MBA: The Why, The Whats & The Hows

What is MBA In Marketing? Overview, Subjects, Colleges & Scope

Author_Image
Rohan Deshmukh
7 mins
481 views

An MBA in Marketing covers marketing strategies, branding, consumer behavior, and digital marketing. With the global marketing industry projected to reach USD 4.6 trillion by 2025, MBA graduates can expect to play pivotal roles in shaping brand narratives and driving business growth. 

This blog provides a comprehensive overview of eligibility criteria, top universities, and costs for an MBA in marketing. 

star icon Key Highlights

Check your eligibility at over 2000+ universities by connecting with our experts!

0%

What is MBA in Marketing?

An MBA in Marketing hones your analytical skills and fosters creativity essential for a successful marketing career.

It prepares you for the fast-paced, competitive business world by teaching you consumer behavior, market research, and strategic communication. A few key reasons to pursue an MBA in Marketing are:

  • Skill Development: Here you will learn market analysis, branding, digital marketing, and customer relationship management.
  • High Employability: An MBA in Marketing opens up roles in top companies as marketing managers, brand strategists, or market research analysts.
  • Leadership: It prepares you for leadership positions in marketing departments or as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO).
  • Global Perspective: Provides exposure to international marketing strategies and global business practices.

Top Business Schools for MBA in Marketing Abroad

An MBA is one of the most lucrative professional degrees, and universities like HBS, Said in Oxford, and Wharton School of Business offer the best MBA in Marketing programs abroad.

University

QS World MBA Rankings 2025

Annual Fees

HBS, Harvard University United States

01

USD 76,410 (INR 64.28 lakhs)

Imperial College Business School

02

GBP 67,500 (INR 72 Lakhs)

Said, University of Oxford 

03

GBP 83,770 (INR 89.23 Lakhs) 

Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania 

11

USD  84,830 (INR 71.45 Lakhs)

University of Chicago

21

USD 84,198 (70.95 Lakhs)

University of North Carolina

22

USD 71,945 (60.62 Lakhs)

McGill University

29

CAD 99,500 (66.35 Lakhs)

University of Bedfordshire

129

GBP 17,000 (18.10 Lakhs)

Bangor university

474

GBP 19,500 (20.80 Lakhs)

Coventry University

531

GBP 20,350 (21.70 Lakhs)

Transform your MBA in Marketing application with Yocket Premium’s expert guidance, whether it’s in India or a top B-school abroad. Yocket offers personalised profile evaluations, tailored strategies, and exclusive resources to maximise your chances of admission to top B-schools. 

Explore Destinations
Explore All Guides

Top Business Schools for MBA in Marketing in India

For an MBA in Marketing in India, the following top business schools are highly recommended for their excellent programs, faculty, and placement opportunities. Institutions like IIM C boast 100% placements, salaries going as high as INR 1.2 cr annually.

Here are some of the best options you should consider:

University

QS MBA 2025 Rankings

Annual Fees

Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad

22

25 Lakhs

Indian Institute of Management Bangalore

32

24.50 Lakhs

Indian Institute of Management Calcutta

50

27 Lakhs 

Indian Business School Hyderabad

78

24.6 Lakhs

SP Jain Institute of Management and Research, Mumbai

121

9.5 Lakhs to 24 Lakhs

Indian Institute of Management Lucknow

141

20.75 Lakhs

Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode

151

12.1 Lakhs - 22.5 Lakhs

Management Development Institute Gurgaon

151+

16.41 Lakhs

Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS), Mumbai  

258

6 - 24 Lakhs

XLRI Jamshedpur 

351

28.60 Lakhs

Suggested: MBA in Marketing in the UK

Eligibility Criteria for an MBA in Marketing in India vs Abroad

For an MBA in Marketing, you need a bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution, a competitive score in entrance exams like CAT, MAT, or GMAT (depending on the institution and country).

Familiarising yourself with the program requirements will help you navigate the application process effectively:

Requirement

India

Abroad

Educational Background

Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university

Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university; diverse academic backgrounds accepted.

Work Experience

Valued, but not mandatory 

3+ years of work experience in relevant field 

Entrance Exam

CAT, XAT, or the in-house MBA exams

GMAT or GRE scores are required.

English Language Proficiency

Not required

TOEFL or IELTS scores are required for non-native English speakers.

Documents Required

More focus on standardised scores, but some universities may need LORs

A Personal Statement or Essay, Letters of Recommendation (LORs), and an industry-specific resume.

Cost of Studying MBA in Marketing in India vs Abroad

The cost of an MBA in Marketing varies widely, ranging from INR 18–30 lakhs annually in India, while international programs may cost between INR 32–81 lakhs per year. Additional expenses include accommodation, food, study materials, and personal costs, depending on location and lifestyle.

India

In India, an MBA in Marketing costs between INR 18–30 lakhs annually, depending on the institution. Monthly living expenses, including accommodation, food, transportation, and study materials, typically range from INR 15,000–40,000, influenced by location and personal lifestyle.

Expense Category

Average Cost (INR)

Tuition Fees

18 Lakhs - 31 Lakhs per year

Accommodation

10,000 - 25,000 / month

Food

5,000 - 10,000 / month

Mobile Phone & Internet

500 - 1,500 / month

Utilities (Electricity, Water)

2,000 - 5,000 / month

Transportation (Local Travel)

1,000 - 3,000 / month

Study Materials (Books, etc.)

1,000 - 2,000 / month

Miscellaneous (Personal, Leisure)

2,000 - 5,000 / month

Abroad

Studying for an MBA in Marketing abroad can cost between INR 32–81 lakhs annually, depending on the country and university. Additional monthly expenses like accommodation, food, transportation, and study materials can add INR 50,000–1.5 lakhs, varying by lifestyle and location.

Expense Category

Average Cost (INR)

Tuition Fees

32 lakhs to 81 lakhs per year

Accommodation

50,000 - 1.5 Lakhs / month

Food

15,000 - 30,000 / month

Mobile Phone & Internet

1,500 - 5,000 / month

Utilities (Electricity, Water)

5,000 - 10,000 / month

Transportation (Local Travel)

5,000 - 15,000 / month

Study Materials (Books, etc.)

3,000 - 10,000 / month

Miscellaneous (Personal, Leisure)

5,000 - 15,000 / month

Suggested: Top 10 MBA Programs in Marketing in the USA

Subjects Covered in MBA in Marketing

An MBA in Marketing covers a diverse range of subjects that build a strong foundation in business and marketing strategies. You will learn several core subjects that are essential for your career in marketing, such as:

  • Marketing Strategy: Here, you'll learn how to develop and implement effective marketing strategies that align with business goals. This includes analysing market trends and competitive landscapes.
  • Brand Management: This subject focuses on building and maintaining a strong brand identity. You'll explore how branding impacts consumer perceptions and loyalty.
  • Consumer Behaviour: Understanding how consumers think and make decisions is crucial. You’ll study the psychological and social factors that influence purchasing behaviors.
  • Market Research: You’ll gain skills in gathering and analysing data to inform marketing decisions. This includes both qualitative and quantitative research methods.
  • Digital Marketing: Very relevant to our current scenario, this covers online marketing strategies, including social media, SEO, and email campaigns, equipping you with tools to thrive in a digital landscape.

Types of MBA in Marketing Courses

Whether you’re a graduate student or a full-time professional, you can access MBA in Marketing courses to help enhance your career. These are some of the options available:

Full-Time MBA

This traditional two-year program immerses you in a comprehensive curriculum, offering in-depth knowledge of marketing theories and practices.
Part-Time MBA: Ideal for working professionals, this program allows you to balance your studies with your careers. Classes are often scheduled during evenings or weekends, enabling you to apply what you learn in real time to your jobs while minimising disruption to your work life.

Executive MBA (EMBA)

Designed for seasoned professionals, the EMBA focuses on advanced management and leadership skills. Participants benefit from a cohort model, and share experiences with peers. 

Online MBA

This flexible format allows you to complete coursework remotely, making it suitable for a wide range of professionals. Online MBAs often use digital platforms for lectures and discussions, providing a convenient way to earn a degree without the need to relocate or commute.\

Entrance Exams for MBA in Marketing in India vs Abroad

In India, common MBA entrance exams are CAT, XAT, and CMAT, which focus on quantitative, verbal, and logical reasoning skills. 

In foreign countries, the GMAT and GRE are widely accepted. They evaluate your analytical writing and critical thinking skills.

 Here’s a brief overview of common entrance exams for MBA in Marketing : 

Entrance Exam

For Indian MBA Programs

For MBA Programs Abroad

GMAT

Recognized by someleading B-schools in India, but not very popular

Accepted by most international business schools.

GRE

Sometimes accepted as a GMAT alternative by some institutions.

Often accepted in place of the GMAT at many global universities.

CAT

The main exam for admission into most Indian MBA programs.

Selected few accept CAT scoes

Institution-Specific Tests

Some universities conduct their own exams, like XAT, SNAP, NMAT, and CMAT.

Although uncommon, some institutions may have in-house entrance exams.

Suggested: Guide to MBA in Marketing in UK

Skills Developed During MBA in Marketing

Pursuing an MBA in Marketing helps you develop essential skills such as strategic thinking, data-driven decision-making, and effective communication. You’ll also enhance your expertise in market analysis, brand management, and leadership to excel in competitive business environments. More are discussed below:

  • Strategic Thinking: You’ll learn to analyse markets and create effective strategies, helping you make smart, goal-oriented decisions in competitive environments.
  • Consumer Behavior Insight: Understand what drives customer choices and preferences, enabling you to design marketing efforts that resonate deeply with your target audience.
  • Digital Marketing Proficiency: Gain skills in SEO, social media, and online campaigns, for reaching and engaging today’s digital-savvy consumers.
  • Brand Management: Master techniques to build, position, and maintain a strong brand, ensuring it stands out and builds loyalty in the marketplace.
  • Analytical Skills: You’ll interpret data to make informed marketing decisions, allowing you to measure success and adjust strategies based on real-time insights.

Suggested: 

Jobs and Salary After MBA in Marketing

After an MBA in Marketing, you can expect an average salary of USD 100,000 (INR 80 lakhs) abroad, and INR 15 lakhs in India. You can pursue roles such as Marketing Manager, Brand Manager, and Digital Marketing Specialist, driving business growth and developing innovative strategies.

Here are Job Roles and Career Paths after studying MBA in Marketing:

Job Roles

Average Salary (USD) per year

Average Salary (INR)

per year

Marketing Manager                          

80,000 - 150,000 

6 lakhs - 15 lakhs

Brand Manager                              

90,000 - 160,000      

10 lakhs - 18 lakhs

Digital Marketing Specialist               

50,000 - 90,000

5 lakhs - 12 lakhs

Product Manager                            

100,000 - 160,000   

20 lakhs - 40 lakhs

Social Media Manager                       

50,000 - 90,000       

4 lakhs - 10 lakhs 

From the Desk of Yocket

With renowned MBA in Marketing programs at top-ranking instructions in India and abroad, you will gain valuable insights and hands-on experience that elevates your career in a competitive landscape. To make informed decisions on your MBA journey, schedule a consultation call with Yocket experts. With 15+ years of industry experience and 10,000+ success stories, Yocket is here to help you make your MBA journey a success.

Frequently Asked Questions on MBA in Marketing

Why study an MBA in Marketing Abroad?

How long will it take to complete the MBA in Marketing program?

What career opportunities are available after an MBA in Marketing?

What are the eligibility criteria for an MBA in Marketing course?

What skills will you develop during an MBA in Marketing program?

What is the average cost of an MBA in Marketing in India versus abroad?

More Topics

Articles you might like