Have you recently completed your graduation and are wondering about an MBA degree? Or have you recently passed the 10+2 examination with a good score and want an early entry into an integrated management program? Is it like you have been encountering this thought often: Why should you do an MBA in 2026? If these queries are hovering in your mind, then this comprehensive article is a must-read for you. In this content, we will share how an MBA program can elevate your professional journey and take your career to the highest peak.
If you crack an MBA entrance exam, then your career is going to witness an outstanding transformation. You will get an admission letter to pursue an MBA degree from leading B-schools like IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, XLRI Jamshedpur, etc. During the course duration, you will be taught about the core management and business skills, due to which you will become well-versed to work across various industries. Let’s start with the major advantages of an MBA program. Later on, you can check the basic requirements, best MBA colleges in India, MBA entrance exams list and preparation tips.
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Why an MBA in 2026 Would Be a Good Option?
MBA, MBA, MBA? Why Should You Do an MBA in 2026? An MBA degree can make you walk towards Success, Progress and Achievement. Due to remarkable changes in the education system, students have the liberty to pursue an integrated management course (UG-BBA+PG-BBA) after the 12th grade, or they can decide to study an MBA programme after completing their bachelor’s degree. No matter which pathway you choose, your life will witness a spectacular change in multiple parameters. Below, we are highlighting the most prominent reasons of pursuing an MBA course from the best business schools in India.
- Global Networking Opportunities: MBA B-schools in India offer an “International Student Exchange” program to their students. Selected students get the opportunity to pursue a certain period of their education at an international university. This helps them to connect with students, faculty and alumni from different countries.
- Diversified Alumni Network: Top-tier MBA colleges in India select the best and intellectual minds for admission into an MBA programme. Candidates who completed their education in past from those universities share their knowledge, industry experience and interview preparation tips to guide the students.
- Choose Your Own Specialisation: After obtaining sufficient knowledge about the foundational concepts in the 1st year of an MBA course, you will get the option of selecting a specialisation in the 2nd year. Consider your long-term career goals, interests and skills, work experience, and industry outlook to select a field of specialisation as per your preference. Some of the in-demand and popular specializations are: Marketing, Finance, Human Resources (HR), Operations and Supply Chain Management, Business Analytics, Entrepreneurship, International Business, Healthcare Management, Information Technology, Business Analytics etc.
- Work at an Esteemed organisation: Amazon, HDFC, Deloitte, Concentrix, Capgemini, PwC, etc. are the global names that pick the students from the campus placement. The salary package starts from lakhs and increases till crores. In 2025, the estimated highest domestic package for IIM Bangalore and IIM Lucknow was Rs 1.15 crores. If we talk about the highest MBA package for international companies, then it was Rs 3.30 crores in 2025.
- Earn a Lucrative Salary Package: An MBA degree will open numerous high-profile opportunities for you. Due to your expertise in various transferable skills, you can easily secure a job with a whopping salary package. Our research states that MBA graduates earn more than non-MBA students.
- Enhances Your Employability Skills: This degree will prepare you in soft skill areas like effective communication, cross-collaboration, problem-solving, decision-making, etc. As a result, your strategic thinking will improve, which will help you to come up with advanced solutions to handle managerial issues.
MBA Eligibility Criteria 2026
| Major Components | Basic Information |
| Educational Qualifications | A candidate must have completed their 10+2 education from a recognised school with a minimum aggregate of 60% marks. You must have passed or cleared your UG degree from a reputed educational institute with an aggregate of 50% score or more. |
| Age Limit | There is no set age requirement for an MBA course |
| MBA Entrance Exam | CAT, XAT, NMAT, SNAP. MICAT, IPMAT etc |
| Personal Interview | Depends on the entrance exam and B-school |
| Work Experience | Candidates with prior experience have leverage. Although non-working individuals can also apply for an MBA entrance exam to pursue an MBA degree. |
Top MBA Entrance Exams 2026
MBA (Master of Business Administration) is a highly popular postgraduate degree to uplift the career graph. A certain population of students consider doing an MBA after completing their UG (undergraduate degree) for a quick career launch. On the other hand, multiple students prefer working at a leading organisation and then make their next move. It’s because prior work experience gives a higher advantage to the students in competitive exams like the CAT, SNAP, XAT, NMAT, etc.
In clear terms, B-schools prefer shortlisting candidates with a previous employment history due to their interpersonal capabilities. However, candidates without an employment history can also appear for MBA entrance exams in 2026 or later to scale up their future career. If you’re still in doubt about “Why Should You Do an MBA in 2026, then here is a list of MBA entrance exams that can change your entire career game in one go. If you wish to prepare vigorously for these competitive MBA entrance exams, then iQuanta is your ultimate saviour.
6 Popular Entrance Examinations for MBA
| MBA Entrance Exam | Full Form | Official Conducting Body | Attempt Limit | MBA Entrance Exam Syllabus |
| CAT | Common Admission Test | IIMs | No Limit | Data Interpretation and Logical ReasoningQuantitative AptitudeVerbal Ability and Reading Comprehension |
| XAT | Xavier Aptitude Test | Xavier School of Management (XLRI) | No Restriction | Verbal & Logical Ability Decision Making Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation General Knowledge |
| NMAT | Narsee Monjee Management Aptitude Test | Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) | 3 attempts every year | Language Skills Quantitative Skills Logical Reasoning |
| SNAP | Symbiosis National Aptitude Test | Symbiosis International (Deemed University) | 3 Attempts Per Year | General English Analytical & Logical Reasoning Quantitative Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency |
| IPMAT | Integrated Postgraduate Management Aptitude Test – ( 5-Year Dual Management Degree): Applicable for students after completing their 10+2 examination. | IIM Indore -IPMAT Indore IIM Rohtak -IPMAT Rohtak NTA (National Testing Agency) – JIPMAT | No Set Limit | Quantitative Ability Logical Reasoning Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension |
| MICAT | MICA Admission Test | Mudra Institute of Communications, Ahmedabad (MICA) | No Attempt Limit | Section 1: Psychometric TestSection 2: Descriptive TestSection 3: Verbal Ability, Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation, General Awareness, Divergent and Convergent Thinking |
| NPAT | NMIMS Test for Programmes after Twelve | SVKM’s Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) | 3 attempts in a single year | Quantitative Reasoning Verbal Reasoning Logical Reasoning |
| GMAT | Graduate Management Admission Test | Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) | 5 attempts in 12 months | Quantitative Reasoning Verbal Reasoning Data Insights |
| GRE | Graduate Record Examination | Educational Testing Service (ETS) | 5 attempts in a rolling year | Analytical Writing Verbal Reasoning Quantitative Reasoning |
List Of Best MBA Colleges In India: Entrance Exam, Fee Structure
| MBA Colleges in India | MBA Entrance Exam | Total MBA Course Fees (Approximately Rs.) |
| IIM Ahmedabad | CAT | Rs 26.5 Lakhs |
| IIM Bangalore | CAT | Rs 26 Lakhs |
| IIM Calcutta | CAT | Rs 27 Lakhs |
| FMS Delhi | CAT | Rs 2.30 Lakhs |
| XLRI Jamshedpur | XAT | Rs 30.6 Lakhs |
| SPJIMR Mumbai | CAT and GMAT | Rs 22.5 Lakhs |
| IMT Ghaziabad | CAT, XAT and GMAT | Rs 21.53 Lakhs |
| ISB Hyderabad | GMAT or GRE | Rs 42.13 Lakhs |
| NMIMS Mumbai | NPAT | Rs 6-25 Lakhs |
| SIMB Pune | SNAP | Rs 27.77 Lakhs |
| SCHMRD | SNAP | Rs 24.60 Lakhs |
| IIM Kozhikode | CAT and IPMAT | Rs 22.5 Lakhs |
| IIM Mumbai | CAT | Rs 21 Lakhs |
| IIM Lucknow | CAT | Rs 20.75 Lakhs |
How Should You Prepare For the MBA Entrance Exam Syllabus?
Getting a proper understanding of the MBA exam syllabus is the first step for MBA aspirants. Most of the MBA entrance exams have a similar syllabus. At times, you might come across General Knowledge in a few entrance exams like XAT, MICAT, etc. To ace this section, you must dedicate a specific time daily to staying updated with the latest global and international affairs. If you’re aiming to start your preparation for an MBA entrance exam in 2026, then go through the bunch of study techniques addressed below in a detailed manner.
- Register for an online coaching program at iQuanta to achieve a good score in the MBA entrance exam.
- Collect the best resources according to the syllabus and then create a timetable to study the basics.
- Ensure to complete the syllabus by a certain deadline. Utilise the remaining time for revision, daily assignments and mocks.
- Get your queries resolved instantly without causing any further delay or leaving them for the next time.
- Analyse your mock scores. Grasp the topics that are your weaknesses. Work on them every day to clarify your fundamentals.
- Complete the high-weightage topics in the first month of preparation. By doing so, you will strengthen your grip on the major concepts.
Final Words
You will find endless logical answers to the question,i.e, Why Should You Do an MBA in 2026? With time, your leadership qualities will improve, and you will become highly proficient in making informed decisions. The summer internship will provide you with an in-depth knowledge of the real-world insights and industry exposure.
Upon completing an MBA degree, you can either decide to join a corporate management firm or start your own venture. This will unleash your hidden entrepreneurship skills. Hereby, choose the one that makes you the best. Basically, what we actually mean is that set your aim and definitely pursue an MBA in 2026. Start your preparation for the MBA entrance exams with iQuanta experts.
iQuanta CAT Course 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pursue an MBA course online?
Yes, you can enrol for an online MBA programme. Check the B-school placement success rate, fee structure and course curriculum before registering for the course.
Which are the Tier-1 MBA colleges in India?
IIMs ABC (Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta) come under the list of Tier-1 MBA colleges in India. Other notable B-schools under this list are IIT Delhi, FMS Delhi, SPJIMR Mumbai, etc.
Which is better? Full-time MBA, Executive or Part-time MBA?
We cannot state that any of the three is not a good option. Every MBA course has its own set of pros and cons. However, a full-time residential MBA programme is the most preferred option amongst the candidates. Though an Executive or Part-Time MBA comes with flexibility and time management.
Why Should You Do an MBA in 2026?
You will have access to a fair share of advantages after you decide to pursue an MBA degree in 2026. Your knowledge will enhance in business and management topics. Subsequently, you will develop confidence to tackle complex management issues.
How much is the total course fee for an MBA program?
It differs for every institute and the chosen MBA course. The total course fees for a 2-year MBA course are generally higher in IIMs. If you decide to enrol for an executive or part-time MBA course, then the fees are slightly less than the full-time MBA course.
