Is an MBA Required for Career Growth? Reasons to Pick MBA

Jaro Education
19, April 2025
11:00 am

Preparing for a successful Master of Business Administration (MBA) application is no straightforward task. It takes a lot of hard work, research, and preparation! But before anything else, you must first make sure that you meet the general requirements for admission to an MBA program.

As you read along, by the end of this post, you will have a clearer understanding of what MBA programs are looking for and how to prepare yourself for the application process best.

Catch a glimpse of what you will learn:

What are the typical MBA prerequisites and application requirements?
What GPA do MBA programs typically look for, and how can you overcome a low GPA?
GMAT or GRE: Which test is best for MBA applications?
Is work experience a requirement for MBA applications?
How important are references and letters of recommendation? And how are you to ensure that you get the best letters?

Before diving into the MBA career, the MBA qualification minimum percentage required, the requirements in India, and the qualification required for the MBA, let us have a look at a few successful stories to get motivation.

The Mumbai Dabbawala Story: Supply Chain and Efficiency: Learning: The success of the Dabbawalas stands as a monument to the power of a designed system, even with minimum intervention from technology. They also illustrate lean operations, economic efficiency, and the importance of visible communication and collaboration in a complicated logistic network.

*LinkedIn

Patanjali’s Ayurvedic: Branding Strategies and Market Disruption: Findings: Patanjali’s emergence signals the increasing interest from consumers in natural and wholesome products. Their definitive branding strategy and intelligent marketing mix illustrate how a new entrant can disrupt a market by focusing on a niche with distinct value delivery.

*Business Today

What Are MBA Requirements?

If you are planning to pursue an MBA, you must fulfill a few requirements. Here are the most common MBA prerequisites:

1. Bachelor's Degree

The MBA is, of course, a postgraduate degree; subsequently, a bachelor’s degree is the prerequisite to begin with for the MBA. In the past, individuals with bachelor’s degrees in Commerce and Administration could pursue an MBA. In any case, Indian or worldwide B-schools presently acknowledge all sorts of bachelor’s degrees. The rate needed for the actual test contrasts suitably with the MBA prerequisites, which vary from college to college.

2. Work Encounter

Another prerequisite for an MBA degree is work involvement. As it is a proficient course, candidates with around 2 to 5 years of working involvement apply for the course. A few need to upskill themselves to get a superior evaluation, whereas others are looking to alter their employment and areas. It is the MBA degree that ensures you an engaging career. Hence, it is great to have that introduction to the corporate world sometime recently, beginning your MBA. This involvement will direct your considerations and improve lesson discourses during your MBA program.

3. Passing Entry Exam

The other required MBA necessity is the accomplishment of the MBA entrance test. If candidates are applying for the customary MBA program in India, the entrance exam incorporates CAT, XAT, and other particular college entrance tests. In differentiation, other examinations such as the GMAT or GRE are required on the application to outside colleges. The exams are critical for your determination toward college in either case.

The Common Affirmation Test (CAT) is a well-known entrance exam among Indian organizations of administration for initiating MBA affirmations.
Graduate Administration Affirmation Test (GMAT): Another establishment that acknowledges GMAT scores is the Indian School of Trade (ISB). GMAT scores, other than earlier scholastic accreditations pertinent to the school concerned.
Management Fitness Test (Tangle): Tangle is a standard administration confirmation test conducted all through the nation beneath the aegis of the All India Administration Affiliation (AIMA).
Common Administration Confirmation Test, CMAT: The CMAT Test is held by the National Testing Office (NTA). Different MBA colleges acknowledge CMAT scores.
Xavier Fitness Test (XAT): Another exceptionally imperative entrance exam for MBA competitors is the XAT for XLRI Jamshedpur.

Every entrance test has its qualification criteria, syllabus, and design of examination. Subsequently, as per the focus on teaching, one must investigate and select the fitting exams and get ready accordingly.

4. Resume

Leaving this behind, another MBA prerequisite is that you ought to overhaul your CV, as this goes along with your application to the best colleges overseas. The CV is a fundamental portion of your application, so treat it with the utmost significance. To construct an MVP résumé, know the values and culture the b-school speaks to and weave those into your résumé. Here are a few tips that can offer assistance –

Be exceptionally formal, as the affirmation officers will study it.
Explain any holes in your instruction or work encounter.
The qualities that undergraduates are anticipated to have universally are administration, cooperation, and the capacity to acknowledge differences; hence, attempt to cover these focuses in your résumé.
Be brief and fresh. (Greatest one-page)
Check Out: Dos and Don’ts for an Impactful Resume

5. Letters of Recommendation

All the worldwide B-schools have at least 2 suggestion letters as part of the necessity. A few recommenders who are appropriate for this zone –

Managers (Current or Previous)
Colleagues
Clients
Professors or Coaches
Someone who has seen you in authority parts

For this MBA necessity, it is imperative to give up your tallness and pick quality. Select expressive individuals to talk to and toss shadows on your capabilities and aptitudes in front of the affirmations committee. You will also have to work with your recommender and clarify the handle and objective to him. At that point, it has to coordinate with the capacities you said in your essay.

6. Essays

Again, expositions are included among the basic MBA prerequisites for worldwide trade schools. This is indeed genuine in a few Indian MBA colleges. What at that point will you be composing in your MBA papers? Affirmation committees need to gather advanced data about your identity, interface, and career objectives through your paper. Hence, emphasize all these components in your papers.

Show, or maybe then tell: Dodge bragging approximately about your achievements or qualities, but demonstrate it by giving illustrations and stories for perusers to get it. The expositions would be more distinctive and memorable.
Answer the provocation: Peruse and reply to the paper prompts carefully. Do not attempt to make your subject or messages for the exposition if they do not apply.
A future center: MBA programs, as a rule, see a candidate who has clear objectives as well as a plan for his future. Be beyond any doubt in conversation approximately what you try to fulfill with your career and how accomplishing it requires an MBA.
Using a particular dialect, Most of the time making dubious or common articulations can deceive confirmations approximately the work ethic of the candidate; in this manner, utilize concrete dialect and illustrations to donate a striking depiction of one’s encounter and achievements. The subtle elements would, in this way, make your papers much more compelling.
Editing and Edits: You have composed all of your expositions. Altering and editing come after. This phase will check for language structure and writing mistakes. Other than that, these expositions would stream.
Get criticism: You may need to ask a trusted companion, family member, or indeed a coach to examine your expositions and grant comments as well. You never know; they may have experiences or recommendations that would offer assistance in improving your expositions.

7. Interview

This is the final portion of your MBA confirmation handle. Whether or not you get accepted to your dream commerce school depends on the necessity of an MBA. In this way, you are required to get ready for it previously. In this circular as well, the confirmations committee and the office heads evaluate whether you are the right fit for the course. Hence, clarify what incredible esteem this has for your career.

Therefore, to explain what great value this has for your career. The following are some common MBA interview questions:

Introduce yourself.
What makes you attracted to this business school?
What are your career goals?
How does an MBA add value to your career?
Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
Tell me how long you worked in your past jobs.

Keep these MBA requirements in consideration and prepare well before time for admissions. Which of these MBA requirements frightens you the most?

Which Tests Are Way Better GMAT / GRE For An MBA Admission: GMAT or GRE?

GMAT and GRE are acknowledged and substantial tests for affirmation in the larger part of the MBA programs. However, selecting the GMAT or GRE for an MBA program shouldn’t be viewed as a simple decision.

Historically, the GMAT has been respected as a more acknowledged exam for MBA programs since it managed appraisals based exclusively on abilities and information related to commerce school. However, of late, numerous MBA schools permit undergrad candidates to take the GRE test as a similarly all-encompassing estimation of status at a common term for commerce school activity, as the GRE height is a workout of understanding courses.

Program prerequisites: A few MBA programs may require or favor one exam over the other, so it’s imperative to inquire about the particular necessities of the programs you are interested in.
Test arrangement: The GMAT is a computer-adaptive test, meaning that the difficulty of the questions adjusts to your aptitude level, whereas the GRE is not versatile. A few test-takers may discover one organization is more comfortable than the other.
Program prerequisites: A few MBA programs may require or lean toward one exam over the other, so investigating particular programs is vital.
Test Substance: The GMAT is particularly planned for the aptitudes and information tried for commerce school, whereas the GRE questions are related to numerous verbal and quantitative as well as explanatory scoring. One test may be better for an individual depending on their strengths and weaknesses.
Test Planning: Both of these require a parcel of planning, but the ponder materials and strategies may change for GMAT and GRE. Do a few investigations and choose the test you’re most comfortable planning for.

Do All Applicants Require Prior Work Experience?

Some programs may stipulate work experience up to a certain number of years for prospective MBA students to be considered for acceptance, while other programs may accept applicants with scant experience. Internships, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities can highlight skills and interests even when little or no pertinent work experience is present.

What Are The Careers After Doing MBA?

Do Online MBA Programs Have the Same Requirements?

It is surely learning quite fast, as an increasing number of the world’s best-known business schools have their own online MBA programs, aside from regular on-campus MBA programs. Online programs generally require the same entry eligibility as on-campus programs, but there would be a few distinctions in that they offer the admission process, course delivery, and scheduling.

Consider these factors at the time of wondering whether an online MBA program is worth it or not:


Accreditation	It is of utmost importance to opt for an online MBA program accredited by a quality independent accrediting agency, such as the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Accreditation entails eligibility and recognition from other organizations and employers.
Flexibility	Compared to on-campus schedules, online MBA formats present a more relaxed way of learning because students participate in coursework and assignment discussions wherever they want and when they want. This approach is beneficial if you're a full-time employee or have other things to attend to.
Fewer Networking Opportunities	Most online MBAs will have less networking than the conventional program; in many circumstances, however, today's online MBA programs are providing their students with virtual networking events and opportunities to create connections with one another and the alumni.
Cost	Online MBA programs are sometimes cheaper than on-campus programs; however, these variations depend on programs and institutes. Always check the return on your investment regarding your career goals. Consider it. Online MBAs are best suited for students in need of that flexibility and who have determined that they can forego face-to-face networking

Why Online MBA Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham?

Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham is a UGC-entitled multi-campus, multi-disciplinary research institution accredited ‘A++’ by NAAC and ranks among

*Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham

Amrita AHEAD conducts online courses with over 1650 faculty members and 207 programs, concentrating on synergizing an all-rounded individualized learning trajectory for students to improve and diversify their career growth pathways while incorporating Amrita’s philosophy of ‘Education for Life and Education for Living.’ This university strengthens the doctrine of learning for life and livelihood with innovative and award-winning pedagogic practices, providing experiential learning where freshers and working professionals can learn at their own pace: a unique blend of flexibility, interactivity, and personalized mentorship.

Program Overview:
A large amount of change occurs within the business environment, making it imperative that what is relevant is changed according to the industry’s dynamics. Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham offers one of India’s foremost online MBA programs, with an industry-aligned curriculum and application-based modules. The program focuses more on equipping individuals with core management competencies and enabling them to solve industry-related problems skillfully.

Course Duration: 2 Years

Eligibility Criteria:

Indian Students:
Candidates are eligible if they hold a 10+2 certificate and possess an undergraduate degree of at least three years with a minimum aggregate of 50%. Final-year students may apply based on their results from the last completed semester. Candidates with work experience will receive preference in the admission process.

For International Students:
A certificate of equivalence from the Association of Indian Universities is mandatory. The certificate is the major requirement for any student with a foreign education who wishes to apply to an Indian university. Visit the official webpage for more information.

Program Fee Structure:

Domestic Fee Structure:
Application Fee: INR 500/-
Total Fee: INR 1,40,000/-

International Fee Structure:
Application Fee: INR 500/-
Total Fee: INR 2,58,000/-

Close-Up Reflections For The Future MBA Aspirants

An MBA can bring the fresh or experienced professional an additional career option as well as help in attaining professional objectives. An appreciation for MBA requirements and best practices can increase the chances of qualifying for the dream MBA program.

If you want more application assistance, we suggest talking to our graduate school admissions consultants. We can help you create wonderful personal statements and navigate the MBA application process.

So, why wait to schedule a consultation for career guidance at Jaro Education and begin taking the next step toward getting your MBA?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an MBA necessary for career advancement?

While an MBA is not strictly required for career growth, it can significantly enhance your professional journey. The program provides valuable skills, knowledge, and networking opportunities that can lead to higher positions and better compensation. For instance, over 98% of Wharton MBA graduates receive full-time job offers, highlighting the degree’s impact on career prospects.

MBA PROGRAM

What are the prerequisites for enrolling in an MBA program?

Admission requirements vary by institution but generally include:

Educational Background: A bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
Work Experience: Many programs prefer candidates with professional work experience, typically ranging from 2 to 5 years.
Entrance Exams: Scores from exams like the GMAT or GRE are often required.
Application Materials: Transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a current resume.

How does an MBA impact earning potential?

An MBA can lead to significant salary increases. According to Investopedia, the median starting salary for MBA graduates is $125,000, which is 22% to 40% higher than that of graduates without an MBA. However, actual salary gains depend on factors such as the institution attended, industry, and prior work experience.

Are there industries where an MBA is less beneficial?

While an MBA is valuable across many sectors, its importance varies by industry. Fields like creative industries, skilled trades, nonprofit organizations, and certain government roles may prioritize experience and specialized skills over an MBA. It’s essential to assess how an MBA aligns with your career goals and the specific demands of your chosen field.

What is the typical duration of an MBA program?

MBA programs vary in length:

Full-Time Programs: These usually last 1 to 2 years.
Part-Time Programs: Designed for working professionals, these can extend 3 years or more.
Executive MBA (EMBA): Tailored for experienced professionals, EMBA programs often span 1 to 2 years with classes held on weekends or in intensive modules.