The MBA (Master of Business Administration) is one of the most sought-after postgraduate programs, designed to equip students with advanced business management and leadership skills. This two-year course emphasizes practical learning, case studies, and real-world applications, preparing graduates for high-level managerial and leadership roles across industries such as marketing, finance, operations, and human resources.

For those wondering how to do MBA, the journey requires strategic planning, beginning as early as the 10+2 level. The most common route is pursuing an MBA after graduation, where candidates must complete a bachelor’s degree in any stream (Science, Commerce, or Arts) with at least 50% marks. However, top institutes like the IIMs require higher academic scores along with a strong performance in entrance exams such as CAT, GMAT, XAT, or CMAT. Admission is based on these competitive exams, followed by Group Discussions (GD), Written Ability Tests (WAT), and Personal Interviews (PI) to assess candidates holistically.

There are three primary pathways to pursuing an MBA:

1. Integrated MBA – A direct five-year course after 12th grade for those who want an early start in management education.
2. MBA after Graduation – The most popular route, pursued after completing a bachelor’s degree and clearing entrance exams.
3. Executive MBA (EMBA) – Designed for working professionals with a few years of experience who want to upgrade their leadership skills.

Choosing the right MBA specialization and institution is crucial, as it is a significant investment of both time and money. The fee structure varies from INR 10 lakh to INR 25 lakh, depending on the college, with top institutes like IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, XLRI, FMS, and ISB being highly competitive. Graduates can expect salaries ranging from INR 5 LPA to INR 25 LPA, with top recruiters like Amazon, Flipkart, Deloitte, and Google offering lucrative job opportunities.

An MBA not only enhances business skills but also provides strong networking opportunities, with over 90% of MBA graduates experiencing significant career growth. With rising demand for skilled professionals, an MBA remains one of the most valuable degrees for aspiring business leaders.

Let us look at each of these routes in detail.

MBA Course Details: Key Highlights

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a two-year postgraduate degree that prepares students for leadership roles in various industries. The MBA courses offer multiple specializations such as Finance, Marketing, Human Resources, Operations, and Business Analytics, helping graduates secure high-paying jobs. Admission to MBA courses is based on entrance exams, group discussions, and personal interviews. Candidates can pursue MBA courses in different modes, including Full-time, Part-time, Distance, Online, and Executive MBA. Below is a quick overview of MBA course details:

MBA Courses Details & Overview

Particulars	Details
Full Form	Master of Business Administration
Course Duration	Full-time MBA: 2 years Online/Distance MBA: 1–2 years Executive MBA: 1–1.5 years Integrated MBA: 5 years
Course Level	Postgraduate
Types of MBA	Full-time, Part-time, Distance, Executive, Online, and Integrated MBA
Course Fees	INR 2 Lakh – INR 27 Lakh+
Admission Process	Entrance Exam + Group Discussion (GD) + Personal Interview (PI)
Eligibility Criteria	Bachelor’s degree in any discipline
Entrance Exams	CAT, CMAT, XAT, MAH MBA CET, etc.
Top MBA Colleges	IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, IIM Lucknow, IIM Indore, IIM Kozhikode, etc.
Top Specializations	Sales, Marketing, Finance, Operations, Human Resources, Digital Marketing, Business Analytics
Career Opportunities	Finance Manager, Marketing Manager, Sales Manager, HR Manager, Product Manager, etc.
Salary Range	INR 5 LPA – INR 25 LPA
Top Recruiters	Boston Consulting Group, McKinsey, Bain & Co., Morgan Stanley, Citibank, JP Morgan Chase, Amazon, Facebook, Google, Adobe, etc.

Eligibility Criteria for MBA

The formal eligibility mandated by AICTE and UGC for MBA programs is 50% aggregate bachelor’s degree marks from a recognized university.

However, the IIMs and other top business schools in India usually have higher cutoffs:

• 60% – 70% of academics in undergraduate
• Relevant work experience of minimum 2 years
• Competitive scores in entrance exams like the CAT

Strong performance on these parameters significantly increases your chances of getting into premier MBA institutes. Graduating in quantitative domains like engineering or commerce is preferred.

Types of MBA Degrees in India

When considering how to do MBA, it’s essential to know that there isn’t just one type of MBA. The degree comes in various formats, each catering to different needs and circumstances:

• Full-Time MBA: These programs offer an immersive, on-campus experience, typically lasting two years, with a comprehensive business management curriculum. Graduates often find careers in fields like marketing, consulting, management, and finance.
• Part-Time MBA: Designed for working professionals, these programs allow students to balance their studies with existing work commitments. Classes are commonly held during evenings or weekends, and the rise of online learning has increased their accessibility. They can be delivered in lockstep, with a set cohort, or self-paced, offering a flexible schedule.
• Online MBA: These programs provide flexibility for students who cannot attend on-site classes, allowing them to study from anywhere in the world. As technology evolves, virtual reality and AI are likely to be integrated into the curriculum. Online MBAs cover the same content as physical programs, often taught by the same faculty, but with the added benefit of a flexible learning experience.
• Executive MBA (EMBA): Targeted toward mid-level and senior executives, EMBA programs aim to enhance managerial skills. They are designed for individuals with substantial professional experience and often consist of shorter, more intensive modules. EMBA degrees are taught part-time, often during evenings or weekends, over a fixed period.
• Specialized MBA: These programs concentrate on specific business areas such as finance, marketing, human resources, healthcare management, supply chain management, and entrepreneurship. They are increasingly popular, particularly in sectors like artificial intelligence, big data, and ethical business practices.
• Global MBA: Tailored for students interested in international business, these programs often include exposure to diverse cultures, courses focused on global markets, and opportunities for studying abroad.
• Entrepreneurial MBA: This program is designed for aspiring entrepreneurs, fostering innovation, startup management, and business development. Entrepreneurial MBAs are gaining traction due to the growing startup culture.

In addition, many reputed B-schools offer industry/domain focused MBA specializations like Finance, Marketing, HR, Healthcare, Operations & Supply Chain, Information Technology and more. Choosing the right specialization aligned to your interests is key to getting your dream job.

Key Differences Between MBA Programs

Type	Duration	Format	Work Experience
Full-time	2 years	Weekday classes	0-2 years
Part-time	3 years	Weekend/evening classes	Required
Executive	1-2 years	Weekend classes	Minimum 5 years
Online	1-3 years	Anytime, anywhere	Not mandatory

Pathways to Pursue MBA in India

To learn how to do MBA in India, let’s take a look at the three key pathways to pursue an MBA:

1. Integrated MBA After 12th

A few colleges in India offer integrated MBA programs of 5 or 6 years duration to which you can enroll after completing 12th grade.

How to do MBA after 12th

• Take PCM or commerce/arts stream in 11th and 12th grades
• Appear for entrance exams like SET, SITEEE, BVP CET etc.
• Score well in the 12th boards along with these tests
• Apply and secure admission to integrated MBA degrees

Some of the institutes offering integrated MBA courses are:

• Birla Institute of Technology
• NMIMS University (Mumbai)
• BVP Pune
• LBSIM Delhi
• Symbiosis Institutes

The key benefit here is saving 2 extra years that a separate bachelor’s degree would require before a regular MBA. But very few colleges offer this option, so seats are limited.

2. MBA After Graduation

If you’re asking “how to do MBA after graduation,” the process is relatively straightforward. This is the most popular route chosen by a majority of MBA aspirants in India. Completing your bachelor’s degree with strong academic scores gives you the required eligibility and foundational skills to prepare for MBA entrance tests.

How to do MBA after graduation

Choosing your undergrad major is super important—whether it’s engineering, economics, commerce, or something else. Aim to keep your CGPA high, around 8+ out of 10 or 70% and above, throughout your semesters. Start prepping for competitive exams in your final year. Take exams like CAT and go through group discussions and personal interviews. Apply to various business schools based on your scores.

Careful selection of graduation stream based on interests and MBA courses goals is crucial. Programs like Engineering, Chartered Accountancy, Commerce, Statistics, Economics offer a strong foundation for MBA quant courses later.

3. Executive MBA After Work Experience

Alternatively, you can choose to work for a few years post your bachelor’s degree and accumulate professional experience before taking up an MBA.

Many premier B-schools prefer candidates with deep industry knowledge and look for minimum work ex of 2-5 years. Leadership skills and career progression are also evaluated during these executive MBA admission processes.

How to do an executive MBA from IIM

Complete your undergraduate and start working to gain 3-5 years of experience. After that, take the GMAT exam along with any optional tests. Use your essays and MBA interviews to highlight your achievements and impact. Top IIMs offer 1-year executive MBA courses for those ready to take the next step in their careers.

These are rigorous programs tailored for professionals with higher maturity levels and real-world business context.

4. How to do MBA after BTech

For engineering graduates wondering “how to do MBA after BTech,” here’s what you need to do:

1. Prepare for MBA entrance exams during your final year of BTech or after graduation
2. Gain some work experience if possible (this can strengthen your application)
3. Apply to desired MBA programs
4. Clear the selection process (written test, group discussion, personal interview)

Many MBA courses value the analytical skills that BTech graduates bring to the table, especially for specializations like Operations Management or Technology Management.

Top MBA Colleges In India

The brand value and reputation of your MBA college plays a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of your career. Premier B-schools have extensive industry networks, top-notch faculty and state-of-the-art curriculum design. Here’s a quick look at how to do MBA from the top MBA colleges in India:

MBA from IIMs

The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) across Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta and others offer the most prestigious and coveted MBAs in India with the highest salary packages. Their robust selection process makes it very competitive to get in.

How to do MBA from IIM

• Appear for Common Admission Test (CAT)
• Attend Writing Ability Test and Group Discussion rounds
• Clear final personal interview hurdles

Over 2 lakh students appear for CAT enticed by the brand value of an IIM MBA and high ROI it offers. You need around 4-6 months of rigorous prep focusing on quant aptitude, data interpretation, logical reasoning, verbal and essay writing.

MBA from IITs

The IITs are globally recognized for excellence in engineering research and education. The MBA degrees offered by various IITs like Bombay, Delhi, Madras, Kharagpur, Kanpur, Roorkee also have strong brand value in the industry.

How to do MBA from IIT

• Take Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE)
• Appear for personal interviews and group discussions
• Demonstrate strong analytical and logical reasoning skills
• Possess basic techno-managerial competence

Apart from the common MBA specializations, some unique offerings from various IITs are MBA in Operations Management, Energy Management, Infrastructure Management, Manufacturing Management, Entrepreneurship and others tailored to industry demand.

Key Takeaway – Whether you target the IIMs, IITs or other reputed private B-schools, developing sharp analytical skills, mathematical ability, logical reasoning, strong communication and keeping up with current affairs is crucial.

MBA Course Eligibility Criteria

To pursue an MBA course, candidates must have a bachelor’s degree as a mandatory requirement. However, eligibility criteria vary based on the type of MBA course and the college tier (Tier 1, Tier 2, or Tier 3). Factors such as minimum percentage, entrance exams, interviews, and work experience differ across institutions. Below is a summarized table of MBA eligibility requirements across different college tiers:

Eligibility Criteria Based on Top MBA Colleges In India

Criteria	Tier 1 MBA Colleges	Tier 2 MBA Colleges	Tier 3 MBA Colleges
Educational Qualification	Minimum 50% marks, but IIMs & IITs require 60%.	Minimum 50% marks.	Minimum 50% marks.
Entrance Exams	CAT, XAT, GMAT.	SNAP, NMAT, XAT, TISSNET.	MAT, CMAT, and other state/university-level exams.
Interview Criteria	GD + WAT + PI (Group Discussion, Written Ability Test & Personal Interview).	WAT + PI, some colleges conduct only PI.	No WAT rounds, colleges have their own interview process.
Work Experience	Not mandatory, except for Executive MBA.	Not mandatory, but preferred for Executive MBA.	Not required.

This table helps students understand MBA admission requirements based on the tier of the college, making it easier to choose the right institute based on eligibility and entrance exams.

Specialization In MBA Subjects

Let’s dive into some popular specializations in MBA subjects and the exciting career paths they unlock:

• Finance: This specialization is a launchpad for those with a keen interest in the world of money. An MBA in Finance can lead to roles in investment banking, where you might advise companies on mergers and acquisitions; corporate finance, managing a company’s financial health and strategy; or financial analysis, providing insights to guide investment decisions.
  
• Marketing: For the creatively inclined, an MBA in Marketing offers a chance to shape brands, understand consumer behavior, and drive growth. Career options span brand management, crafting a brand’s identity and message; advertising and promotions, creating campaigns that capture attention; market research and analytics, uncovering consumer insights to inform strategies; and the fast-paced world of digital marketing and growth strategy.
  
• Human Resources: If you’re passionate about people and organizational development, an MBA in Human Resources equips you to build thriving workplaces. Potential career paths include talent acquisition, finding and attracting top talent; learning and development, fostering employee growth and skills; total rewards management, designing compensation and benefits packages; and employee relations and engagement, creating a positive and productive work environment.
  
• Operations & Supply Chain Management: For analytical minds who enjoy optimizing processes and ensuring efficiency, this specialization is a perfect fit. Graduates can pursue careers in production planning and control, overseeing the manufacturing process; logistics network design, creating efficient transportation systems; warehouse operations, managing the flow of goods; and strategic sourcing, finding the best suppliers and materials.
  
• Information Technology Management: In today’s digital age, this specialization is highly relevant for those who want to bridge the gap between business and technology. Career options include tech consulting, advising companies on technology strategies, product development, creating innovative tech solutions, program management, overseeing complex tech projects, and the data-driven world of data science and analytics.
  
• International Business: With globalization continuing to shape the business world, this specialization is ideal for those with an interest in global markets and cross-cultural management. It prepares graduates for roles in multinational corporations, international trade, and global strategy.
  
• Other Emerging Specializations: As the business landscape evolves, new specializations are emerging, such as digital business, business analytics, oil and gas management, power management, aviation management, metaverse and Web 3.0, strategy and consulting, and global programs.

Choosing the right MBA subjects are critical steps in maximizing the value of your degree. Consider your interests, skills, and previous academic background to find the path that aligns with your career aspirations. An MBA offers numerous benefits, including:

• Sharp business acumen: Equipping you to take on leadership roles.
• Industry switching: Opening doors to new career domains.
• Strategic thinking: Building your ability to think strategically and execute effectively.
• Commercial strength: Strengthening your understanding of business across different sectors.
• Networking opportunities: Providing access to a valuable alumni network.
• Career advancement: Accelerating your path to senior management positions.

In short, an MBA is a powerful catalyst for unlocking your potential and achieving your career goals.

MBA Entrance Exams and Admission Process

Cracking the right MBA entrance exam with stellar scores and outperforming in group discussions/interviews is key to getting into a top B-school. The competitive intensity of these exams continues to rise each year.

Here is a comparison of the popular MBA entrance exam in India:

Exam	Conducted By	Exam Pattern	Difficulty Level
CAT	IIMs	Quant, Verbal, LRDI	High
XAT	XLRI	Decision making, Essay	Moderate
SNAP	Symbiosis B-schools	Analytical, Logical Reasoning	Moderate
NMAT	Narsee Monjee	Language Skills, QA	Moderate
CMAT	AICTE	QA, Language, Logic	Moderate
MAT	AIMA	Intelligence, Language, Data	Low-Moderate

Key aspects of MBA Admission Process

The MBA admission process generally consists of three main stages. Candidates typically need 6-12 months of preparation across quantitative, verbal, and analytical domains, along with staying informed about current events. Planning from graduation onwards, based on personal capabilities and preferred colleges, can increase the chances of getting into a top B-school. The three stages are:

• MBA Entrance Exam Preparation: This stage involves preparing for MBA entrance exams like CAT, XAT, NMAT, and SNAP. Effective preparation includes solving previous years’ papers and mock tests, learning shortcuts for quantitative and Data Interpretation (DI) sections, building verbal ability, vocabulary, and reading comprehension skills, and analyzing past exam paper patterns to identify key focus areas.
• Application Shortlisting: Shortlisting is based on MBA entrance exam scores, past academic performance, essays, and overall profile. The cutoffs for tests like CAT and XAT tend to increase each year, and top IIMs shortlist less than 10% of applicants,
• Group Discussions & Personal Interviews: This stage assesses a candidate’s thought process, subject knowledge, and communication skills. Demonstrating a strong alignment with one’s goals and interests, exhibiting leadership principles, and showcasing a depth of perspective are crucial in this round.

The standard MBA admission process also includes researching and exploring different MBA programs, preparing and submitting applications, and potentially completing recommendation letters. To ace the MBA admission process, you need around 6-12 months of rigorous preparation across quant, verbal, analytical domains and keeping up with general awareness. The earlier you start planning from graduation onwards, based on capability and colleges of choice, the higher the chances of converting to a top B-school.

Recommended Books for MBA Preparation

Preparing for an MBA course requires strong skills in quantitative aptitude, verbal ability, logical reasoning, and data interpretation. Several books can help aspirants build a solid foundation before starting their MBA journey. Below is a list of highly recommended books by renowned authors that can assist in MBA entrance exam preparation:

Book Title	Author(s)
How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT	Arun Sharma & Meenakshi Upadhyay
How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT	Arun Sharma
How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT	Arun Sharma
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations	R.S. Aggarwal
A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning	R.S. Aggarwal
The Pearson Guide to Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for CAT	Nishit K. Sinha
Word Power Made Easy	Norman Lewis

These books cover all essential topics required for MBA entrance exams like CAT, XAT, CMAT, and GMAT, ensuring aspirants develop the right problem-solving strategies and analytical skills.

Start Your MBA Journey Today

Now that you have a comprehensive understanding of how to do MBA, it’s time to take action! Choose the path that aligns best with your career goals and personal circumstances. Remember, an MBA is not just about the degree – it’s about the skills you develop, the network you build, and the perspectives you gain.

Planning early, targeting institutes as per capability, maintaining strong quantitative, logical and verbal skills will help you successfully get through the competitive admission processes for the best B-schools. The proven high return on investment and versatile career growth potential make an MBA an attractive proposition for young aspirants and mid-career professionals alike.

Make informed choices and enjoy the journey of personal transformation that an MBA promises to unleash your leadership potential as an industry-ready management professional.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Also Read:

A Comprehensive Guide to Entrance Exams for MBA Aspirants 

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