Great Lakes - PGDM & PGPM Admissions 2026
Admissions Open | Globally Recognized by AACSB (US) & AMBA (UK) | 17.8 LPA Avg. CTC for PGPM 2025
CAT Admit Card Date:05 Nov' 25 - 30 Nov' 25
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:
Admissions Open | Globally Recognized by AACSB (US) & AMBA (UK) | 17.8 LPA Avg. CTC for PGPM 2025
Ranked No. 3 Business School in India and no.35 in world by Financial Times MiM 2025 Ranking | Highest CTC: INR 89 LPA
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
Hello dear candidate,
Yes, you have a very good chance of getting a BPT seat with 488 out of 600 and TS EAMCET rank of 14,000 under the ST category.
As the cut off of BPT for ST category students are generally between 25,000 to 45,000 ranks, depending upon the college and you have TS EAMCET rank of 14,000.
Thank you.
If you got 802 marks in Telangana Intermediate and belong to the ST category, you have a fair chance to get admission in a BPT course in 2025, but it depends on the college and cut-off. Most BPT colleges in Telangana ask for 12th marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, and some also use the TS EAMCET rank for admission. The cut-off for ST students is usually lower than for general students, but it changes every year. It is better to check the previous year’s cut-offs of the colleges you want to apply to.
Hello, Getting shortlisted for IIM Lucknow or IIT Bombay (SJMSOM) with your profile is challenging, primarily due to your 58% in Class 10th, which significantly impacts the composite score calculation for both institutes. While your 98 percentile CAT score is excellent, and your 24 months of work experience, B.Com (Hons) background (providing academic diversity, especially for IIM-L), and KVS National player status are valuable additions, top IIMs and IITs heavily weigh consistent academic performance. Your 74% in 12th is also on the lower side. IIM Lucknow places substantial weight on 10th and 12th marks, making a call quite difficult despite your strengths. You likely have a relatively better, though still uncertain, chance at IIT Bombay, as their weighting might be slightly less penalizing for past academics compared to IIM-L, and your high CAT score is a major factor. However, the low 10th score remains a significant hurdle for both prestigious institutions.
I hope you found this information helpful and for study related queries you can ask in careers360 app, Have a great day and!
Hey,
You already have a strong profile with the score of 58% in Class 10, 74% in Class 12, and 80% in graduation, but admission in IIT Bombay, Shailesh J Mehta School of Management is quite competitive, especially if you are in general category because the cutoff for general goes to 98.5-99%. Your CAT percentage is impressive but your 10th marks might reduce your score during the shortlisting process. If you perform well in Written Ability Test and Personal Interview, and present your commerce background you still stand a fair chance. But it would also be wise if you have some backups like MDI Gurugram, IMT Ghaziabad, IMI Delhi, where your marks and profile will fit well in their selection range.
HELLO,
I am providing you the link below through which you will be able to download the previous 10 years CAT question papers
Here is the link :- CAT Previous year Question papers
Hope this Helps!
Admissions Open | Globally Recognized by AACSB (US) & AMBA (UK) | 17.8 LPA Avg. CTC for PGPM 2025
Ranked Under 100 B-Schools in India by NIRF | AACSB Member | AICTE Approved | Highest CTC 26 LPA | Average CTC of the Top 25% Students is 13 LPA
Ranked No. 3 Business School in India and no.35 in world by Financial Times MiM 2025 Ranking | Highest CTC: INR 89 LPA
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