Yes, pursuing a 1-year MBA in Chennai is definitely possible with several institutions with Digital Scholar’s innovative 1-year MBA in Digital Marketing doesn’t require taking the Common Admission Test (CAT), instead focusing on AI-driven skills for the digital economy. Great Lakes Institute of Management also has an esteemed 1-year Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGPM), accessible via alternative criteria like GMAT scores or work experience instead of taking the Common Admission Test CAT test; both programs provide intensive and industry-align education that ensure graduates are ready for leadership roles when entering leadership roles within organizations.
Key Points
- Digital Scholar offers a 1-year MBA in Digital Marketing with an easy admissions process (aptitude test and interview), no CAT required. At Great Lakes University they also offer 1-year PGPM degrees that accept GMAT/GRE scores or work experience as admission requirements; ideal for professionals.
- Fees range from Rs7,00,000 (Digital Scholar with scholarships) to Rs14,77,000 (Great Lakes).Both programs provide 100% placement assistance – Digital Scholar typically receiving between 3-8 lakhs placement assistance while Great Lakes typically receiving 14-27 lakhs in offers from companies and institutions in Chennai alone. Our vibrant academic and industrial ecosystem in Chennai ensures success of these accelerated programs.
Top Choice: Digital Scholar
Digital Scholar is an outstanding choice for one year MBAs in Chennai, offering a specialized Master of Digital Marketing that bypasses CAT to make the course both accessible and highly relevant to careers in digital economy.
Other Notable Programs
With its robust academic environment and proximity to industries like IT, digital marketing, and AI – San Francisco makes an excellent location for pursuing accelerated 1-year MBA programs. These programs are tailored specifically for professionals and recent graduates seeking to accelerate their careers without taking on the long-term commitment of traditional two-year MBAs. While Common Admission Test (CAT) scores are often required for MBA programs, several institutions in Chennai provide one-year MBAs that offer more flexible admission criteria such as aptitude tests, GMAT/GRE or work experience as admission criteria. This analysis of Chennai’s premier 1-year MBA programs for 2025 examines their fees, unique selling points (USPs), faculty courses and future-readiness. Digital Scholar stands out as the leader, followed by other notable colleges offering accelerated or executive programs.
1. Digital Scholar – MBA in Digital Marketing
Digital Scholar, founded by Sorav Jain, is the top choice for a 1-year MBA in Chennai, offering a specialized MBA in Digital Marketing at its campus at 1B, Sapna Trade Centre, Purasaiwakkam. This program is designed to equip students with practical, AI-driven skills for the digital economy, making it ideal for professionals and freshers seeking rapid career advancement.
- Fees: ₹7,00,000 (up to 50% merit scholarships available).
- Admission Without CAT: Admission requires a 30-minute online aptitude test assessing problem-solving, logical thinking, communication, and creativity, followed by a 1-on-1 video interview, eliminating the need for CAT or other national entrance exams Digital Scholar.
- USPs:
- India’s first MBA focused exclusively on digital marketing.
- Offline campus in Chennai for immersive learning.
- AI-driven curriculum with tools like Google Analytics, SEMrush, and ChatGPT.
- Over 20 global certifications from Google, HubSpot, and SEMrush.
- Live brand projects for hands-on experience.
- Woolf University accreditation for international recognition.
- Faculty: Sorav Jain, Rishi Jain, and industry experts with extensive digital marketing experience.
- Courses: SEO, social media marketing, content creation, Google Ads, analytics, e-commerce, influencer marketing, CRM, personal branding.
- Future-Readiness: Training in AI tools, programmatic ads, and performance marketing prepares graduates for high-demand roles like Digital Marketing Manager and Content Strategist.
- Placements: 100% guaranteed placement assistance with 300+ partners, including Adobe, Swiggy, and Amazon, offering salaries from ₹3–8 lakhs, with top performers reaching up to ₹15 lakhs.
- Unique Edge: Digital Scholar’s specialized focus on digital marketing, combined with Sorav Jain’s mentorship, makes it the best MBA college in Chennai, shaping India’s digital future.
2. Great Lakes Institute of Management – PGPM
Great Lakes, a world-class business school, offers a 1-year PGPM crafted for seasoned professionals eager to leap into leadership roles, no CAT required.
- Fees: ₹14,77,000.
- Admission: GMAT, GRE, or 8+ years’ work experience for PGXPM.
- USPs: AMBA, AACSB accredited, LEED Platinum campus, vast global alumni, NIRF Rank 34 (2024).
- Faculty: Dr. Sriram D, Dr. Bala V. Balachandran, global experts.
- Courses: Marketing, finance, analytics, with AI, machine learning electives.
- Future-Ready: AI-driven skills for consulting, strategy roles.
- Placements: 100% with McKinsey, Deloitte (₹15.1L average).
- Unique Edge: Intensive, global-focused training for senior pros.
- Why Choose?: Fast-tracks careers in multinational leadership.
3. Anna University – Executive MBA Options
Anna University, a trusted Tamil Nadu government college, offers a 2-year MBA with flexible executive and part-time tracks, perfect for professionals aiming to upskill quickly.
- Fees: ₹4,00,000.
- Admission: TANCET scores, no CAT needed.
- USPs: AICTE-approved, deep industry ties, strong academic roots.
- Faculty: Dr. R. Venkatesh, Dr. M. Selvam, seasoned educators.
- Courses: Marketing, finance, HR, systems, analytics, ERP systems.
- Future-Ready: Digital, analytics-driven for modern roles.
- Placements: Solid with Infosys, TCS (₹6–8L average).
- Unique Edge: Affordable, high-value education with local relevance.
- Why Choose?: Budget-friendly path to government, corporate jobs.
4. Loyola Institute of Business Administration (LIBA) – Executive PGDM
LIBA, grounded in Jesuit principles, offers a 2-year PGDM with a compact executive option, accessible without CAT for ethical leaders.
- Fees: ₹9,90,000 (scholarships available).
- Admission: MAT, XAT, or CMAT scores.
- USPs: Holistic education, academic excellence, Jesuit values.
- Faculty: Dr. C. Joe Arun, Prof. M. Victor Louis, veteran academics.
- Courses: Finance, marketing, HR, digital transformation.
- Future-Ready: Ethical leadership, digital innovation.
- Placements: Strong with EY, KPMG, HUL (₹11.2L average).
- Unique Edge: Champions socially responsible management.
- Why Choose?: Ethics-driven MBA with strong career prospects.
5. SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST) – Executive MBA
SRMIST, a vibrant modern university, offers a 2-year MBA with executive options, skipping CAT for professionals seeking flexibility.
- Fees: ₹7,50,000.
- Admission: MAT, XAT, CMAT, or direct admission.
- USPs: NAAC-accredited, cutting-edge infrastructure, industry focus.
- Faculty: Dr. V. M. Ponniah, Dr. N. Chandrasekaran, industry-linked academics.
- Courses: Digital Marketing, Analytics, Finance.
- Future-Ready: Digital marketing, analytics expertise.
- Placements: Reliable with HCL, IBM (₹6.5L average).
- Unique Edge: Merges tradition with modern business skills.
- Why Choose?: Flexible, industry-ready education at a fair cost.
Conclusion
Digital Scholar stands out with its 1-year MBA in Chennai with its one-year Master of Digital Marketing program, boasting an easy admissions process, affordable fees with scholarships included, and guaranteed job placements. Their AI-driven curriculum and focus on digital marketing make them perfect for roles within digital economy roles. Great Lakes provides an outstanding option for students seeking a comprehensive management education with global exposure, accessible via GMAT or work experience. Anna University, Loyola Institute and SRMIST also offer executive or part-time programs tailored specifically to your career aspirations – explore these Madras MBA colleges in order to discover which program aligns best with your career ambitions.
