How to do an MBA after Graduation?

Altera Blog

Nov 29, 2024 — 9 min read

Earning an MBA can be a game-changing career step, opening doors to a plethora of professional opportunities and earning potential. Its curriculum enhances fundamental business competencies in financial management and marketing, while also offering specialized pathways in global commerce and data-driven business analysis.

While some may pursue an MBA immediately after completing an undergraduate degree, others may opt to gain work experience first. Regardless of the timing, an MBA is highly beneficial in the business world, imparting essential knowledge and management expertise.

Careful planning and preparations are an essential part of pursuing an MBA; hence, here’s everything you need to know about how to do an MBA in India after graduation.

Average MBA Course Duration

The duration of an MBA program varies based on the type of program you choose. Typically, it is a 2-year full-time program. However, if you go for a part-time MBA, it can last anywhere between 3 to 5 years, depending on the schedule and working hours of the candidate.

There are also accelerated MBAs available, also known as one-year MBAs. Such programs are specialized courses that also have three-month internships at the end of the 12 courses.

They may ask for a combination of prerequisite requirements as they are highly intensive. This ensures students are adequately prepared for such an academic undertaking.

Average MBA Course Fees

The cost of pursuing an MBA in India varies widely based on the institution, program type, and specialization. At top-tier institutions like the IIMs, fees typically range from INR 15,00,000 to INR 30,00,000. Specializations in finance, marketing, and HR tend to have higher fees due to their demand.

Distance MBA programs offer a budget-friendly choice, with fees typically between INR 1,50,000 and INR 2,00,000. IGNOU, for instance, offers an MBA for just INR 62,000.

Private colleges usually charge between INR 10,00,000 and INR 30,00,000, while IITs offer more budget-friendly MBAs at INR 2,00,000 to INR 5,00,000. Colleges also provide scholarships for eligible students.

Different Modes of MBA Study in India

MBA programs offer various modes of study, each designed to fit different schedules, career goals, and budgets.

Full-Time MBA: Traditional two-year programs require a full-time commitment and often include internships. They’re ideal for those focusing solely on studies, with costs ranging from INR 15–30 lakh at top Indian institutions like IIMs.
One-Year MBA: Accelerated and intensive, these programs fit those with prior experience or a business background, completing the degree in 12–16 months. If you are interested in marketing and aspire to be at the forefront of specialized education in the country, consider the Altera Institute’s 1-year PGP in Applied Marketing.
Part-Time MBA: Designed for professionals who work, part-time MBA programs offer evening or weekend sessions. They allow students to study at a slower pace while working, often completing the degree in 3–5 years.
Executive MBA (EMBA): Targeting seasoned professionals with 10+ years of experience, EMBA programs offer weekend classes, enabling students to work full-time. EMBA tuition fees can be high, with some programs offering employer-sponsored funding.
Distance MBA: Programs like those at IGNOU provide flexibility with lower costs (INR 1.5–2 lakh). Such distance learning options enable professionals to balance their current jobs with educational pursuits.
Online MBA: Online MBAs offer remote learning with options for live sessions and recorded content, making them adaptable to various schedules. Online MBA courses are usually more affordable and allow students the convenience of studying from any location.
Dual MBA Specialization: A Dual Specialization MBA lets students earn two master’s degrees together, typically in two years. This integrated two-year program saves time and cost while equipping graduates with cross-disciplinary skills, expanding career options, and appealing to employers seeking versatile leaders.

These modes ensure that professionals at any stage in their career can find an MBA path suited to their specific needs and commitments.

Types of MBA Specializations

Selecting the right MBA specialization is crucial for shaping a successful career, as each area focuses on specific industry demands and career goals. When considering how you plan to use an MBA to support your career, it’s helpful to explore popular MBA specializations that align with your aspirations.

Marketing: An MBA in Marketing prepares students to understand consumer behavior, brand management, and public relations. As the demand for digital and data-driven marketing grows, this specialization remains future-proof and offers numerous career opportunities.
Finance: Finance focuses on managing a company’s financial resources and covers topics like investment banking, risk analysis, and corporate finance. Graduates often pursue high-paying roles in investment banking, and fintech, making this specialization highly sought-after.
Operations: Focusing on optimizing business operations, this specialization covers production, logistics, and supply chain management, crucial for the efficiency needed in today’s eCommerce-driven world. This specialization particularly suits individuals with strong analytical capabilities and tactical planning aptitude.
Business Analytics: This specialization prepares students to analyze data effectively, supporting business decisions. Subjects include data mining, predictive analytics, and visualization, equipping graduates for consulting, finance, and tech roles where insights from data are invaluable.
Entrepreneurship: This area aims to develop the skills necessary to launch and manage new ventures. It emphasizes business model development and innovation, ideal for those aiming to launch startups or lead projects within companies. The program equips alumni with essential skills for positions demanding creative solutions and calculated risk assessment.
International Business: An MBA in International Business covers principles of managing businesses globally, focusing on finance and marketing strategies across various international markets. Graduates often find roles with multinational corporations or pursue careers abroad, where cross-cultural understanding and adaptability are key.
General Management: For students looking for versatility, a General MBA offers a broad business education. Graduates are well-prepared for a variety of roles, from consulting to management in fields like finance, technology, and business development. This pathway also appeals to those interested in family business or entrepreneurial ventures.

Learning how to do an MBA in India after graduation and identifying the best-fit specialization can pave the way for growth and advancement in fields that are increasingly competitive and dynamic.

MBA Course Eligibility Criteria

Most MBA programs require candidates to hold a bachelor's degree from a recognized institution. A minimum percentage of around 50–60% is commonly needed. Additionally, candidates usually must take standardized entrance exams like CAT, XAT, MAT, GMAT, NMAT, and many more.

Certain programs, especially those designed for experienced professionals (like Executive MBAs), expect candidates to have at least 2 to 3 years of work experience.

Other schools may also have personal interviews, group discussions, or written assessments as part of their admissions criteria. For the most precise requirements, refer to the college's official site.

MBA Entrance Exams

Here’s an overview of the most popular MBA entrance exams that students can consider appearing for:

GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test): A globally recognized exam assessing analytical writing, quantitative, and verbal skills, designed for MBA admissions.
GRE (Graduate Record Examination): Widely accepted as an alternative to the GMAT, the GRE assesses quantitative and verbal reasoning along with analytical writing.
CAT (Common Admission Test): An important entrance exam for MBA programs in India, evaluating quantitative skills, verbal and reading comprehension, as well as logical reasoning.
XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test): Conducted by Xavier School of Management (XLRI), this exam assesses verbal and logical ability, decision-making, and quantitative skills for management admissions in India.
MAT (Management Aptitude Test): Orchestrated by AIMA, this assessment evaluates candidates' proficiency in verbal skills, quantitative ability, data interpretation, and current affairs for admission to various Indian management institutes.
SNAP (Symbiosis National Aptitude Test): An entrance examination exclusively for Symbiosis International University programs. It tests quantitative & verbal ability, analytical reasoning, and general knowledge.
NMAT (NMIMS Management Aptitude Test): Offered by Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS), this flexible exam allows candidates to apply to all its institutions and evaluates a range of business skills.
CET (Common Entrance Test): State-specific tests in India for admissions to management programs, evaluating candidates similarly to national exams.

MBA Course Admission Process

The MBA admission process in India consists of four essential steps:

Registration and Application: This process usually begins in the late summer or early fall, with candidates required to register for relevant entrance exams like CAT, XAT, NMAT, and SNAP.
Appearing for Entrance Exam: Candidates must take the relevant entrance exam to qualify for admission to MBA programs.
Shortlisting Candidates: After exam results are released, top B-schools shortlist candidates based on various factors, including exam scores, academic background, work experience, and other criteria set by the institutions.
Final Admission Round: Shortlisted applicants take part in group discussions (GD), written assessments (WAT), and personal interviews (PI). Some institutions may include additional assessments like psychometric tests. Admission offers are then extended based on overall performance and a merit list that considers entrance scores, academic qualifications, and diversity factors.

This structured approach helps B-schools identify candidates who are well-prepared for their MBA programs.

Direct MBA Admission Process Without Entrance Exam

The direct MBA admission process focuses on evaluating the candidate holistically, using various criteria aside from test scores. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

Application Submission: Candidates start by filling out an application form, either online or offline, and submit all relevant documents, including academic transcripts, proof of identity, and any other required certifications.
Application Evaluation: Admission committees conduct comprehensive reviews of each submission, examining academic performance, professional background (if applicable), and the candidate's comprehensive credentials. In some cases, the team may weigh leadership qualities, achievements, or community involvement.
Virtual or Physical Interview: This critical assessment stage enables institutions to evaluate candidates' verbal prowess, drive, and program compatibility.
Direct Entry Options: Some programs offer admission routes that don't require standard entrance examinations like CAT, XAT, or GMAT. However, most institutions may require an internal assessment or aptitude test as part of their evaluation. These tests are typically less intensive than national-level exams and are meant to assess basic aptitude or subject knowledge.
Admission Decision: Candidates receive acceptance offers or waitlist placement based on their cumulative performance in application review and interviews. Admission offers are often extended to candidates who demonstrate strong leadership potential, academic capability, and alignment with the program’s goals.
Registration Process: Selected applicants secure their spot by submitting initial fees and completing documentation requirements.

Direct admission into an MBA college focuses on comprehensive profile-based assessments. They conduct their aptitude test to better assess the readiness of a candidate.

FAQ’s

Q1. Who is eligible for an MBA?

Ans: To apply for an MBA, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in any field from a recognized university with at least 50% marks (or a comparable CGPA).

Many top programs also consider entrance exam scores such as the CAT, GMAT, or other qualifying tests. Additionally, some business schools prefer candidates with work experience, especially for an Executive MBA (EMBA) program.

Q2. What is the duration of an MBA after graduation?

Ans: The duration of an MBA program after graduation is generally two years for a full-time course. However, other formats exist, such as one-year accelerated MBAs, part-time MBAs, and executive MBAs designed for working professionals. These variations may range from one to three years based on the course format and the institution.

Q3. Can I do an MBA directly after graduation?

Ans: Yes, you can pursue an MBA directly after completing your graduation. Many institutions accept fresh graduates into their MBA programs. While work experience can add value and is sometimes preferred, it is not mandatory in most Indian business schools. For an Executive MBA (EMBA), however, it’s generally required that applicants have 2–3 years of professional experience.

Q4. Can I get a job directly after an MBA?

Ans: Yes, most MBA graduates secure employment immediately after completing their studies, often through campus placements. Management programs are designed to develop industry-relevant expertise and competencies that employers value.

This training opens career paths in finance, marketing, operations, HR, consulting, and more. Business schools' strong industry connections also facilitate direct hiring, especially for students from top universities.

Conclusion

To summarize, an MBA qualification can substantially improve one's professional trajectory. It offers pathways to advanced professions, higher earning potential, and specialized expertise in various business domains.

From diverse modes of study to a range of specializations, MBA programs cater to different career stages and goals. It is an adaptable, valuable qualification that holds strong appeal in today’s business environment.

Whether you choose to pursue an MBA immediately after graduation or after gaining work experience, careful planning and a clear understanding of program options are essential for a rewarding journey.