MBA Marketing admission is based on entrance examinations like CAT, XAT, GMAT, MAT, CMAT, NMAT, and SNAP. These exams assess candidates on quantitative aptitude, verbal ability, logical reasoning, and data interpretation. Candidates must have a bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized institution with at least 60% marks to be eligible for the course. Further, the candidate should also have a valid entrance score. The application process for the MBA Marketing course consists of the submission of academic records, identification documents, and the application fee.
An MBA in Marketing Management is a 2-year PG program that equips students with knowledge of marketing management, brand strategy, digital marketing, and market analysis. The curriculum balances the theoretical coursework with practical exposure through internships and live projects. This helps the graduates for roles in diversified sectors as marketing managers, brand managers, or product managers in industries including FMCG, IT, retail, and e-commerce.
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MBA Marketing Eligibility Criteria
Aspirants for the MBA Marketing course must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Bachelor’s degree in any stream from a recognised university.
- Graduated with at least 60% aggregate (55% for reserved category candidates like SC/ST).
- Such final-year undergraduate students may apply if they submit a provisional certificate or a no-objection certificate from their college.
- A valid score in any of the national or institutional-level MBA entrance exams will be required for eligibility: CAT, XAT, GMAT, MAT, CMAT, SNAP, and others.
- Some institutes may prefer or require work experience, but for most, such experience is not obligatory.
- No higher age limit for admission.
- Shortlisted candidates may, as part of the final selection process, be required to clear group discussions and/or personal interviews.
MBA Marketing Entrance Exam 2025
To get into an MBA in Marketing Management institutes in India, candidates have to pass an entrance exam, which is the major hurdle to a top B-school. The most popular are national-level CAT, XAT, MAT, CMAT, etc, all of which are accepted by hundreds of management institutes across the country. Besides, some universities conduct their entrance tests, like SNAP or NMAT, while well-established state-level papers like MAH-CET (Maharashtra), KMAT (Kerala), TANCET (Tamil Nadu), and APICET (Andhra Pradesh) lead to corresponding regional institutes.
National Level Exam
State Level Exam
University Level Exam
MBA Marketing Admission Process
The MBA Marketing admission is similar for most institutions. Candidates must have a valid entrance exam score to be eligible for the MBA program. The admission process of IIM Kozhikode offering the Post Graduate Programme (MBA Marketing) is mentioned below:
- The candidate has to ensure that he/she meets the minimum eligibility criteria by holding a bachelor degree with not less than 60% marks in aggregate (relaxation will be provided to candidates from reserved categories) or by completing any professional course (CA, CMA, CS) with at least 50% marks and obtaining a valid CAT/ GMAT/ MAT score.
- Those candidates who have selected IIM Kozhikode while filling out the entrance exam application will receive an email invitation.
- Next, the candidates must complete the online registration process on the institute's portal before the deadline.
- The candidates are shortlisted based on an Aggregate Index Score (AIS), which considers entrance exam performance (CAT/GMAT/GRE), academic records (Class X and XII), work experience, etc.
- In the case of shortlisted candidates, a Written Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI) would be conducted to evaluate the candidates in terms of overall contribution to the program.
- A final merit list is prepared based on the candidate's performance in the entrance examination, WAT, PI, academic credentials, work experience, and diversity factors, upon which admission will be offered as per merit and reservation norms.
- Selected candidates must confirm their acceptance by paying the fees to block their seat for the MBA Finance program at IIM Kozhikode.
Documents Required
The following list of documents is required for admission to the MBA Marketing course:
Class 10th marksheet and certificate
- Class 12th marksheet and certificate
- Graduation degree certificate and all semester/year-wise marksheets
- Entrance exam scorecard (CAT, XAT, MAT, CMAT, GMAT, etc.)
- Proof of date of birth (such as birth certificate or 10th marksheet)
- Government-issued photo ID (Aadhar card, PAN card, passport, etc.)
- Passport-sized photographs
- Category or caste certificate (if applying under reserved categories)
- Work experience certificate (if applicable)
- Letters of recommendation (if required by the institution)
- Statement of Purpose or essays (if required by the institution)
- Proficiency test scores in English (TOEFL/IELTS), for international or certain private universities
- Domicile certificate or other relevant documents (if required by the institution)
Cater the challenges of the current digital scenario with the MBA Digital Marketing
Top Colleges for MBA Marketing
Some of the best colleges for an MBA in marketing include IIM Kozhikode, NMIMS University, IMT Ghaziabad and many more. Some of the MBA Marketing top colleges are mentioned below:
Want to explore other options for an MBA? Check MBA in Marketing Management
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone with a non-business or non-commerce graduate degree apply for the MBA Marketing program?
Any graduate can apply for the MBA Marketing program provided the minimum marks requirement of the institute and other eligibility criteria are met. This has allowed students from many backgrounds to be introduced to marketing, thereby enriching the classroom in terms of discussions and perspectives.
Is there any age limit for MBA Marketing program applications?
If any institute at all had an age limit, it would be specified in the admission policies of that institute. Usually, there is no age limit for admission to MBA Marketing, so that working professionals and career changers can pursue their degree at different stages of their lives.
Is work experience necessary for admission to the MBA Marketing course?
Most likely not. Most MBA in Marketing Management institutions do not make it compulsory, while some would have a preference for candidates who have some relevant work experience. Work experience can only supplement learning through practical insights and more chances during the selection process.
Is specialization in digital marketing very important in the MBA Marketing course?
Considering that businesses are progressively shifting their focus from offline modes to online platforms, specialization in digital marketing becomes invaluable. Many MBA programs are nowadays incorporating standalone courses or electives in digital marketing, thereby boosting employability prospects in this fast-developing discipline of knowledge, since this particular specialization prepares the student with skills in SEO, social media marketing, analytics and content strategy, which are highly sought after by employers.
Can a student pursue an MBA in marketing through Distance or online learning?
Yes, most universities offer this type of program, and its eligibility and admission process are similar to those of regular programs. Usually, a bachelor's degree and entrance exam scores are needed. This form of education proves to be ideal for those who have already secured employment and are looking to balance their career with their education while gaining valuable knowledge in marketing.
