As per the 2024 Prospective Student Survey report by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), the Master of Finance ranks among the top preferred online MBA specialisations, followed by the Master of Data Analytics. While these specialisations remain in demand, many online MBA specialisations are lesser-known yet they offer promising career choices.
We have already covered the top online MBA specialisations that are offered by several institutes in India and abroad. But, here we will dig deeper the specialisations in online MBA nobody talks about but will prepare you for tomorrow's job market.
India has over 78 online MBA colleges offering quality education in diverse management fields such as HR, business analytics, IT, and digital marketing. Despite this, several online MBA specialisations remain unexplored. These specialisations equip professionals with industry-specific expertise, making them ideal for roles in rapidly growing sectors. Pursuing these underrated specialisations also worth the investment as they create vast opportunities for future leaders.
As industries continue to evolve rapidly, many online MBA specialisations remain overlooked despite offering significant career opportunities. Below is a list of the top underrated online MBA specialisations that students should consider pursuing in 2025.
According to Amazon Web Service report, demand for workers with digital skills has increased to 27.3 million by 2024. Offered by UPES Online, this underrated specialisation enables students to lead digital transformations and innovate in the digital realm. Students are provided with an understanding of digital business transformations and new business models to drive digital innovation within the online MBA in Digital Business programme.
As per India Brand Equity Foundation, India is the third largest producer and consumer of electricity globally, leaving this underrated online MBA specialisation by UPES Online vital to pursue. Students are taught power management aspects such as the electricity market, financing of power sector projects, economy, pricing, and regulations. This specialisation offers a solid career path in both public and private sector energy firms.
An Online MBA in Infrastructure Management is a highly relevant specialisation. Offered by UPES Online, this specialisation prepares students to manage large-scale projects, construction planning, and urban development strategies. Students are equipped with skills such as financial planning, supply chain management, and infrastructure framework.
Also Read: Is It Possible To Pursue an Online MBA With Dual Specialisation?
India aims to achieve over 50 per cent renewable energy consumption by 2030. Careers in energy sectors have been on the rise recently. An Online MBA in Oil and Gas Management by UPES Online is designed to train students in energy production, exploration, and distribution processes. The programme covers business and project management in oil and gas transportation, while also enhancing technical skills.
According to Mckinsey 2025 Global Institute report, the demand for data science and AI professionals is projected to grow by 39% by 2030. The online MBA in data science and artificial intelligence by Chandigarh University enables students to gain comprehensive skills in predictive modeling, and intelligent system design, preparing them for roles in technological innovation, research, and strategic decision-making across industries.
The FinTech industry is transforming how financial transactions are executed. Chandigarh University’s Online MBA in FinTech equips students with an understanding of financial services along with technological innovations. They gain skills in blockchain technology, digital payments systems, and financial algorithm development in the online MBA in FinTech programme.
With climate change causing frequent disasters worldwide, aspiring students for this online MBA specialisation offered at Chandigarh University Online are prepared to manage, plan, and mitigate risks during natural disasters, emergencies, or crises. Topics such as disaster risk reduction, crisis communication, and emergency response planning are taught within the curriculum.
With digital platforms expanding rapidly, media management has become a popular course option for students. This underrated online MBA provided by Chandigarh University Online prepares students to excel in the evolving media landscape. This specialisation is ideal for professionals looking to enter the broadcasting, publishing, or entertainment industries.
As per the India Brand Equity Foundation Healthcare Industry Report 2024, the Indian healthcare sector is one of India’s largest employers as it employs a total of 7.5 million people. The Online MBA in Hospital Management curriculum covers hospital administration and healthcare management strategies. This specialisation is ideal for professionals aiming to improve healthcare delivery systems.
With India’s trade volume expanding significantly, careers in international trade management are gaining popularity. This online MBA in International Trade Management specialisation focuses on global trade policies, import-and-export management, and international logistics management. Students are equipped with skills in market analysis, trade finance, and global supply chain strategies.
Pursuing an MBA degree in your desired field is a pivotal career move that empowers you to gain industry-specific knowledge and skills. By focusing on subject niche sectors such as human resources, finance, and data analytics, you can develop in-demand skills that are prioritised by employers and leading organisations.
According to the 2024 Corporate Recruiters Survey by GMAC, 67 percent of corporate employers in South Asia prioritise strategic thinking skills, while 65 percent emphasise the importance of leadership abilities in a management graduate, highlighting the importance of targeted specialisations in building critical skills and enhancing professional exposure among students.
Also Check: Not Sure Which MBA (Online) Specialisation to Choose in 2025? Here's How to Decide
Additionally, these underrated online MBA specialisations enable students to acquire practical and industry-oriented knowledge, offering opportunities for professional exposure through internships and placement support. This hands-on experience equips students to address real-world business challenges effectively while familiarising them with the corporate environment in advance.
While popular online MBA specialisations continue to attract attention, these underrated specialisations offer equally promising career prospects. Specialising in these emerging fields opens unique career pathways for students. Moreover, pursuing these underrated online MBA specialisations will help you develop skills relevant to today's digital age while offering valuable professional exposure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
An MBA in Digital Business, Oil and Gas Management, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, and Fintech are some interesting specialisation that you do in today's competitive job market.
The toughest MBA specialisation can vary based on individual strengths and prior experience. But finance, international business, and business analytics are often considered as challenging by many learners due to the requirement of strong analytical, quantitative, and problem-solving skills.
An online MBA specialisation equips students with industry-specific skills, improving job prospects and positioning them for leadership roles in their chosen field.
Yes, online MBA programmes offer flexible schedules, enabling working professionals to balance their job responsibilities while advancing their education.
On Question asked by student community
Hello dear student,
For Best colleges for online MBA in marketing you can visit you link below for a detailed explanation about everything related to this.
Hello, the MBA in Finance at Andhra Mahila School of Informatics is a 2 year program where you’ll study subjects like accounting, financial management, and strategy along with projects and internships. The total fee is around 90,000. Placements are decent, with an average package of about 3.5 to 4 LPA, and companies like Deloitte, Infosys, and ICICI visit the campus. If you stay focused and build skills, you can get good opportunities through the placement cell.
Yes, you can pursue an MBA at Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU), Lucknow, through the CAT exam.
Eligibility Criteria:
Educational Qualification: A bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates) from a recognized university.
Entrance Exam: A valid CAT score is required for admission.
Admission Process:
Application: Register online through the BBAU admission portal.
Entrance Exam: Appear for the CAT exam and obtain a valid score.
Counseling: Shortlisted candidates will be called for counseling based on their CAT scores.
Document Verification: Submit necessary documents for verification.
Fee Payment: Complete the fee payment to confirm admission.
Course Details:
Duration: 2 years (full-time).
Specializations: Finance, Marketing, Human Resource Management, among others.
Placement Opportunities:
BBAU has a strong placement record, with top companies recruiting MBA graduates.
For more details and to apply, visit the official BBAU MBA admission page
Yes Anil, after completing GNM with 4 years of experience, you are eligible to pursue MBA or PGDM. It’s a good option if you want to grow into hospital administration, healthcare management, or pharma management roles. Institutes like Goa Institute of Management (Healthcare PGDM), Symbiosis Institute of Health Sciences, or even General MBA programs in reputed B-schools can be considered. Your professional experience will add strong value during admission and placements. I would personally suggest going for a Healthcare/Hospital Management specialization to align with your background.
The best MBA courses in India are mostly offered by IIMs, ISB, FMS Delhi, XLRI, and also by IITs that run management schools.
According to the QS Global MBA Rankings 2025, IIM Bangalore is the top MBA institute in India, followed by IIM Ahmedabad and IIM Calcutta. ISB Hyderabad also ranks high in both Indian and global rankings. The Financial Times Global MBA Rankings 2025 place ISB Hyderabad at 27 worldwide, IIM Ahmedabad at 31, and IIM Bangalore at 57. These show that Indian business schools have a strong global presence.
The IIRF 2025 ranking puts IIM Ahmedabad in first place overall. FMS Delhi is ranked second and is known for being affordable with very good placements. IIM Calcutta and IIM Bangalore are also among the best. For executive MBA programs, ISB Hyderabad is considered the top school in Asia.
IITs also run respected MBA programs. IIT Delhi (DMS) and IIT Bombay (SJMSOM) are considered the best among them. They are good options especially for those interested in operations, analytics, and technology management.
In summary, the most recognized and best courses for MBA in India are at IIM Bangalore, IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Calcutta, and ISB Hyderabad. FMS Delhi is also an excellent option if you want strong placements with very low fees. IIT business schools like IIT Delhi and IIT Bombay also provide very good opportunities, especially if you want to combine management with a technical background.
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