MBA After BA: Eligibility, Salary, Scope and Top Colleges

MBA After BA: Eligibility, Salary, Scope and Top Colleges

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Shruti
Shruti Garg
Assistant Manager- Editorial
Updated on Aug 14, 2023 15:53 IST
Explore the pathway of pursuing an MBA after BA. Learn about MBA eligibility criteria, MA specialisation choices, MBA entrance exams, top universities, scope, and potential salaries. Discover how an MBA can enhance your career prospects, skills, and earning potential here.
MBA After BA

MBA After BA

Wondering about your career journey after completing your Bachelor's degree (Bachelor in Arts)? Still confused if you can pursue MBA after BA? The answer is a resounding 'Yes!' as you set your sights on the enticing option of pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) after your BA. In this article, we delve into the landscape of possibilities that open up when you choose to embark on an MBA after BA. Know the advantages, and essential insights that come with this dynamic educational pathway after coming Bachelor's in Arts.

Can I do MBA After BA? Check Eligibility Criteria

Yes, you can pursue MBA after BA. If you are a Graduate in Bachelor in Arts, you must ensure to fulfill the below mentioned eligibility criteria for admission to top B-school in India:

  • Appeared for the national level or state level entrance examination conducted for shortlisting candidates for admission process of B-Schools.
  • Candidate must have completed graduation from a recognized/statutory institute/university with at leat 60% marks (55% for reserved categories) in aggregate in qualifying examination.
  • Candidates who are appearing in the qualifying examination can also apply for the MBA entrance exam. Also candidates awaiting results of qualifying degree examination can obtain provisional admission letter.

MBA After BA: Choosing Right MBA Specialisation

When determining the right MBA specialisation, consider these top 8 factors:

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  • Choose a specialization that aligns with your interests and passions to lead to a more fulfilling career.
  • Identify your long-term career objectives and how a specific MBA specialisation can help you achieve goals. Some MBA specialisations may require specific knowledge and skills.
  • Research the job market to understand which MBA specialisations are in demand. This can enhance your job prospects and earning potential.
  • Evaluate your existing skills and strengths to pursue MBA program. Select a specialisation that leverages and builds upon those capabilities.
  • Stay updated on industry trends and emerging sectors. Specialising in a growing field can provide unique career opportunities.
  • Connect with MBA professionals in your desired specialisation to gain valuable information about the field.
  • Look for MBA programs that offer a variety of specialisations. Ensure the program provides comprehensive curriculum and resources for your chosen field.
  • Evaluate the potential return on investment for your chosen MBA specialisation, factoring in tuition costs and future earnings.

Also Read:

MBA Specialisation Guide

Types of MBA Specialisation

MBA specialisation refers to the focused area of study in MBA. It helps you to develop expertise in a field of interest. MBA specialisation can include the fields like Finance, Operations, Human Resource, Strategy and so forth. Check below the list of MBA specialisation:

Q:   What are the benefits of appearing in CMAT?

A:

There are several benefits of appearing in the CMAT exam. It is easier than other exams and accepted by many B-schools. Check below some of the key benefits of CMAT.

  • CMAT is conducted at the end of MBA entrance exam season, so MBA aspirants don't have to study much as the previous experience of exams like CAT, XAT, SNAP comes in use.
  • CMAT score is accepted by about 1,300 MBA colleges in India which includes top colleges in Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities. 
  • CMAT exam is a moderate difficulty level exam so it is easier to score high in CMAT than CAT, XAT, IIFT, GMAT.
  • CMAT cut offs for admission to top colleges are not exceptionally high, so you can get a good MBA college with a decent CMAT score.
  • There's no 50 per cent aggregate criteria for CMAT application. Candidates with passing marks in graduation can also appear for the exam. 
  • CMAT application fee for women and reserved category candidates is only INR 1,000 which is quite less as compared to CAT, XAT, IIFT, SNAP fees.

Q:   When can I apply for CMAT?

A:

The next CMAT exam will be held on January 25, 2025. The NTA has started registration process for the same most on November 14, 2024. Those interested in appearing for the exam are required to register for it at CMAT-NTA website and fill the online application form before December 25, 2024. The score of CMAT will be valid for one year only, so if you appear for CMAT 2025, you must take admission in the same academic year.

Apart from 1300 B-schools, the CMAT score is also valid for admission through MAH CET CAP. The Maharashtra State CET Cell conducts MBA/MMS admissions for 300 colleges in the state. It is followed by a common counselling process called CAP. CMAT test takers can also participate in MAH MBA CET CAP and secure a seat in MBA/MMS course offered by over 300 colleges in Maharashtra.

Q:   Can I appear for MAT from home?

A:
Yes, candidates can appear for MAT exam from home. For that, they need to opt for the Internet Based Test or IBT mode option in the MAT application form. In IBT mode, candidates can appear for the test from home or any location by using a laptop or desktop with a functional webcam and internet connection. Given below are some guidelines for MAT IBT: The candidates must have a stable internet connection with proper speed throughout the exam duration A proxy for this is if they can login into their email accounts without difficulty. Upload Speed: Minimum speed should be 512 kbps Browser to use are: Chrome version 63 and above and Firefox version 52 and above Operating system to use are: WindowsOS (Version7 and above) Dot NETframework: MSB requires dot net framework. The minimum supported version is 4.5.1. NETframework Memory: 65MB permanent free space on the default hard drive.

Also Read:

List of Top MBA Specialisations: Which One to Choose?

MBA After BA: Entrance Examination

Candidates willing to puruse MBA after BA must appear for the national level or state-level examinations to get admission to top B-schools in India. Candidates qualifying for the National level or state-level examinations do not guarantee admission to B-schools in India. Qualified candidates will have to appear for the selection rounds of the respective B-School. On the basis of your aggregate performance in MBA entrance exam and selection rounds, final admission is offered. Refer to the list of National level MBA entrance exams and State level MBA entrance exam below:

Explore more MBA exams with upcoming dates

CMAT 2025 registration and app...

14 Nov '24 - 25 Dec '24

IBSAT 2024 Result

27 Dec '24

ATMA result 2024 (December)

28 Dec '24

TISSNET 2024 Mock Test

28 Dec '24

NMAT 2024 Result Declaration

5 Nov '24 - 31 Dec '24

XAT

LIVE
KIITEE MBA 2025 Registrations

20 Sep '24 - 6 Jan '25

IRMASAT 2025 Last Date of Appl...

8 Jan '25

SNAP 2024 result announcement

8 Jan '25

Issuance of X-GMT Admit Card

20 Jan '25 - 25 Jan '25

National Level MBA Entrance Exams

  1. CAT
  2. SNAP
  3. MAT
  4. CMAT
  5. IIFT
  6. XAT
  7. IBSAT
  8. NMAT By GMAC
  9. ATMA
  10. KIITEE MBA
  11. MICAT

State Level MBA Entrance Exams

  1. OJEE
  2. TISSNET
  3. TANCET
  4. TSICET
  5. MAH-CET
  6. AP ICET
  7. Karnataka PGCET
  8. KMAT

MBA After BA: Top Universities

Check the list of Top MBA universities accepting MBA entrance exam scores below:

  1. IIM Ahmedabad - Indian Institute of Management
  2. IIM Bangalore - Indian Institute of Management
  3. IIM Calcutta - Indian Institute of Management
  4. XLRI Xavier School of Management
  5. NMIMS School of Business Management, Mumbai
  6. IIM Lucknow - Indian Institute of Management
  7. Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Symbiosis International, Pune
  8. Management Development Institute
  9. SP. Jain Institute of Management and Research, Mumbai
  10. Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, Delhi

Also Read:

Best MBA Colleges in India

MBA After BA Scope

Check below to know the Scope of MBA after BA:

  • Career Advancement: An MBA course can accelerate your career progression, especially in industries like consulting, finance, and management, where advanced business knowledge is highly valued.
  • Skill Enhancement: MBA programs provide in-depth knowledge of business concepts, strategic thinking, leadership skills, and problem-solving abilities that can enhance your value in the job market.
  • Networking Opportunities: MBA programs often have a diverse student body and strong alumni networks, providing ample opportunities to network and build valuable connections in various industries.
  • Entrepreneurship: If you're interested in starting your own business, an MBA can equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship.
  • Career Switching: An MBA can facilitate a transition to a different industry or function, as it demonstrates your commitment to learning and adapting to new environments.
  • Higher Earning Potential: MBA graduates often command higher salaries compared to those with just a BA, especially as they move into leadership roles.
  • Job Opportunities: MBA holders can explore a wide range of job opportunities, including management positions, consulting roles, business development, and corporate strategy.
  • Executive Level Positions: An MBA can prepare you for executive-level positions, such as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or Chief Financial Officer (CFO), in the long run.
  • Credibility: An MBA from a reputable institution can enhance your credibility and make you stand out in a competitive job market.

MBA After BA Salary

MBA salary after BA varies widely based on the factors such as work experience, location, qualification, MBA specialisation, and so forth. On an average graduates with MBA degree earns higher than candidates without MBA degree. On an average MBA, a professional can earn from INR 5 lakh to INR 25 lakh per annum. These salaries can differ and can go higher with experience and expertise. Check the table below to know the MBA salary in various specialisation.

MBA in Finance Salary

Job Profile

Average Starting Salary 

Financial Analyst 

INR 3.63 LPA 

Corporate Finance 

INR 6.10 LPA 

Assistant Vice President - Corporate Banking 

INR 19.26 LPA 

Credit Risk Management 

INR 11 LPA 

Derivatives Structuring 

INR 9.25 LPA 

Portfolio Manager 

INR 11.35 LPA 

Treasury Manager 

INR 9 LPA 

MBA in Business Analytics Salary

Job Profile 

Average Starting Salary 

Marketing Analyst 

INR 4.87 LPA 

Data Analyst 

INR 4.38 LPA 

Marketing Manager 

INR 6.85 LPA 

Senior Business Analyst 

INR 9.94 LPA 

Order Processing Manager 

INR 4.34 LPA 

Business Analyst (Unspecified Type) 

INR 5.42 LPA 

MBA in Sales and Marketing Salary

Job Profile

Average Starting Salary

Sales Management

INR 6.09 LPA

Marketing Management

INR 5.97 LPA

Business Development

INR 6.77 LPA

Customer Relationship Management

INR 6.37 LPA

Strategic Management

INR 8.05 LPA

MBA in Human Resources Salary

Job Profile 

Average Starting Salary 

HR Manager - Talent Acquisition 

INR 3.5 LPA.  

HR Manager - Training 

INR 4.6-4.7 LPA. 

HR Manager - Compliance 

INR 3-4 LPA. 

HR Professor 

INR 2-3 LPA. 

Read More on MBA Salary in India

Q:   Can I appear for CMAT at any test centre?

A:

No, you cannot appear for the CMAT exam at any test centre. You can appear for the test at the centre mentioned in your CMAT admit card. Entry at every CMAT test centre is given to candidates only after thorough scrutiny of the hall ticket and ID proof. If you attempt to gain entry in any other test centre, you will be disqualified. Thus, candidates must make sure that they check the location of their allotted test centre beforehand and reach there on exam day on time.  If they reach the test centre after the gates have been closed they will not be allowed entry under any circumstances. CMAT test centre gates close 15 minutes before the commencement of exam.

Q:   What is the CAT eligibility criteria?

A:
CAT (Common Admission Test) is a national-level management entrance examination conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (Iims) for admission to their postgraduate management programs. The eligibility criteria for CAT are as follows: Educational Qualification: Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognised university or institute. The minimum percentage required varies from institute to institute. Age Limit: There is no age limit for appearing in the CAT exam. Citizenship: Candidates must be citizens of India. NRIs and foreign nationals can also apply for the exam. Reservation Criteria: The reservation criteria for CAT are as per the regulations of the Government of India. Work Experience: Work experience is not mandatory to apply for CAT. However, some institutes may consider work experience as a selection criterion. It is important to note that meeting the eligibility criteria alone does not guarantee admission to the Iims or other participating institutes. Candidates must also meet the selection criteria set by the institutes, which may include factors such as academic performance, work experience, and performance in the CAT exam.

Q:   What are MAT eligibility criteria?

A:

Since MAT is an entrance exam for post graduate level management courses, the minimum eligibility criteria for MAT exam is graduation. Candidate should have completed graduation in full-time or part-time mode in Arts, Commerce or Science from a recognised university. The eligibility criteria for MAT PBT, CBT and IBT are the same. Final year graduation students who will be giving their final exam or awaiting results are also eligible to appear in MAT. There is no minimum score requirement in MAT. Candidates need to have passing marks in graduation.

However, MBA colleges have the eligibility criteria of minimum 50 per cent in graduation (45 per cent for SC/ST/PWD), thus candidates who aspire to pursue MBA need to ensure that they score a minimum of 50 per cent in graduation. SC/ST/PwD candidates need to have a minimum of 45 per cent in their Bachelor's degree programme. There is no age bar or appearing in MAT. Fresh graduates as well as working professionals can apply for MAT.

Q:   What is the IIM selection criteria through CAT?

A:

IIM selection criteria for all the 21 campuses is same and includes selection of candidates through three stages. CAT score Written Ability Test (WAT), Group Discussion GD and Personal Interview (PI) Academic record, work experience Academic and gender diversity CAT exam score is the first parameter on which candidates are shortlisted for admission. In the first state of IIM admission, the institutes shortlist candidates for WAT, GD and PI on the basis of their CAT score and class 10, 12 and graduation marks. The cut offs for shortlisting of candidates is between 95-100 percentile (for SC/ST/PwD candidates the cut offs are lower). These shortlisted candidates have to then appear for What, GD and PI round. Those who clear this round are considered for final admission. For the final selection, every IIMs takes into consideration the following aspects: CAT score What, GD and PI performance Class 10 and 12 marks Graduation marks Work experience Academic diversity Gender diversity.

About the Author
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Shruti Garg
Assistant Manager- Editorial

Shruti is a graduate in Education and Literature. She is a passionate writer. As her name suggests she is a good listener, a binge-watcher, and a great foodie. She loves playing badminton and doing meditation in her... Read Full Bio