What is Sales & Marketing?: Course Fees 2025, Subjects, Top Colleges, Admissions

A Sales and Marketing course is a course that helps individuals gain knowledge about customer behaviour and the nitty-gritty of the market. The students are taught about different concepts and facets of sales and marketing, which enables them to make quick and effective decisions, while managing real-time business activities in the future.

Sales and Marketing courses are meant to give learners a strong understanding of how to effectively advertise and sell products or services to specific audiences, as well as how to build and implement successful marketing strategies.

For any company selling a product, the concepts of marketing and sales are very important, as they can mean the difference between success and failure. While they are often used interchangeably or grouped they are two different concepts and it is important to understand those differences.

Sales refers to the short-term need to close a sale, get an agreement signed, or ultimately do what needs to be done to sell whatever it is you are selling. Sales techniques and strategies are based on what it takes to 'close the deal', which is crucial to any business.

If you get customers in the door but cannot get them to buy a product, there is a problem with your sales strategy. Sales strategies are focused on the individual buyer and what needs to be done for them to pull out their wallet, or click on the buy button when it comes to online selling.

Companies typically set sales volume targets for a period (weeks, months, and quarters) and have strategies in place where the individuals responsible for actually selling can make those targets. Marketing is a longer-term concept than sales and relates to forward-looking strategies to understand customer needs, influence customer perceptions, and identify how a company can capitalize on that.

The result of the marketing process, and what it directly supports, is making sales easier. Marketing techniques and strategies are based on what it takes to identify the right product mix, the prices for those products, and what needs to be communicated to target customers (via advertisement) to ensure successful sales.

One of the key aspects of marketing strategies is building a brand identity for what a company is selling and this varies from company to company. McDonald's obviously brands its food and advertising far differently than a luxury steakhouse would do. While sales are the 'push' to buy the product once the customer is there, marketing is the 'pull' that gets the customer to you in the first place.

When marketing is done effectively it can also make sales a far easier job for a company, as the customer can already be convinced and ready to buy by the time they enter your store (or website). Sales can still succeed without very effective marketing but it certainly makes the job more difficult. 

Yes, digital marketing is a good option in combination to MBA in marketing. Every MNC has created a separate sub department of digital marketing in their marketing department, which focusses on marketing through digital media. They focus on SEO and SMO. You will get more job opportunities with digital marketing. You can opt for international business as well.

If you want to establish your own business, sales and marketing courses can give you the core knowledge you need to effectively sell your products or services and reach your target audience.
These courses can help you develop your career if you already work in Sales or Marketing. They can teach you the skills and information you need to take on greater responsibility, lead teams or advance to higher-level positions.
Sales and marketing frequently necessitate rapid thinking and adaptation to shifting circumstances. Sales and Marketing Courses can assist you in developing problem-solving skills which are necessary for conquering problems in various fields.

Yes, students can also pursue various Online Sales and Marketing courses. Many educational institutions, universities, and online learning platforms provide extensive and certified online sales and marketing courses, diplomas, and even whole degree programmes. Online learning allows you to pursue your studies while also managing other obligations such as employment, family, or other duties.

Students can pursue BBA and MBA in Sales and Marketing specialisation as they are the most popular programmes in the field. Students can have a look at the table below to know the eligibility criteria for Sales and Marketing courses:

The PI is the most personal part of the admission process. Here's how to ace it:

• Know Your Resume: Be prepared to discuss everything listed on your resume including academic achievements, work experience, internships and extracurriculars.
• Why Marketing: Be ready to explain why you wanted to pursue an MBA in Marketing and what excites you about this field. Share any experiences (like internships or projects) that sparked your interest in marketing.
• Career Goals: Articulate your short-term and long-term goals. Show the interviewers how an MBA in Marketing will help you achieve them.
• Know the Institute: Research the programme you are applying to—be aware of its unique offerings, faculty, and placement records. This will demonstrate your genuine interest in the College.
• Behavioral Questions: Be prepared for questions like “Tell me about a time when you worked in a team” or “How do you handle stress? ” Practice answering these types of questions using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method.

No, work experience is not mandatory for admission to an MBA in Marketing, however, it helps in building a professional network, gives your admission application strength (Admissions committees often look for candidates with practical experience), helps in classroom discussions, and overall career advancement.

IPU CET 2026 exam will be conducted from April 2026. Registration link for IPU CET 2026 will be active from February  2026 to April 2026. IPU CET 2026 will be conducted for various courses by university. 

No, CUET syllabus is not based on CBSE syllabus as claimed by Education Ministry in Rajya Sabha. The CUET exam is designed to assess the general understandig of the candidate in subjects he/she has opted for. CUET UG is on of the biggest UG entrance exam carnival conducted for admission in cebtral, state, private and deemed universities.

Candidates preparing for CUET UG exam must check the detailed CUET syllabus and CUET question paper to become familiar with the important topics and type of questions asked in the exam.  

Several national-level and university-level entrance exams are accepted for admission into MBA in Marketing programs. The most widely recognised include:

• CAT (Common Admission Test)
• XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test)
• MAT (Management Aptitude Test)
• CMAT (Common Management Admission Test)
• NMAT
• SNAP
• MAH-CET

Each exam tests a candidate's quantitative ability, logical reasoning, verbal skills, and data interpretation abilities. Some exams also include general knowledge or essay writing sections.

The IPMAT difficulty level is usually considered moderate to tough. The difficulty level of the IPMAT exam may differ from one year to another as well as from one section to another. IPMAT exam tests the candidates' aptitude and analytical ability. The QA section is usually considered tough as it evalutes mathematical and quantitative skills. The section covers topics such as algebra, geometry, number systems, mensuration, etc. The QA section has two parts MCQs and short-answer type questiona. Generally the SA section is tougher than the other one. 

The Verbal Ability section includes topics such as reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and critical reasoning. 

Yes it is possible to get into a Diploma of Marketing and Communication programme without work experience but it totally depends on the institution and their specific entry requirements.Many institutions focus on academic qualifications or demonstrated skills rather than requiring work experience.

Here are some enter such programs without work experience

1. Academic Qualifications.

2. Language Proficiency.

3. Portfolio or Application Statements.

4. Bridging or Pathway Programs.

The medium of the exam for the PG Diploma in Marketing and Sales course is generally English. Most universities and institutes who offer this course, including distance learning programs, conduct their exams in English because it forms part of the standard language for such courses in business management.

The marketing profession has experienced tremendous growth in recent years. Graduates of the MBA in Sales and Marketing programme have many job options and they can join FMCG companies, Consultancy Firms, Retail Units, Tourism companies, Advertising companies, etc. They can earn an average salary ranging from INR 5 Lacs to INR 20 lakh.

Also Read: Sales and Marketing course

Sales and marketing are vital tasks in any firm, and they demand a diverse set of talents to be successful. Here are some of the essential sales and marketing skills:

Communication: The capacity to communicate successfully with clients understand their needs and sell your product or service persuasively.

Product Knowledge: A thorough understanding of the items or services being sold, including features, benefits and competitive advantages.

Negotiation: The ability to negotiate terms, pricing and agreements with clients in order to achieve mutually advantageous outcomes.

The curriculum for an MBA in Sales and Marketing varies per institution, but in general, it covers a broad range of topics to offer students with a complete understanding of sales and marketing tactics, methods, and management. Some of the main subjects taught in the MBA in Sales and Marketing programme are:

Students can pursue Sales and Marketing courses in various modes. Online courses give freedom to working professionals to continue their studies along with their work. Some of the top colleges offering Online courses in Sales and Marketing are:

No, ICFAI Business School Dehradun does not offer a standalone Master of Business Administration in Sales and Marketing. Students can choose Marketing as one of their electives. The duration of the course is two years. The total tuition fee for Master of Business Administration is INR 6.03 Lakh (for two years). Total Seats for MBA course is 360.

Salaries in sales and marketing in India can vary widely depending on various factors such as the level of experience, the industry, the company's size and location, the specific role, and individual performance. The sales and marketing graduates can earn the following salaries:

Entry Level: Salary ranging INR 2 Lacs to INR 4 lakh

Mid-Level:  Salary ranging INR 4 Lacs to INR 8 lakh

Senior-Level: Salary ranging INR 6 Lacs to 12 lakh

Sales and Marketing are two business disciplines that have an impact on lead creation and income. All acts that lead to the sale of products and services are referred to as sales. Marketing is the process of generating interest in the goods and services for sale. Sales and marketing play a special and crucial function in building a connection between potential customers' demands and the goods and services the company has to offer.

Students who have completed their graduation with minimum 50 per cent score can apply to this programme. Students can join various industries and make an average salary ranging INR 4 to 8 lakh per year after the course at the entry-level.

Yes, you can secure a job after completing a BBA in Finance and Marketing. Many companies visit campuses for placements, offering roles in sales, marketing, finance, and operations. Opportunities depend on your college's reputation, academic performance, internships, and communication skills. Focus on building a strong resume, networking, and improving practical knowledge to enhance employability. Consider joining companies like banks, FMCGs, or startups for entry-level positions in your field of interest.

Hi 

Although there is no hard and fast rule about pursuing an MBA after completing a BBA, in today's cutthroat competitive world, those with a higher level of education, which encompasses a broader range of knowledge, exposure, and experience, are expected to have a better chance of achieving their goals. However, if throughout the BBA curriculum, a student decides to pursue an alternative career path that does not necessitate an MBA, he or she may do so. A BBA + MBA degree is also insufficient. No amount of education can ensure success if a person is not passionate or driven enough to put in the effort.

I hope it helps!

A good marketing graduate possesses a blend of academic knowledge, practical abilities, and personal characteristics that position them to flourish in the fast-paced and competitive field of marketing. Here are some characteristics that distinguish a marketing graduate:

• A strong academic foundation in marketing principles, theories, and concepts obtained through formal education in marketing or a related field.
• Analytical abilities include the capacity to analyze market trends, consumer behaviour, and data in order to develop insights that inform efficient marketing plans.
• Knowledge of numerous digital marketing tools, platforms, and approaches, such as social media marketing, content development, SEO, email marketing, and data analytics.

Candidates who are interested in sales and marketing may find employment prospects after completing this course. After an MBA in Sales & Marketing, you can work in a variety of fields, including banking, tourism consulting, media, retail, and advertising.

The graduates can work as Sales and Marketing Manager, Pre-Sales Associate, Sales and Marketing Executive, Sales Specialist, Growth Manager, and Frontline Executive. Those with a higher degree and other talents in sales and marketing can advance in their careers.

In India, a new working professional can earn between INR 2 and 8 lakh per year, whereas an experienced professional can make between INR 8 and 10 lakh. Read More: Top 6 Reasons to study Marketing

The Sales and Marketing course teaches the skills which are essential in a business world. Some of the main reasons to pursue Sales and Marketing courses are:

• Sales and Marketing course focuses on the practical application of marketing orientation, techniques, and methods in the management of an organization's marketing resources and activities.
• Revenue generation is inextricably tied to sales and marketing. Sales and marketing techniques are effective help to attract customers.
• Sales and marketing efforts are focused on identifying and reaching potential consumers, increasing product or service awareness and persuading them to buy. This contributes to the expansion of the consumer base and the growth of the firm.

Also Read: Top 6 Reasons to Study Marketing

The exchange of goods and services for money is referred to as sales. It is the process of moving goods from the manufacturer to the distributor, the distributor to the wholesaler, the wholesaler to the retailer, and the retailer to the customer. Relationship-building between the buyer and the vendor is the main focus of modern sales, while marketing teams make efforts to create brand awareness of the company's goods, and services. Marketing also involves the process of researching and analyzing customer needs. Read More: Difference between Sales and Marketing

After earning an MBA in Sales and Marketing, students may pursue an MPhil, PhD, or research degree in a related discipline. They can also begin working as a manager in a company. Many individuals who complete their PhD can pursue a job in business or marketing.

There are several research facilities that serve both academic and commercial students. Top companies have research institutes dedicated to doing in-depth field research on consumer behavior and marketing development tactics. Students can find employment in some of the good companies like Larsen & Toubro, Hindustan Unilever, Asian Paints, and Whirlpool with a salary ranging INR 8 to 20 lakh per annum.

• Sales and Marketing courses teach students how to use the marketing process, which is used by organizations to plan, control, analyze, and implement programs. Students should use these talents to establish and maintain good relationships with the intended buyers. 
• The graduates of the Sales and Marketing course can become Sales Representatives, Marketing Managers, Digital Marketers, Brand Managers, Market Researchers, and so on.
• Learning about sales and marketing will help you learn how to reach out to specific consumers, craft captivating messaging, and drive sales growth.