If you are planning higher education for yourself and considering pursuing an MBA, then one question you might find yourself asking early is 'Is MBA a PG or UG degree?'. Surprisingly, many students in India are confused regarding this characteristic of MBA because of the wide variety of programs available in the market.
If you are one of those in individuals, want to get absolute clarity regarding MBA, such as eligibility criteria, MBA course fees, MBA course list and details with types of MBA degree courses, then this article will help you achieve this clarity.
The article will explain what an MBA actually is, how it differs from undergraduate courses, what are the types of MBA programs available in India and where it is stands academically. The main purpose of the article will be to help you choose the right one from the numerous MBA degree courses to achieve your career goals within your budget.
So, Is MBA a PG or UG Degree?
A Master of Business Administration, or more popularly known as MBA, is a postgraduate (PG) program as it can only be pursued after having an undergraduate degree (UG) such as BBA, BSc, B.Com, BE, BA or any other equivalent bachelor's degree. To put it simply, individuals cannot pursue an MBA directly after completing their 12th.
This is applied to all the MBA degree courses in India, whether it is offered by private universities, government institutions, IIMs or any other autonomous college. One of the key reasons behind confusion regarding the academic characteristics of MBA is that some institutions often use marketing terms or integrated programs.
Why is an MBA considered a Postgraduate Degree?
An MBA is designed to develop strategic, leadership and advanced managerial skills instead of offering foundation knowledge. And thus, it is considered a postgraduate level education. Some differences between MBA and undergraduate programs include:
-
The course curriculum of the MBA focuses on business strategy, leadership, decision-making and real-world case studies.
-
It anticipates that the candidate already has a basic understanding of subjects with academic maturity.
-
Classroom discussions in MBA rely heavily on industry exposure, practical experience and internships.
-
Peer learning is an integral part of MBA as compared to UG courses.
All of this states that MBA degree courses in India require an eligibility criterion of at least a bachelor's degree for admission.
Eligibility Criteria for MBA in India
If you wish to pursue an MBA in India, the new need to follow the general criteria as below:
-
An undergraduate degree from a recognised university
-
At least 50% aggregate in UG courses with relaxations for reserved candidates.
-
Adequate score in a certain entrance exam, such as CAT, MAT, XAT, NMAT, SNAP or any other state-level test.
-
Many private institutions also offer direct admission to MBA without any entrance exam; however, it is still considered a PG course both academically and professionally.
Common Myths Related to MBA that Create Confusion
There are certain misconceptions associated with MBA degree courses in India, which are as follows:
-
MBA can also be done after 12th: There is no way you can pursue a full-fledged MBA degree after completing 12th. You might see integrated programs advertised as an MBA, which can be done after 12th.
-
Online MBA is not PG: Online MBA have as much value as traditional MBA if it is approved by AICTE/UGC and his considered a PG course.
-
PGDM is different from MBA level: Even though there might be certain differences in the course curriculum, both courses are considered post-graduate programs academically.
-
Experience is mandatory for MBA: There is no mandatory requirement of having experience to pursue an MBA; however, top colleges do prefer it.
Understanding all of these misconceptions can be useful for you to avoid wrong academic decisions.
MBA degree courses in India?
In India, there are various MBA degree courses, which are specifically designed to suit distinctive budgets, learning styles and career stages of individuals. It is important to understand all of these options before you make the final decision.
-
Full-Time Regular MBA: This is the traditional form of MBA, which is widely offered by Universities and Institutions across India. It is a two-year course that focuses on campus-based learning with extensive emphasis on placements, live projects and internships. This is usually preferred by most aspiring students and recruiters for leadership roles.
-
Executive MBA: This MBA course is designed specifically for working professionals and requires a minimum of at least 2 to 5 years of working experience. It is usually of shorter duration as compared to traditional MBA and can be completed within 1 to 1.5 years. The Executive MBA focuses on strategic management and leadership instead of the basics.
-
Online MBA: This is one of the most popular and rapidly growing MBA degree courses in India because of its flexible learning format. It is highly suitable for working professionals who is widely accepted by recruiters, depending on the accreditation and reputation of the college.
-
Integrated MBA: This is where the confusion actually arises regarding whether the MBA is a PG or UG course. Integrated MBA can be pursued after 12th and requires 5 years to complete as it combines UG and PG. Once completed, it is considered a postgraduate qualification.
MBA Course List and Details
Apart from learning different types of MBA degree courses, is also necessary to understand the MBA courses list and details regarding specialisations, which can influence your career trajectory in a positive direction. Some of the most popular specialisations, which you can follow as per your preference, include:
-
Finance: Focuses on a career in corporate finance, investment banking and financial analysis.
-
Marketing: Highly appropriate for an individual seeking a career in digital marketing, brand management and sales leadership.
-
Business Analytics: This focuses on developing data analytics skills to promote data-driven decision-making in organisations.
-
Human Resource Management (HRM): Focuses on recruitment and selection, performance management and training and overall organisational development.
-
International Business: Involves topics such as import export, global trade, and multinational strategy.
-
Entrepreneurship: The specialisation is suitable for individuals who want to establish their own startup and business venture.
How many types of MBA courses Exist?
If you have a question regarding How many types of MBA courses are available in India, then understand that it all depends on your approach to classification. The table below can be effective end understanding them.
|
Mode of Study |
Specialisation |
Career Stage |
|
Full-time MBA
Executive MBA
Online/Distance MBA
|
Functional such as Marketing, Finance, and HR
Technical such as Analytics, IT, and Operations
Industry-specific such as Healthcare, Agri-business, and Logistics
|
Freshers MBA
MBA for working professionals
MBA for entrepeneurs
|
MBA course fees in India
One of the major concerns of aspiring students is related to the MBA course fees, as it is considered one of the costliest programs in the country. Course fees can differ from institution to institution and the type of MBA program. However, a realistic breakdown can be as follows:
-
Premium MBA Institutes such as IIMs charge anywhere between INR 15-30 lakh
-
Tier-2 and Tier-3 Private Colleges' course fees range from INR 6 to 12 lakh.
-
Government and state universities offer an MBA at a cost of INR 2-6 lakh
-
Online and distance MBA costs around INR 1-3 lakh
Why MBA Being a PG Degree Matter?
Unlike UG courses, PG courses are known to provide a critical and comprehensive understanding of the topic, which makes the graduate more capable of gaining the attention of recruiters. Since an MBA is a PG qualification, it:
-
Qualifies the candidates for mid-level leadership and management roles.
-
Allow the student to pursue PhD and fellow programs
-
Recognised by corporates for promotion and salary hikes
-
Carries immense weight in the international job market
-
Top recruiters consider MBA graduates for managerial positions and treat them differently from undergraduate degree holders.
Final Thoughts
If you are concerned and confused regarding whether MBA is a PG degree or a UG course, then know that it is a completely PG course, with the only exception being an integrated program that requires 5 years to complete and can be pursued after completing 12th. All the recognised MBA degree courses are postgraduate programs, and their value depends entirely on the specialisation, reputation of the college and how you use the qualification in the future.
MBA course fees can be a major deciding factor but should not be the only one that you should consider, as you should focus on the specialisation, accreditation and placement records of the institute. Do not follow MBA program blindly and acquire appropriate clarity and purpose regarding the course to make an informed decision.