MBA in India vs MBA in Abroad: Salary Gap Will Shock You! Here’s the Real Truth
Shruti
16/04/2025
Table of Contents
If you’re planning to pursue an MBA, one of the biggest questions on your mind is: Will I earn more in India or abroad after an MBA? The answer isn’t just about numbers—it’s about investment, ROI, and career trajectory. In this article, we break down the real salary difference between an MBA in India vs an MBA abroad in 2025, and what it means for your career.
Quick Comparison: MBA Salary India vs Abroad 2025
| Criteria | MBA in India | MBA Abroad (US/UK/Canada) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary After MBA | ₹10–30 LPA | ₹70 LPA–₹1.2 Cr (in INR) |
| Top Recruiters | TCS, Accenture, HUL, BCG | McKinsey, Google, Amazon, Microsoft |
| Top B-Schools | IIMs, ISB, XLRI | Harvard, Stanford, INSEAD, LBS |
| Cost of MBA | ₹15–35 Lakhs | ₹60 Lakhs–₹1.2 Cr |
| ROI Timeline | 2–4 years | 3–6 years |
| Job Visa Challenges | None | High (H-1B, PR, etc.) |
Salary Insights After MBA
MBA Salary in India (2025 Trends)
- IIM Ahmedabad: ₹34.36 LPA (avg)
- ISB Hyderabad: ₹34.08 LPA(avg)
- IIM Bangalore: ₹30.6 LPA(avg)
- XLRI Jamshedpur: ₹32.7 LPA(avg)
These are top-tier salaries. Average MBA colleges in India offer ₹6–12 LPA packages.
MBA Salary Abroad
- USA (Harvard, Stanford): $140,000–$180,000 (~₹1.2 Cr/year)
- UK (LBS, Oxford): £90,000 (~₹94 LPA/year)
- Canada (Rotman, Schulich): CAD 95,000–120,000 (~₹60–72 LPA/year)
Factors Influencing the Salary Gap
- Global Exposure: MBAs abroad often land in high-paying leadership or consulting roles globally.
- Cost of Living: Though salaries are higher abroad, living costs in NYC, London, or Toronto are also steep.
- Visa & PR Issues: Post-study work visas and green cards affect long-term salary potential.
- Brand Recognition: A Harvard MBA has a global value, but top Indian B-schools have regional strength.
When is MBA Abroad Worth It?
- You have 3+ years of experience and are ready for global roles.
- You aim for elite B-schools with strong alumni networks.
- You can secure scholarships or educational loans with favorable terms.
- You’re open to relocating permanently.
Should You Choose India or Abroad?
| Choose MBA in India If | Choose MBA Abroad If |
|---|---|
| Budget < ₹30 Lakhs | Budget > ₹60 Lakhs |
| Want to work in India | Want global exposure |
| Prefer CAT route | GMAT-friendly |
| Need quicker ROI | Long-term ROI & PR goals |
Final Verdict
An MBA abroad can offer significantly higher salaries—2x to 4x more than Indian MBAs—but the cost, visa hurdles, and ROI timeline must be considered. On the other hand, top IIMs and ISB offer competitive salaries with better immediate ROI if you’re staying in India.
FAQs: MBA India vs Abroad
Q1. Is MBA abroad better than MBA in India?
If you’re targeting global roles and can afford the investment, MBA abroad offers better long-term returns.
Q2. Which country pays the most after MBA?
The USA leads in post-MBA salaries, followed by the UK and Canada.
Q3. Is an MBA from IIM better than from a foreign university?
Top IIMs match global B-schools in placement for Indian markets, but foreign MBAs have international leverage.
Q4. What’s the average salary difference?
The average salary abroad is 2.5x to 4x higher than that of MBAs in India.
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Want the Best Placement After MBA in 2025? Here’s the Step-by-Step Guide That Actually Works
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