In this blog, we will explore the top one-year MBA programs in India, including admission criteria, fees, and placement records. We will also provide insights on how to choose the right specialization.
Table of Contents
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One Year MBA in India: Introduction
One-year MBA programs in India are a popular choice for professionals who want to earn a prestigious business degree in a short period of time. Unlike traditional two-year MBA programs, one-year MBA programs cover all aspects of business management, from accounting and finance to marketing and strategy. You also have the opportunity to gain practical experience through internships and projects.
Some of the most popular employers of one-year MBA graduates include consulting firms, investment banks, and multinational corporations. You can refer to the following table for essential insights on the one-year MBA program:
| One-year MBA Programs Offered | PGPL ,PGPX, MBA-EX, EPGP, and IPMX |
| Exams accepted | CAT, GMAT, XAT, NIMAT, IIFT, and IBSAT |
| Eligibility | Minimum 50% in graduation &At least 2 years of working experience |
| Duration | 1 year |
| Fees | 6,50,000 to 32,00,000 |
| Average Package | 20,00,000 to 1,00,00,000 and above |
| Top colleges that offer a one-year MBA | IIMs, FMS DELHI, SPJIMR |
One-Year MBA Admission Process
The admission process for one-year MBA programs in India is highly competitive, and institutions typically accept a very small percentage of applicants. Therefore, it is important for applicants to prepare well for the entire admission process. Here are the steps involved in the admission process:
Step 1: Candidates must fill out an application form provided by the respective college, which may require personal and professional details, educational qualifications, and responses to essay questions.
Step 2: As part of the screening process, most institutions require scores from competitive exams such as the GMAT, CAT, or XAT. Some programs may accept alternative exams or offer their own entrance tests.
Step 3: A requisite amount of professional work experience, generally between 2 to 4 years, is a common eligibility criterion for one-year MBA programs.
Step 4: A strong undergraduate academic record with a minimum percentage of marks, often 50% or above, is typically necessary.
Step 5: Shortlisted candidates are usually invited for an interview, which can be conducted in person or virtually. This step is crucial as it assesses the candidate’s communication skills, leadership potential, and suitability for the program.
Step 6: Depending on the school, there might be additional steps such as group discussions, case study evaluations, or assessments of writing skills.
Step 7: Successful candidates will receive an offer, which they must accept within a given timeframe and complete any necessary administrative or financial formalities.
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One-Year MBA Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for one-year MBA programs in India vary depending on the institution. However, most programs require applicants to meet the following criteria:
- Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university with at least 50% marks
- 2 to 4 years of work experience
- Valid GMAT/CAT/XAT/NMAT/IIFT/IBSAT score
- Personal interview
Some programs may also have additional requirements, such as a minimum CGPA in graduation, specific work experience, or an online application form.
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Top One-Year MBA Colleges in India
Graduates of one-year MBA programs from these colleges are in high demand by employers. Some of the top employers include consulting firms, investment banks, and multinational corporations. Following are the top one-year MBA colleges in India, based on a variety of factors, including rankings, placement records, and faculty quality:
Top One-Year MBAS Offered by IIMs
Here is a list of the top one-year MBA programs offered by the top IIMs in India, along with their fees and cutoffs:
| IIM | One-Year MBA Course | Fees (INR) | Cutoff (GMAT/CAT) |
| IIM Ahmedabad | PGPX (Post Graduate Programme in Management for Executives) | 33,50,000 | 99-100 |
| IIM Bangalore | EPGP (Executive Post Graduate Programme in Management) | 34,00,000 | 97+ |
| IIM Calcutta | MBA-EX (Executive Master of Business Administration) | 32,50,000 | 92-99 |
| IIM Kozhikode | IPMX (International Programme in Management for Executives) | 31,00,000 | 95-96 |
| IIM Indore | EPGP | 29,00,000 | 97+ |
| IIM Lucknow | PGP-EX (Post Graduate Programme for Executives) | 28,50,000 | 97+ |
| IIM Shillong | PGP-EX | 27,50,000 | 90-94 |
| IIM Udaipur | IPMX | 26,50,000 | 92-94 |
| IIM Amritsar | EPGP | 25,50,000 | 90-94 |
| IIM Bodh Gaya | EPGP | 24,50,000 | 90-94 |
| IIM Jammu | EPGP | 23,50,000 | 90-94 |
| IIM Kashipur | EPGP | 22,50,000 | 90-94 |
| IIM Raipur | EPGP | 21,50,000 | 90-94 |
| IIM Ranchi | EPGP | 20,50,000 | 90-94 |
| IIM Sambalpur | EPGP | 19,50,000 | 90-94 |
| IIM Sirmaur | EPGP | 18,50,000 | 90-94 |
| IIM Tiruchirappalli | EPGP | 17,50,000 | 92-94 |
| IIM Trichy | EPGP | 16,50,000 | 94-95 |
| IIM Visakhapatnam | EPGP | 15,50,000 | 92-94 |
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Top One-Year MBA Colleges Equivalent to IIMs
The following are some of the top one-year MBA colleges in India that are considered to be equivalent to IIMs:
| College | One-Year MBA Course | Fees (INR) | Exam Accepted | Cutoff (CAT) |
| XLRI-Xavier School of Management | PGPX | 31,00,000 | GMAT/CAT | 95+ |
| SPJIMR (S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research) | PGMP | 33,50,000 | GMAT/CAT | 97+ |
| Management Development Institute (MDI) | PGPM-EX | 34,00,000 | GMAT/CAT | 97+ |
| The Great Lakes Institute of Management | PGPL | 29,00,000 | GMAT/CAT | 95+ |
| FMS Delhi | PGDM | 17,50,000 | CAT | 95-97 |
| SOIL – School of Inspired Leadership | PGDM | 24,50,000 | GMAT/CAT | 90-95 |
| IMI Delhi | PGDM-EX | 28,50,000 | GMAT/CAT | 95-97 |
| ISB Hyderabad | PGP | 39,00,000 | GMAT | 700+ |
| Masters’ Union | PGDM | 27,50,000 | GMAT/CAT | 95-97 |
| NMIMS Mumbai | MBA-Tech | 25,50,000 | CAT/NMAT | 85-90 |
| JBIMS Mumbai | MMS | 7,50,000 | CAT/MAH-CET | 95-97 |
| Symbiosis Institute of Management Pune (SIMP) | PGDM | 24,50,000 | SNAP | 90-95 |
Please note that the fees are approximate and subject to change. It’s always advisable to check the latest fees and admission criteria directly on the respective IIM’s official website.
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Placements After a One-Year MBA
After a one-year MBA, you can expect an annual salary of around 14-23 LPA, which depends on their skills and other factors. Below are details of placement records for various MBA programs at different colleges:
| College | Average Package (INR-LPA) | Highest Package (INR-LPA) |
| IIM Ahmedabad | 34.36 | 61.49 |
| IIM Bangalore | 35.31 | 69.75 |
| IIM Calcutta | 35.07 | 65 |
| IIM Lucknow | 32.2 | 66 |
| IIM Indore | 30.21 | 63 |
| IIM Kozhikode | 31.02 | 62 |
| ISB Hyderabad | 39.08 | 71 |
| SPJIMR Mumbai | 33.5 | 64 |
| GLIM Chennai | 28.5 | 56 |
Here is a list of the top recruiters at these colleges:
- McKinsey & Company
- Boston Consulting Group (BCG)
- Bain & Company
- Goldman Sachs
- JPMorgan Chase & Co.
- Amazon
- Microsoft
- Deloitte
- Accenture
- KPMG
- PwC
- EY
One-Year MBA vs. Two-Year MBA
Which type of MBA program is right for you depends on your individual needs and goals. If you are looking for a fast-paced program that will help you quickly advance your career, a one-year MBA may be a good option. If you are looking for a more comprehensive program that will give you a strong foundation in business management and allow you to explore different career options, a two-year MBA may be a better choice. Here is a detailed comparison of key differences between one-year and two-year MBA programs:
| Characteristic | One-Year MBA | Two-Year MBA |
| Duration | 1 year | 2 years |
| Intensity | More intense, with a faster-paced curriculum | Less intense, with a more gradual pace |
| Cost | Generally, more expensive | Generally, less expensive |
| Curriculum | Covers all the essential business concepts in a concentrated format | Covers all the essential business concepts in a more comprehensive and in-depth manner |
| Internship | Might not include an internship | Typically, includes a summer internship |
| Work experience | Minimum 2-4 years of work experience required | Minimum 0-2 years of work experience required |
| Career goals | Ideal for those who want to fast-track their career in business | Ideal for those who want to explore different career options and develop a strong foundation in business management |
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FAQ’s
What is a one-year MBA?
A one-year MBA is an accelerated full-time program that allows you to complete a Master of Business Administration degree in one year, as opposed to the traditional two-year format. It is designed for professionals with work experience and covers essential business and management concepts.
Who should consider a one-year MBA?
Professionals with at least 2-4 years of work experience who want to fast-track their career advancement, gain leadership skills, or transition to a different industry or role may consider a one-year MBA.
What are the eligibility criteria for a one-year MBA in India?
Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks, 2 to 4 years of professional work experience, and a valid score in GMAT, CAT, XAT, NMAT, IIFT, or IBSAT. Personal interviews are also part of the selection process.
How does the admission process work for a one-year MBA?
The process typically involves filling out an application form, submitting test scores, having a requisite amount of work experience, maintaining a strong undergraduate record, attending an interview, and sometimes participating in group discussions or written assessments.
What is the average fee for a one-year MBA in India?
The fees range from approximately INR 6,50,000 to INR 39,00,000, varying by institution and program.
How do one-year MBA programs differ from two-year programs?
One-year MBA programs are more intensive with a faster-paced curriculum, generally cater to professionals with more work experience, and may or may not include an internship. Two-year MBAs are less intense, include a summer internship, and often require less work experience for admission.
What kind of salary can I expect after completing a one-year MBA?
Salaries vary greatly but can range from around INR 14 LPA to INR 23 LPA on average, with the potential for much higher packages depending on the institution, individual skills, and market factors.
Who are the top recruiters for one-year MBA graduates in India?
Top recruiters include McKinsey & Company, Boston Consulting Group (BCG), Bain & Company, Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Amazon, Microsoft, Deloitte, Accenture, KPMG, PwC, and EY, among others.
Are one-year MBA programs recognized globally?
Yes, one-year MBA programs, especially those from prestigious institutions like IIMs and ISB, are recognized and respected globally.
Can I pursue a one-year MBA if I have more than 4 years of work experience
Yes, candidates with more than 4 years of work experience are often considered ideal for one-year MBA programs due to the leadership and managerial insights they can bring to the classroom.
Do I need to take the GMAT for admission to a one-year MBA in India?
Most one-year MBA programs in India require a GMAT score, although some accept CAT, XAT, or other standardized test scores as well. It’s best to check the specific requirements of each institution.
Is financial aid or scholarship available for one-year MBA programs?
Many institutions offer financial aid, scholarships, or loan assistance for their one-year MBA programs. Candidates are encouraged to inquire directly with the institutions for detailed information.