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.
Top Business Schools for an MBA in Marketing include Harvard University, the University of Oxford, IIM Ahmedabad, and XLRI Jamshedpur.
The average cost of studying for an MBA in Marketing is USD 40,000 (INR 32.4 lakhs) to USD 100,000 (INR 81 lakhs).
The average job salary post-MBA in Marketing ranges from USD 60,000 (INR 50.4 lakhs) to USD 160,000 (INR 1.35 crores).
- 1. What is MBA in Marketing?
- 2. Top Business Schools for MBA in Marketing Abroad
- 3. Top Business Schools for MBA in Marketing in India
- 4. Eligibility Criteria for an MBA in Marketing in India vs Abroad
- 5. Cost of Studying MBA in Marketing in India vs Abroad
- 6. Subjects Covered in MBA in Marketing
- 7. Types of MBA in Marketing Courses
- 8. Entrance Exams for MBA in Marketing in India vs Abroad
- 9. Skills Developed During MBA in Marketing
- 10. Jobs and Salary After MBA in Marketing
Check your eligibility at over 2000+ universities by connecting with our experts!
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 |
---|---|---|
01 |
USD 76,410 (INR 64.28 lakhs) |
|
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) |
21 |
USD 84,198 (70.95 Lakhs) |
|
22 |
USD 71,945 (60.62 Lakhs) |
|
29 |
CAD 99,500 (66.35 Lakhs) |
|
129 |
GBP 17,000 (18.10 Lakhs) |
|
474 |
GBP 19,500 (20.80 Lakhs) |
|
531 |
GBP 20,350 (21.70 Lakhs) |
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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.\
Suggested: MBA in Digital Marketing Abroad
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.