thank you.
With a CAT score of around 80 percentile and about 2 years of work experience, getting a call from the top IIMs (IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, Lucknow, Kozhikode, Indore) is extremely difficult, as their cutoff percentiles are usually much higher, even for reserved categories. These institutes typically shortlist candidates above 95–99 percentile depending on category, academic profile, and diversity factors.
However, you may still have some chances at a few of the newer or baby IIMs, especially if you belong to a reserved category (SC/ST/OBC/EWS) and have a decent academic background. IIMs such as IIM Jammu, IIM Bodh Gaya, IIM Sirmaur, IIM Sambalpur, IIM Nagaland, IIM Amritsar, and IIM Vizag have historically called candidates in the 75–85 percentile range for certain categories. Your 2 years of work experience can also work in your favour, as most IIMs give weightage to professional experience during shortlisting and final selection.
That said, selection does not depend on CAT percentile alone. Factors like your 10th and 12th marks, graduation score, academic consistency, gender and academic diversity, work experience quality, and performance in the personal interview play a very important role. Even with an 80 percentile, a strong interview and profile can improve your chances at newer IIMs.
You should also keep strong non-IIM options open. At this percentile, good colleges like newer IIT MBA programs, some NITs, and reputed private B-schools can offer better and more realistic opportunities. Applying broadly and preparing seriously for the interview stage is very important.
In summary, while top IIMs are unlikely at 80 percentile, you may still have a realistic chance at some of the newer IIMs depending on your category and overall profile.
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