MBA vs MSc: Differences, Eligibility, Admission, Jobs, Salary
MBA or MSc? An ever-expanding education sphere and an abundance of options have created a new dilemma among the candidates! Keep reading to learn details about both the courses and the major differences between the two to make a better and more informed decision.
The MBA full form is Master of Business Administration, while the MSc full form is Master of Science. Both are popular postgraduate degrees that can be completed in two years. However, both MBA and MSc are designed for different purposes and cater to different needs of the students.
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There is a 90% more chance of getting best college recommendations by sharing preferences.MBA is suitable for candidates who want to advance their careers in management and executive roles, while MSc is more appropriate for students who wish to join specialised and technical fields. Interested students can read the article further to know the differences between MBA and MSc courses and how they need to select the right course for themselves.
Q: How do I select the domain subjects for CUET UG?
Before selecting the test or domain subjects, candidates are advised to visit the official website of university/organaisation they wish to apply for. Candidates must check the courses offered and eligibility test that they should appear in for admission to desired course. The choice of language/domain subject and General test will depend upon the course and university. Candidates will be able to opt for one or more tests as per the requirement of the course and university fro the following sections:
- Section IA - 13 Languages
- Section IB - 20 Languages
- Section II - 27 Domain Specific Subjects
- Section III - General Test
It is not mandatory to choose any one or more of the tests stated above. The choice of tests would depend on the course/s opted by the candidate and the University / Organization / Institution where admission is sought.
Q: Can I opt for several subjects in section II of CUET to apply for various courses?
Yes, an CUET applicant can opt for one or more combinations of the following:
- Section IA and I B: Language Test
- Section II: Domain subject test
- Section III: General Test
Candidates will be able to opt up to a maximum of six subjects in order to apply to different applicable courses that require these subjects for being eligible for admissions. Candidates must ensure that they have studied these subjects in 12th grade or as prescribed by a particular University under their eligibility conditions for a particular programme.
Q: Does CUET require OBC certificate?
Yes, OBC candidates applying for CUET must upload the OBC-NCL certificate in online CUET application form. The OBC-NCL certificate must be issued in consonance with the latest guidelines of the Government of India. If candidate fail to upload the OBC-NCL certificate (issued on or after 01 April, 2024) at the time of CUET 2025 registration, then in such case they will have to upload a declaration in lieu of OBC-NCl certificate to that effect.
Candidates belonging to reserved categories are admitted under the seats reserved for them in accordance with the rules prescribed by Government of India. However, in the case of central universities admission, the reservation criteria of the respective university shall be applicable.
MBA vs MSc Relevant Links:
MBA Admission 2024: Fees, Entrance Exam, Dates, Eligibility, Application, Selection
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MBA vs MSc: Highlights
Students who have completed their bachelor’s degree and are confused about making their decision between MBA and MSc degrees can check the table below to understand the key highlights of both courses. The important details related to course level, entrance exams, course fees, job profiles, and average annual salary are tabulated below:
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| MBA vs MSc Parameters |
MBA |
MSc |
|---|---|---|
| Full Form |
Master of Business Administration |
Master of Science |
| Course Level |
Postgraduate Degree |
Postgraduate Degree |
| Entrance Exams |
Through national and state-level entrance examinations like CAT, MAT, XAT, CMAT, NMAT, etc. |
Entrance Exams like CPGET, ICAR AIEEA, CUET PG, MCAER CET, IIT JAM, URATPG, MAH CET, etc. |
| Accreditation |
Accredited by Universities |
|
| Subjects |
Business Ethics, Organisational Behaviour, Microeconomics, Principles of Accounting, etc. |
Mathematical Statistics, Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry of Biomolecules, Polymer Science, etc.
|
| Course Fees (in INR) |
INR 2 lakh to 27 lakh and above |
INR 6,000 to INR 1,10,000 |
| Salary (in INR) |
INR 5 LPA to 25 LPA
|
INR 2 LPA and INR 9.3 LPA. |
| Specializations |
Sales and Marketing, Operations, Finance, Human Resources, Digital Marketing, etc. |
Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Botany, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Environmental Sciences, Food Sciences, etc. |
| Top Job Profiles |
Finance Manager, Marketing Manager, Sales Manager, Project Manager, etc. |
Project Assistant, Lab Manager, Pharma Associate, Regulatory Affairs Specialist, Patent Associate, Food Safety Analyst, etc. |
| Top Recruiters |
Boston Consulting Group, McKinsey, Bain & Co, Morgan Stanley, JP Morgan Chase, Amazon, Facebook, Google, Adobe, etc. |
Ranbaxy, GAIL, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, BARC, etc. |
| Top Colleges |
IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, IIM Lucknow, IIM Indore, IIM Kozhikode, etc. |
Banaras Hindu University, Bharathiar University, Calcutta University, Delhi University, etc. |
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Difference Between MBA and MSc
MBA or Master of Business Administration is a postgraduate degree program that offers advanced management and business training. The course enlightens students with the knowledge and abilities they need to be successful in leadership positions. The growing number of businesses has highlighted the importance of an MBA degree. The fees of MBA courses range between INR 4 Lakh - INR 25 Lakh.
Q: How do I apply for a college which requires CUET percentage even though am yet to give CUET?
Candidates can apply for CUET score accepting colleges through CUET UG 2024 application form. While filling the application form, candidates will be required to enter the name of the preffered universities and courses in order of preference. On declaration of the CUET results, the scores will be shared with the unoversities for which candidate has applied. Basis on the score obtained candidate will be shortlisted for the applied course.
Q: What if I get compartment, then will I be able to appear for the CUET and get admission in college?
Yes, it is possible to appear for compartment exams and still appear for CUET and secure college admission within the same academic year.
Educational boards conduct compartment exams for students who performed poorly in one or two subjects during their board exams. These compartment exams are typically held a few months after the regular board exams and offer students an opportunity to reattempt any subjects they failed, thereby improving their overall pass percentage.
In situations where a student does not meet the admission requirements for college due to failing one or more subjects in their board exams, they can opt to take compartment exams with the aim of enhancing their grades. Once the results of the compartment exams are published, students can utilize their improved scores to fulfill the CUET college admission criteria.
It's essential to keep in mind that the admission procedures for each college and university can differ, and some institutions may have specific additional requirements or application deadlines for students intending to take compartment exams. Therefore, it is advisable to inquire about the admission policies regarding compartment exams at the respective college or university.
Q: What is the criteria for admission via CUET exam?
For admission in Universities through CUET (UG) - 2025, the existing policies regarding quota, category, relaxation, reservations, qualification, subject combinations, preferences etc.. of the respective University / Institution shall be applicable. For appearing in CUET exam there is no age limit, however, candidates will be required to follow the age criteria (if any) prescribed the university in which candidate is desirous of taking admission. As the eligibility criteria for admission may be unique for every University, the candidates are advised to visit the University website to which they are applying for their respective programs.
Mere appearance in the CUET exam will not guarantee admission to the programme untill the candidates has:
- Studied subject (s) in major
- Fulfilled the subject combination criteria
Q: Is there any age limit to appear for IIT JAM 2025?
IIT Joint Admission Test for MSc (JAM) notification has been announced by IIT Delhi, the exam conducting body for the academic year 2025-26. IIT Madras, the conducting body for IIT JAM 2025, will be commencing the application process on September 3, 2024 in online mode.
According to the infomation mentioned in the IIT JAM 2025 Information brochure, which was released by IIT Madras, the examination conducting body, there is no as such nay age limit to appear for IIT JAM 2025. However it is recommended that aspirants can appear for IIT JAM 2025 examination as soon as the get a graduate degree so that they can perform well in the examination.
Q: What is programme specific eligibility criteria in CUET?
For admission to the desirous University/Institution, the candidates must appear in CUET 2025 in the Languages and Domain Specific subjects as per the Program-Specific Eligibility for which s (he) is desirous to take admission. For instance if candidate wishes to apply for B.Com (Hons.) programe in Delhi University he/she will be required to make the subject combination as :
Combination I: Any one Language from List A + Mathematics/Applied Mathematics + Any two subjects out of which at least one should be from List B1
OR
Combination II: Any one Language from List A + Accountancy/Book Keeping + Any two subjects out of which at least one should be from List B1
Candidates are advised to check CUET programme specific eligibility criteria before filling the application form, failing which they will not qualify for further admission process.
On the other hand, MSc is a two-year postgraduate degree that candidates usually opt for after completing their BSc. MSc is classified as a STEM degree since it emphasizes Science, Engineering, Technology, Mathematics, and Medicine. The fees of MSc courses are less than MBA and can be completed between INR 20,000 to INR 1.2 Lakh.
What is an MBA?
MBA is a very popular management program that can be pursued in two years. MBA is studied by students after completing their graduation with 50% aggregate marks. MBA equip students with valuable management skills, hence a large number of BTech, BBA, BCom, BA, BSc, and BCA graduates opt for MBA in post-graduation.
The most popular MBA entrance exams are CAT, CMAT, XAT, and MAH CET among others. Some of the popular colleges offering MBA programs in various specializations include IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, IIM Lucknow, FMS Delhi, and XLRI among others.
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What is an MSc?
Master of Science (MSc) is very well-liked by candidates hoping to pursue scientific specialisations. The wide range of MSc courses might lead to a lucrative profession. MSc courses can be pursued in a variety of specialisations including Applied Psychology, Life Science, Mathematics, Analytical Chemistry, Neuroscience, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Botany, Biotechnology, etc. MSc courses are designed such that candidates can attain complete knowledge about scientific principles and research.
In India, numerous government colleges provide MSc courses and specialisations. Banaras Hindu University, Jamia Millia Islamia , Delhi University, Jawaharlal Nehru University are some of the colleges that offer MSc courses in India.
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MBA vs MSc: Eligibility
MBA can be pursued in different modes such as Part-Time MBA, Distance MBA, Online MBA, Executive MBA and Integrated MBA. Hence, eligibility criteria for every programme differ. Similarly, an MSc can be pursued in different modes. Usually, students who possess a bachelor’s degree in Science from a recognised college/university with 50 per cent marks can seek admission to MSc courses.
The table below contains the eligibility requirements for Full-time MBA and MSc programmes.
| Parameters |
MBA |
MSc |
|---|---|---|
| Education |
Graduate in any stream |
Graduate in Science |
| Minimum Percentage |
Average 50 per cent marks (45 per cent for Reserved category) |
Minimum 50 per cent aggregate marks |
| Entrance Exams |
CPGET, ICAR AIEEA, CUET PG, MCAER CET, etc. |
|
| Work Experience |
Some courses and colleges demand work experience of 3 to 5 years |
NA |
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MBA vs MSc: Entrance Exams
Admission to the top B-schools is provided based on national or state-level entrance exams like CAT, MAT, CMAT, ATMA, MAH-CET, etc. On the other hand, admission to MSc courses is provided based on merit or entrance exams like CPGET, ICAR AIEEA, CUET PG, AP PGCET, etc.
Students can check the table below to know details related to entrance exams for both MBA and MSc.
| Parameters |
MBA |
MSc |
|---|---|---|
| Conducting Body |
UGC |
UGC |
| Mode of Exam |
Online and Offline |
Online and Offline |
| Entrance Exams |
CAT, MAT, XAT, CMAT, SNAP, etc. |
CPGET, ICAR AIEEA, CUET PG, AP PGCET, etc. |
| Entrance Exams Syllabus |
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MBA vs MSc: Syllabus
MBA curriculum is more theoretical and changes less frequently as it is designed by the universities. The MBA curriculum is designed to provide students with a thorough awareness of the various aspects of the management sector and its role in the corporate world.
Contrarily, MSc subjects provide a comprehensive outline of the courses and curriculum covered in the MSc degree. MSc subjects serve as a roadmap for students, detailing the specific subjects and topics they will study throughout their programme.
Here is a general overview of the semester-wise MBA and PGDM syllabus in India:
| Parameters |
MBA |
MSc |
|---|---|---|
| Semester-1 |
|
|
| Semester-2 |
|
|
| Semester-3 |
|
|
| Semester-4 |
|
|
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MBA vs MSc: Top MBA/MSc Colleges
Students can pursue an MBA from several top management institutes, including the prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), XLRI-Jamshedpur, and SP Jain Institute of Management and Research-Mumbai. Similarly, some popular colleges for MSc include the names of Banaras Hindu University, Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi University, etc.
Interested candidates can see the tables below to know the top colleges offering MBA and MSc programmes.
Top MBA Colleges
There are about 5,000 MBA colleges in India. One can choose their best-suited institutes with the help of the MBA college predictor. Some of the top colleges with their fees are:
| Top MBA Colleges |
MBA Fees (in INR) |
|---|---|
| 24.6 lakh |
|
| 20 lakh |
|
| 21 lakh |
|
| 20 lakh |
|
| 19 lakh |
|
| 20 lakh |
|
| 12 lakh |
|
| 25 lakh |
|
| 17 lakh |
|
| 12 lakh |
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Top MSc Colleges
Candidates can select the MSc institute based on several factors candidate’s requirements, specialisations, fee structure, placement, curriculum, and so forth. Students can check the table below for popular MSc Colleges:
| Top MSc Colleges |
MSc Fees (in INR) |
|---|---|
| 10,400 - 25,500 |
|
| 14,400 - 1.8 lakh |
|
| 3,900 - 32,000 |
|
| 432 - 5,800 |
|
| 32,000 - 48,000 |
|
| 32,000 - 48,000 |
|
| 19.9 lakh |
|
| 1.2 lakh - 3.8 lakh |
|
| 1 lakh - 15 lakh |
|
| 1.1 lakh - 7.1 lakh |
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MBA vs MSc: Jobs and Salaries
MBA is one of the most popular degrees in the field of management. It is also suitable for students who want to refine their managerial skills and commence their firms. Students holding a Bachelor's Degree in any area and the qualifying percentage can enrol for an MBA course.
MBA Salary in India
The average salary after MBA ranges between INR 5 lakh to 7 lakh at the start. The pay is mostly determined by several factor like skills, specialisation, qualifications, experience and location. Finance, marketing, general management, business analytics, and entrepreneurship are among the top MBA specialisations that frequently yield the greatest pay after graduation.
Given below are some of the popular job options after MBA and their corresponding salaries:
| Job Profile |
MBA Salary (in INR) |
|---|---|
| Finance Managers |
17 LPA |
| Marketing Managers |
12.4 LPA |
| Sales Managers |
6.9 LPA |
| Operations Managers |
10.7 LPA |
| Product Managers |
21.3 LPA |
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MSc Salary in India
After completing the MSc programme, one can find a variety of job options in both the public and private sectors. The young entrants can earn between INR 6 to 8 LPA and increase their pay scale with experience. After completing the MSc, the graduates can find employment as a data scientist, clinical research specialist, chemist, lecturer, research scientist, laboratory technician, and oceanographer, among others.
The graduates can work at the job profiles mentioned below
| Job Profile |
MSc Salary (in INR) |
|---|---|
| Research Scientists |
9.2 LPA |
| Mathematicians |
8.2 LPA |
| Junior Research Fellows |
3.9 LPA |
| Lecturers |
4 LPA |
| Chemical Analysts |
3.7 LPA |
FAQs About MBA vs MSc
Q. Which is better: MBA or MSc?
A. The decision between an MBA and an MSc ultimately comes down to your interests and career aspirations. An MBA can be more appropriate if you want to work in business management, leadership, or entrepreneurship. An MSc, however, can be a better choice if you wish to undertake research, specialise in a certain area, or pursue technical positions. Students can choose among MBA and MSc according to their area of interest and field in which they wish to advance their careers.
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Q. Which is tough MBA or MSc?
A. The difference in difficulty between an MSc (Master of Science) and an MBA (Master of Business Administration) might depend on a number of factors, including the programme, the interest and skills of the candidate. Saying that one is inherently tougher than the other is incorrect since they serve different functions and appeal to different skill sets.
Numerous business-related areas, such as finance, marketing, operations, strategy, and leadership, are frequently covered in MBA programmes. The programme can be pursued by people from a variety of backgrounds. On the other side, MSc programmes often concentrate on a single field or subject area and are very specialised. Some students may find the more technical and in-depth education that comes with this specialisation difficult.
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Q. What are the popular specialisations in MBA and MSc?
A. MBA and MSc programmes can be pursued in a number of specialisations. Students can pick any specialisation according to their interest and field they wish to enter. Interested candidates can see the table below to learn some important specialisations in MBA and MSc:
| Top Specialisations in MBA |
Top Specialisations in MSc |
|---|---|
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Q. Which are the top universities for MBA and MSc Abroad?
A. Both MBA and MSc are postgraduate degrees that can be studies abroad. Some Popular countries for MBA and MSc abroad are UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Germany and New Zealand.
Students have to appear for Graduate Management Aptitude Test (GMAT) and language proficiency tests Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) for MBA abroad admission. For MSc, students need to appear in exams like GRE or TOEFL/IELTS
for English proficiency).
| Top Universities Abroad |
MBA |
MSc |
|---|---|---|
| USA |
||
| UK |
||
| Canada |
Q. Who earns more MBA or MSc graduate?
A. The salaries of MBA and MSc graduates depends on a number of variables like the location, specialization and reputation of the college or the university awarding the degree. Average salary post MBA is INR 5 lakh to 25 lakh per annum, while the average MSc pay ranges between INR 6 lakh to 20 lakh per annum.
Q. Which is more affordable MBA or MSc?
A. The cost of MBA programmes is comparatively higher than Msc programmes as the MBA course is a professional degree course. MBA can be pursued at a fees ranging from INR 3 lakh to 25 lakh.
Contrarily, MSc programmes can be studied at a fees ranging from INR 20,000 to INR 5 lakh. Also, the fees of private colleges are more than government universities and colleges. Private universities and colleges have higher fees than government colleges. Students need to pick the colleges as per their suitability.
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