MBA in India vs Abroad: Fees, Salary, Eligibility, ROI & Which Is Better in 2026?

MBA in India vs Abroad: Fees, Salary, Eligibility, ROI & Which Is Better in 2026?

Alen Tom ShajiUpdated on 11 Dec 2025, 12:31 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.

LiveIIM CAT 2025 Result (OUT) LIVE: MBA admission criteria for IIMs; CAT score weightage, cut-offsDec 26, 2025 | 11:01 PM IST

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.

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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, Eligibility, ROI & Which Is Better in 2026?
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 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.
BIMTECH PGDM Admissions 2026

AACSB Accredited | Highest CTC: 22 LPA | Last Date: 31st December 2025

Great Lakes - PGDM & PGPM Admissions 2026

Globally Recognized by AACSB (US) & AMBA (UK) | 17.8 LPA Avg. CTC for PGPM 2025

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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Quick Links:

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

478.94

IIM Lucknow

5

77.97
IIM Mumbai677.58

IIM Calcutta

7

77.34

IIM Indore

8

75.68

Management Development Institute (MDI)

9

71.96

XLRI-Xavier School of Management

10

70.63

Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM)

1167.90
IIT Kharagpur
1266.97
IIT Madras
1366.50
IIT Bombay
1465.82
IIM Raipur
1565.03
IIM Trichy1664.95
Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT)
1762.93
IIM Ranchi1862.77
IIM Rohtak1962.60
S. P. Jain Institute of Management and Research2062.06

Top MBA colleges Abroad

The below table lists the top colleges abroad along with the QS ranking 2025.

College / Universities

Country

QS Rank

Harvard Business School

USA

1

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

USA

2

Stanford Graduate School of Business

USA

3

INSEAD

France

4

University of Cambridge

USA

5

University of Oxford

UK

6

London Business School

UK

7

National University of Singapore (NUS)

Singapore

8

University of Pennsylvania

USA

9

Bocconi University

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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Questions related to CAT

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to CAT ?

Hello,

The results for the CAT 2025 entrance, which is conducted on November 30, 2025, were declared on December 22, 2025. Candidates can download and see their results on the official IIM CAT website. On the website, click on the "CAT 2025 Result/Scorecard" link to download the result by entering the required details.

I hope it will clear your query!!

Hello,

The link to the website where you can check the published result is attached herewith.  The result will be out soon. You can also check the cutoffs on the website of Careers360.

https://bschool.careers360.com/articles/cat-result

Thank you.

CAT does not restrict eligibility based on stream. Candidates from commerce, arts, science, engineering or any other background can appear for CAT and apply to MBA programmes offered by IIMs and other top B-schools.

The basic eligibility criteria for CAT are:
You must hold a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognised university with at least 50 percent marks (45 percent for SC, ST and PwD categories). Final-year graduation students are also eligible to apply.

Being a commerce graduate can actually be an advantage in areas such as accounting, finance, economics and business studies, especially during MBA coursework in finance, marketing and operations.

After qualifying CAT, admission depends on multiple factors including CAT percentile, academic background, work experience (if any), performance in GD, WAT and personal interview rounds. Many IIMs and B-schools follow a diverse academic background policy, which means non-engineering candidates, including commerce graduates, often receive additional weightage.

Apart from IIMs, several reputed institutes such as FMS Delhi, SPJIMR Mumbai, MDI Gurgaon, IMT Ghaziabad, and many state and private universities also accept CAT scores for MBA admissions.

So, as a commerce graduate, you are fully eligible to appear for CAT and pursue an MBA, provided you meet the minimum academic requirements and perform well in the selection process.

If you want, I can also help you with realistic CAT percentile targets based on your academic profile or suggest suitable MBA colleges.


Hello aspirant,

With a CAT 2025 raw score of 84 and strong sectionals, your expected percentile may fail in the high 98 range , depending on scaling. Your excellent academics and 2 years of work experience strengthen your profile .IIM Lucknow calls are possible but competitive for EWS engineers , while FMS Delhi looks mainly at CAT score and VARC , so you have a reasonable chance there . Final calls depend on cutoffs and composite score.

FOR REFERENCE : https://bschool.careers360.com/articles/cat-cutoff

Hope the details will help you.

THANK YOU

Hello,

For a raw score of 56 in CAT 2025 Slot 3, your expected overall percentile is likely to be in the range of the 90th-95th percentile. The exact percentile can vary slightly on the final normalization process and the process and performance of all test-takers. In this article you'll find more about the CAT result.

I hope it will clear your query!!