Pursuing an MBA degree from a reputable college can offer multiple benefits, enhancing both your personal and professional life. Here are some reasons why you should consider taking admission in an MBA college:

1. Career Advancement: An MBA degree can open the door to higher-level management and executive positions. Many top-tier companies prefer candidates with an MBA for senior roles.

2. Enhanced Knowledge and Skills: MBA curriculum provides extensive knowledge in areas such as finance, marketing, operations, and human resources. It also hones critical soft skills like leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and communication.

3. Networking Opportunities: MBA colleges provide a platform to connect with a diverse group of peers, faculty, and industry professionals. These connections can be invaluable for future job prospects, partnerships, or entrepreneurial ventures.

4. Better Earning Potential: An MBA degree often leads to better compensation. According to multiple surveys, MBA graduates typically earn higher salaries compared to those with just an undergraduate degree.

5. Entrepreneurship: If you’re interested in starting your own business, an MBA can provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge to turn your idea into a successful venture. Many MBA programs also provide opportunities to connect with potential investors.

6. Global Exposure: Many MBA colleges have collaborations with foreign universities and offer student exchange programs, providing students with global exposure and a wider perspective.

7. Career Transition: If you’re looking to shift industries or job roles, an MBA can provide the necessary knowledge and skills to make this transition smoother.

8. Personal Development: Apart from professional growth, an MBA program promotes personal development. It encourages students to step out of their comfort zones, take on new challenges, and develop a greater understanding of the business world.

Some of the most important parameters you should consider while choosing the best MBA college for you are:

1. Accreditation

A college should be accredited by recognized bodies such as the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) or the Association of Indian Universities (AIU). This guarantees that the institution meets certain quality standards.

SMS Varanasi is an autonomous MBA College, approved by AICTE, Ministry of Education, Govt. of India. Its MBA program is affiliated with Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University (APJAKTU), Lucknow.

An autonomous MBA college has the authority to control its own academic matters. This autonomy allows the institutions to design and revise their own curriculum, decide their admission process, conduct exams, and declare results. 

It gives them the freedom to introduce new courses, methodologies, or pedagogies that suit the emerging needs of the industry, providing them with an edge in maintaining the relevance and quality of their education.

However, these autonomous institutions are still affiliated with a university, which confers the degrees. The autonomous status relates primarily to academic matters, while the administrative control and the conferring of degrees often remain with the parent university.

AKTU Lucknow, formerly known as Uttar Pradesh Technical University (UPTU), is a public collegiate university in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Named in honor of India’s renowned scientist and former President, Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the university is a hub for technical and management education. 

This university has many affiliated colleges and is recognized for its academic excellence, modern infrastructure, distinguished faculty, and robust industry connections. It holds a significant place in the higher education landscape of India.

2. Course Curriculum

Review the course curriculum to ensure it is comprehensive, current, and relevant to your career goals. For example, the curriculum of MBA at SMS Varanasi is:

1. Comprehensive: The curriculum covers a broad range of subjects such as Management Concepts, Organizational Behavior, Managerial Economics, Accounting and Financial Analysis, Marketing Management, Operation Management, Human Resource Management, and Strategic Management. These are fundamental to any management education, providing a well-rounded base for understanding various business functions.

2. Current: The inclusion of subjects like Artificial Intelligence in Business and Business Analytics shows that the curriculum is updated with the latest trends in the industry. These courses are increasingly important in the digital age and will equip students with the skills to handle modern business challenges.

3. Relevant to career goals: The curriculum offers various specializations, including Marketing, Human Resources, Finance, Operations Management, and Business Analytics. This gives students the opportunity to choose their career path based on their interests and career objectives. Each specialization covers essential aspects of that field, providing depth of knowledge.

4. Practical Exposure: The inclusion of a Field Survey Report and Summer Training Project Report indicates an emphasis on practical, hands-on experience. This is critical to apply theoretical concepts to real-world business scenarios and will increase the employability of the students.

Overall, this MBA program appears to have a balanced blend of essential business concepts, emerging trends, specialized fields, and practical experience. However, prospective students should also consider their specific career goals, talk to alumni or current students, and consider the quality of faculty and the college’s reputation before making a decision.

3. Faculty

The faculty should be experienced, highly qualified, and have industry exposure. Their ability to teach and connect with students is also essential.

As the best MBA college in North India, SMS Varanasi boasts an impressive collection of qualified management professors who bring a diverse wealth of academic and industry experience to the institute. 

Dr Avinash Chandra Supkar, a PhD graduate from KIIT University and MBA holder, is a professor with special interests in marketing, advertising, consumer behavior, and branding. With 8 years of teaching and research experience and 9 years of industry experience, he has strong practical knowledge in the above-mentioned fields.

Professor Sanjay Saxena, with a PhD, MBA, M.Sc. and B.Sc. qualifications, has a rich teaching and research experience of 15 years. He specializes in strategic management, organizational behavior, sales, and marketing. He also holds 12 years of industrial experience.

Prof. Pinak Nath Jha, the Director, holds a D.Litt. in Advertising Management, PhD, MBA, and PGDM. He has an impressive record of 31 years in teaching and research, focusing on marketing management, integrated marketing communication, and consumer behavior.

Dr Raj Kumar Singh, a PhD holder, UGC-NET qualified, and an MBA graduate from BHU, carries 12 years of teaching and research experience. He is focused on entrepreneurship development, startup incubation, design thinking, innovation management, strategic management, and sustainable development. He brings an invaluable 20 years of industrial experience to the institute.

If you choose to join SMS Varanasi’s MBA program, you will start from these stalwarts as well as benefit from many visiting faculty from some of the top institutes in India and abroad.

4. Infrastructure

Good infrastructure includes well-equipped classrooms, libraries, hostels, sports facilities, and other amenities.

One of the highlights of the SMS Varanasi campus is the Library and Documentation Center, a modern hub of information that can accommodate more than 100 students at a time. This fully computerized centre offers a vast collection of around 35,888 books, 14,262 titles, and subscriptions to over 69 national and international journals. It also provides access to 102 magazines, 27 newspapers, and various online journal search engines through institutional memberships like NDL, INFLIBNET-N-LIST, and DELNET.

Adjacent to the main library is the Digital Harbour, an information retrieval system featuring an array of academic materials. This includes e-journals, e-books, lecture videos, and an extensive collection of digital books covering a range of subjects.

The campus also houses a top-tier, air-conditioned conference hall with a seating capacity of 100. This venue is equipped with modern amenities such as LCD projectors, computers, DVD systems, CD players, and video conferencing facilities. It hosts numerous Management Development Programmes, workshops, and conferences, matching the standards of the top B-Schools in the country.

Furthermore, SMS Varanasi has actuated two unique centres on campus: The Centre for Corporate Training & Research (CCTR) at Mumbai, promoting better institute-industry interaction, and the Centre for Spiritualism & Human Enrichment (C-SHE) in Varanasi, focusing on the cultivation of individuals into ideal human beings.

Adding to its credibility, SMS Varanasi is recognized as one of the notable training centres by the Insurance Regulatory & Development Authority of India, providing training for insurance agents.

SMS Varanasi offers high-quality separate hostel accommodations for boys and girls with recreational facilities, a reading room, and a round-the-clock mini library, matching the comfort standards of top institutes.

In essence, the campus of SMS Varanasi is an architectural marvel that offers a rich learning environment, modern amenities, and exceptional facilities that cater to the academic, research, and developmental needs of its students and faculty.

5. Location

The location of the college might influence your experience and opportunities, especially in terms of internships, job placements, and networking.

The School of Management Sciences (SMS) in Varanasi is situated in the tranquil, picturesque locale of Khushipur on the Delhi-Kolkata Golden Quadrilateral Express Highway. The beautiful ‘Green Campus’, sprawls over 10 acres with over 1.25 lakh square feet of built-up space, offering an exquisite blend of traditional values with modern thoughts.

The campus features state-of-the-art facilities that are on par with some of the best professional institutions in the country. It provides a serene and hassle-free atmosphere that not only promotes exceptional learning but also enables the development of organic linkages with the corporate world.

6. Fee Structure

Ensure that the cost of the program is within your budget. Also, consider the return on investment which includes the potential salary you can earn after graduation.

The MBA course fee at SMS Varanasi is around INR 81,000 per semester, which is quite affordable and can offer you a great ROI. In the year 2021, the average salary package of an MBA graduate from SMS was around 4.5 lakhs per annum (LPA) while the highest salary package was INR 10 LPA.

7. Financial Aid

If you require financial assistance, check if the college provides scholarships, loans, or other forms of aid.

MBA at SMS Varanasi offers a comprehensive range of scholarships for its students:

1. The Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Scholarship provides a 10% fee reduction in the first year for new students in MBA, MCA, & M.Com who have maintained a 60% or above average across their 10th, 12th, and graduation.

2. Babu Nageshwar Singh Scholarships, dedicated to undergraduate students at SMS pursuing post-graduate studies at the institution, offer a 15% fee reduction in the first year for students who achieved an average of 60% or more during their undergraduate studies.

3. The Prof. Mukund Lal Scholarship rewards semester toppers from various UG and PG programs with adequate scholarships.

4. The Smt. Virendra Kumari Memorial Gold Medal is awarded to university course toppers at SMS, Varanasi.

5. Scholarships are also available from the Uttar Pradesh State Government for students from families with an annual income of less than Rs. 200000 and a strong academic record.

Moreover, SMS Varanasi students have access to bank loans for their entire course fee and necessary expenses, thanks to partnerships with frontline banks including Canara Bank and Kashi Gomti Samyut Gramin Bank. 

Students can apply for these loans at www.vidyalakshmi.co.in. The various scholarships and financial assistance available are aimed at encouraging academic excellence and assisting students in need.

8. Global Exposure

Look for colleges that provide global exposure through exchange programs, internships abroad, and guest lectures from international faculty.

The School of Management Sciences (SMS), Varanasi, provides rich global exposure to its MBA students, an invaluable asset in today’s interconnected business world.

Internationally recognized faculty from top universities such as Claffin University, USA, University of Primoska, Slovenia, INSEAD, France, Oakland University, USA, and many others impart world-class knowledge to our students. These visiting professors contribute to the diversity of perspectives in our classrooms, enhancing the learning experience for students.

The Student Exchange Program is a unique feature of the MBA course at SMS Varanasi. This initiative provides students with an opportunity to travel abroad, interacting with faculty and students from partner universities. 

Over the years, our students have gained significant exposure and experience through these exchange programs in countries like Canada and Slovenia. This program not only broadens their cultural horizons but also helps in developing better managerial and leadership skills.

In addition to the exchange programs, SMS Varanasi provides opportunities for international internships. These internships offer students first-hand experience of working in a foreign country, fostering a greater understanding of global business operations. 

Many of our MBA students have completed their mandatory three-month internship in various companies abroad. These experiences often lead to full-time job offers with attractive salary packages, providing a smooth transition from academic life to a professional career in a global setting.

Global exposure at SMS Varanasi is not limited to exchange programs and internships. It’s about molding students into global citizens, proficient in collaborating with individuals of diverse nationalities and thriving in multicultural work environments. This exposure adds weight to their degrees and equips them with experiences that make their profiles stand out in the competitive job market.

9. Internship and Placement Record

A strong record of internships and job placements is a good indicator of the college’s reputation in the industry.

SMS is proud to provide a dynamic and robust placement process for its students, orchestrated in two rounds annually. The first phase commences in October and concludes in December, followed by the second phase which begins in January.

In the academic year 2022-23, a diverse range of companies recognized the potential of our students and visited the campus for recruitment purposes. Over fifty companies, including those in Marketing, Finance, HR, and IT sectors, particularly targeting MBA & MCA students, graced our campus. 

These companies spanned various functional areas such as IT, Entertainment, Consumer Durables, Online Marketing, Securities, Auto, Banks, FMCG, Transportation, Pharma, Retail, and Infrastructure. Hence, SMS Varanasi strives to maximize placement opportunities for its students, outpacing many other MBA colleges.

Noteworthy recruiters this year included esteemed firms like Aardour Worldwide Logistics, Aditya Birla Capital, Ameriprise Financial, Associated Global Logistics, Atlas Shipping Services, Au Financers India, Axis Bank, Bajaj Capital, Balaji Telefilms, Berger Paints India, Bharti Airtel, Capital First, CarWale Automotive Exchange, Ceasefire Industries, Colgate Palmolive India, and Dabur India, among many others.

Our students have secured positions in other notable organizations like Genpact India, Godrej & Boyce, HDFC Securities, Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages, ICICI Securities, ITC, Mahindra & Mahindra Finance, Nestkeys Infratech, Nielsen India, OYO Rooms, Prism Cement, Radio City, Reliance Retail, and Vodafone India, among others.

The wide array of companies visiting for campus recruitment testifies to the diverse career paths that SMS, Varanasi students can embark on post their education here, cementing our institution’s reputation as a sought-after destination for premier companies seeking fresh talent.

10. Alumni Network

A strong and active alumni network can help with job placements, internships, mentoring, and networking.

The SMS Alumni Association, encompassing successful graduates from various programs at SMS, Varanasi, provides an active platform for professional development, networking, and interaction. Members are spread across the globe in fields such as top-level management, higher education, and research. 

The association, with chapters in Mumbai and Delhi, facilitates interaction between alumni and current students through reunions, batch meets, and other activities while also aiding in career advancement. It encourages knowledge-sharing, contributions to publications, and continued education programs, thereby upholding the philosophy and values of SMS. 

Moreover, an easily accessible Alumni Portal fosters similar objectives and facilitates frequent Alumni Meets in various parts of the country.

11. Ranking

College rankings can be a useful guide but they should not be the only factor in your decision. Look at how the college ranks in the specific area of study you are interested in.

The School of Management Sciences in Varanasi, awarded with a distinguished ‘A’ Grade Accreditation from NAAC, is an institution of repute that recently received ‘Autonomous Status’ from the UGC. This status has further elevated its standing, solidifying its position among the ‘Top 50 B-Schools in India’.

In addition to its rigorous academic programs, the school publishes four research journals bi-annually – Management Insight, Purushartha, Computing Trendz, and the SMS Journal of Entrepreneurship & Innovation. These renowned publications have achieved international recognition, being indexed in notable databases such as Scopus and Elsevier.

SMS Varanasi stands as an epitome of a transformative educational environment, diligently crafting a blend of professionalism, humanism, and social responsibility within its students. This is reflected in the institute’s ethos and curriculum, highlighting the school’s commitment to producing well-rounded leaders.

We extend our deepest gratitude towards the corporate sector for their unwavering cooperation. Their constant support has been instrumental in the progressive development of SMS Varanasi, furthering our mission to deliver optimal academic experiences and outcomes.

12. Extra-curricular Activities

These can contribute to your overall development. Look for clubs, societies, and activities that match your interests.

School of Management Sciences (SMS) Varanasi offers a wide array of student clubs and events, ensuring the holistic development of its students beyond academics. The ‘LIVE-WIRE’ club promotes skills in web designing and IT quizzes. The annual ‘Sports Fest’ engages students from various courses in both indoor and outdoor games, fostering a spirit of competition. 

‘Panorama’ provides an avenue for photography enthusiasts to explore their craft. The ‘Spark Club’ celebrates India’s diversity and cultivates cultural and performing arts skills. ‘SYNERGY – The Literary Club’ aims to develop the all-round personality of students with activities like quizzes, debates, and workshops. 

Students can join the clubs they are interested in and discover their passions.

The institute also holds key events such as ‘Adharshila’ inviting industry and academic speakers and the ‘Teachers Day’ celebration, symbolizing teacher-student solidarity. These clubs and events provide students with a dynamic, engaging, and enriching campus life.

Remember, it’s important to take the time to research and visit potential colleges, if possible, to get a feel for the environment and culture. Choose a college that best fits your career goals and personal preferences.