Introduction

MBA is abbreviated as Master of Business Administration which is a Post Graduate degree to be done by Graduates (3 or 4 years pattern). A masters degree in management will boost graduates secure a slot in the middle level management, experienced applicants have a better chance to move to the middle level or even to the top level management.

Equivalents to MBA

Institutes which are autonomous will offer an MBA equivalent degree such as PGDM, PGP or PGPM. IIMs are an example; they offer PGP not MBA since they are autonomous and are not affiliated to any university. Institutes which run AICTE approved courses also offer PGDM. Exercise caution and know before hand what are you going to get after your two years of study.

Duration

Typically MBA or equivalent courses like PGDM (Post Graduate Diploma in Management) are of 2 years duration and may or may not have a semester system. Few Institutes may have trimester models also, it is totally dependent on the University the Institute is affiliated to.

Affiliations and approvals

All India Council for Technical Education is an apex body to regulate both technical and management courses in India. While opting for a college one should ensure the Institute has the necessary approvals either by UGC (University Grants Commision) or AICTE.

Entrance test and eligibility to study MBA

As mentioned earlier minimum eligibility to join MBA is a graduation degree (either 3 years or 4 years pattern), the percentage required for most of the business schools is 50% and 45% in case of reserved categories (private institutes might ignore this rule, few institutes might take students with out 50% even for general category students).

Selection process

Stage 1: The selection process for good business schools involves submission of application forms along side with qualifying score in national level entrance tests such as CAT, MAT and ATMA etc (list above) or state level entrance test if opting to study in his/her home state.

Stage 2: Shortlisting based on score and academics

Stage 3: Group discussion or personal interview

Stage 4: Final selection based on entrance exam score, academics, group discussion and personal interview. In few cases each stage is an isolated process meaning students may get eliminated at any state with out making to the final stage.