Types of MBA Programs: Branches, Specialisations, Eligibility, Top Colleges and Fees
The MBA (Master of Business Administration) isn't just a degree - it's a catalyst for your career.
Various types of MBA programs offer various formats to suit your lifestyle. Dive headfirst into a full-time program if you're a recent graduate, or balance your studies with a part-time or online option if you're already in the workforce.
Types of MBA Courses: An Overview
Here are the details about the different types of MBA courses you can choose from.
Aspect |
Details |
Types of MBA Programs |
Full-Time MBA
Part-Time MBA
Executive MBA (EMBA)
Online MBA
Global MBA
Dual MBA
|
MBA Types - Popular Specialisations |
Finance
Marketing
Human Resources
Information Technology
|
Average Tuition Fee Range of MBA Groups |
Full-Time MBA: INR 10,00,000 - 25,00,000
Part-Time MBA: INR 5,00,000 - 15,00,000
Executive MBA: INR 20,00,000 - 40,00,000
|
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Let’s examine the various types of MBA courses, specialisations, and what makes each unique.
8 Types of MBA Programs in India
Understanding the various types of MBA programs can help you choose the path that best suits your career aspirations, work experience, and lifestyle needs.
1. Full-Time MBA
A full-time MBA is a traditional, campus-based program that requires a significant time commitment.
This concise table summarises the key aspects of full-time MBA programs.
Aspect |
Details |
Duration |
Two years |
Mode |
On-campus |
Ideal for |
Fresh graduates and professionals looking to advance their careers quickly. |
Features |
Rigorous academic schedule
Opportunities for internships
Extensive networking possibilities
|
Eligibility Criteria for a Full-Time MBA |
Bachelor’s Degree: Minimum 50% aggregate from a recognised university.
Entrance Exams: Competitive scores are required, e.g., CAT (90+ percentile), GMAT (600+), or XAT (85+ percentile).
Work Experience: Typically preferred, ranging from 1-3 years.
English Proficiency: TOEFL score of 90+ or IELTS band of 6.5+ for non-native speakers.
|
Top MBA Colleges for Full-Time MBA
Top MBA Colleges for Full-Time MBA |
Annual Average Fees (INR) |
Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) |
INR 25,00,000 |
Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) |
INR 24,50,000 |
Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIMC) |
INR 24,00,000 |
Indian Institute of Management Lucknow (IIML) |
INR 19,25,000 |
Indian School of Business (ISB) |
INR 37,00,000 |
Xavier School of Management (XLRI), Jamshedpur |
INR 23,60,000 |
Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), Delhi |
INR 2,00,000 |
SP Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR) |
INR 19,00,000 |
Management Development Institute (MDI), Gurgaon |
INR 21,34,000 |
Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM), Pune |
INR 19,20,000 |
2. Part-Time MBA
One of the most flexible types of MBA programs, part-time MBAs, are designed for working professionals who want to pursue an MBA without leaving their jobs.
Here's a concise table summarising the key aspects of part-time MBA programs.
Aspect |
Details |
Duration |
3-4 years |
Mode |
On-campus/Online |
Ideal for |
Working professionals balancing work and study. |
Features |
Flexible schedule
Ability to apply learning directly to current job
|
Eligibility Criteria for a Part-Time MBA |
Bachelor's Degree: Minimum 50% aggregate from a recognised university.
Entrance Exams: CAT, GMAT, or institutional entrance exams with qualifying scores.
Work Experience: Minimum 2-3 years preferred.
English Proficiency: TOEFL/IELTS may be required for some programs.
|
Top MBA Colleges for Part-Time MBA
Here is a table with the top MBA colleges for part-time MBA and their average fees.
Top MBA Colleges for Part-Time MBA |
Annual Average Fees (INR) |
Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) |
INR 20,00,000 |
Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM), Pune |
INR 9,78,800 |
Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) |
INR 4,70,000 |
Indian School of Business (ISB) |
INR 37,00,000 |
Amity University |
INR 6,20,000 |
Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), Delhi |
INR 1,92,000 |
Xavier School of Management (XLRI), Jamshedpur |
INR 10,00,000 |
Management Development Institute (MDI), Gurgaon |
INR 21,34,000 |
Institute of Management Technology (IMT), Ghaziabad |
INR 12,00,000 |
SP Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR) |
INR 15,00,000 |
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3. Executive MBA (EMBA)
The EMBA is tailored for experienced professionals looking to boost their careers. This program often has a flexible schedule, including weekend classes.
A concise table summarises the key aspects of Executive MBA (EMBA) programs and eligibility criteria.
Aspect |
Details |
Duration |
1-2 years |
Mode |
On-campus/Hybrid |
Ideal for |
Mid to senior-level managers |
Features |
Focus on leadership and strategic management
Classes scheduled to minimise disruption to work
Strong emphasis on practical learning and networking
|
Eligibility Criteria for an EMBA |
Bachelor's Degree: Minimum 50% aggregate from a recognised university.
Entrance Exams: GMAT or EMAT may be required, but some programs waive this for extensive work experience.
Work Experience: Minimum 5-10 years, with significant managerial experience.
English Proficiency: TOEFL/IELTS for non-native speakers.
|
Top MBA Colleges for EMBA
Top MBA Colleges for EMBA |
Annual Average Fees (INR) |
Indian Institute of Management (IIM) |
INR 25,00,000 |
Indian Institute of Management (IIM) |
INR 21,40,000 |
Symbiosis Centre for Management and HRD |
INR 2,10,000 |
Symbiosis Institute of Business Management |
INR 2,60,000 |
Indian School of Business (ISB) |
INR 37,00,000 |
Amity University |
INR 6,20,000 |
Indian Institute of Business Management and Studies |
INR 40,800 |
Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) |
INR 4,70,000 |
Also Read: Executive MBA in India: Eligibility, Admission, Fees & Top Colleges
4. Online MBA
Online MBAs are the best types of MBA programs that offer the flexibility to study from anywhere. These programs are perfect for balancing work, study, and personal life.
Here's a table summarising the key aspects of online MBA programs.
Aspect |
Details |
Duration |
2-3 years |
Mode |
Online |
Ideal for |
Individuals needing flexible study hours |
Features |
Flexible learning schedule
Access to online resources and virtual classrooms
Opportunities for global networking
|
Eligibility Criteria for an Online MBA |
Bachelor's Degree: Minimum 50% aggregate from a recognised university.
Entrance Exams: GMAT, GRE, or equivalent exams; some programs accept work experience instead.
Work Experience: Preferred but not always mandatory.
English Proficiency: TOEFL/IELTS for non-native speakers.
|
Top MBA Colleges for Online MBA
Top MBA Colleges for Online MBA |
Annual Average Fees (INR) |
Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) |
INR 20,00,000 |
Indian Institute of Management Lucknow (IIML) |
INR 13,55,000 |
Indian Institute of Management Indore (IIMI) |
INR 3,50,000 |
Indian Institute of Management Ranchi (IIMR) |
INR 3,00,000 |
Amity University Online |
INR 1,75,000 |
Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) |
INR 50,000 - 4,00,000 |
Symbiosis Centre for Management and HRD (SCMHRD) |
INR 35,000 |
Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research |
INR 81,000 |
National Institute of Business Management (NIBM) |
INR 14,000 |
Pondicherry University |
INR 25,000 |
5. Global MBA
Global MBAs are designed with an international focus. They often include study tours, exchange programs with international universities, and a curriculum emphasising global business practices.
Here's a concise table summarising the key aspects of Global MBA programs.
Aspect |
Details |
Duration |
1-2 years |
Mode |
On-campus/Hybrid |
Ideal for |
Professionals aiming for international careers |
Features |
Exposure to international business environments
Opportunities for global networking
|
Eligibility Criteria for a Global MBA |
Bachelor's Degree: Minimum 50% aggregate from a recognised university.
Entrance Exams: GMAT or GRE with competitive scores.
Work Experience: 3-5 years preferred, especially in international roles.
English Proficiency: TOEFL score of 100+ or IELTS band of 7.0+.
|
Top MBA Colleges for Global MBA
Top MBA Colleges for Global MBA |
Annual Average Fees (INR) |
INSEAD, France/Singapore |
INR 77,00,000 |
London Business School (LBS), UK |
INR 1,12,00,000 |
HEC Paris, France |
INR 78,12,000 |
MIT Sloan School of Management, USA |
INR 65,72,000 |
Columbia Business School, USA |
INR 65,78,000 |
IE Business School, Spain |
INR 73,90,000 |
Cambridge Judge Business School, UK |
INR 72,32,000 |
IESE Business School, Spain |
INR 74,40,000 |
Indian School of Business (ISB), India |
INR 37,00,000 |
SP Jain School of Global Management, India/Dubai/Singapore |
INR 15,74,400 |
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6. Distance Learning MBA
Distance Learning MBAs are similar to online MBAs but may include periodic on-campus residencies. This format allows for a blend of online learning with some face-to-face interactions.
Here's a concise table summarising the key aspects of Distance Learning MBA programs.
Aspect |
Details |
Duration |
2-3 years |
Mode |
Online with occasional on-campus sessions |
Ideal for |
Those who prefer self-paced learning with some campus experience |
Features |
Combination of online and on-campus learning
Flexible study schedule
|
Eligibility Criteria for a Distance Learning MBA |
Bachelor's Degree: Minimum 50% aggregate from a recognised university.
Entrance Exams: Some programs require CAT, MAT, or institutional exams.
Work Experience: Preferred but not mandatory.
English Proficiency: TOEFL/IELTS may be required for international programs.
|
Top MBA Colleges for Distance Learning MBA
Top MBA Colleges for Distance Learning MBA |
Annual Average Fees (INR) |
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) |
INR 62,000 |
Institute of Management Technology (IMT) Ghaziabad |
INR 1,10,000 |
Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning (SCDL) |
INR 50,000 |
Sikkim Manipal University (SMU-DE) |
INR 85,000 |
Amity University |
INR 3,50,000 |
ICFAI University |
INR 2,00,000 |
Annamalai University |
INR 49,000 |
Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) |
INR 1,44,000 |
Pondicherry University |
INR 45,500 |
Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) |
INR 30,000 |
7. One-Year MBA
One-year MBA programs are intensive and designed to be completed in a shorter time frame. These types of MBA programs are highly demanding and suitable for individuals who want to fast-track their careers.
Here's a concise table summarising the key aspects of one-year MBA programs.
Aspect |
Details |
Duration |
One year |
Mode |
On-campus/Hybrid |
Ideal for |
Professionals with a clear career goal and limited time |
Features |
Accelerated curriculum
High level of intensity
|
Eligibility Criteria for a One-Year MBA |
Bachelor's Degree: Minimum 50% aggregate from a recognised university.
Entrance Exams: CAT (90+ percentile), GMAT (600+), or GRE scores.
Work Experience: Minimum 2-5 years of full-time work experience.
English Proficiency: TOEFL score of 90+ or IELTS band of 6.5+ for non-native speakers.
|
Top MBA Colleges for One-Year MBA
Top MBA Colleges for One-Year MBA |
Annual Average Fees (INR) |
Indian School of Business (ISB), Hyderabad |
INR 37,00,000 |
Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) |
INR 28,00,000 |
Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) |
INR 27,50,000 |
Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIMC) |
INR 23,00,000 |
XLRI - Xavier School of Management, Jamshedpur |
INR 20,95,000 |
SP Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR), Mumbai |
INR 19,00,000 |
Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai |
INR 17,15,000 |
SOIL Institute of Management, Gurgaon |
INR 15,33,000 |
Indian Institute of Management Indore (IIMI) |
INR 20,00,000 |
Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIMK) |
INR 22,50,000 |
8. Dual MBA
Dual MBA programs belong to the MBA categories that allow students to earn an MBA with another degree, such as a JD (Juris Doctor) or an MD (Doctor of Medicine). These programs are suitable for individuals looking to specialise in multiple fields.
Here's a concise table summarising the key aspects of Dual MBA programs.
Aspect |
Details |
Duration |
3-5 years |
Mode |
On-campus/Hybrid |
Ideal for |
Individuals seeking expertise in two fields |
Features |
Combination of two degrees
Extended study period
|
Eligibility Criteria for a Dual MBA |
Bachelor's Degree: Minimum 50% aggregate from a recognised university.
Entrance Exams: CAT, GMAT, or GRE, depending on the dual degree combination.
Work Experience: Varies depending on the second degree but generally 2-5 years.
English Proficiency: TOEFL/IELTS for non-native speakers.
|
Top MBA Colleges for Dual MBA
Top MBA Colleges for Dual MBA |
Annual Average Fees (INR) |
Indian School of Business (ISB), Hyderabad |
INR 37,00,000 |
Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) |
INR 28,00,000 |
Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) |
INR 27,50,000 |
Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIMC) |
INR 23,00,000 |
Xavier School of Management (XLRI), Jamshedpur |
INR 20,95,000 |
SP Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR) |
INR 19,00,000 |
Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai |
INR 17,15,000 |
Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS), Mumbai |
INR 10,42,000 |
Amity University |
INR 6,20,000 |
Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM), Pune |
INR 9,60,000 |
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Types of MBA Specialisations
An MBA specialisation refers to a focused area of study within an MBA program. It allows students to dive deeper into a specific field of interest.
MBA programs offer various specialisations, allowing students to focus on specific industries or functions. Here’s a table highlighting some popular MBA branches.
MBA Specialisation |
Key Areas |
Salary Range (INR) |
MBA in Finance |
Financial analysis, Corporate finance, Investment Management, Risk assessment |
8-20 LPA |
MBA in Marketing |
Marketing strategies, Consumer behaviour, Digital Marketing, Brand management |
6-18 LPA |
MBA in Human Resources |
Recruitment and selection, Employee training and development, Performance management, Labour laws |
5-15 LPA |
MBA in Operations Management |
Supply chain management, Production planning, Quality control, Logistics management |
6-20 LPA |
MBA in Information Technology |
IT management, Business Analytics, Information systems, Technology Strategy |
8-25 LPA |
MBA in Healthcare Management |
Healthcare Administration, Health economics, Healthcare policies, Ethical issues in healthcare |
7-20 LPA |
MBA in International Business |
International trade, Global marketing strategies, Cross-cultural management, International Finance |
9-25 LPA |
MBA in Entrepreneurship |
Business planning, Venture capital, Startup management, Innovation and creativity |
8-20 LPA |
MBA in Strategy |
Strategic planning, Competitive Analysis, Corporate Governance, Mergers and acquisitions |
10-30 LPA |
MBA in Supply Chain Management |
Procurement, Logistics, Supply chain optimisation, Inventory management |
8-22 LPA |
Also read: Funding your MBA
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Selecting the Right Types of MBA Programs
Choosing the right MBA categories involves considering several factors, including career goals, experience level, and personal circumstances. Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision.
1. Assess Your Career Goals
Identify your long-term career objectives. Do you want to advance in your current field, switch industries, or start your own business? Your career goals will influence the types of MBA programs and specialisations you choose.
2. Consider Your Experience Level
Your professional experience can determine which MBA program is suitable for you. Full-time MBAs are ideal for recent graduates, while part-time and executive MBAs are better suited for experienced professionals.
3. Evaluate Program Formats
Decide whether you prefer a campus-based, online, or hybrid program. Consider your work schedule, personal commitments, and learning preferences.
4. Research Specialisations
Explore the different MBA specialisations and choose one that aligns with your career interests. Look at the program's curriculum, faculty expertise, and career support services.
5. Check Accreditation
Ensure that a recognised accrediting body accredits the MBA program. Accreditation ensures that the program meets high-quality standards and is recognised by employers.
6. Analyse Costs and Financial Aid
Evaluate the cost of the MBA program and explore financial aid options. Consider tuition fees, living expenses, and potential income loss if you plan to study full-time.
7. Network and Seek Advice
Talk to current students, alumni, and industry professionals to gain insights into different MBA programs. Their experiences can provide valuable information to help you make an informed choice.
Choosing the right types of MBA programs is crucial to shaping your future career. Whether you opt for a full-time, part-time, executive, online, or global MBA, each offers unique benefits and opportunities tailored to different career stages and professional needs. Take the time to research and evaluate the various types of MBA courses and MBA branches carefully.
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