Pursuing a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) programme is a smart step toward a dynamic professional journey. The programme develops a strong understanding of core business functions and numerous interpersonal skills. This enables individuals to acquire senior managerial positions with higher compensation across industries. Individuals who want to pursue the programme for a rewarding career should check the detailed MBA curriculum.
In the first year, the MBA course includes topics such as finance, marketing, operations, and organisational ethics for a strong foundation of business studies. In the second year, students can opt for any of the various high-in-demand specialised areas, such as business analytics, digital marketing, entrepreneurship, supply chain, and related fields. Specialised electives aim to impart specific knowledge for specific roles and responsibilities. You can choose from the list of available electives that you are interested in. For example, if you like to manage teams, maintain a positive work environment, and recruit the right people, then you can opt for the human resource elective.
The guide below will cover all the details regarding the MBA curriculum, along with core subjects and electives.
MBA Programme Overview
The MBA is a 2-year postgraduate degree that deals with the intricacies of business processes and ethics in depth. In this course, the students would be involved in realistic case studies, summer internships, and workshops, which develop a sense of real challenges and the ability to find lasting solutions.
The general curriculum of an MBA includes basic principles of organisational behaviour, accounting, decision-making, administration, communication, and financial management during the first year. In the second year, it mainly focuses on specialised elective subjects, including human resources, marketing, operations, supply chain management, and data science.
Key Areas Covered in MBA Curriculum
The MBA programme is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of essential business concepts, enabling students to effectively adapt and implement various strategies in the ever-evolving business landscape. Key focus areas of the programme include:
| Focus areas | Description | Subjects |
| Organisational behaviour | Focuses on organisational behaviours of individuals. The main discussion happens on motivation for team management, problem-solving skills, decision-making skills, conflict resolution, and positive cooperation among team members. | Basics of Management, Human Resource Administration, Directorial Behaviour, and Administrative Economics |
| Economics | This part discusses production, distribution of products, consumption rate of goods and services, and how to research markets and analyse overall price segments. | Operations Management, Business Analytics, Managerial Economics, and Business Statistics |
| Accounting | The main focus is on how to manage accounting in a business. Individuals learn financial operations, legal regulations, direct and indirect taxes, investment scopes, equity, market trends, pricing strategies, sales management, etc. | Financial Accounting, Cost Accounting, Fundamentals in Managerial Accounting, and Cost Management |
Year-Wise MBA Curriculum: Core Subjects
Check the year-wise syllabus and topics covered in each term.
Course details for the first year
| First year | Term 1 | Accounting for Management – 1Human Behaviour in OrganisationsInformation Systems for BusinessIntroduction to Managerial Decision MakingManagerial Communication – 1Managerial EconomicsMarketing Management |
| Term 2 | Accounting for Management – 2Advanced Statistics for Managerial Decision MakingBasic Statistics for Managerial Decision MakingFoundations of FinanceMacro EconomicsManagerial Communication – 2People Management | |
| Term 3 | Capstone Business SimulationCorporate FinanceEntrepreneurshipIntermediate Probability Theory (For QF students only)Managerial Communication – 2Marketing ResearchOperations ManagementProgramming in Python (For DS students only)Strategic Management |
Course details for the second year
| Second year | Term 4 | Ethics, Business and Society |
| Term 5 | Design Thinking and Problem Solving |
Summer internship programme (h3)
| Duration | 2 months at the end of the first year |
| Description | The summer internship focuses on offering hands-on experiences to individuals under the guidance of faculty and experienced industry personnel. During this internship, individuals need to work on real-world projects, which helps to identify the suitable specialisations or elective subjects in the second year. |
MBA Elective Subjects in Second Year
Here are the top specialisations or elective courses offered during the second year of an MBA programme.
- Communication
- Data Science and Information Systems
- Economics
- Finance, Accounting, and Quantitative Finance
- Marketing
- Operations
- Strategic Management
- Organisational Behaviour and Human Resources
- Public Relations
- Retail Management
- Supply Chain Management
- International Business
- Sports Management
- Digital Marketing
Eligibility Criteria for MBA Admission
Check the detailed eligibility criteria, which are similar for admissions to MBA programmes across all reputed institutions in India.
- Applicants should have obtained a bachelor’s degree from a recognised institution with a minimum of 50% score.
- Applicants must also secure a minimum qualifying score in a relevant entrance exam, such as CAT, XAT, MAT, CMAT, IBSAT, and others.
- After obtaining the qualifying score in the entrance exam, you must appear for a group discussion and an interview round.
Conclusion
MBA programmes familiarise individuals with real-world business operations. This understanding helps step into the challenging career options in the global landscape. The entire curriculum offers a comprehensive understanding of business tasks from foundational operations to senior-level responsibilities. Selecting the right elective specialisation also has a significant impact on your career prospects. Before choosing your preferred MBA specialisation, be sure to consider the institution’s reputation, placement record, faculty, benefits offered to students, and accreditation. Your thoughtful selection will help enhance your professional journey.
FAQs
Can I pursue an MBA programme with any academic background?
Yes, you can pursue an MBA programme regardless of your academic background. The programme is designed with a comprehensive curriculum structure that helps individuals gain in-depth knowledge for various business roles.
Is an MBA suitable for someone without a business background?
Yes, the first year is designed to build a fundamental business knowledge base, making it accessible and valuable for non-business majors.
What is the teaching methodology used in most MBA programmes?
MBA programmes rely heavily on the case study method, simulations, and group projects, designed to mimic real-world business challenges and decision-making.
What skills, besides core knowledge, does an MBA primarily develop?
An MBA significantly enhances leadership, negotiation, critical thinking, and advanced presentation skills, which are crucial for senior management roles.
Is there a strong focus on international business and global markets in an MBA curriculum?
Yes, courses like Macro Economics and International Business ensure students understand global market dynamics and cross-cultural management.
What resources are typically available to MBA students?
MBA students benefit from dedicated career services, alumni mentorship programmes, industry speaker events, industry-focused workshops, internships, and campus recruitment drives.