Compare MBA and M.Des: eligibility, entrance exams, salaries, recruiters, and FAQs.
Based on salary, fees, return on fees, admission routes and career options. Figures are midpoints of the ranges reported across colleges.
MBA graduates report a higher typical average salary (₹ 78.8 L vs ₹ 15.8 L for M.Des).
M.Des is the more affordable option (typical fees ₹ 7.3 L vs ₹ 47.9 L for MBA). Government colleges bring it to about ₹ 6.6 L.
One year of average salary for M.Des covers about 2.1× its average fees, compared with 1.6× for MBA.
MBA admits via CAT, XAT and 8+ more; M.Des admits via NID DAT, NIFTEE and 8+ more.
Comes out ahead on the most parameters in this comparison.
A good pick if its strengths match your priorities.
Match the choice to what matters most to you.
M.Des leads on lower average fees (₹ 7.3 L) and better salary-to-fees ratio (2.1×). MBA has the edge on higher average salary (₹ 78.8 L). Weigh these against your eligibility, preferred entrance exams and career interests.
Key Metrics
Average Salary
₹ 78.8 L
Median Salary
₹ 35.0 L
Average Fees
₹ 47.9 L
Top Recruiters
Key Metrics
Average Salary
₹ 3.5 L - ₹ 28.0 L
Median Salary
₹ 1.5 L - ₹ 58.9 L
Average Fees
₹ 5.8 K - ₹ 14.6 L
Top Recruiters
For MBA, the most frequently associated entrance exams (by programme–college hits) are: CAT, XAT, CMAT, ATMA, AIMA MAT, GMAT, TANCET, NMAT, MAH MBA CET, JEE Main. Figures aggregate active college–programme mappings across all colleges for each course.
For M.Des, the most frequently associated entrance exams are: NID DAT, NIFTEE, CEED, UCEED, MITID DAT, WUD Aptitude Test, CAT, IPU CET, ATMA, NMAT. Figures aggregate active college–programme mappings across all colleges for each course.
MBA shows a higher midpoint within its salary span (₹78,80,000) than M.Des (₹3,50,000 – ₹28,00,000).
M.Des has a lower midpoint within its fees span (₹5,800 – ₹14,62,000) than MBA (₹47,92,000).
Both show the same most common duration: 2 years.