Careers360 Logo
Search Colleges, Exams, Schools & more
ask-icon
share
    MBA Lateral Entry - Eligibility Criteria, Admission, Syllabus, Scope, Comparison

    MBA Lateral Entry - Eligibility Criteria, Admission, Syllabus, Scope, Comparison

    #CAT
    Anusha BhalotiaUpdated on 20 Apr 2024, 09:47 AM IST

    The MBA Lateral Entry Course is essentially a standard MBA programme with specific entry requirements, allowing individuals to directly enter the second year of MBA programme. The Master of Business Administration (MBA) has a great demand in the business world. Professionals seeking career growth or wanting to change their career paths can get an MBA admission through lateral entry. MBA Lateral Entry provides a distinct and fast-track approach to this esteemed degree.

    This Story also Contains

    1. What is MBA Lateral Entry?
    2. Eligibility Criteria For MBA Lateral Entry
    3. Admission Process For MBA Lateral Entry
    4. MBA Lateral Entry Syllabus
    5. Future Career Options After MBA Lateral Entry
    6. Comparing MBA Lateral Entry and Regular MBA
    MBA Lateral Entry - Eligibility Criteria, Admission, Syllabus, Scope, Comparison
    MBA lateral entry

    MBA lateral entry course will enable professionals in relevant fields to refine their management skills, a crucial aspect for ascending to top management roles within an organisation. This article by careers360 will cover the eligibility criteria, admission process, syllabus, future career prospects, and comparison of regular and lateral entry MBA programmes.

    Also Read: What an MBA Degree Is and What You Need to Know?

    What is MBA Lateral Entry?

    MBA Lateral Entry, also known as Lateral Admission or Direct Entry MBA, is a specialised programme tailored for experienced professionals who aim to pursue an MBA without starting from the beginning as a fresh graduate. The candidates skip the first year of the MBA course and directly take admission into the second year. This MBA lateral entry in India is designed for experienced professionals seeking to enhance their career prospects with a management degree. This alternative pathway leverages their existing skills and knowledge, expediting their journey towards obtaining an MBA qualification.

    Amity University-Noida MBA Admissions 2026

    Ranked among top 10 B-Schools in India by multiple publications | Top Recruiters-Google, MicKinsey, Amazon, BCG & many more.

    Apply
    ITM Business School MBA Admissions 2026

    400+ Company Visits | Highest CTC Offered: 21 LPA | Average CTC Offered: 8.65 LPA | 100% Placement Assurance

    Apply

    Eligibility Criteria For MBA Lateral Entry

    MBA lateral entry eligibility criteria can vary, but some common requirements for admission to MBA lateral entry colleges are mentioned below:

    • Bachelor’s Degree: Candidates are required to have a bachelor's degree from a recognised university, with a minimum of 50% marks.
    • Work Experience: Most MBA Lateral Entry programmes in India require candidates to have a minimum of 2 to 5 years of full-time work experience after completing their bachelor's degree.
    • PGPM Degree: The first year of a master's degree in a relevant discipline, a relevant PGDM, or a relevant PGPM degree is required for eligibility for MBA lateral entry.
    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.
    Use Now

    The eligibility qualifications may also vary by institution, so it's advisable to check the specific requirements of the programme and institution you are interested in.

    Also Read:

    UPES MBA Admissions 2026

    Last Date to Apply: 30th June | Ranked #36 amongst institutions in Management by NIRF | 100% Placement

    Apply
    IBSAT 2026-ICFAI Business School MBA/PGPM 2027

    NAAC A++ Grade | AACSB Accredited | 75,000+ Alumni

    Apply

    Confused between CGPA and Percentage?

    Get your results instantly with our calculator!

    💡 Conversion Formula used is: Percentage = CGPA × 9.5

    Admission Process For MBA Lateral Entry

    The MBA lateral entry in IGNOU and other colleges in India varies depending on the college requirements. Given below is a general overview of the typical steps involved in admission process for MBA lateral entry programmes:

    1. Application: Students must first register on the college's website and complete the application form, either in person or online, with all necessary information.
    2. Merit List: A merit list will be created for all qualified applicants who have submitted applications and meet all eligibility criteria, such as prior academic standing, diploma degree, and admission exam requirements.
    3. Counselling and Enrollment: After a list of qualified applicants is created and made public, students will be approached for counselling and original document submission. This will be followed by fee payment and enrollment.

    Recommended eBooks

    Related eBooks and Sample Papers

    Latest

    View all Ebooks

    https://bschool.careers360.com/download/ebooks-and-sample-papershttps://bschool.careers360.com/download/ebooks-and-sample-papershttps://bschool.careers360.com/download/ebooks-and-sample-papershttps://bschool.careers360.com/download/ebooks-and-sample-papers

    MBA Lateral Entry Syllabus

    Core Subjects- The curriculum of MBA Lateral Entry is designed to offer advanced business management and administration skills. Core subjects in the MBA lateral entry syllabus include:

    • Business Ethics and Corporate Governance
    • Managerial Economics
    • Financial Management
    • Marketing Management
    • Human Resource Management
    • Operations Management
    • Strategic Management
    • Business Research Methods
    • OMBA Lateral Entry Syllabusrganisational Behavior
    • Management Information Systems

    Elective Subjects- In addition to core lateral entry MBA subjects, MBA lateral entry programmes often offer a range of elective courses, allowing students to tailor their studies to align with their career goals. Some popular elective options include:

    • Environmental Management
    • Healthcare Management
    • Information Technology Management
    • International Business
    • Entrepreneurship

    Also Read: MBA Subjects and Syllabus in India 2023

    Future Career Options After MBA Lateral Entry

    Earning an MBA lateral entry can open up a wide range of career opportunities, especially for experienced professionals. Here are some potential future job roles after completing an MBA lateral entry programme:

    • Business Development Manager: Focuses on identifying and pursuing growth opportunities for their organisations, with an average salary of ₹6 LPA.
    • Senior Manager: Responsible for overseeing teams, making strategic decisions, and driving organisational growth, with an average salary of ₹24 LPA.
    • Product Manager: Oversees the development, marketing, and performance of specific products or services, with an average salary of ₹16 LPA.
    • Marketing Director: Leads marketing teams, develops marketing strategies, and manages product launches and branding efforts, with an average salary of ₹30 LPA.
    • Supply Chain Manager: Ensures the efficient movement of products from suppliers to customers, with an average salary of ₹12 LPA.
    • Investment Banker: Assists clients with mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, and financial advisory services, with an average salary of ₹4.5 LPA.
    • Human Resources Manager: Oversees personnel, recruitment, and employee development, with an average salary of ₹6.6 LPA.

    Comparing MBA Lateral Entry and Regular MBA

    When considering MBA options, it is essential to understand the differences between MBA lateral entry and a regular MBA programme:

    • Eligibility: MBA lateral entry requires prior work experience, typically 2-10 years, along with one year of PGMP degree. Regular MBA programmes are typically open to fresh graduates or individuals with limited work experience.
    • Duration: MBA lateral entry programmes are often shorter, ranging from 1 to 2 years, assuming students have prior business knowledge. Regular MBA programmes are typically 2-year programmes, although some accelerated options may be available.
    • Specialisations: While MBA lateral entry allows for specialisation options, course availability may depend on the institution. Regular MBA programmes offer a wide range of specialisations, and students often choose their focus during the programme.
    • Class Profile: MBA lateral entry classmates are typically experienced professionals from diverse industries and backgrounds. Regular MBA pass-outs may consist of recent graduates with limited professional experience.
    • Learning Pace: MBA lateral entry assumes students have practical knowledge, potentially leading to a faster learning pace. Regular MBA programmes offer a more structured learning experience with a focus on building foundational business skills.
    • Career Opportunities: Graduates of MBA lateral entry often seek senior management roles or career transitions in their industry. New MBA graduates step into a wide range of career paths taking up entry-level positions and management roles in various industries of their interest.

    Also Read:

    Articles
    Related Stories
    |
    Upcoming Bschool Exams
    Guru Nanak Dev University Management Entrance Test
    Ongoing Dates
    GMET Application Date

    8 May'26 - 11 Jul'26 (Online)

    Purvanchal University Common Admission Test
    Upcoming Dates
    PUCAT Result Date

    5 Jul'26 - 5 Jul'26 (Online)

    Certifications By Top Providers
    Strategic Management
    Via Indian Institute of Management Bangalore
    Online MBA Business Analytics
    Via Centre for Distance and Online Education, Anna University, Chennai
    Digital Marketing
    Via Panjab University, Chandigarh
    Corporate Tax Planning
    Via Netaji Subhash Open University, Kolkata
    Online MBA
    Via Galgotias University, Greater Noida
    Executive Programme in Digital Marketing
    Via Indian Institute of Management Jammu
    Explore Top Universities Across Globe
    University of Essex, Colchester
    Wivenhoe Park Colchester CO4 3SQ
    Northumbria University, Newcastle City Campus
    Sutherland Building, Northumberland Road, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 8ST
    Oxford Brookes University, Oxford
    Headington Campus Oxford OX3 0BP UK
    Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff
    Llandaff Campus, Western Avenue, Cardiff, CF5 2YB
    University of Reading, Reading
    Whiteknights PO Box 217 Reading Berkshire RG6 6AH
    Bournemouth University, Bournemouth
    Fern Barrow, Poole, Dorset, BH12 5BB, United Kingdom

    Popular Courses and Specializations

    Popular Degrees

    Popular Branches

    List of colleges accepting CAT

    Questions related to CAT

    On Question asked by student community

    Have a question related to CAT ?
    what percentile should a oc candidate must get in cat who is having 95%+ in academics?

    If by OC you mean Open Category/General category in India, and you have 95%+ throughout your academics (Class 10, Class 12, and graduation) , then your CAT percentile target depends on the B-schools you're aiming for.

    Here's a general guideline:

    Target B-school Safe CAT Percentile (General Category)
    Indian Institute of
    Read Complete Answer
    A
    Ananya Hira
    29 Jun'26
    i am ex service men and cat 1 and HK reservation available can i get seat in karnataka for 460 marks neet

    Hello,

    Getting an MBBS seat in Karnataka with 460 marks is quite difficult, even if you belong to Category 1, Ex-serviceman, and HK category in government colleges. However, you have a good chance of getting a seat in the private medical colleges through the government-quota seats in private medical colleges.

    Read Complete Answer
    B
    Bhanu Pratap
    30 Jun'26
    I am getting 377 marks in my re neet 2026 and I am from general category with muslim minority certificate can I get private bds seat under cat A in panineeya dental college

    Hello Dear Student,
    Yes, you have a very strong chance of securing a 'Category-A' (convenor quota) BDS seat at the Panineeya Institute of Dental Sciences in Hyderabad with 377 marks.

    You can check, find and access more information here: https://medicine.careers360.com/articles/re-neet-2026-safe-score-for-bds
    Hope it helps!

    Read Complete Answer
    S
    Samyak Jain
    24 Jun'26
    Currently pursuing CSE at a low-tier IIIT but not particularly interested in coding. I may get B.Arch, Civil, and B.Pharm at Jadavpur University this year. I'm leaning towards B.Arch because of possible MBA diversity benefits and the flexibility to prepare for CAT. Would switching be a smart move ?

    Hello Dear Student,

    Low-Tier IIIT CSE vs Jadavpur University B.Arch (for MBA Aspirants)

    If your primary goal is to pursue an MBA later, switching from CSE at a lower-tier IIIT to B.Arch at Jadavpur University solely for academic diversity is generally not the best strategy.

    B.Arch and MBA Preparation

    • B.Arch
    Read Complete Answer
    S
    Samyak Jain
    19 Jun'26
    I currently meet all the eligibility criteria for an EWS for year 2025-26 but I will start earning in next month...so in CAT I am eligible for EWS and what after next year...will the college ask me for nee certificate if yes will my seat will be rejected...

    Hello Dear Student,

    EWS eligibility for CAT 2025-26 hinges on current financial records, but a renewed certificate is required for final IIM admissions. If future income exceeds the 8 lakh threshold, candidates will likely lose EWS status and be reclassified to the General category rather than facing seat cancellation.

    Hope

    Read Complete Answer
    S
    Samyak Jain
    17 Jun'26
    View all

    Popular CAT Questions

    Directions for question :

    M/s Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, one of the top four audit and accounting firms in the world with headquarters at London, UK, and with an operational presence in 153 countries, hires Management Trainees (MT) from all the premier management institutes of India thrice every year, in

    Read Complete Answer

    Directions for question:

    Two friends Moloy and Niloy passed out from the Purulia Institute of Science and Technology with B.Tech degrees in Mechanical Engineering, but even after a year placement was hard to find. So they decided to take the challenge head-on, came down to Kolkata, rented a garage space

    Read Complete Answer

    Directions for question :

    Six sticks of equal lengths were kept in the vertical position in an empty flower-vase, to be arranged at the six corners of a regular hexagon. The two ends of each of the sticks were of different colours. 

    The top ends of the sticks were one

    Read Complete Answer

    Directions for question:

    Two friends Moloy and Niloy passed out from the Purulia Institute of Science and Technology with B.Tech degrees in Mechanical Engineering, but even after a year placement was hard to find. So they decided to take the challenge head-on, came down to Kolkata, rented a garage space

    Read Complete Answer

    Directions for question:

    Two friends Moloy and Niloy passed out from the Purulia Institute of Science and Technology with B.Tech degrees in Mechanical Engineering, but even after a year placement was hard to find. So they decided to take the challenge head-on, came down to Kolkata, rented a garage space

    Read Complete Answer

    Directions for question:

    Two friends Moloy and Niloy passed out from the Purulia Institute of Science and Technology with B.Tech degrees in Mechanical Engineering, but even after a year placement was hard to find. So they decided to take the challenge head-on, came down to Kolkata, rented a garage space

    Read Complete Answer

    Directions for question:

    Two friends Moloy and Niloy passed out from the Purulia Institute of Science and Technology with B.Tech degrees in Mechanical Engineering, but even after a year placement was hard to find. So they decided to take the challenge head-on, came down to Kolkata, rented a garage space

    Read Complete Answer

    Directions for question:

    Two friends Moloy and Niloy passed out from the Purulia Institute of Science and Technology with B.Tech degrees in Mechanical Engineering, but even after a year placement was hard to find. So they decided to take the challenge head-on, came down to Kolkata, rented a garage space

    Read Complete Answer

    Directions for question:

    The bar-graph given below shows the foreign exchange reserves of Nepal (in million Rupees) from 2014 to 2021. Answer the following questions based on the graph :

    Question:

    What was the percentage increase (rounded to the nearest integer, if deemed necessary) in the foreign exchange reserves in

    Read Complete Answer

    Directions for question:

    The Jadavpur University’s Prince Anwar Shah Road hostel consists of two large separate buildings, one for the ladies and the other for the gents, while having a common kitchen and dining hall. It is the hostel of the CS and the EEC department of engineering students of

    Read Complete Answer

    MBA/PGDM Admissions OPEN

    Amity University-Noida MBA Admissions 2026
    Apply

    Ranked among top 10 B-Schools in India by multiple publications | Top Recruiters-Google, MicKinsey, Amazon, BCG & many more.

    IBSAT 2026-ICFAI Business School MBA/PGPM 2027
    Apply

    NAAC A++ Grade | AACSB Accredited | 75,000+ Alumni

    Integral University MBA Admissions 2026
    Apply

    NAAC A+ Accredited | Highest CTC 45 LPA | Scholarships Available

    Mahindra University | Admissions 2026
    Apply

    4000+ Placements to date | 6000+ Students | Advanced applied research, patents, and partnerships

    GITAM University Admissions 2026
    Apply

    Application End Date: 10th Jul'26 | AICTE Approved | NAAC A++ | Category 1 University by MHRD | Highest CTC 1.4 Cr LPA from Amazon

    Geeta University | MBA Admissions 2026
    Apply

    40 LPA Highest Package | Up to 100% Scholarship worth 24 Crore via GUTS exam

    View all Application Forms

    CAT Notifications

    Latest updates

    Explore Career Options

    By Industry
    Marketing Director

    A career as Marketing Director is also known as a marketing expert who is responsible for the overall marketing aspect of the company. He or she oversees plans and develops the company's budget. The marketing Director collaborates with the business team to plan and develop the marketing and branding strategies for the company's products or services. 

    4 Jobs Available
    Business Development Executive

    A Business Development Executive identifies and pursues new business opportunities to drive company growth. They generate leads, build client relationships, develop sales strategies, and analyse market trends. Collaborating with internal teams, they aim to meet sales targets. With experience, they can advance to managerial roles, playing a key role in expanding the company’s market presence and revenue.

    3 Jobs Available
    Content Marketing Specialist

    Content Marketing Specialists are also known as Content Specialists. They are responsible for crafting content, editing and developing it to meet the requirements of digital marketing campaigns. To ensure that the material created is consistent with the overall aims of a digital marketing campaign, content marketing specialists work closely with SEO and digital marketing professionals.

    3 Jobs Available
    Sales Manager

    A Sales Manager leads a sales team to meet targets, formulates strategies, analyses performance, and monitors market trends. They typically hold a degree in management or related fields, with an MBA offering added value. The role often demands over 40 hours a week. Strong leadership, planning, and analytical skills are essential for success in this career.

    2 Jobs Available
    Marketing Manager

    A marketing manager is a person who oversees a company or product marketing. He or she can be in charge of multiple programmes or goods or can be in charge of one product. He or she is enthusiastic, organised, and very diligent in meeting financial constraints. He or she works with other team members to produce advertising campaigns and decides if a new product or service is marketable. 

    A Marketing manager plans and executes marketing initiatives to create demand for goods and services and increase consumer awareness of them. A marketing manager prevents unauthorised statements and informs the public that the business is doing everything to investigate and fix the line of products. Students can pursue an MBA in Marketing Management courses to become marketing managers.

    2 Jobs Available
    SEO Analyst

    An SEO Analyst is a web professional who is proficient in the implementation of SEO strategies to target more keywords to improve the reach of the content on search engines. He or she provides support to acquire the goals and success of the client’s campaigns. 

    2 Jobs Available
    Digital Marketing Executive

    Digital marketing is growing, diverse, and is covering a wide variety of career paths. Each job function aids in the development of effective digital marketing strategies and techniques. The aims and objectives of the individuals who opt for a career as a digital marketing executive are similar to those of a marketing professional: to build brand awareness, promote company services or products, and increase conversions. Individuals who opt for a career as Digital Marketing Executives, unlike traditional marketing companies, communicate effectively through suitable technology platforms.

    2 Jobs Available
    Business Analyst

    Individuals who opt for a career as a business analyst look at how a company operates. He or she conducts research and analyses data to improve his or her knowledge about the company. This is required so that an individual can suggest the company strategies for improving their operations and processes.

    In a business analyst  job role a lot of analysis is done, things are learned from past mistakes and the successful strategies are enhanced further. A business analyst goes through real-world data in order to provide the most feasible solutions to an organisation. Students can pursue Business Analytics to become Business Analysts. 

    2 Jobs Available

    Never miss CAT update

    Get timely CAT updates directly to your inbox. Stay informed!