Many US business schools and top universities expect applicants to have completed 16 as opposed to 15 years of education. In India, part from fields such as engineering, medicine and architecture, graduation in many popular disciplines require 15 years of education. This post is for those MBA aspirants who have completed their graduation in India in science, arts, commerce or any undergraduate stream that follows a 12+3 pattern. These candidates may have landed a great job or successfully launched their own venture or made it big with their family business, so never considered studying further. Should a three years bachelor’s degree (or 15 years of formal education) act as a deterrent while applying for an MBA abroad?
The answer is ‘No’. A lot of schools do accept applications from candidates having 15 years of education. While evaluating applications, the admissions committee looks at you as a complete package rather than focusing on just 1 single aspect, so if the rest of your application is strong, you may still have a shot at the top schools.
A few candidates, in order to match their academic credentials with professional courses (like the MBA), go to the extent of completing another year in a post-graduate program only for the sake of putting it on the application and satisfying the admission requirements listed on the university website.
However, candidates need to think hard on whether this one year of additional effort is truly justified. Instead of taking such remedial steps to fix the issue, a better approach would be to spend this useful time focusing on the bigger picture. Get a high GMAT score, add some diversity and depth to your work profile so that your application becomes impressive. The number of years of education is just a qualifying criteria and if the school mentions on its website that a three years undergraduate course is acceptable (and many do), there’s no need to worry about this aspect any more.
Given below is a short list to get you started.
Top USA B-schools that accept 15 years of education from India
- University of Virginia Darden School of Business
- Dartmouth University Tuck School of Business
- University of Pennsylvania Wharton School
- NYU Stern School of Business
- MIT, Sloan School of Management
- Duke University Fuqua School of Business
- University of Chicago, Booth School of Business
- Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management
- Columbia Business School
- Yale School of Management
At the time of writing this post, these schools were accepting Indian applicants with 15 years of education degrees. Double check if they still do.
Also do some more research as there will surely more schools to add to this list. So if your dream school is not listed here, you need to visit the concerned university website and check out their FAQ section where most of such questions are answered. If you still have queries unanswered, send across an email to the admissions committee and get a definite answer.
Most of the colleges mention on their website that three year undergraduate degree programs are common in the U.K. and India and this is should not be a problem. Some schools like Columbia Business School state that the applications would be reviewed on a case-by-case basis which means that you should emerge as a strong candidate based on your work experience or extracurricular.
What if the USA MBA college does not accept 15 years of education?
If you are sure that the schools (in the USA or elsewhere) you are interested in do not accept applications from those with 15 years of Indian education, the show can still go on. There are many good schools (including the ones listed earlier) that would be more flexible with their entry rules. Check them out and build your selection of schools accordingly.
What’s more important than the school itself, is the ultimate goals you have in mind. If another good school can get you there, why get so stressed with universities who won’t open their doors for you because of this little technicality?
Some students get so carried away and spend a lot of time and energy trying to find workarounds to make their profile a fit for a particular school that needs more than 15 years of education. In this pursuit they tend to sacrifice on the other aspects that could be taken care of and thus make them a good candidate for some other top business school. So finally it’s a call for the applicant to take whether they would wish to go ahead with their application with whatever educational qualification they have or study for an additional year to complete 16 years of education.
Hello Sameer
How about 1 Year IIM Lucknow Certification program. They are costing around 3 Lakh and provide you Training for 2 days a week and Alumni Status to learn Global Business Management. This is based on entrance test and no need for GMAT or other scores.
Can you guide is it worth spending suhc amount on IIM L – for Certification as its not a degree program. My aspiration is settle abroad and imporve business education.
Deepak,
Part-time programs are not meant to facilitate any significant career change.
I’m not sure what you mean by ‘improving business education’. But if you are expecting that a part-time certification program will help you settle abroad, then it will be an impractical expectation.
Hey,
I am currently in my 4th year in Manipal Institute of Technology. In my second year, I took a branch that couldn’t handle and switched to information technology in the following year. My CGPA is 9.1, with my first year GPA = 7.2 and almost perfect GPA in the following semesters (expect my second year that was wasted) My GMAT score is 740. I have been involved with a voluntary student organization and worked in the fields of public relations. I also helped starting a college club and leading it. I have done an research internship in Poland and volunteered on an AIDS project in Indonesia. I have also helped weak fellow students by taking extra classes for them. Back in my home town, I helped start a volunteering club which served to educate under-privileged children, namely in the fields of arithmetic and computer skills. I speak 4 Indian and 3 foreign languages.
Do I stand a chance at Harvard 2+2? Or Stanford? Will that wasted year cost me too dearly?
Thanks a lot.
Siya,
Harvard and Stanford are dream schools for most applicants and for that reason also the most competitive in the world. When it comes to dream schools, the only way to find out is by applying.
Along with these schools, you should also include other MBA programs that seem more practical.
But very few schools have the Harvard 2+2 equivalent (another option closer back home is the ISB YLP progam).
For most other top MBA programs in the US, you’d need to work in the industry and get some work experience. Some folks manage to get in without experience (read this post –> Story of an MBA dropout – An IITian goes Beyond The MBA Hype), but those are exceptions.
If you have good experience, Executive MBA at USC Marshall School of Business is a great choice.
hi sir,
i have done my 3 yr b.com from du and now i plan to do a 1yr pg diploma(FINANCE) from AIMA(just to complete 16 yrs of studies).Will this diploma be counted in US schools?
Ram,
I’m not familiar with the program you are referring to. But in general, part-time or distance education programs may not be considered on par with regular / full-time / mainstream degrees. So do your homework rather than assuming that it’ll help you complete 16 years of education.
Also, read the last paragraph of the blog post once again. A better option would be for you to check other bschools in USA, UK, Singapore where 15 years of education from India will not be a problem.
I have got an offer letter from Warwick business school for their 1yr Msc in management program. Is this a good program? will I get good job opportunities with this degree? Should I leave it and try for Mba instead from symbiosis pune?
another thing I am at the moment doing my graduation final yr from DU. I have no work expirience. and I am doing psychology
Giri,
An MSc in management and a regular international MBA are aimed at different profiles.
Pyschology to management is a BIG jump. Remember that you’d have to convince employers too after you finish the next degree. No point in blindly going for another degree just for the heck of it.
If you have no experience, I’d suggest working for a while so you realise which stream interest you more. Then you can take a call.
Sir,can you tell me regular 1 yr pg diplomas in finance,ugc recognised,in delhi-NCR
Ram, I’m not the right person to answer that as we focus only on GMAT based MBA programs.
I hav completed my bachelors in management studies from lala lajpatrai college of commerce and economics,mumbai. I am planning to do my mba from usa. I hav 1yr of work experience. But i have only 15yrs of education. I would really appreciate if you could let me with the names of the universities i can apply in for a reputed mba course.
Hi,
First of all… thanks for putting down such informative replies
I am an Advertising professional with 6.5 years of work experience (out of which 4 years has been in a managerial role)
I am now thinking about doing my MBA from UK and wanted to know whether it would be a right decision to invest 15-20L?? will it be helpful in providing me good career growth??
I did my graduation from DU (B.com) and my marks are not great..(its below 50%)… i dont wanna do MBA for the heck of it and think that doing it from top – 30 universities only matters
My full profile is:
B.com from DU – 2003-2006
PG Diploma in Mass Communication from Bhartiya Vidhya Bhawan (1 year)
PGDM from AIMA – Weekend programe – CGPA – 3
Now with the above information i think that my work ex is the major plus point..
To make up for the shortfall in my grad i am also thinking of appearing for GMAT and scoring good in it (though Universities in UK doesnt that but it might just add more weight to my profile)
Please help me in deciding how to go about this and also which universities should i be practically looking at
Regards
Amit
@Rishabh: The names of the bschools are listed in the blog post. So all you need to do is scroll up
Btw, with 1 year work experience, I don’t think you should be applying to any of them.
@Amit: I think you are grossly underestimating the cost involved in a good international MBA program (top 30 as you’ve mentioned). Even the Indian options (like ISB, IIMA PGPX) will be more expensive than the range you’ve shared.
So a little more research and groundwork needed, Amit-bhai.
Hello, I have done B.com, & 1 yr BEd & PGDIB from IIMT Delhi. Have 2 yrs of work experience in field of international Business; landed in US in h4 visa & is it worth doing a PG programme in Marketing, is it a zero possibility to land in a job here with marketing specialisation?. STEM is the eligible criteria for h1; so i should opt some finance related courses or not. Or is it better in Canada to get work permit?
Sir,
I am pursuing my Bachelor’s degree from Delhi University, my exams are scheduled to finish by the end of first week of June. I was looking around on the websites of all of these universities which you have mentioned and I found out that i will miss the deadlines if I start after my exams to study and appear for GMAT. Sir I have discussed this with a lot of people, some suggested me to submit the documents, transcripts and everything before the deadline with an extra letter in which i will be acknowledging them this issue and mentioning the date of GMAT exam which i will fix very soon. This will make me meet the deadline and the university will somewhat HOLD my application till that date and if i get a good result then the chances of getting admission is high.
IS THIS POSSIBLE?
Do they accept such applications?
Should i go for it and send it to the following univs?
Tuck
MIT Sloan
Columbia
Duke
NYU Stern
@Eva: STEM (that’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics for others reading this) isn’t the only arena where the US economy has jobs. But it does become difficult for international candidates to get certain roles. Marketing jobs are the tougher ones to bag, specially those that involve front ending. Right now, your plans appear to be pretty haphazard – going from Marketing to Finance, and from US to Canada. You’ll need to figure out what you really want first before you take up any educational course.
@Dushyant: The problem here isn’t your GMAT score. It’s the lack of work-ex. Without work-experience, I don’t think you’d have a shot at any of the top schools you’ve listed. Try to get some corporate experience before you start looking at these programs.
hello sir
I am pursuing bachelors in business administration (BBA) from Gd Goenka world institute, India. the degree is awarded by Lancaster university UK. i am planning to do my mba from USA. After completing this course I will have 15 years of education. i wanted your advice on whether i should work after completing bba or look for a post graduation course. I have an option of doing post graduate diploma from the same college after completing bba. what do you think should i go for it? will it help me getting in good colleges?
hello sir ,
im pursuing b.com and by same way i am doing articleship near a charted accounting and many of them says that articleship will be accepted is it real sir…?
Hello Sameer,
I am Based in Almaty,Kazakhstan Now, been here for the last 5 years and before that was based in South EAST Asia with MAERSK Line.
i finished my graduation in 2004 (B.A Sociology), and then been working with MAERSK in India and SIngapore and now in Central Asia working as Director- Operations for a Logistics company…
I am now planning to get back to studies,looking at MBA in SCM in USA..and have started my GMAT preparations.I am looking at 2014 Autumn intake..
For this since i have only 10+2+3 years oof education, will this be an issue for me?
i am looking at Various Uni/colleges like Booth,W.P Carey,Smeal,Wisconsin UNI, as they all offer some good courses in SCM…
Let me have your feedback on this please…
Thank you..
@Swati: I suggest getting out from the academic world and gaining some real world experience before you decide if you should head back into a class.
@Mailk: Bschools like ISB clearly state that they don’t accept articleship as work-experience. There may be others that do. So you’ll have to check with the college / university that you are interested in.
@Sanju: Chicago Booth, as listed in the blog post above, accepts 15 years of education. For the others you’d have to reach out to Smeal, Wisconsin etc to find out. It’ll be great if you can share your findings here.
Hello Sameer,
I’m in a Huge mess right now and want your help.
I’ve just completed my Bcom from Osmania University, Hyderabad.
So in order to make my education 16 years, I’m planning to pursue 1Year Post Graduate Diploma in Management (Finance) full time from ISBR, Bangalore.
Will this be a wise thing to do? Will this be considered as the 16th Year of education?
@Mayank: I don’t know about this program in particular. But if it’s the equivalent of an MBA, the other question you’d need to answer is why another MBA from abroad. So don’t rush into something just to chase the 16 years requirement.
Dear Sameer,
I have got a job opportunity in US and would be moving to Arizona in a couple of months. My fiance has just completed her three year B Sc in Chemistry. She intends to continue her education but the missing one year seems like a deterrent. Due to location constrain we may not have an option to look for other universities which accept 15 year of education. If in worst case she has to do additional one year there, what are the options? Thanks in advance!!
Hi Sameer,
I am from Navi Mumbai. I did my grad in commerce Mumbai Uni-2006 (54% agg) and later did an EPGSCM i.e. exe program in SCM from IIM-C (weekend V-sat programme) in 2010.
My total work exp till date is 7 yrs all in SCM & currently working with a fortune 500 US based FMCG company as AM-SC. I have enrolled for IELTS for May exam date. Prep for GMAT will follow up post IELTS.
I have been to US this year to lead & implement a project on distribution planning.
I do not have 16yr edu pattern. Which colleges can I target (looking for MBA in SCM concentration) as some of my fav ones are at the start of the list & do I stand a realistic chance to get admitted to better unis by having a decent score above 600 or so..
Also, how can you help for GMAT prep.. Pls revert back..
Cheers!!!
@Anas: Congrats on the engagement and the international career opportunity. Don’t worry about your fiancee’s 15 years of education at this stage. Once she joins you in Arizona, she can hunt for good jobs and build up her experience. If the local MBA options don’t work out, there’d be other degrees that she can explore. Too early for you to start worrying about all that.
For now, cherish and enjoy the good phase of life you are going through.
@Sinan: If you are targetting the schools listed on this post, you’d have to do much better than a 600 GMAT score. We can’t directly help you with GMAT prep, but check out this online GMAT preparation course by GoGMAT. They have a free trial offer. Sign-up and see if you find it interesting
Hi Sameer,
I have completed my Business Management Bachelors degree and have 5 years of work experience in sales & marketing. I would like to work for a MNC however, majority of these are hiring candidates with a MBA qualification as a prerequisite.
As a result, I have decided to pursue my MBA from USA. I am ideally looking for a 1 year course from one of the top 20 universities (if possible top 10) and would like to know the following:
1. I’d like to specialize in International Marketing and work in the USA or Europe post graduation.
2. I’d like to spend a semester at another campus, preferably somewhere in Europe where I can a) learn a new language or b) hone my French and/or Italian skills.
3. I want the MBA to have a strong focus on entrepreneurship and strategy. In essence, I envisage upon become an entrepreneur in the long run. In fact, if the MBA has an option where you can choose to work for a start-up project then that would be great!
4. On average, what GMAT score should I be aiming for to secure admission in one of the good universities?
5. What qualities/academic credentials do I need to demonstrate in order to apply for a scholarship?
I’d really appreciate your help and thank you in advance!
hey sameer
im doing Bsc.(honors) Computer science from Delhi University,and i’m in 2nd year
Wish to do MBA from US.
Till next year i’ll complete 15 years of education and want to leave for MBA as soon as possible
without wasting another year (to complete 16 years of education)
My score till now is 70% (i.e 60+ is First class)
The problem here is No work experience and 15 years education.
What to do , if my only aim is MBA right now.?
will i be considered without work experience??
HELP! :’(
No time, because i really need to start preparing for GMAT if there is a hope!
Thanks.
sir i had compleated my b.com in india totaly my study is 15 years i am eligable to my b.school mba at us sir
@Dipika: Most of the top schools have an average GMAT score of around 700 or higher. Indians generally score higher than this average. So you can do the math accordingly and aim for a good, competitive score. For scholarships, Adcoms will look at your academic grades, professional profile, goals and how you present your overall story (the last one is the trickiest, which is the area we come in).
@Sadhvi: My view on this simple. Don’t go for an international MBA when you have no experience.
@Raju: The main article addresses this question.
hi sir
I completed Bsc computer science (15 yrs education ) and working since three years as SAP consultant as I have work experience will I be able to apply for any college for MBA or still do I need to apply for colleges which accept application with 15yrs education .Help me with this
Hi,
I have completed Diploma in Marketing and I got one year experience in marketing and now am planning to apply for MBA in USA. What are the probability that colleges will accept 1yr experience?
Thank you Sameer! I’d be really grateful if you could let me know of the Universities that have a strong emphasis on Entrepreneurship in a global environment.
Hi Sameer, forgot to add that I have shortlisted the following Universities and would like your take on these:
1. NYU Stern/HEC Dual MBA degree
2. Instituto de Empresa International MBA
3. University of Berkeley, California (HAAS)
4. University of Chicago, Booth
5. Columbia Business School
6. UCLA
I want your advice as to which University do you think would best suit my profile (given above) and yield optimum results in terms of a) starting up my own business venture in the luxury, media or technology sectors in the future and b) provide most global exposure.
I was also wondering if you could give me some insight into the Strategy elective at MBA level, is this usually for those who aspire to work in management consultancy?
@Ken: As the post explains, all schools don’t accept 15 years of education.
@Ramesh: The top schools will need more experience. Typically, 4-5 years is the average at the start of the program.
@Deepika: All the programs you’ve listed are good enough to give you a basic grounding in the skills that entrepreneurs need. The strategy elective isn’t meant only for consulting careers. The knowledge can be used in any role and any industry.
If you are looking for a more indepth evaluation and personalised recommendations, you should consider taking up the MBA MAP.
Hi Sameer,
I have 15 years of education and i have very less percentage in my graduation. i also have 2 years of work experience. I am planning to do Post graduate in retails management its a 1 year program and i will do my best to get good marks.
So do you think this program and a GMAT will get me under the 16 years of education bracket and get me into a top universities. I want to do MBA in Retail Management.
Thanks
Hi Sameer, I have a work experience of 8 years in IT MNC and GMAT score 700. But my graduation marks is only 48% due to family issues happened that time. I have a keen interest in MBA in Consulting . Could you please let me know whether I am eligible for an MBA in India and outside India. Also let me know the best schools to apply. Really appreciate your help.
Hi Sameer,
I studied till class 10 in india and migrated Singapore and did my tertiary and undergraduate education there. I did 3 year polytechnic diploma in Information Technology from one of the five polytechnics in Singapore and followed by bachelor degree. I have received two year exemption based courses taken during my diploma(Direct to Final year of the course and secured my UK degree-(Second class lower (part-time) while working full time.
Natonality – Singaporean, Age 28
Bsc Computer Engineering- UK University
Work Experience- 7 yrs Product development Engineer- HP. Gmat 680
Do stand any change of admission to following universities.
Olin,Foster,Carlson…
pursuing post graduate qualification Frm NUS or SMU (One year Masters in IT) help to offset my undergraduate dilema. … pls advice..
Would a distance learning M.com course count towards the 16 year requirement for mba?