Integrated MBA vs Regular MBA: How is Integrated MBA different from Regular MBA?

Integrated MBA vs Regular MBA: How is Integrated MBA different from Regular MBA?

Updated on 18 Feb 2025, 12:04 PM IST

Integrated MBA vs Regular MBA - Choosing between doing an MBA or an Integrated MBA can be difficult at times as both come with their significant advantages and disadvantages. Candidates can choose either one depending on their career goals, educational background, and personal preferences in terms of long-term career aspirations. The one significant thing to note about an Integrated MBA is that candidates do not have many options to choose from while candidates wanting to pursue an MBA have a lot more options. This article provides a comparative analysis of MBA and Integrated MBA for candidates to help make a more sound decision.

LiveIIM CAT 2025 LIVE: MBA entrance test tomorrow in three shifts; download admit card at iimcat.ac.inNov 29, 2025 | 10:18 PM IST

The Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIM Kozhikode) will conduct the CAT 2025 college entrance test tomorrow for 2.95 lakh candidates. Candidates who haven't got hold of their CAT 2025 admit card, must download it through the official website at iimcat.ac.in.
The college entrance test for admission to MBA and other management courses will be conducted in three shifts. As per the exam timings – slot 1 will be held from 8:30 am to 10:30 am, slot 2 from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm and slot 3 from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm.

IIM CAT 2025 MBA college entrance test tomorrow from 8:30 pm. (Representational image: Freepik)

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This Story also Contains

  1. MBA or Integrated MBA
  2. MBA or Integrated MBA Key Differences
  3. MBA or Integrated MBA Pros and Cons
  4. MBA or Integrated MBA Which one to choose
Integrated MBA vs Regular MBA: How is Integrated MBA different from Regular MBA?
Integrated MBA vs Regular MBA

MBA or Integrated MBA

An Integrated MBA is a combined undergraduate and postgraduate program that typically has a duration of 5 years. Out of the total 5 years duration, the first three years are for the undergraduate part while the latter two years are for the postgraduate management part of the program. On the other hand, a regular or traditional MBA is a postgraduate management program with a duration of two years. It can be either part-time or full-time. Integrated MBA can be pursued right after school but a traditional MBA requires the candidate to finish a Bachelor’s degree first.

MBA or Integrated MBA Key Differences

The key differentiating factors between a regular MBA and an Integrated MBA are presented in the table given below.

Differentiating Factor

MBA

Integrated MBA

Duration

2 Years

5 Years

Program Structure

A standalone postgraduate program in management and business administration.

Combines an undergraduate program along with a postgraduate management program.

Eligibility Criteria

A Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university.

10+2 schooling in any stream.

Focus

Focuses on advanced business concepts and specializations.

Broad business education. Specialization comes in the later part.

Cost

Varies from college to college.

Generally lower cost due to being a combined program.

Financial Aid

Scholarships and educational loans are readily available.

Have fewer scholarship options.

Work Experience

Not mandatory but often having significant work experience might prove better.

No work experience is required.

Career Path

Typically leads to advanced role leveraging prior work experience.

Entry into the workforce with an MBA directly after.

Program Examples

MBA program by IIM Bangalore.

Integrated Program in Management (IPM) by IIM Rohtak

Entrance Exams

CAT, XAT, CMAT, GMAT, and GRE

IPMAT, JIPMAT

MBA or Integrated MBA Pros and Cons

The pros and cons of each MBA and integrated MBA are given in the table below.

MBA

Pros

Cons

Offers Flexibility

Higher Cost

Gives Specialization

Ultra competitive entrance exams

Networking Opportunities

Can create a gap between the UG and PG

Practical Experience

Lower number of seats in top colleges

Work Experience

High Cutoff

Great Placements

Integrated MBA

Pros

Cons

Seamless transition from UG to PG

Limited Flexibility

Cost Efficient

Lack of Industry Experience

Early start to career

Fewer specializations

Focused Curriculum

Big lock-in period

Easier to get into

Fewer options for financial aid

Fewer college options

MBA or Integrated MBA Which one to choose

The decision to choose between an MBA or an integrated MBA will largely depend on how a candidate wants to address their respective career path. Candidates with a firm decision to build a career in the management space right after school should go for an integrated MBA as it will save them from all the hassle later on. But, candidates who are still figuring out their career stream can explore while their graduation goes on they can keep the traditional MBA as their go-to choice in case they wish to finally go into the field of management.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Which is best, an MBA or an integrated MBA?
A:

Both MBA and integrated MBA have their pros and cons. Candidates can look out for both programs and decide which suits them better as per their career goals and interests.

Q: What is the salary for an integrated MBA in India?
A:

The salary for an integrated MBA in India ranges anywhere between Rs. 15 to Rs. 20 lakhs per annum. The salary for an integrated MBA depends on factors like job role, job location, specialization, etc.

Q: Which IIM offers an integrated MBA?
A:

IIM Indore, IIM Rohtak, IIM RanchiIIM Jammu, and IIM Bodh Gaya offer an integrated program in management. Interested candidates can take the IPMAT or JIPMAT entrance test to seek admission to the IPM programs designed for candidates who have just passed the 12th standard.

Q: What is the IIM 5-year course after the 12th?
A:

The 5-year course offered by IIM after the 12th is the Integrated Program in Management (IPM). Admission to these courses is based on the JIPMAT and IPMAT exams. Both are management entrance examinations that can be given right after school.

Q: What is the salary after integrated MBA?
A:

After completion of the Integrated MBA, Average salary ranges from Rs 4.5 Lakhs to Rs 10 Lakhs per annum or above. 

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Here are Documents Required for CUSAT CAT (NRI Quota):

  1. Academic Documents includes (Class 10-mark sheet, Class 12-mark sheet, Transfer Certificate)
  2. NRI Sponsorship Documents
  3. Other Supporting Documents (Candidate’s passport, Proof of residence abroad)

To know more access below mentioned link:

https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/cusat-cat-application-form

Hope it helps.

You can get the previous year's CUSAT CAT papers in pdf format sample papers from careers360 article. Follow the link given below from careers360 to get the the CUSAT CAT previous years question papers.

Link- https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/cusat-cat-sample-papers

Hello,

Since the CAT application form correction window is closed, you must contact the CAT help desk immediately to explain the situation, as you can't edit a wrong date of birth after submission. If it's a major error like date of birth, you may need to go to the exam center with proof and the correct admit card, although getting it corrected before the exam date is the most important first step.

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You have to apply separately for each symbiosis college, like SIBM Pune, as they as not automatically included. The CAT form automatically includes many IIMs, but the SNAP exam is a separate test that is given for admission to Symbiosis Institute, which requires its own separate application and fee.

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