Can I do an MBA after a BA? This is a common question which comes up in mind of a BA graduate looking forward to making a successful career in Business Administration. After graduation, every student has one burning question in their mind: “What should I do next?
While different undergraduate students plan to pursue courses that align with their bachelor’s specialisation, some pick universal programs like an MBA. Whether you belong to the Commerce, Humanities or Science stream, you can study an MBA in any specialisation.
The only requirement to enrol in a Masters of Business Administration after a BA is the specified aggregate total percentage in undergraduate studies. If you are someone looking for an answer to “Can I do an MBA after BA ?”, then here’s a blog that will make the process more understandable!
This Blog Includes:
Why MBA After BA?
Taking up a stream that matches your individual career expectations and then working towards it with proper internships is sure to move your career in the right direction. However, students who have studied fine arts stream subjects and want to pursue a BA should carefully consider an MBA, as the subjects in both degrees have very little in common and the switch from one to the other will be a gradual one!
A postgraduation degree course, MBA runs for a duration of 2 years and can be pursued after a Bachelor of Arts, BBA, BSc, BCom or Btech. Apart from the major constituents, there are other MBA subjects which have to be studied, like foreign languages, social sciences, natural science, and likewise.
Candidates who do not want to be typecast in a particular career option and want an overall personality development opt for a degree in Bachelor of Arts. In this subject framework, skills like creative writing, journalism, etc., are explored and given the space to bloom.
Eligibility Criteria for MBA
Can I do an MBA after a BA? This is a popular question that bugs all undergraduate students planning to make a career in the Management domain. The answer to this question is yes!
You can pursue an MBA after completing a bachelor’s in any stream, be it Arts, Commerce or Science. It is essential to get a minimum of 50% in the undergraduate degree to apply for various MBA entrance exams like CAT, GRE, GMAT, XAT, SNAP and more.
Some of the business schools ask for work experience before selecting students for the MBA program. Personal interviews and GDs are also a part of the MBA selection process in India. Read the next section to learn about the specialisations in MBA for Bachelor of Arts graduates.
List of Programs of MBA after a BA
From fashion to healthcare, with the onset of digitalisation, many streams in which one can do an MBA after a BA have opened up. The table below explains everything you need to know about MBA specialisations:
| MBA in Marketing | MBA in Finance | MBA in Insurance |
| MBA in Insurance & Risk Management | MBA Operations | MBA in Productions |
| MBA Healthcare Management | MBA in International Business | MBA in Logistics and Supply Chain Management |
| MBA in Banking | MBA in Interior Designing | MBA in Airport Management |
| MBA in Information Technology | MBA in Aviation Management | MBA in Agribusiness |
| MBA in Entrepreneurship | MBA in Power Management | MBA in Material Management |
| MBA in Media Management | MBA in Data Analytics | MBA in Agriculture |
| MBA in Energy Management | MBA in Communication | MBA in HR |
| MBA in Logistics | MBA in Computer Science | MBA in Pharmaceutical Management |
Study MBA after BA in India
There are multiple MBA entrance exams in India which one can give to take admission to some of the top B-schools in the country. Listed below is a summary of the 3 popular exams:
CAT
Common Admission Test is one of the most coveted entrance exams conducted by one of the host IIMs every year. With 3 sections, namely, Quantitative Ability, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, and Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, the total weightage of the exam is 300 marks.
With notification generally released in the month of July, the exam opens the gateway to more than 100 B-schools, including those from the list of IIMs, for those who want to study MBA after BA. The official notification is usually released in the first week of July.
| Official Notification Release | July 2025 |
| Registration of CAT | August 2025 |
| Exam CAT 2025 | 30 November |
Also Read: Study in Norway Without IELTS: Exams, Universities, & Documents Required
XAT
Xavier Aptitude Test is an exam conducted by the Xavier Institute of Management (XLRI Jamshedpur) every year, which opens the door to 150-plus MBA colleges in India. The XAT exam pattern consists of 4 sections, namely, Decision Making, General Knowledge, Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation, and Verbal and Logical Ability. To complete this computer-based test, 3 hours are allotted.
MAT
A slightly easier test in comparison to the above-mentioned exams, the Management Aptitude Test, which is conducted by the All India Management Association(AIMA), is another option for students who want to pursue an MBA after BA or PGDM courses from 600-plus universities spanning across India.
Available in both online and offline modes, this exam is organised 4 times a year in the months of February, May, September, and December. There is a total of 200 questions in the exam, which is divided into 5 sections, namely, Language Comprehension, Data Analysis and Sufficiency, Mathematical Skills, Indian and Global Environment, and Intelligence and Critical Reasoning.
Top Universities for MBA in India
There are many popular universities and institutes in India which offer an MBA to students. Some of the names are given below:
| University Name | Location | Entrance Exam | Average Fees (INR) | Top MBA Streams Offered |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIM-A) | Ahmedabad | CAT | INR 23–25 lakhs | General Management, Finance, Consulting |
| Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIM-B) | Bangalore | CAT | INR 24–25 lakhs | Strategy, Leadership, Tech Management |
| Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIM-C) | Kolkata | CAT | INR 23–25 lakhs | Finance, Analytics, Consulting |
| Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), DU | Delhi | CAT | INR 2–3 lakhs | General MBA |
| XLRI – Xavier School of Management | Jamshedpur | XAT | INR 23–24 lakhs | HRM, Business Management |
| Indian School of Business (ISB) | Hyderabad/Mohali | GMAT/GRE | INR 35–40 lakhs | Strategy, Leadership, Marketing |
| NMIMS School of Business Management | Mumbai | NMAT | INR 21–22 lakhs | General MBA, Finance, Entrepreneurship |
Study MBA after BA Abroad
With an MBA qualification, students can make a career in any field of their choice. Apart from MBA colleges in India, candidates can also select one of the following study destinations to pursue an MBA after BA:
| MBA in Japan | Best MBA colleges in Australia | MBA in Dubai |
| MBA in USA | MBA in UK | MBA in Germany |
| MBA in New Zealand | MBA Course in Canada | MBA in Europe |
| MBA in Singapore | MBA in Ireland | MBA in France |
Top Universities for MBA Abroad
The MBA program is offered by a wide range of colleges in India as well as abroad. Leverage Edu has formulated lists of the best universities to study an MBA after a BA for prospective students. Let us have a look at them:
| Universities | Fees | QS World University Rankings 2025 |
| Harvard University | INR 60 lakh to INR 69 lakh | 4 |
| University of Oxford | INR 73 lakh | 3 |
| University of Toronto | INR 27 lakh to INR 41 lakh | 25 |
| Stanford University | INR 63 lakh | 6 |
| University of East London | INR 17 lakh | 901-950 |
| University of Melbourne | INR 27 lakh | 13 |
| University of British Columbia | INR 43 lakh | 38 |
| University of Cambridge | INR 65 lakh | 5 |
| James Cook University | INR 18 lakh to INR 19 lakh | 445 |
| National University of Singapore | INR 52 lakh to INR 56 lakh | 8 |
| McGill University | INR 60 lakh | 29 |
| Yale University | INR 38 lakh to INR 65 lakh | 23 |
| The University of Edinburgh | INR 37 lakh | 27 |
| Nanyang Technological University | INR 43 lakh to INR 46 lakh | 15 |
| University of Sydney | INR 29 lakh | 18 |
| Fudan University | INR 20 lakh | 39 |
| University of New South Wales | INR 43 lakh | 19 |
| Erasmus University Rotterdam | INR 58 lakh | 158 |
Also Read: MBA Abroad for Indian Students
Types of MBA to pursue after BA
The online, full-time, and part-time MBA degree programmes have varying lengths of study. With the widespread recognition of the MBA degree, it tries to be in line with the aspirant’s goals and provides a great deal of flexibility for both students and working professionals. Following your BA, the leading B-Schools offer the following main MBA course types:
- General MBA
- Online MBA
- Distance Learning MBA
- Part-time MBA
- Specialised MBA courses
- Executive MBA
Career Scope of MBA After BA
If they have the necessary knowledge, graduates from the arts can freely join startups with the aid of an MBA. Graduates of the programme will have exposure to both general and niche business administration topics.
The graduates will be better able to appreciate how any organisation functions and provide solutions to managerial problems.
Alumni work in management-related professions like marketing, logistics, and human resources in addition to starting their enterprises. Many businesses hire MBAs after BA graduates, including digital marketing, BPO, law, logistics, international relations, hotel management, and economic management.
Salary Scope of MBA After BA
In the end, everything comes down to money and returns on investment. Because management courses are expensive, it is crucial to know when candidates can take the first step towards a corporate career and how much money they would make after completing an MBA programme.
A list of the job profiles and associated pay grades accessible after earning an MBA following a BA is provided below:
| Job Profile | Average Annual Salary Package (in INR) |
| HR Manager | 7,25,000 |
| Marketing Manager | 6,85,280 |
| Product Manager | 17,32,442 |
| Operations Manager | 3,50,000 – 8,00,000 |
| Supply Chain Program Manager | 4,50,000 – 12,00,000 |
| Product Marketing Manager | 16,00,000 |
| Manufacturing Manager | 7,80,000 |
Thus, there are a number of specialisation courses and universities that offer an MBA after a BA. Every path demands hard work to overcome the obstacles. It depends on the student on how he navigates and reaches his destination. We hope this blog answered the question, “Can BA students do an MBA?” well.
FAQs
Certainly, yes! An MBA can be pursued after the Arts, Commerce or Science stream. You must score at least 50% in order to apply for different MBA entrance exams. This is the only way to study an MBA program. MBA is one of the choicest professional master’s degrees, which is 2 years long in duration. Basically, you need a BA/BBA/BSc or B.Com degree to get an MBA.
Yes, an MBA can be done after a BA in Economics. You just need to make sure that the overall percentage in BA is 50% or higher in order to give management entrance exams in India and abroad.
MBA is a diverse professional course offered in a plethora of specialisations ranging from Agriculture to Fashion. The course imparts managerial skills to a student, making them a step closer to earning high salaries. The MBA course also equips students with life skills and a strategic mind.
Yes, an MBA after a BA in English is possible! All you need to do is maintain a minimum of 50% in your UG degree to take the MBA entrance exams. Based on the scores you get, apply to top MBA colleges.
A BA in Economics, Business Administration, or Psychology is often considered best for an MBA. These degrees build strong foundations in analysis, communication, and management skills, highly valued in MBA programs.
Related Reads
To explore study abroad MBA options stay tuned to Leverage Live and Leverage Edu.
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Can I do bba after 12 arts
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Hi Aditya, you can definitely pursue a BBA program after completing class 12th.
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I want an proper answer in three to four lines that how MBA can relate to BA ? Tell me pleased
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Hi Deep, it is quite a myth that an MBA is only for Commerce students. There are plenty of options for candidates with a BA degree. Read our blogs on https://leverageedu.com/blog/mba-in-interior-designing/ and https://leverageedu.com/blog/mba-in-media-management/ or get in touch with our experts to know the available MBA options after BA.
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11 comments
Can I do bba after 12 arts
Hi Aditya, you can definitely pursue a BBA program after completing class 12th.
I want an proper answer in three to four lines that how MBA can relate to BA ? Tell me pleased
Hi Deep, it is quite a myth that an MBA is only for Commerce students. There are plenty of options for candidates with a BA degree. Read our blogs on https://leverageedu.com/blog/mba-in-interior-designing/ and https://leverageedu.com/blog/mba-in-media-management/ or get in touch with our experts to know the available MBA options after BA.
hey, I read your article it’s very informative. thanks for sharing.
Thanks for your feedback, to explore study abroad MBA opportunities visit https://leverageedu.com/admissions/mba-abroad/.
What is the scope of getting into top IIMs after doing a BA Programme from Delhi University?
Hi Abhishek,
You can pursue MBA After BA from any of the IIM of your choice across India. To know how you can do so, get in touch with our experts through 1800572000. By then, check out https://leverageedu.com/blog/executive-mba-from-iim/
BA open se MBA ho skta hai
Hi Durgesh,
You can pursue an MBA if you have completed BA through an open university. Get in touch with us today to get your application started for the same. Give us a call on 1800572000. Till then, this will help you decide your MBA stream https://leverageedu.com/blog/mba-streams/
I am from science stream (11,12th standard) and now persuing BA combination course(maths+computer application). So can i do MBA after B.A? If yes, what course in MBA should i do?