MBA in India vs Abroad: Fees, Salary, Career Prospects & Top Colleges

MBA in India vs Abroad: Fees, Salary, Career Prospects & Top Colleges

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Alen Tom ShajiUpdated on 12 Sep 2025, 03:02 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 Abroad: Fees, Salary, Career Prospects & Top Colleges
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.
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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.
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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:

CAT Syllabus: Subjects & Chapters
Select your preferred subject to view the chapters

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.

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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 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. 

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.

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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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Hello

The CAT 2025 exam is a national-level MBA entrance test for IIMs and top B-schools in India. It will be held on 30th November 2025 in computer-based mode across ~170 cities.
The registration is open from 1st August to 13th September 2025 on iimcat.ac.in .
Admit cards will be available from 5th November 2025 onward.
Graduates with at least 50 marks (45 for SC/ST/PwD) are eligible to apply.
The exam tests English, Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude in three timed sections.

Yes, you can pursue an MBA at Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU), Lucknow, through the CAT exam.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Educational Qualification: A bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates) from a recognized university.

  • Entrance Exam: A valid CAT score is required for admission.

Admission Process:

  1. Application: Register online through the BBAU admission portal.

  2. Entrance Exam: Appear for the CAT exam and obtain a valid score.

  3. Counseling: Shortlisted candidates will be called for counseling based on their CAT scores.

  4. Document Verification: Submit necessary documents for verification.

  5. Fee Payment: Complete the fee payment to confirm admission.

Course Details:

  • Duration: 2 years (full-time).

  • Specializations: Finance, Marketing, Human Resource Management, among others.

Placement Opportunities:
BBAU has a strong placement record, with top companies recruiting MBA graduates.

For more details and to apply, visit the  official BBAU MBA admission page