Is MBA better in IIM or abroad?

Question

Manav K · Accepted Answer

You&rsquo;ll find an MBA abroad is better if you&rsquo;re aiming for international exposure and global job opportunities, but an IIM MBA is better if you want strong ROI and to build a solid career in India.
IIMs like Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta have great placements in India, lower fees, and a powerful local network. If you plan to stay in India long-term or want to work in Indian companies or government-linked sectors, IIMs make more sense both financially and professionally.
But if your goal is to work abroad, get exposure to international markets, or join global firms, then top schools like INSEAD, LBS, or Wharton give you a clear edge. Yes, the cost is much higher, but the global brand value, diverse classroom, and international network can really change your career path.
So, it really depends on what kind of career you want. But in short&mdash;go for IIM for India, go abroad for global reach.
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J Bajwa · Answer

MBA abroad is better if you want global exposure, but IIM is better if you want a strong career in India with a great return on investment.
Top IIMs like Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta have excellent placements in India. The fees are lower compared to foreign B-schools, and you still get top jobs in consulting, finance, and tech within India. The alumni network in India is very strong too.
But if you plan to work outside India or in companies that are truly global, then doing an MBA from top schools like Wharton, INSEAD, or LBS can open many more doors. These programs are more diverse, and recruiters from all over the world visit these campuses.
So it really depends on what you want after your MBA. If it&rsquo;s India-focused growth, IIM is great. If it&rsquo;s a global career, then an MBA abroad is a better option.

Divakshi Arora · Answer

It depends on what you're looking for. IIMs (especially IIM A, B, and C) are excellent for those aiming to build a career in India. The ROI is high&mdash;total fees for a 2-year program are around ₹24&ndash;28 lakhs, and average placements range from ₹30&ndash;35 LPA for top IIMs.
But if you're looking for global exposure, want to work abroad, or shift industries (like tech, VC, or global consulting), an MBA abroad&mdash;especially from the US, UK, or Europe&mdash;has advantages. For example, top schools like INSEAD, LBS, Wharton, or Kellogg offer strong international networks and open up global job markets.
That said, doing an MBA abroad typically requires 3&ndash;5 years of work experience, and the total cost (tuition + living) can go above ₹80 lakhs to ₹1.2 crore. So, the decision comes down to budget, career goals, and whether you want to stay in India or explore opportunities globally.

Shruti T · Answer

Both options are strong, but they serve different career goals. If your target is to work in India&rsquo;s corporate ecosystem&mdash;FMCG, consulting, or BFSI&mdash;IIMs offer better value. The brand recognition within India is unmatched, and placement is usually guaranteed through campus drives.
But for someone with international career goals or planning to move into niche industries like global product management, luxury brand marketing, or sustainability consulting, an MBA abroad offers more relevant exposure. B-schools abroad also provide stronger alumni networks across regions and a more diverse classroom experience.
Keep in mind:

IIMs are more affordable and have faster ROI.
Global MBAs (like INSEAD, HEC Paris, or Chicago Booth) require work experience and are more expensive, but can lead to salaries of $120K&ndash;150K+ in global markets.

So, it&rsquo;s not about which one is better overall&mdash;it&rsquo;s about which one aligns with where you want to work and grow post-MBA.