01 Jul 2024
According to the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), prospective business school students are primarily motivated by various career benefits, including personal enrichment, skill development, income growth, business acumen, and network expansion. These motivations highlight just a few of the compelling reasons to pursue a Master of Business Administration, or full form of MBA. An MBA is a postgraduate business qualification that offers a life-changing experience, enabling students to make career changes five, 10, and 15 years post-MBA. Highly esteemed by employers, the MBA opens diverse avenues for career advancement and job security, often resulting in significantly higher earnings compared to those with conventional master's degrees. Moreover, an MBA enhances professional marketability and fosters access to a broader spectrum of career opportunities. Students pursuing an MBA degree acquire foundational business skills such as leadership, communication, critical thinking, and analytical abilities. Renowned MBA alumni include CEOs of multinational corporations, accomplished entrepreneurs, and former Presidents. Notable figures such as George W. Bush, Michael Bloomberg, Tim Cook, Satya Nadella, Sundar Pichai, and Sheryl Sandberg all are MBA graduates. Let us learn more about MBA in detail:
The full form of MBA is "Master of Business Administration.” The MBA programme prepares students for managerial or executive roles in the corporate or administrative sectors. The MBA curriculum is broad, covering both theoretical and practical aspects. MBA students can choose a specialisation in addition to the core business administration courses. Key details about MBA are summarised below:
Full Form of MBA |
Master of Business Administration |
Level of Education |
Post-graduate |
Duration |
Two years |
Types of MBA programmes |
Regular MBA, Part-Time MBA, Online MBA, Distance MBA, and Executive MBA. |
Introduced by |
Harvard University Graduate School of Administration in 1908 (now Harvard Business School) |
The eligibility criteria for MBA programmes vary among different colleges in India and depend on the type of MBA course that students want to pursue. However, some common eligibility requirements for all types of Master of Business Administration, or MBA full form courses include:
Admission to MBA programmes in private and public universities is based on the level of examination conducted by the respective state or national organisations. The Master of Business Administration admission process is entirely based on entrance examinations.
The top MBA entrance exams in India include CAT, XAT, SNAP, NMAT, CMAT, IIFT, MAT, MAH CET, and IBSAT. In addition to these, there are over 50 other entrance tests for admission to the top MBA colleges in India. These exams are conducted at three different levels:
Let us look at some of the most common Master of Business Administration, or MBA full form entrance examinations:
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of the largest management entrance exams in India, conducted by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) colleges. The CMAT is a computer-based exam held for 180 minutes in two sessions. It tests candidates' aptitude in five main sections: quantitative technique, logical reasoning, language comprehension, general awareness, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
The Xavier’s Aptitude Test (XAT) is widely accepted by around 170 institutes for MBA admissions. Conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur, the XAT is used by some of the top MBA colleges in India to offer admission to various MBA courses. The XAT exam tests the candidate's quantitative ability, English language and logical reasoning, decision-making, general knowledge, and essay writing.
The Symbiosis National Aptitude Test (SNAP) is a national-level online exam conducted by Symbiosis University. Successful candidates, who also pass group discussion and personal interview rounds, are offered MBA admissions to any of the 16 Symbiosis colleges. The SNAP Test is a computer-based exam with a duration of two hours. It evaluates candidates in three key areas: general English, quantitative, data interpretation and sufficiency, and analytical and logical reasoning.
Previously known as the NMIMS Management Aptitude Test, the NMAT was acquired and rebranded by GMAC in 2015. It is a computer-based exam conducted over a 75-day window from October to December. Candidates can take the exam up to three times, with the best score used for admissions. The NMAT exam consists of three sections: language skills, quantitative skills, and logical reasoning.
The Management Aptitude Test (MAT) is another popular MBA entrance exam, accepted by over 600 institutes. Conducted by the All-India Management Association (AIMA), MAT exams are available in Computer-based Test (CBT), Paper-based Test (PBT), and Internet-based Test (IBT) modes. This entrance examination covers subjects like Indian and Global Environment, Language Comprehension, Data Analysis and Sufficiency, Mathematical Skills, and Intelligence and Critical Reasoning.
A specialised MBA degree full form Master of Business Administration allows students to develop expertise in a specific industry or function. As part of their specialisation, students will take mandatory MBA courses in their chosen subject to enhance their knowledge. In a traditional two-year MBA programme, students typically focus on core modules in the first year, then specialise in the second year through electives focussed on a specific area. This may include a summer internship related to their specialisation, and they can further specialise during their final Master of Business Administration or MBA degree full-form dissertation. There are many specialisations available, ranging from general management and finance to marketing and entrepreneurship. We have listed some of the most popular and sought-after MBA specialisations in India:
Studies demonstrate a substantial increase in average salaries post-MBA, with graduates typically earning 50% more than their pre-MBA occupations. Over the subsequent five years, this earning potential tends to rise by as much as 80%. Beyond enhancing career paths and salary potential, it expands students’ professional networks, providing opportunities to interact with diverse individuals across various fields. An MBA curriculum covers essential business areas such as accounting, economics, marketing, management, and applied statistics, equipping students with comprehensive business knowledge and acumen.. Skills acquired during an MBA programme, such as leadership and teamwork, are crucial for effective collaboration and managing diverse teams. Understanding audience dynamics and fostering flexibility in working with different people and ideas are traits that build confident and trusted leaders. Prioritisation and strategic thinking are vital skills taught in MBA programmes, essential for effective time management and meeting deadlines. A Master of Business Administration, or MBA degree full form curriculum focuses on integrating new problem-solving methods to adapt to rapid technological changes, essential for success in today’s business sector. The ability to solve complex problems analytically and strategically is another key competency developed through an MBA. This approach encourages multiple perspectives and innovative solutions across diverse domains like marketing, finance, operations, and auditing.
The Master of Business Administration (MBA) emerges not just as a degree but as a gateway to profound personal and professional growth. Recognised for its prestige and efficacy in enhancing career trajectories, the MBA not only equips students with essential business acumen but also fosters leadership, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills crucial for success in global markets. By bridging academic rigour with practical experience and specialised knowledge, the MBA continues to be a catalyst for professional excellence and innovation across diverse sectors worldwide. This business degree not only equips students for managerial and executive roles but also empowers them to navigate career shifts and industry demands over the long term.
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