What is an MBA: Courses, Duration, Placements, Fees

What is MBA? Many of you might wonder what this popular degree stands for. The MBA full form is Master of Business Administration. It is a professional postgraduate course that teaches you how to manage businesses, lead teams, and make smart decisions in the corporate world. MBA programs started in the USA over a century ago and have now become one of the most in-demand career paths worldwide. In India, an MBA is highly respected and offered by several variou top MBA colleges in India.

It doesn't matter much that you are a fresh graduate, a passed-out engineering grad, or a working professional; an MBA is one such degree that opens doors for everyone and offers exciting roles in MBA Finance, marketing, HR, operations, and even entrepreneurship. In this blog, you’ll get a complete overview of the best MBA colleges in India, various MBA courses, entrance exams like MBA CET, MBA CAT, and other MBA entrance exams.

Before going on, you can give some time to our dedicated upGrad’s Online MBA Degrees Courses from Top B -B-Schools, where we have collaborated with top colleges from India and abroad, providing you with MBA programs in various domains.

Let's look at the MBA at a glance, 

Before going further, we’ve handpicked our top three online MBA degree programs that can help you build a high-performing career in management. These MBA courses are designed for learners who want flexibility without compromising on quality or global exposure:

•  MBA from O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) - A globally recognized degree with a contemporary curriculum, expert faculty, and strong placement support.
•  MBA from Paris School of Business - Earn a prestigious international MBA while learning online, with access to European business insights and global career opportunities.
• Online PGDM Course from BIMTECH - Gain industry-relevant business skills from one of India’s top B-schools with a flexible, AICTE-approved PGDM program.

Types of MBA Programs and Specializations

To pursue an MBA, it’s important to first know the different types of MBA programs available to you. These include full-time and part-time options, as well as specialized MBA Finance, HR, and Business Analytics.  

Below is a quick glance at different types of MBA and specializations: 

If you are keen on upgrading your career with an Executive MBA course, upGrad is offering an MBA from Liverpool Business School.

Eligibility Criteria for MBA Courses in India

Below given is the eligibility criteria for mba courses in India which is almost same for each mba program. 

Lets have a look, 

1. Educational Qualification

• For an MBA course in India, candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university with a minimum of 50%–60% marks. 
• Reserved category candidates may get a 5% relaxation as per government norms.
• Also, students in their final years can apply for the MBA. However, you must provide proof of qualification when you enroll.

2. Entrance Exams Required.

To get admission into top MBA colleges in India, aspirants must clear at least one MBA entrance exam. Here's a detailed overview of the most popular ones:

3. Work Experience

• For general MBA courses, work experience is not mandatory - freshers can apply.
• For executive MBA programs, 1–5 years of professional experience is usually required. These are ideal for mid-level professionals looking to move into leadership roles.

Want information in more detail read MBA Course Eligibility Criteria: Complete Guide.

MBA Admission Process

Let’s have a quick look at the step-by-step admission process for enrolling in an MBA course in India:

• Choose Your MBA: Choose full-time, part-time, online or executive MBA and then select your specialization like Finance, HR, Marketing or Business Analytics based on your interests and career goals.
• Take the MBA Entrance Exam: Register for top MBA entrance exams like CAT, XAT, GMAT, MAT or MBA CET as per the colleges you are targeting.
• Get Shortlisted by Colleges:  Colleges shortlist candidates based on entrance test scores, past academic records and relevant work experience (if applicable).
• GD-PI-WAT Rounds: Appear for Group Discussion (GD), Personal Interview (PI) and Written Ability Test (WAT) as part of the final selection process.
• Final Selection & Merit List:  B-schools prepare a merit list by considering your test score, performance in GD/PI/WAT, academic background and diversity profile.
• Admission Offer & Enrollment:  Once selected by one of the top MBA colleges in India, complete your admission by paying the fees and submitting required documents to confirm your seat.

Also Read: Top 20 Group Discussion Tips For Your Next Interview [2025] 

Top MBA Colleges in India (Government & Private)

Below given is the list of the top MBA colleges in India, government and private institutions. These B-schools offer world-class education and excellent career prospects.

Lets just check their average mba fees and duration for the current academic year.

Top Government MBA Colleges in India (NIRF 2024)

Top  Private MBA Colleges in India (NIRF 2024)

MBA Placements & Top Career Opportunities in India

India’s top B-schools have done it again! The MBA class of 2025 has seen another fantastic placement season. IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore and ISB Hyderabad have seen average salaries crossing ₹34 LPA. Consulting, finance and product management continue to be the most sought after domains. XLRI Jamshedpur and FMS Delhi have once again achieved 100% placement, so employers clearly trust their graduates. 

If you're pursuing or planning an MBA course, here's a snapshot of the most popular MBA job roles that await you after graduation, along with their average annual salaries.

Top 10 Jobs After MBA in India

Source: Glassdoor

What are the MBA options offered by upGrad?

upGrad offers a variety of MBA programs in collaboration with esteemed global institutions, catering to diverse professional goals. Here are some of the top MBA courses available:

• MBA from Golden Gate University, San Francisco: 15 months
• Master of Business Administration from Edgewood University: 14 months
• MBA from O.P.Jindal Global University: 12 months
• MBA in Business and Law from O.P.Jindal Global University:12 months
• Advanced General Management Program from IMT Ghaziabad: 11 months

What are the benefits of choosing upGrad? 

Choosing upGrad's online MBA programs offers many benefits:

• Flexibility for Working Professionals: upGrad's MBA programs fit well into busy schedules. This allows professionals to manage work and studies effectively.

For finance experts, an MBA after CA certification can open new career doors - explore the benefits here.

• Access to Experienced Industry Mentors: Students gain insights from seasoned industry mentors. This support helps guide them throughout the program.

If you want roles like a management consultant, upGrad’s mentorship can help. Learn more about becoming a management consultant.

• Cost Savings Without Compromising Quality: upGrad provides quality education at a lower cost than traditional programs. This ensures affordability while maintaining academic standards.

If you want to benefit from our expert guidance, book a free 1:1 counseling session with us now! We will help you figure out the best options for you to secure high-paying jobs in the future. 

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