MBA in India vs MBA Abroad: Which one is better?

MBA in India vs MBA Abroad: Which one is better?

Ongoing Event

CAT Application Date:01 Aug' 25 - 13 Sep' 25

Alen Tom ShajiUpdated on 21 Jul 2025, 02:45 PM IST

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.

This Story also Contains

  1. MBA in India vs MBA Abroad
  2. Comparison of MBA in India vs MBA Abroad
  3. MBA in India vs MBA Abroad: Eligibility Criteria
  4. Pros and Cons of Doing MBA in India vs Abroad
  5. Top MBA Colleges in India vs Abroad
  6. MBA Abroad vs MBA in India: Entrance Exams
  7. MBA Abroad vs India : Admission Process
  8. MBA Abroad vs MBA in India: Course Structure and Specialisations
  9. Indian MBA vs Foreign MBA: Placements and Salary
  10. MBA in India vs Abroad: Which one to choose?
MBA in India vs MBA Abroad: Which one is better?
mba in india vs mba

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

CAT, XAT, SNAP, MAT, CMAT

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

  • Stanford Graduate School of Business
  • London Business School
  • Columbia Business School
  • Harvard Business School

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 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.
Great Lakes - PGDM & PGPM Admissions 2026

Admissions Open | Globally Recognized by AACSB (US) & AMBA (UK) | 17.3 LPA Avg. CTC for PGPM 2024

IBSAT 2025-ICFAI Business School MBA/PGPM 2026

IBSAT 2025-Your gateway to MBA/PGPM @ IBS Hyderabad and 8 other IBS campuses | Scholarships worth 10 CR

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: VARC, DILR, and Quant MCQs & Weightages
Comprehensive CAT prep guide with focused practice on Verbal Ability, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude.
Download Now

Quick Links:

XAT- Xavier Aptitude Test 2026

75+ years of legacy | #1 Entrance Exam | Score accepted by 250+ BSchools | Apply now

Symbiosis MBA - SNAP 2025

1 Exam accepted by 17 Top Symbiosis Institutes for 29 MBA programmes.

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.

Also Read:

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 2023.

Top MBA colleges in India

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

476.25

IIM Calcutta

5

75.07
IIM Mumbai674.73

IIM Lucknow

7

74.43

IIM Indore

8

73.53

XLRI-Xavier School of Management

9

68.13

IIT Bombay

10

67.16
Management Development Institute (MDI)1166.85
IIM Rohtak1266.49
Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM)1365.13
IIM Raipur1464.40
Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT)1562.36
IIT Madras1661.73
IIM Ranchi1761.27
IIT Roorkee1861.21
IIT Kharagpur1961.03
S. P. Jain Institute of Management and Research2060.97

Top MBA colleges Abroad

The below table lists the top colleges abroad along with the QS ranking 2024.

College / Universities

Country

QS Rank

Stanford Graduate School of Business

USA

1

Harvard Business School

USA

2

The Wharton School

USA

3

London Business School

UK

4

HEC ParisFrance5

MIT Sloan School of Management

USA

6

Columbia Business School

USA7

IE Business School

Spain

8

Cambridge Judge Business School

UK

9

IESE Business School

Spain

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.

People also search for:

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 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.

Quick Links to know the affordable MBA abroad for Indian students:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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: 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 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: 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.

Articles
|
Next
Certifications By Top Providers
Online MBA Business Analytics
Via Centre for Distance and Online Education, Anna University, Chennai
Online MBA
Via Centre for Distance and Online Education, Anna University, Chennai
Corporate Law
Via National Law University, New Delhi
Management of Commercial Banking
Via Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur
Marketing Management
Via Indian Institute of Management Bangalore
Online MBA
Via Centre for Distance and Online Education, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology
Udemy
 703 courses
Edx
 467 courses
Swayam
 236 courses
Emeritus
 231 courses
Explore Top Universities Across Globe
University of Essex, Colchester
Wivenhoe Park Colchester CO4 3SQ
Oxford Brookes University, Oxford
Headington Campus Oxford OX3 0BP UK
Northumbria University, Newcastle City Campus
Sutherland Building, Northumberland Road, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 8ST
Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff
Llandaff Campus, Western Avenue, Cardiff, CF5 2YB
University of Reading, Reading
Whiteknights PO Box 217 Reading Berkshire RG6 6AH
Bristol Baptist College, Bristol
The Promenade, Clifton Down, Bristol BS8 3NJ

Questions related to CAT

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to CAT ?

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,

  1. 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!!!