Is it better to do an MBA from an IIM (e.g., IIM-A, IIM-B, IIM-C) or the MFin from Oxford?

Question

V Gupta · Accepted Answer

Oxford MFin and an IIM MBA (like IIM-A, B, or C) serve different goals &mdash; one isn&rsquo;t universally &ldquo;better,&rdquo; it depends on the career path. If the aim is to work in global finance &mdash; especially investment roles in the UK, Europe, or Middle East &mdash; Oxford MFin is better aligned.
It&rsquo;s a finance-only degree, deeply quantitative, and connects directly with asset management, IB, and PE firms in London. But it&rsquo;s a one-year, high-intensity program, and the recruitment is competitive with no guaranteed visa sponsorships post-study.
IIM MBAs offer stronger placement in India, especially in consulting, product, and leadership roles. The campus hiring is structured, and the alumni network is deeply embedded across Indian industries.
For someone planning to settle long-term in India, IIM makes more practical sense. For someone aiming for a global finance career, Oxford opens more targeted doors &mdash; but only if backed by prior finance exposure.

Divakshi Arora · Answer

A lot of people weigh Oxford&rsquo;s global brand against IIM&rsquo;s local dominance &mdash; but the real difference is how recruiters treat the degree after five years.
&bull; IIM-A/B/C gives better visibility in India&rsquo;s corporate world &mdash; ideal for consulting, FMCG, or tech leadership roles &bull; Oxford MFin has niche appeal &mdash; mostly buy-side or capital markets roles in the UK or EU &bull; The IIM MBA has wider career flexibility &mdash; you&rsquo;re not boxed into finance &bull; Oxford&rsquo;s MFin doesn&rsquo;t carry the same weight in Indian hiring unless it&rsquo;s IB or hedge fund-related &bull; MFin is a better launchpad for roles like portfolio strategy, quant research, or structured finance abroad
Unless there&rsquo;s a clear plan to stay in or near London post-MFin, the IIM MBA provides broader and more stable career outcomes &mdash; especially if the goal includes roles outside core finance.