Let’s be brutally honest.
If you're thinking of doing an MBA in 2025, you've probably asked yourself (or been asked), “Is it still worth it?”
We live in a time when 23-year-olds are launching startups, managing teams, and even raising funding — all without an MBA. At the same time, B-schools are still running on a model that was designed decades ago.
This post isn’t anti-MBA. But it’s time we had a real conversation about whether it still makes sense for everyone.
Let’s look at the numbers.
In India, a top-tier MBA will cost you between ₹20 to ₹40 lakhs. If you plan to go abroad, that figure shoots up to ₹70 lakhs or more. Add 2 years of opportunity cost (the salary you could have earned), and you’re looking at an investment of ₹1 crore or more.
Now here's the problem: in many cases, the return on that investment is no longer guaranteed. Job markets have shifted. Startups and companies value skills, execution, and adaptability more than degrees.
Why spend lakhs when you can learn finance, strategy, marketing, or even leadership from platforms like:
A close friend of mine (non-MBA) started consulting with startups using just his LinkedIn profile and a strong portfolio. Within a year, he was earning more than the average IIM graduate — no CAT exam, no student loan.
And this isn't a rare story anymore. Thousands of professionals are choosing real-world experience over classroom learning. They’re building resumes through internships, side hustles, and projects, not grades.
Now, to be fair, the MBA is not dead. It still adds value in certain situations:
I’m not claiming one path is better than the other. But I believe every career decision today should be made intentionally, not because “everyone’s doing it.”
So I’m curious:
Are you planning to do an MBA? Why or why not?
If you're thinking of doing an MBA in 2025, you've probably asked yourself (or been asked), “Is it still worth it?”
We live in a time when 23-year-olds are launching startups, managing teams, and even raising funding — all without an MBA. At the same time, B-schools are still running on a model that was designed decades ago.
This post isn’t anti-MBA. But it’s time we had a real conversation about whether it still makes sense for everyone.
The Real Cost of an MBA
Let’s look at the numbers.
In India, a top-tier MBA will cost you between ₹20 to ₹40 lakhs. If you plan to go abroad, that figure shoots up to ₹70 lakhs or more. Add 2 years of opportunity cost (the salary you could have earned), and you’re looking at an investment of ₹1 crore or more.
Now here's the problem: in many cases, the return on that investment is no longer guaranteed. Job markets have shifted. Startups and companies value skills, execution, and adaptability more than degrees.
AI, Online Learning, and the Self-Taught Revolution
Why spend lakhs when you can learn finance, strategy, marketing, or even leadership from platforms like:
- Coursera (Wharton, Yale, Google)
- Udemy
- LinkedIn Learning
- MasterClass (Yes, real entrepreneurs teaching real stuff)
The Rise of the “MBA-Free” Professionals
A close friend of mine (non-MBA) started consulting with startups using just his LinkedIn profile and a strong portfolio. Within a year, he was earning more than the average IIM graduate — no CAT exam, no student loan.
And this isn't a rare story anymore. Thousands of professionals are choosing real-world experience over classroom learning. They’re building resumes through internships, side hustles, and projects, not grades.
When Does an MBA Still Make Sense?
Now, to be fair, the MBA is not dead. It still adds value in certain situations:
- You’re switching industries (e.g., from IT to finance)
- You want to work in top-tier consulting firms (McKinsey, BCG, Bain)
- You’re looking for structured learning and mentorship
- You’re lacking industry exposure or clarity
Let’s Talk
I’m not claiming one path is better than the other. But I believe every career decision today should be made intentionally, not because “everyone’s doing it.”
So I’m curious:
Are you planning to do an MBA? Why or why not?
- If you’ve already done one — was it worth it?
- Do companies still care more about your degree or your execution?