Types of MBA: Courses, List, Specializations & Programs

Types of MBA Courses- Modes

MBA programmes are offered in different learning modes to suit diverse student needs. Options include full-time, part-time, executive, and online MBAs, each with varying durations and eligibility criteria. The table below summarises the key details of these modes, helping candidates choose the right MBA format for them.

Top Entrance Exam

An MBA is more than just a degree; it opens up a wide range of career opportunities for candidates. To gain admission to prestigious colleges, students must clear certain entrance exams. Here is a list of the top MBA entrance exams in India that are widely accepted by leading B-Schools across the country.

Overview of Types of MBA Courses

MBA programmes are offered in various specialisations and formats to meet different career goals. Students can choose full-time, part-time, executive, or online courses, focusing on areas like finance, marketing, human resources, operations, or analytics. These options provide flexibility while equipping learners with essential management and leadership skills.

Full-Time MBA

Full-time MBA is a regular course programme that lasts for two years, divided into four semesters. MBA courses have various specialisations in almost all management colleges. Candidates are required to attend the classes, and all exams are also conducted offline.

This programme is for candidates who want to pursue higher studies after a bachelor's degree, particularly in business and management. Due to its environment, learning outcomes, and curriculum, a traditional MBA is a highly sought-after management programme.

Full-Time MBA Duration: 2 years

Full-Time MBA Eligibility:

• Candidates must have a bachelor's degree with a minimum of 50 per cent marks in any discipline.
• They need to appear and pass entrance exams such as CAT, MAT, XAT, ATMA, CMAT, GMAT, and NMAT.
• To gain admission to IIMs, a minimum of 60 per cent marks in a bachelor's degree is required.

Part-Time MBA

Part-time MBA is another option for students who want to continue their studies along with a job. This is one of the best types of MBA degrees, as these courses provide business education through evening or weekend classes. Also, a part-time MBA may not be provided in all MBA specialisations, hence it is important to research the specialisation and its availability as a part-time course.

Part-Time MBA Duration: The course is of two to three years duration, depending on the college curriculum.

Part-Time MBA Eligibility:

• Candidates need to have a bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognised university.
• They must score at least 50 per cent marks in their respective bachelor's degree programme.
• Most colleges and universities require a minimum of two to three years of work experience.
• Candidates need to clear the entrance exam.

Online MBA

An online MBA is a recognised postgraduate degree in management that provides flexible learning opportunities. Many colleges across the globe provide online MBA programmes, each demanding a different set of skills and eligibility. The course curriculum of an online MBA is the same as the regular MBA; the only difference is the medium of learning.

Online MBA Duration: 2 years

Online MBA Eligibility:

• Candidates should have a bachelor's degree from a recognised university.
• They need to have at least 50 per cent marks in their degree.
• Some colleges may also demand relevant work experience.

Distance MBA

The Distance MBA, also known as the Correspondence MBA, is a widely popular kind of MBA. It is particularly suitable for candidates with busy schedules or financial constraints. Unlike a part-time MBA, a distance MBA lacks a fixed schedule for classes and curriculum. This format provides flexibility, allowing candidates to learn from any location and at any time.

Renowned institutions such as Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) and School of Open Learning, Delhi University (SOL DU), are well-regarded for their MBA distance education programmes.

Distance MBA Duration: 2 years

Distance MBA Eligibility:

• Candidates need to have a bachelor's degree in any subject.
• They need to score a minimum of 50 per cent marks in their degree.
• Entrance exams and admission procedures vary depending on the college's process.

Executive MBA

Executive MBA is a popular kind of MBA programme among working professionals, as it is designed specifically for individuals with experience in industry. It is a one-year to eighteen-month programme that requires relevant working experience of 5 to 12 years. The curriculum of an executive MBA is different from a regular MBA, as it is of short duration and targets experienced candidates only.

Executive MBA Duration: 12 months to 18 months

Executive MBA Eligibility:

• Candidates should have a bachelor's degree in any discipline with at least 50 per cent marks.
• They need to have a minimum work experience of 5 to 12 years in the industry.
• A valid GMAT/ GRE/ other entrance exam score is also required.
• Two letters of recommendation are also required, and one should be from the current employer.

Global MBA

The Global MBA programme targets individuals with an interest in International Business Management. Accounting, finance, marketing, and strategic management are core subjects taught in the curriculum. Candidates can choose to specialise in finance, leadership, accountancy, law, entrepreneurship, and other available domains as per the college. Global MBA opens up more worldwide opportunities for candidates than a regular MBA.

Global MBA Duration: It is one to two years in duration, depending on the college curriculum.

Global MBA Eligibility:

• Candidates should have a bachelor's degree with at least 50 per cent marks from a recognised university.
• They need to have a minimum of three years of work experience (preferably in a managerial role).
• They also need to have good IELTS/ TOEFL/ PTE scores.
• Candidates should be more than 25 years of age.

Types of MBA Courses List - Top 10 Specialisations

Among various MBA course categories, we have picked the top ten specialisations for you. The table below highlights the latest and most pursued MBA specialisations, along with their job profiles.

Overview of Types of MBA Specialisations

MBA programmes are available in various formats and specialisations to suit different career goals and life situations. Whether candidates are a fresh graduate or a working professional, there is an MBA out there that can help you achieve your ambitions. Below is an overview of the MBA specialisations:

MBA Artificial Intelligence

An MBA in artificial intelligence (AI) is a two-year programme that provides insights into a wide range of related topics. Recently started in many colleges, an MBA in AI is best suited for candidates who have a background in computer science or related fields.
Over two years, divided into four semesters, the curriculum focuses on data analysis, machine learning, deep learning, and natural language processing. Machine learning engineers, Data scientists, and AI engineers are some of the career options graduates can opt for.

MBA Data Science

An MBA in data science is a postgraduate course of two years that combines business acumen with technical skills. Topics like data visualisation, data mining, text mining, Python programming, and predictive analytics are taught during the course curriculum.

In some colleges, like IIT Mandi and SRM School of Management, it is combined with AI and delivered as an “MBA in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence”. Data analysts, Business analysts, Data scientists, and Product managers are some of the key career opportunities available to graduates.

MBA FinTech

MBA in FinTech (Financial Technology) is a newly introduced specialisation that focuses on accounting, finance, marketing, cryptography, global financial markets, and blockchain. Some of the popular institutes that offer this course are: BITS Pilani, Manipal University, and Pondicherry University.

Currently, more than 3000 start-ups in India operate in the FinTech sector. Finance analysts, Financial advisors, Finance executives, and Financial planners are job prospects that can be pursued by candidates.

MBA Data Analytics

MBA in data analytics is a technology-centric management programme that provides knowledge on statistics, data analysis, and data visualisation techniques. Spanning over two years, a large part of the course curriculum covers areas such as AI, ML, data science, and statistics. SCIT Pune and Jain University are among the top providers of MBA data analytics courses.

MBA Marketing Management

An MBA in marketing management focuses on providing integrated knowledge of business and marketing. Different types of marketing strategies, marketing management, and marketing research techniques are taught during the curriculum.

Deloitte, Flipkart, Citibank, Wipro, and Amazon are top recruiters of MBA marketing management courses. Brand manager, Marketing analyst, Digital marketing executive, and Sales manager are some of the most pursued career options after an MBA in marketing management.

MBA Pharmaceutical Management

The pharmaceutical industry of India is one of the fastest-growing, resulting in India being the world's largest provider of generic medicines. An MBA in pharmaceutical management provides a global business environment and various other research methodologies in pharmaceutical management.

Global marketing, supply chain management, project and quality management are other key areas of study in MBA pharmaceutical management. Market research analyst, Manager, and Drug inspector are some well-known job profiles for graduates.

MBA International Business

An MBA in International Business provides knowledge and skills to understand the global business environment. Foreign trade management, international business law, and import and export are taught in depth during the course curriculum. IIFT Delhi, AIBS Noida, and JMI New Delhi are some prestigious institutes that offer an MBA in international business.

Investment bankers, Financial planners, Business development managers, and Business analysts are some of the job opportunities for candidates.

MBA Digital Marketing

Over the course of time, Internet marketing or digital marketing has become popular as it reaches more audiences than traditional marketing. MBA in digital marketing is a two-year programme that starts with providing basic digital marketing knowledge and then slowly advances to SEO, content marketing, affiliate marketing, and digital entrepreneurship.

Digital marketing executive, Social media manager, Advertising manager, and Brand manager are the most pursued job roles with this specialisation.

MBA Banking and Insurance

Candidates interested in the banking sector can enrol in the MBA Banking and Insurance to boost their career prospects. It equips them with business acumen and provides knowledge of the principles of insurance, risk management, and different types of insurance. Graduates can pursue a career as a Loan counsellor, Insurance manager, or Credit manager.

MBA Capital Market

The capital market is a financial market where trades such as stocks or bonds are bought and sold. An MBA in the capital market provides knowledge on the principles of marketing, capital market securities, private equity, alternative investments, equity, and marketing research. UIAMS- Chandigarh and Amity University- Mumbai are well known for their MBA capital market programme.

Conclusion

An MBA is much more than a degree; it is a journey that shapes your career, perspective, and professional identity. With so many formats and specialisations available, it is essential to choose the right type of MBA that aligns with your career goals, learning style, and life situation.