MBA in Logistics and Supply Chain Management: A Comprehensive Guide for Indian Students

Imagine sitting in your room, ordering your favourite gadgets online, or picking up groceries from a local store. Have you ever wondered how these products reach you? An intricate and well-coordinated system behind the scenes makes it all possible. This system is known as logistics and supply chain management. Details in the above line of work may interest anyone who wants to turn this into a profession, so it would be appropriate for them to undertake an MBA in logistics and supply chain management.

This blog will significantly help you as it aims to inform you more about what this course entails, the best colleges where you can take it, and the employment areas it opens for you.

What is an MBA in Logistics and Supply Chain Management?

An MBA in Logistics and Supply Chain Management is a specialised master’s degree that teaches students the essential aspects of managing and optimising supply chains. This entails managing the process of moving products from the embryonic stage, which is the raw material stage, all the way up to when the product gets into the consumer’s hand. To this extent, the program focuses on essential issues such as procurement, transportation, warehousing, and inventory control.

Key Areas of Study

  1. Procurement and Sourcing: Understanding how to acquire raw materials and components efficiently.
  2. Transportation Management: Understanding how to get goods from one location to another efficiently.
  3. Warehouse Management: It is essential to store products for better safety and space utilisation properly.
  4. Inventory Control: Measures ensuring the right stock is processed, stored, and issued in the company.
  5. Supply Chain Strategy: Pursuing strategic initiatives that would help prepare supply chain strategies.

Why should you do an MBA in Logistics and Supply Chain Management?

  1. High Demand: Talented professionals are in demand right now to oversee companies’ supply chains in various industries worldwide.
  2. Attractive Salary: This field usually provides remunerations comparable to or better than those of industries in the same category.
  3. Diverse Opportunities: You can work in production, sales, and retailing in actual stores, online shops, and other spheres.
  4. Global Career: Skills in logistics and supply chain management are valuable internationally.

Eligibility Criteria

Criteria

Requirements

Educational Qualification

Bachelor’s degree in any discipline

Minimum Marks

50% (45% for reserved categories)

Entrance Exam

CAT, MAT, XAT, GMAT

To get into a top college for an MBA in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, you need to clear an entrance exam.

Here are some of the most popular exams in India:

  1. CAT (Common Admission Test)

Conducting Body: Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs)

Frequency: Annually

Details: It is still among the most sought-after MBA entrance exams worldwide. It includes assessments of numerical aptitude, arithmetic, vocabulary, and logical thinking.

  1. MAT (Management Aptitude Test)

Conducting Body: The All-India Management Association (AIMA)

Frequency: Quarterly

Details: An extensively conducted test for MBA entrance across different management colleges and business schools. According to them, it comprises language, literacy, math, data, intelligence analysis, and problem-solving.

  1. XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test)

Conducting Body: Often referred to as the ‘Taj of Management Schools,’ Xavier School of Management, also known as XLRI, is one of the most prestigious Business Schools in India.

Frequency: Annually

Details: Comprises tests in numerical aptitude, vocabulary and verbal ability, and data interpretation. It is unique to all other types of competitive examinations in that it has a general knowledge section.

  1. GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)

Conducting Body: Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC)

Frequency: Throughout the year

Details: This is an international test that evaluates analytical writing, quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and integrated reasoning. Many top business schools around the world accept it.

Read More: MBA Fresher Resume: A Step-by-Step Guide

Top Colleges to do MBA in Logistics and Supply Chain Management

India is home to several prestigious institutions offering an MBA in Logistics and Supply Chain Management. Here are some top colleges, along with their fee structures:

College Name

Location

Average Fees (INR)

Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIMA)

Ahmedabad

₹24,61,000

Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore (IIMB)

Bangalore

₹24,50,000

Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta (IIMC)

Kolkata

₹31,00,000

SP Jain Institute of Management and Research

Mumbai

₹24,00,000

Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies

Mumbai

₹12,00,000

Note– Given above, the fees maybe subject to change in time. Students can connect or visit Hike Education’s official website for further information and guidance.

Top Colleges to Do Online MBA in Logistics and Supply Chain Management

College Name

Course Fees (INR)

JAIN Deemed – To-Be University 

₹1,80,000

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE)

₹2,80,000

University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES )

₹2,00,000

Shoolini University 

₹90,000

Mizoram University

₹60,000

Note– Given above, the fees may be subject to change in time. Students can connect to Hike Education’s official website for further information and guidance

Top 5 Career Options After MBA in Logistics and Supply Chain Management

Logistics and supply chain management are considered among the most popular areas of specialisation among MBA students due to the vast opportunities they offer in various industries and sectors of the economy.

Here are the top 5 career options:

1. Supply Chain Manager

 

Role: They must be responsible for the overall management of all logistics functions, from purchasing raw materials to production and delivering finished products.

Skills: Another set of relevant capabilities includes analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, communication skills, and a proper working knowledge of the supply chain software.

Average Salary: ₹8-12 lakhs per annum.

2. Logistics Manager

 

Role: Efficient fleet management entails planning the best routes for moving products, managing transport schedules, and coordinating transport operations to meet regulatory requirements.

Skills: Management within an organisation, coordination or planning, ability to solve problems, and knowledge of logistics software.

Average Salary: 7-10 lakh per annum.

3. Warehouse Operations Manager

 

Role: Some areas include managing all the operations involved in the receipt, storage, and distribution of products, inventory control, and safety.

Skills: Skills may include leadership, attentiveness, and awareness of the proper functioning of warehouse management systems.

Average Salary: ₹ 6-9 lakh per annum

4. Procurement Manager

 

Role: Support smaller and manage supplier relations, contracts, purchases and budgets, and market research.

Skills: The most important skills to employ during task performance include negotiation, communication, analytical thinking, and strategic thinking.

Average Salary: ₹ 8-11 lakhs per annum.

5. Inventory Control Manager

 

Role: An Inventory Control Manager oversees and optimizes the ordering, storage, and use of materials within a company, ensuring inventory levels are maintained efficiently to meet production and sales demands. 

Skills: Key strength areas in inventory management included analytical skills, problem-solving, attention to detail, and system knowledge.

Average Salary: 6-9 lakhs per annum

Industry Sectors for Employment

Industry Sectors for Employment

Graduates with an MBA in Logistics and Supply Chain Management can find employment in various industries, including:

1. Manufacturing: Supervising the supply chain of production plants to ensure that raw materials are purchased on time and the produced goods are sent to their respective destinations.

Companies like General Motors, Boeing, and Procter & Gamble hire for roles ensuring timely procurement of raw materials and efficient delivery of finished products.

2. Retail: Supervising transport and stocks of commodities for sale in trades for a trader so that the products are in shops or available when customers demand them.

Retail giants like Walmart, Target, and IKEA seek professionals to manage the logistics of transporting and stocking goods, ensuring product availability for customers.

3. E-commerce: Specifically, it addresses the challenge of logistics for online retailing that entails housing the inventories, order processing, and deliveries to the customers’ doorstep.

Amazon, Alibaba, and eBay are prime employers, focusing on managing inventories, processing orders, and ensuring timely delivery to customers.

4. Healthcare: More specifically, managing such products as medical equipment, drugs, and other healthcare products to fulfil their functions effectively. 

Organizations such as Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, and Cardinal Health require expertise in managing logistics for medical equipment, drugs, and other healthcare products.

5. FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods): companies manage a highly dynamic supply chain that involves coordinating the production, transportation, and stocking of a wide range of goods. 

They ensure these items are delivered promptly and are available on the shelves of multiple retail outlets, meeting consumer demand efficiently.

Companies like Unilever, Nestlé, and Procter & Gamble need professionals to oversee the supply chain, ensuring timely delivery and stocking of goods across various outlets.

Conclusion

MBA in Logistics and Supply Chain Management is a beneficial course with several openings in different fields. With the proper education and skills, you can play a crucial role in ensuring that products move smoothly from manufacturers to consumers, significantly impacting businesses and the economy. 

If you decide to enrol in one of the top universities in India or pursue an online program, this degree could help you start in a challenging and uncharted area that will benefit you for the rest of your life.

Students can also visit Hike Education’s official website for information and expert guidance on choosing the perfect course for their career goals

MBA in Logistics and Supply Chain Management : FAQs

Q1. What is the duration of an MBA in Logistics and Supply Chain Management?

The program lasts for 2 years.

Q2. Is work experience required for admission?

Although optional for most courses, some institutes may require the candidate to have some work experience.

Q3. Can I pursue an MBA in Logistics and Supply Chain Management online?

Many good colleges offer online MBAs in Logistics and Supply Chain Management. Some of the best colleges are –

  1. Amity University
  2. Symbiosis Centre of Distance Learning
  3. Manipal University
  4. Dr. D.Y. Patil University
  5. Lovely Professional University

Q4. What is the average fee for this MBA program in India?

Depending on the institution, the fees may cost as 2 to 23 lakhs.

Q5. What is the starting salary after completing this MBA?

The basic pay can lie between 6 Lakhs to 12 Lakhs Per Annum, based on the position and the organisation.

More Information: