An MBA (Master of Business Administration) is one of the most sought-after postgraduate programs in India. While many aspirants dream of studying at the IIMs or other top-tier B-schools, the high tuition fees—often ranging from ₹15–25 lakhs—can be a barrier. However, the good news is that India also offers several low cost MBA colleges that provide quality education, high ROI (Return on Investment), and strong placement opportunities at an affordable price.
This blog will guide you through the best low cost MBA programs in India in 2025, focusing on government universities, private colleges, online MBA options, scholarships, and high ROI institutes. By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap for pursuing your MBA dream without burning a hole in your pocket.Low Cost MBA Colleges in India
When we talk about low cost MBA colleges in India, the range usually falls between ₹30,000 to ₹3 lakhs for the entire program. Many universities provide AICTE-approved MBA/PGDM programs at a fraction of the cost compared to private B-schools.
Popular examples include:
- Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), Delhi University – Fees around ₹2 lakhs.
- Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies (JBIMS), Mumbai – Approx. ₹6 lakhs.
- Department of Financial Studies (DFS), University of Delhi – Around ₹25,000–₹50,000 per semester.
- University Business School (UBS), Panjab University – Approx. ₹40,000 per year.
Affordable MBA Programs with Placements
An affordable MBA program is only valuable if it provides good placements. Luckily, several low cost institutes have average placement packages ranging between ₹8–15 LPA.
- FMS Delhi is famous for its 100% placement record with top recruiters like McKinsey, BCG, and Google.
- JBIMS Mumbai is known as the “CEO Factory of India” because of its alumni network.
- TISS Mumbai (HRM & LR program) costs less than ₹1 lakh but delivers average CTCs of ₹20+ LPA.
MBA Under 1 Lakh in India
Yes, it’s possible to pursue an MBA under 1 lakh in India. Many state universities and central universities offer programs in this range:
- Delhi School of Economics (DSE) – MBA fees around ₹50,000–₹80,000.
- Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi – Fees around ₹20,000–₹30,000 per year.
- Allahabad University – Less than ₹70,000 for a full MBA.
These universities prove that low cost doesn’t mean low quality.
Government MBA Colleges with Low Fees
Government institutes are the best option for MBA at affordable cost. They combine low fees with excellent faculty and campus facilities.
Examples include:
- FMS Delhi (Delhi University) – ₹2 lakhs.
- TISS Mumbai – ₹80,000 approx.
- Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi – Less than ₹1.5 lakhs.
- IIT MBA programs (IIT Delhi, IIT Kharagpur, IIT Roorkee) – Fees between ₹2–3 lakhs.
Distance MBA at Low Cost
For working professionals or those who cannot relocate, distance MBA programs offer an economical option.
Top choices include:
- IGNOU MBA – Fees around ₹62,000 for the full course.
- Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning (SCDL) – ₹70,000–₹1,20,000.
- NMIMS Global Access MBA (Distance) – ₹1–1.5 lakhs.
Online MBA Programs in India with Low Fees
Online MBAs are gaining popularity due to flexibility, affordability, and global recognition.
- Amity Online MBA – Around ₹1.5 lakhs.
- Jain University Online MBA – ₹60,000–₹80,000.
- UPES Online MBA – Around ₹1.25 lakhs.
- Manipal Online MBA – Approx. ₹1.75 lakhs.
Top MBA Colleges with High ROI
The true value of an MBA is judged by its ROI (Return on Investment). Some low-cost colleges consistently deliver high ROI.
- FMS Delhi – Fees: ₹2 lakhs | Avg Package: ₹34 LPA.
- TISS Mumbai – Fees: ₹80,000 | Avg Package: ₹20 LPA.
- JBIMS Mumbai – Fees: ₹6 lakhs | Avg Package: ₹27 LPA.
- BHU Varanasi – Fees: ₹60,000 | Avg Package: ₹6–8 LPA.
Cheapest MBA Colleges in India for 2025
Here’s a quick list of the cheapest MBA colleges in India:
- IGNOU MBA – ₹62,000.
- Delhi University MBA (FMS, DSE, DFS) – ₹20,000–₹2 lakhs.
- BHU MBA – ₹60,000.
- University of Allahabad – ₹70,000.
- Jamia Millia Islamia – ₹1.5 lakhs.
MBA Admission in Government Universities
Admission into government MBA colleges is usually based on entrance exams like CAT, MAT, XAT, or university-level tests. Some state universities also conduct direct admissions based on graduation marks.
Scholarships for MBA Students in India
Several scholarships make low cost MBA even more affordable:
- AICTE Pragati & Saksham Scholarships for students from low-income families.
- Central and State Government Scholarships for SC/ST/OBC/EWS categories.
- Merit-based scholarships at institutes like FMS, TISS, and BHU.
MBA Without Entrance Exam at Low Cost
Many universities now offer direct admission MBA programs without entrance exams. While placements may not be as strong, they are perfect for students looking for budget-friendly education.
Examples:
- Lovely Professional University (LPU).
- Amity University (Direct MBA entry).
- Jain Online MBA.
Best Executive MBA at Low Fees
For working professionals, executive MBA programs at low fees are a boon:
- IGNOU Executive MBA – ₹62,000.
- IIM Lucknow WMP – Approx. ₹4 lakhs (cheaper than global EMBA programs).
- ISB Executive Programs (short-term) – Affordable compared to full-time EMBA.
ROI-Focused MBA Colleges in India
If ROI is your priority, the following low fee + high placement colleges are unbeatable:
- FMS Delhi
- TISS Mumbai
- JBIMS Mumbai
- BHU Varanasi
- Jamia Millia Islamia
State University MBA Programs with Low Fees
Almost every state university in India has its MBA department offering programs between ₹20,000–₹1 lakh per year. These are perfect for local students who want affordable education near home.
MBA Admission 2025 in Affordable Institutes
The MBA admission 2025 cycle has already started in many universities. Students should keep an eye on:
- CAT 2025 applications for government B-schools.
- State-level MBA CET exams.
- University-specific notifications (BHU, DU, JMI, PU, etc.).
Case Study: FMS Delhi – The Best Low Cost MBA in India
- Fees: ₹2 lakhs total.
- Average Package 2024: ₹34 LPA.
- ROI: Highest in India.
- Why? Excellent faculty, alumni network, and corporate connections.
FAQs
Q1. Which is the cheapest MBA college in India?
A: IGNOU MBA is one of the cheapest at ₹62,000.
Q2. Can I do MBA under ₹1 lakh?
A: Yes, universities like BHU, DU (DFS, DSE), and Allahabad University offer MBA under ₹1 lakh.
Q3. Which MBA gives highest ROI at low cost?
A: FMS Delhi and TISS Mumbai.
Q4. Is online MBA valid for jobs?
A: Yes, AICTE/UGC-approved online MBAs are valid and recognized.
Conclusion
Pursuing an MBA in India doesn’t always have to be expensive. With options like government universities, distance education, online programs, and scholarships, students can easily complete an MBA under ₹1–2 lakhs while enjoying excellent placements and ROI.
If you’re planning for MBA admission 2025, start exploring these low cost MBA options early. A well-chosen affordable MBA can be just as rewarding as a premium program — and sometimes even better when it comes to ROI.