MSc (Master of Science) Comparison with other courses

Diya NihalaniContent Author
MBA or MSc? Both are great options, but they also confuse many science graduates. This article covers the benefits of each for academics and career choices.
The MSc full form is Master of Science, while the MBA full form is Master of Business Administration. Both are popular two-year postgraduate degrees.
An MBA is suitable for candidates who want to advance their careers in management and executive roles, while an MSc is more appropriate for students who wish to join specialised and technical fields. Interested students can read the article further to know the differences between MSc and MBA courses and how they need to select the right course for themselves.
MSc vs MBA Relevant Links:
MSc Admissions: Check Application Status
MBA Admission 2025: Fees, Entrance Exam, Dates, Eligibility, Application, Selection
MSc vs MBA: Highlights
Students who have completed their bachelor’s degree and are confused about making their decision between an MBA and an MSc degrees can check the table below to understand the key highlights of both courses. The important details related to course level, entrance exams, course fees, job profiles, and average annual salary are tabulated below:
|
MBA vs MSc Parameters |
MSc |
MBA |
|---|---|---|
|
Full Form |
Master of Science |
Master of Business Administration |
|
Course Level |
Postgraduate Degree |
Postgraduate Degree |
|
Subjects |
Mathematical Statistics, Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry of Biomolecules, Polymer Science, etc.
|
Business Ethics, Organisational Behaviour, Microeconomics, Principles of Accounting, etc. |
|
Entrance Exams |
Entrance Exams like CPGET, MCAER CET, IIT JAM, URATPG, MAH CET, ICAR AIEEA, CUET PG, etc. |
etc. |
|
Accreditation |
Accredited by Universities |
|
|
Course Fees (in INR) |
INR 20,000 to INR 1.2 Lakh |
INR 2 lakh to 27 lakh and above |
|
Salary (in INR) |
INR 4 LPA and INR 30 LPA |
INR 5 LPA to 25 LPA
|
|
Top Recruiters |
Ranbaxy, GAIL, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, BARC, etc. |
Boston Consulting Group, McKinsey, Bain & Co, Morgan Stanley, JP Morgan Chase, Amazon, Facebook, Google, Adobe, etc. |
|
Specializations |
Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Botany, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Environmental Sciences, Food Sciences, etc. |
Sales and Marketing, Operations, Finance, Human Resources, Digital Marketing, etc. |
|
Top Job Profiles |
Project Assistant, Lab Manager, Pharma Associate, Regulatory Affairs Specialist, Patent Associate, Food Safety Analyst, etc. |
Finance Manager, Marketing Manager, Sales Manager, Project Manager, etc. |
|
Top Colleges |
Banaras Hindu University, Bharathiar University, Calcutta University, Delhi University, etc. |
IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, IIM Lucknow, IIM Indore, IIM Kozhikode, etc. |
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Relevant links for Popular MSc Exams:
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Difference Between MSc and MBA
An MSc is a two-year postgraduate degree that candidates usually opt for after completing their BSc. The fees of MSc courses are less than MBA and can be completed between INR 20,000 to INR 1.2 Lakh. MSc is classified as a STEM degree since it emphasizes Science, Engineering, Technology, Mathematics, and Medicine.
On the other hand, an MBA or Master of Business Administration is a postgraduate degree program that offers advanced management and business training. The fees of MBA courses range between INR 4 Lakh - INR 25 Lakh. The course enlightens students with the knowledge and abilities they need to be successful in leadership positions. The growing number of businesses has highlighted the importance of an MBA degree.
What is an MSc?
The Master of Science (MSc) course is popular for scientific and research opportunities, including government competitive exams. The wide range of MSc courses might lead to a lucrative job option. MSc courses can be pursued in various specializations, including Neuroscience, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Chemistry, Applied Psychology, Life Science, Mathematics, Analytical Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Botany, Biotechnology, etc. MSc courses are designed such that candidates can gain complete knowledge about scientific principles and research.
In India, numerous government colleges provide MSc courses and specializations. Banaras Hindu University, Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi University, and Jawaharlal Nehru University are some of the colleges that provide MSc courses in India.
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What is an MBA?
An MBA is a very popular management program that can be pursued in two years. An MBA is pursued by students after completing their graduation with 50% aggregate marks. MBA equips students with valuable management skills, hence, a large number of BTech, BBA, BCom, BA, BSc, and BCA graduates go for an MBA in post-graduation.
The most popular MBA entrance exams are CMAT, XAT, CAT, and MAH CET, among others. Some of the popular colleges offering MBA programs in various specializations are IIM Calcutta, IIM Lucknow, IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, FMS Delhi, and XLRI, among others.
MBA vs MSc Course Links you may be interested in:
MBA vs MSc: Eligibility Criteria
Usually, students who possess a bachelor’s degree in Science from a recognised college/university with 50 per cent marks can seek admission to MSc courses. An MBA is pursued in different modes such as Part-Time MBA, Distance MBA, Online MBA, Executive MBA and Integrated MBA. Hence, eligibility criteria for every programme differ. Similarly, an MSc can be pursued in different modes.
The table below contains the eligibility requirements for Full-time MSc and MBA programmes.
|
Parameters |
MSc |
MBA |
|---|---|---|
|
Education |
Graduate in Science |
Graduate in any stream |
|
Entrance Exams |
CPGET, ICAR AIEEA, CUET PG, MCAER CET, etc. |
|
|
Minimum Percentage |
Minimum 50 per cent aggregate marks |
Average 50 per cent marks (45 per cent for Reserved category) |
|
Work Experience |
NA |
Some courses and colleges demand work experience of 3 to 5 years |
MSc vs MBA: Entrance Exams
Admission to the top B-schools is provided based on national or state-level entrance exams like CMAT, ATMA, MAH-CET, CAT, MAT, etc. On the other hand,admission to MSc courses is provided based on merit or entrance exams like CUET PG, AP PGCET, CPGET, ICAR AIEEA, etc.
Students can check the table below to know the details related to entrance exams for both MSc and MBA.
|
Parameters |
MBA |
MSc |
|---|---|---|
|
Conducting Body |
UGC |
UGC |
|
Mode of Exam |
Online and Offline |
Online and Offline |
|
Entrance Exams |
CAT, MAT, XAT, CMAT, SNAP, etc. |
CPGET, ICAR AIEEA, CUET PG, AP PGCET, etc. |
|
Entrance Exams Syllabus |
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MBA vs MSc: Syllabus
MBA curriculum is more theoretical and changes less frequently as it is designed by the universities. The MBA curriculum is designed to provide students with a thorough awareness of the various aspects of the management sector and its role in the corporate world.
Contrarily, MSc subjects provide a comprehensive outline of the courses and curriculum covered in the MSc degree. MSc subjects serve as a roadmap for students, detailing the specific subjects and topics they will study throughout their programme.
Here is an overview of the semester-wise MBA and PGDM syllabus in India:
|
Parameters |
MSc |
MBA |
|---|---|---|
|
Semester-1 |
|
|
|
Semester-2 |
|
|
|
Semester-3 |
|
|
|
Semester-4 |
|
|
Relevant links for MSc vs MBA Courses:
MSc vs MBA: Top MBA/MSc Colleges
Some popular colleges for MSc include the names of Banaras Hindu University, Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi University, etc. Similarly, Students can pursue an MBA from several top management institutes, including the prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), XLRI-Jamshedpur, and SP Jain Institute of Management and Research-Mumbai.
Interested candidates can see the tables below to know the top colleges offering MSc and MBA programmes.
Top MSc Colleges
Candidates can select the MSc college based on several factors candidate’s requirements, specialisations, fee structure, placement, curriculum, and so forth. Students can check the table below for popular MSc Colleges:
|
Best MSc Colleges |
MSc Fees (in INR) |
|---|---|
|
10,400 - 25,500 |
|
|
14,400 - 1.8 lakh |
|
|
3,900 - 32,000 |
|
|
INR 51,800 |
|
|
432 - 5,800 |
|
|
32,000 - 48,000 |
|
|
INR 432 |
|
|
INR 29,060 - INR 32,340 |
|
|
19.9 lakh |
|
|
INR 24,000 - INR 1.4 Lakh |
|
|
1.4 lakh - 7.5 lakh |
Suggested MBA vs MSc Link:
Top 100 Universities in India as per NIRF Ranking
Top MBA Colleges
There are about 5,000 MBA colleges in India. One can choose their best-suited institutes with the help of the MBA college predictor. Some of the top colleges with their fees are:
|
Top MBA Colleges |
MBA Fees (in INR) |
|---|---|
|
24.6 lakh |
|
|
20 lakh |
|
|
20 lakh |
|
|
12 lakh |
|
|
25 lakh |
|
|
21 lakh |
|
|
20 lakh |
|
|
19 lakh |
|
|
17 lakh |
|
|
12 lakh |
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MSc vs MBA: Jobs and Salaries
An MBA is one of the most popular degrees in the field of management. It is also suitable for students who want to refine their managerial skills and start their own firms. Students holding a Bachelor's Degree in any area and a qualifying percentage can enrol for an MBA course.
MSc Salary in India
After completing the MSc programme, one can find a variety of job options in both the public and private sectors. The young entrants can earn between INR 6 to 8 LPA and increase their pay scale with experience. After completing the MSc, the graduates can find employment as a data scientist, clinical research specialist, chemist, lecturer, research scientist, laboratory technician, and oceanographer, among others.
The graduates can find job profiles like the ones mentioned below.
|
Job Profile |
MSc Salary (in INR) |
|---|---|
|
Mathematicians |
8.2 LPA |
|
Junior Research Fellows |
3.9 LPA |
|
Research Scientists |
9.2 LPA |
|
Lecturers |
4 LPA |
|
Chemical Analysts |
3.7 LPA |
MBA Salary in India
The average salary after an MBA ranges between INR 5 lakh to 7 lakh at the start. The pay is mostly determined by several factors like skills, specialisation, qualifications, experience, and location. Finance, marketing, general management, business analytics, and entrepreneurship are among the top MBA specialisations that frequently yield the greatest pay after graduation.
Given below are some of the popular job options after an MBA and their corresponding salaries:
|
Job Profile |
MBA Salary (in INR) |
|---|---|
|
Marketing Managers |
12.4 LPA |
|
Sales Managers |
6.9 LPA |
|
Operations Managers |
10.7 LPA |
|
Finance Managers |
17 LPA |
|
Product Managers |
21.3 LPA |
MBA vs MSc Course Topics you might be interested in:
- Popular MSc (Master of Science) Colleges in India
- Popular Private MSc (Master of Science) Colleges in India
- Popular MSc (Master of Science) Specializations
- Most Popular Courses
Popular MSc (Master of Science) Colleges in India
Popular Private MSc (Master of Science) Colleges in India
M.Sc. Applications open. Apply Now
M.Sc. Applications open till Apr 15, 2026. Apply Now
M.Sc. Applications open. Apply Now
M.Sc. Applications open till Apr 15, 2026. Apply Now
Popular MSc (Master of Science) Specializations
Popular Specializations
- Chemistry
2639 Colleges
- Mathematics
2254 Colleges
- Physics
1851 Colleges
- Computer Science
1444 Colleges
- Botany
1318 Colleges
- Zoology
1291 Colleges
- Biotechnology
815 Colleges
- Microbiology
772 Colleges
- Biochemistry
449 Colleges
- Agriculture
403 Colleges
Most Popular Courses
Popular Courses
- M.Sc. in Computer ScienceBanaras Hindu University
- M.Sc. in PhysicsBanaras Hindu University
- M.Sc. in MathematicsBanaras Hindu University
- M.Sc. in GeophysicsBanaras Hindu University
- M.Sc. in BiochemistryBanaras Hindu University
- M.Sc. in ChemistryBanaras Hindu University
- M.Sc. in StatisticsBanaras Hindu University
- M.Sc. in Agriculture (Genetics and Plant Breeding)Banaras Hindu University
- M.Sc. in Statistics and ComputingBanaras Hindu University
- M.Sc. in Forensic ScienceBanaras Hindu University
News & Updates
Student Forum
Answered Yesterday
The rebate on MS costs in USA depends on the applicant's application and strength of academic background. Around 20-30% of concession or fee waivers can be availed by international students for MS in USA. Apart from merit based scholarships, there are options of external scholarships, loans and gran
S
Contributor-Level 6
Answered Yesterday
You can reduce the cost of MS in the US in multiple ways. Some popular options to reduce MS study costs are:
- Apply for scholarships.
- Apply for RA/TA positions.
- Look for education loans.
- Shortlist affordable US universities.
N
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 4 days ago
The Symbiosis Institute of Computer Studies and Research application fee is INR 1000. This fee is one time payable and non refendable. Students are required to pay this fee at the time of filling out the application form. The admission for MSc at SICSR are open now.
A
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 5 days ago
Hi,
Finding the 5-year Integrated M.Sc. in Biotech (Directly joining after 12th) is rare in Bangalore. Most of the institutes are following the B.Sc. (3/4 years) + M.Sc. (2 years) structure.
However, Bangalore University offers Integrated programme in Biotechnology course. Below are the details for t
T
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 5 days ago
MIT School of Engineering and Sciences MSc fees depend on your specialisation, residency and financial status. For Indian residents, Clinical and Applied Psychology cost INR 2,25,000, Chemistry and Applied Statistics cost INR 1,90,000, while Vedic Sciences and Indian Knowledge Systems are the most a
R
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a week ago
The MSc programme at B.K.M. Science College require a Bachelor's degree in the relevant field like Chemistry, Botany, or Mathematics. The college offers full-time PG course in these specializations and considers graduation marks for admission.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
The MSc in International Business is one of the most popular programs at the University of Leeds.
It is a 12-month programme which is focused on helping students develop global perspectives, team management and operating firms in markets abroad. To get in, Indian students are required to meet the Uni
D
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 2 weeks ago
Students must fulfil the Presidency University Kolkata MSc admission criteria to get a seat at the university. The minimum requirements are as below:
- Eligibility - UG degree in relevant field
- Selection process - PUMDET + counselling
M
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
Doon University Dehradun MSc tuition fees is INR 40,000 - INR 1.1 lakh. Doon University Dehradun MSc fee structure includes many components. The total fee may differ at the time of payment due to the variables of the fee structure.
G
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks ago
The MSc Economics & Policy course of KCL is a one-year long. The full-time fees for KCL is GBP 40,450 (Around INR 50.5 lakh) for Indian students. For admission to this course, Indian students are required to have a Bachelor's degree with 65% - 70% (varies as per the institution).
B
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks ago
Indian students can complete King's College London MSc Economics and Finance course is one-year long course. Apart from the skills about Finance and Economics, Indian students are going to gain skills that can be utlized in diverse industries like e-commerce, retail, hospitality, media and pharmaceu
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 weeks ago
Yes, Vijetha Academy under the Osmania University offers MSc in Psychology course for students. This course is available at the postgraduate level for the students. At the PG level, the course is given for a duration of 2 years.
M
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
NIMS School of Humanities and Social Sciences, NIMS University offers MSc across several specialisations. The duration for MSc at NIMS School of Humanities and Social Sciences is 2 years. The eligibility for MSc courses is graduation/ bachelor's degree in any stream with at least 50% from any recogn
Answered a month ago
BHU MSc cutoff 2025 was published for various All India categories for admission to the MSc in Chemistry and Physics branches.
For the General AI category, the overall cutoff ranged from 308 to 325 for the MSc in Chemistry programme. On the other hand, for the OBC AI category, the round 1 and last r
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
The median and average package recorded during IIT Madras MSc Mathematics placements 2025 was 8 LPA and 10.2 LPA.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
IIT Madras offers good placements to MSc students. The average and median package recorded during MSc Physics placements 2025 was 12.5 LPA and 12 LPA.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
Hi.There are no M.Sc perfusion technology course in Sri jayadeva institute of medical science.You can see all the courses in below link :
Answered a month ago
The Uni of Bern MSc in Statistics and Data Science course is taught in English. This course spans over 3 semesters. For admission to this course of the Uni of Bern, students are required to have a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics or Computer Science.
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
You certainly are eligible for many of the M.Sc. Physics programs available in India. But the eligibility is subject to the institution and channel itself. Please go through the eligibility criteria of whatever channels and institutions you're looking into. If you're not aware by yourself, you may c
V
Beginner-Level 5
Answered a month ago
A total of 21 students were placed out of 34 eligible students during MNIT MSc placements 2025. The highest and median package offered was 10 LPA and 5.5 LPA.
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
The highest and median package recorded during MNIT Jaipur MSc Physics placements 2025 was 6 LPA and 5 LPA. 24 students registered and 9 students were placed in 2025.
C
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
MNIT Jaipur MSc Chemistry placement highlights 2025 are mentioned below:
Particulars | MSc Chemistry Placement Statistics 2025 |
|---|---|
the highest package | INR 7.5 LPA |
Average package | INR 5.14 LPA |
Median package | INR 5 LPA |
Students registered | 33 |
Students placed | 14 |
D
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
Some of the most popular cities in the USA where international students can choose MS in Psychology are given as follows :
- California
- Pennsylvania
- Florida
- Georgia
- Illinois
- New York
- Texas
- Alabama
K
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
Each university in UAE which offer MS course has different tuition fee for Indian students. The average cost of studying in MS in UAE range between INR 1 L – INR 14 Cr. The cost of MS in top universities in the UAE are given as follows:
University | First-Year MS cost |
|---|---|
Ajman University | INR 11 L - 21 L |
American University in the Emirates - Dubai | INR 15 L - 20 L |
Synergy University Dubai | INR 9 L |
Fujairah University | INR 7 L |
| Al Ain University | INR 11 L - 21 L |
K
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
Hi.
To get admitted into MS Pharma at NIPER Ahmedabad you must:
- Have a relevant bachelor's degree (B.Pharm/M.Sc. as specified) with required marks
- Appear in and qualify the NIPER JEE national entrance exam
- Participate in the online application + counselling process
- Submit required documents and fees aft
h
Scholar-Level 17
Answered a month ago
Hi...
Step‑by‑Step: Counselling & Seat Allocation
Qualify the Entrance Exam — NIPER JEE
You must first appear in and qualify the NIPER Joint Entrance Examination (NIPER JEE), which is the national entrance test for postgraduate pharmacy programmes (including MS Pharma) across all NIPER institutes.
Your
h
Scholar-Level 17
Answered a month ago
The total tuition fee of MSc Mathematics course at St Francis de Sales College is INR 39,700. This number is taken from website of college. It can change.
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
Hi.Yes, Annamalai University Center for Distance and Online Education (CDOE) offer MSc Microbiology course. This MSc degree is designed for students learning through distance mode. It covers a wide range of science-related topics and helps you understand Microbiology in a detailed and simple way.
App
Answered a month ago
Hi.The admissions for M.Sc. Biotechnology (2 years) programme in the Post Graduate Department of Biotechnology, St. Xavier's College (Empowered Autonomous Institute), Mumbai will be through an Entrance Examination. Admission is based on score obtained in the entrance examination -70% weightage an
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