Can we do an MBA after BA?

Altera Blog

Mar 11, 2025 — 9 min read

If you’re wondering whether you can pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA) after completing a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree, then the answer is an absolute yes! An MBA delivers global recognition as a postgraduate qualification that imparts comprehensive expertise in business management, executive leadership, finance operations, marketing strategies, and self-directed business ventures.

Not only do students with a background in commerce pursue an MBA, but students from the humanities and sciences also successfully transition into the business world by pursuing an MBA. It is one of the most sought-after programs for those aiming to enhance their career prospects and secure high-paying jobs in reputed organizations.

In this article, we will explore whether pursuing an MBA after a BA is a good career move, including their benefits, eligibility criteria, career opportunities, and specializations available.

What Is an MBA?

An MBA, or Master of Business Administration, is a globally respected postgraduate qualification that focuses on enhancing skills in business management, leadership, and strategic planning. It is awarded by universities and institutions approved by the University Grants Commission (UGC) in India and other regulatory bodies worldwide.

The MBA curriculum is structured to provide comprehensive knowledge of core business principles, including finance, marketing, human resources, operations, and entrepreneurship. It also provides a broad range of general management disciplines for diverse leadership roles.

Designed for aspiring leaders and professionals, an MBA enhances managerial, analytical, and problem-solving skills, preparing graduates for executive and leadership roles across various industries.

Can I Do an MBA After a BA?

An MBA is not limited to commerce or science graduates; it is designed for individuals from diverse academic backgrounds who want to build a strong foundation in business management, leadership, and strategic thinking.

Eligibility Criteria for MBA After BA

To get admission into a top MBA college in India, you must fulfill the following basic eligibility requirements:

Bachelor’s Degree: You must have completed your BA degree from a recognized university or institution approved by the University Grants Commission (UGC) or equivalent regulatory body.
Marks Requirement: Most business schools typically require applicants to have a minimum of 50-60% overall marks in their undergraduate studies. For students belonging to reserved categories such as SC, ST, or OBC, certain institutions provide a 5% concession in the required minimum marks for eligibility.
MBA Entrance Exam: You need to appear for a national, state, or university-level MBA entrance exam, such as:
- CAT (Common Admission Test) – Required for IIMs and top B-schools.
- XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test) – Administered by XLRI to facilitate admission into premium private business education institutions.
- MAT (Management Aptitude Test) – Recognized and accepted by numerous business academic centers throughout India.
- CMAT (Common Management Admission Test) – Orchestrated by NTA for institutions offering MBA programs with AICTE endorsement.
- SNAP (Symbiosis National Aptitude Test) – For admission into Symbiosis International University.

MAH CET, TANCET, KMAT, OJEE, TSICET – State-level entrance exams for various state-based universities.

Final-Year Students Can Apply: If you are in the final year of your BA degree, you can still apply for an MBA entrance exam. However, you must submit your final graduation results before the admission deadline.
Work Experience (Optional): Although not compulsory for all MBA programs, prestigious institutions like IIMs, ISB, and XLRI often favor candidates with at least 1-2 years of professional experience.

Why Pursue an MBA After a BA?

Pursuing an MBA after a BA opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities and provides a competitive edge in the job market. An MBA is not just a degree; it is a strategic investment that enhances your leadership, business acumen, and managerial skills, making you a valuable asset in any organization.

Key Advantages of pursuing an MBA After a BA includes:

Expands Career Opportunities Across Industries

With an MBA, arts graduates can transition into various business sectors such as finance, marketing, human resources, operations, consulting, and entrepreneurship. Whether your aspirations involve corporate leadership, governmental service, non-profit organizations, or launching your own enterprise, an MBA furnishes you with the requisite capabilities.

Develops Managerial & Leadership Skills

An MBA transforms you from an academic thinker to a strategic decision-maker. It enhances your ability to manage teams, lead projects, solve business challenges, and make data-driven decisions. These competencies are highly esteemed in leadership positions across diverse commercial sectors.

Provides Higher Earning Potential & Job Security

An MBA graduate typically earns a higher salary compared to a BA graduate. Industries such as finance, consulting, IT, and healthcare management offer lucrative packages to MBA professionals. The degree also boosts job stability, as businesses prefer hiring candidates with formal business training.

Bridges the Gap Between Arts & Business

While a BA focuses on creativity, critical thinking, and analytical skills, an MBA adds business acumen and strategic expertise. This blend of skills prepares you to be a versatile professional, adept at managing both creative and administrative tasks.

Networking & Industry Exposure

MBA programs provide excellent networking opportunities through internships, corporate tie-ups, guest lectures, and alumni associations. You get to connect with industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals, opening job and business opportunities for the future.

Entrepreneurial Success & Business Development

For those who wish to start their own business, an MBA helps in understanding market strategies, financial planning, risk management, and operational efficiency. It provides the necessary business management training to successfully run a startup or scale a company.

Global Career Opportunities

An MBA degree is internationally recognized, allowing graduates to explore career opportunities not just in India but also in global markets. Many MBA programs offer international exchange programs, expanding exposure to different business cultures.

Who Should Pursue an MBA Program?

An MBA is a significant investment of time, effort, and money, which can make it difficult for everyone to pursue. However, for individuals seeking career advancement, leadership roles, or a switch to a new industry, an MBA can be a powerful tool for professional growth. Here are the key factors to consider when deciding whether an MBA is the right choice for you:

Professionals Seeking Career Advancement

Many professionals pursue an MBA to accelerate their career growth. A 2022 investigation conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council revealed that 90% of MBA degree holders witnessed substantial career progression and monetary benefits within a decade following degree completion.

If you want to climb the corporate ladder, take on managerial roles, or move into executive leadership positions, an MBA can provide the skills, network, and credibility to make that happen.

Career Switchers Looking for a New Industry

An MBA is a great option for those who want to transition into a new industry or job function. Many non-business graduates, including those from arts, science, or engineering backgrounds, use an MBA to gain knowledge in finance, marketing, operations, HR, and consulting. The curriculum provides an organized methodology for acquiring fundamental business aptitudes, facilitating smoother transitions between professional domains.

Aspiring Entrepreneurs & Business Owners

For individuals who want to start their own business or scale an existing one, an MBA provides training in business strategy, financial management, operations, and leadership. The program offers access to mentors, incubators, funding opportunities, and networking with investors, which can be invaluable for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Individuals Seeking Higher Salaries & Job Stability

Earning potential is a key factor for many MBA aspirants. MBA graduates typically earn higher salaries compared to those with only a bachelor’s degree. Many industries, including finance, consulting, healthcare, and technology, highly value MBA professionals, offering them competitive salaries and job security.

Those Who Want to Build Strong Professional Networks

A principal advantage of pursuing an MBA lies in the professional connection possibilities it generates. Enrolling in a conventional full-time MBA program offers students the opportunity to forge strong, lasting connections with peers, professors, alumni, and professionals in the industry. These connections often translate into job referrals, business partnerships, and lifelong professional support.

Mid-Career Professionals with Work Experience

While some MBA programs accept fresh graduates, many of the top-ranked programs prefer candidates with 2-5 years of work experience. Having professional experience before starting an MBA helps students apply real-world knowledge to classroom learning and maximize the return on investment (ROI) of the degree.

Generalists Who Want to Become Leaders

As stated by Andrew Knight, Vice Dean at Olin Business School, an MBA is best suited for individuals who want to broaden their generalist skill set and take on leadership roles. If your goal is to manage teams, make strategic business decisions, and lead organizations, an MBA is the ideal path.

Career Opportunities After an MBA?

An MBA creates pathways to abundant career prospects, arming graduates with competencies to excel in leadership roles, strategic positions, and specialized functions across various industries. Whether you aspire to be a product manager, finance manager, or business analyst, an MBA provides the strategic thinking and expertise needed to excel.

From overseeing business operations to driving digital marketing success, MBA graduates can explore dynamic roles across industries. Some of the most sought-after roles include:

Product Manager: Spearhead product development, market research, and launch strategies to drive business growth.
Finance Manager: Supervise fiscal planning initiatives, budgetary allocations, and risk evaluation to secure organizational profitability.
Business Analyst: Examine information and marketplace patterns to enhance operational procedures and guide strategic decisions.
Sales Manager: Creates sales strategies, leads teams, and fosters customer relationships to increase revenue.

Want a detailed breakdown of the top MBA career paths, expected salaries, and the skills required for each role? Check out our article: "What are The Job Opportunities After an MBA?"

Specializations in MBA Programs

Selecting the right MBA specialization is essential for defining your career path. MBA programs offer a variety of specializations tailored to different industries, equipping professionals with the expertise required to thrive in competitive markets. Some of the most popular options include:

Marketing: Focuses on consumer behavior, brand management, and digital strategies to drive business growth.
Operations Management: Enhances business methodologies, distribution networks, and asset allocation to improve operational effectiveness.
Business Analytics: Utilizes data-driven insights, predictive modeling, and statistical analysis to achieve business objectives.
Finance: Provides professionals with mastery in investment management, risk evaluation, and enterprise financial operations.

Each specialization contributes significantly to shaping professional trajectories. To dive deeper into the top MBA specializations for 2025, their career prospects, and industry relevance, check out our detailed article: "Which MBA Specialization is Best in 2025?".

FAQs

Q1. Is MBA a good option after BA?

Ans: Yes, an MBA is a great option after a BA, as it equips graduates with business and management skills, enhancing career opportunities in diverse fields such as marketing, finance, HR, and business analytics.

Q2. What is the salary of an MBA after BA?

Ans: The compensation following MBA completion fluctuates according to specialization selected, industry placement, and professional background. On average, MBA graduates in India can earn anywhere between INR 6 to 20 LPA, which may increase according to specialized roles across industries like finance, business analytics, and consulting.

However, it is encouraged that students thoroughly research the salary differences and requirements of the roles they are interested in to better target their desired compensation.

3. Is it difficult to do an MBA after a BA?

Ans: Not necessarily. While MBA programs involve business concepts and analytical skills, most institutes and especially traditional 2-year MBA programs offer foundational courses to help students from non-commerce backgrounds transition smoothly.

Q4. Can we do an MBA after a BA in English?

Ans: Absolutely, holding a BA in English does not preclude you from pursuing an MBA degree. Specializations like marketing, HR are well-suited for BA English graduates due to their strong communication skills.

Q5. Can we do an MBA after a BA in Economics?

Ans: Absolutely! A bachelor's in economics provides a strong foundation for an MBA, especially in specializations like finance, business analytics, and international business.

Summing Up

Pursuing an MBA after a BA can be a transformative career move, offering diverse opportunities in business management, leadership, and entrepreneurship. Whether you come from a humanities, arts, or social sciences background, an MBA equips you with essential business acumen, strategic decision-making abilities, and leadership skills that are highly valued across industries.

With the right specialization, networking opportunities, and practical exposure, an MBA opens doors to high-paying jobs, career advancement, and even the potential to start your own business. While the journey requires dedication and investment, the long-term benefits—such as job security, salary growth, and professional credibility—make it a worthwhile pursuit.

Take the time to research your options, prepare for entrance exams, and choose the right specialization to maximize the benefits of your MBA journey.