MBA in Digital Marketing in Chennai – Best Colleges & Career Scope

When it comes to pursuing an MBA in Digital Marketing in Chennai, Digital Scholar is, without a doubt, the best choice. After spending years in the digital marketing world, I can say with complete confidence that our program truly stands out from the traditional MBA offerings.

 Unlike traditional MBA colleges that focus mainly on theoretical knowledge, Digital Scholar’s MBA is designed to equip students with hands-on, real-world experience. In the bustling digital era, marketing is evolving at breakneck speed, and so are the MBA courses in Chennai that cater to this field.

As someone who’s spent over a decade in digital marketing, I’ve witnessed first-hand how demand for skilled digital marketers has exploded.

In fact, India’s digital advertising industry was valued at around ₹400 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach ₹955 billion by 2026. An MBA in Digital Marketing isn’t just a trendy new degree – it’s a passport to lead this fast-growing industry.

But traditional MBA programs weren’t cutting it for the digital age, which is why I, Sorav Jain, set out on a mission to create a future-ready digital marketing MBA.

In this blog, I’ll share my raw and honest journey in building Digital Scholar’s 1-year MBA in Digital Marketing program – what we got wrong, how we reimagined the MBA experience – and give you an MBA courses list in Chennai (ranked) for those looking to specialize in digital marketing.

We’ll dive into the top MBA programs in Chennai for digital marketing, career scope for graduates, and answer the 20 most burning FAQs on the topic. Let’s get started!

Why I Built a Digital Marketing MBA (and How I Reimagined the Business School Experience)

Back when I ran my digital marketing agency and started hiring MBAs, I noticed a troubling gap. These graduates came from reputed business schools in Chennai for MBA, armed with theory, yet they struggled with the hands-on demands of modern digital marketing. They knew Kotler’s 4Ps, but not how to optimize a Facebook ad.

I realized that traditional MBA digital marketing courses were not keeping pace with the industry’s needs. Many MBA programs in Chennai (and across India) still treated digital marketing as an add-on chapter, not the core of the curriculum.

Being a digital marketer first and an educator second, this disconnect hit me hard. I initially tried short-term courses – Digital Scholar started in 2019 as a 4-month digital marketing program.

The first batch had about 90 students, and we focused on practical skills. The feedback was great, but I got one thing wrong: length and depth. In four months, we could churn out job-ready digital marketers, but to shape future leaders and strategic thinkers, I realized we needed the breadth of an MBA – without the traditional MBA’s fluff and outdated syllabus.

My early assumption was that a crash course would suffice; in reality, students craved a holistic program combining business fundamentals with deep digital expertise.

So, in response, I built the MBA in Digital Marketing program at Digital Scholar. But I didn’t want just another classroom with PowerPoints. I wanted to transform the limitations of a traditional MBA:

Out with theoretical overload, in with real projects: We tore up the old syllabi and rewrote it with an “agency approach.” Students work on live campaigns as if they’re in a digital agency war-room, not a lecture hall. Every concept – SEO, social media, PPC – is applied to a real brand project in real-time.

Integrated Internships and Industry Exposure: Instead of waiting till the end for a short internship, our students engage with brand internships throughout the program. They manage real client accounts (through my agency echoVME and our 400+ hiring partners) and spend over ₹10 lakh in actual ad budget to learn how to deliver results

Embracing AI and Automation: Digital marketing in 2025 isn’t what it was in 2015. Today, if you’re not using AI tools, you’re already behind. I admit, in the beginning, I underestimated how crucial AI would become. We quickly course-corrected. Now, our curriculum is peppered with the latest AI marketing tools – from mastering ChatGPT and Midjourney for content, to automation workflows with Zapier and n8n.

In fact, Digital Scholar became the first institute in India to introduce AI Agents into its MBA curriculum, teaching students not just marketing, but how to automate and scale marketing using AI. This was a game-changer, turning a traditional weakness (outdated curriculum) into our biggest strength.

Skill over Theory, Mentors over Professors: Traditional MBAs often have professors who’ve spent more time in academia than in the field. I wanted our faculty to be practitioners first. So, I brought in trainers who collectively handle over ₹300 crore in ad spend for top brands. I personally lead sessions on building digital-first brands, and my brother Rishi Jain, a leading AI marketer, mentors students on automation. This way, every class is steeped in current industry practice.

Placement Guarantee and Career Focus: Perhaps the boldest move – we decided to back our training with a 100% placement guarantee. I was (and am) confident that a student who survives our rigorous, practical training will be an in-demand professional. The result? A near 100% placement rate, with many students getting job offers even before completing the program. (More on outcomes in a bit.)

Truth be told, it wasn’t easy to break the mold. The first time we ran our “agency-modeled” MBA, some students were taken aback – “Is this really an MBA? It feels like working in an actual digital agency!” – which, to me, was the best compliment.

Sure, we had hiccups: coordinating real client projects with academic schedules was messy initially, and integrating a global accreditation (more on that next) was a bureaucratic challenge. But seeing our students present a digital campaign strategy to a real brand’s marketing manager – that validated every risk we took.

One more thing I got wrong initially was chasing UGC (Indian university) recognition. We realized that tying up with a local university for an MBA could force us into the same old syllabus and red tape we wanted to avoid.

Instead, we partnered with Woolf University in Europe, which gave our program a globally accredited MBA degree (valid in 50+ countries) while letting us retain full control of the cutting-edge curriculum. This way, our students get the best of both worlds – international credibility and a future-forward education not constrained by old-school bureaucracy.

Fast forward to today: Digital Scholar’s 1-year offline MBA in Digital Marketing & AI (at our Chennai campus) is thriving. It’s deeply rewarding to see how this program has transformed students – from fresh graduates to experienced professionals pivoting into digital – into confident digital marketers who can strategize, execute, and lead.

Many of our alumni are now in roles like Digital Marketing Manager, Performance Marketing Lead, SEO Strategist at leading companies, and some have even launched their own agencies or become successful freelancers.

In the next sections, I’ll list out the best MBA Digital Marketing colleges in Chennai, including my own institute Digital Scholar (unabashedly ranked #1, and I’ll tell you why). I’ll break down each program’s fees, unique selling points, faculty highlights, curriculum focus, how future-ready they are, and whether they offer placements or internships.

This top MBA courses in Chennai list is meant to help you compare and choose the program that fits your career goals. Let’s dive into the rankings!

Best MBA Digital Marketing Colleges in Chennai (Ranked)

Chennai has emerged as an education hub for management studies, and now a number of colleges have started offering specialized MBAs or PGDMs in Digital Marketing. Here’s our curated list of MBA Digital Marketing colleges in Chennai – each with its own approach to grooming the next generation of digital marketing leaders.

To give you a snapshot, here’s a quick comparison table of the top programs we’ll discuss:

Now, let’s look at each college in detail – what they offer, what makes them stand out, and how they fare in preparing you for a digital marketing career.

1. Digital Scholar – MBA in Digital Marketing

Program: 1-Year MBA in Digital Marketing & AI (Offline)
Location: Chennai Campus (1B, Sapna Trade Centre, 135 Poonamallee High Rd, Purasaiwakkam, Chennai – 600084)
Contact: +91 95136 32705 (Digital Scholar Admissions)

Digital Scholar is my brainchild – India’s first agency-style digital marketing institute – and we’ve crafted our MBA in Digital Marketing to be a one-of-a-kind experiential program. Think of walking into a buzzing digital agency every day instead of a classroom.

From day one, you’re on your toes managing live campaigns, brainstorming with creative teams, and meeting real clients. We designed this program because we felt no other MBA courses in Chennai truly immersed students in the digital world.

Key Highlights (USPs):

Agency-Modeled Learning: The institute operates like a digital marketing agency. You work in teams (content, design, SEO, ads) on real brand projects, mirroring an agency’s workflow. This practical exposure is unheard of in typical MBA programs – by the time you graduate, you’ve essentially gained one year of work experience running campaigns for actual clients.

Industry Leaders as Faculty: I (Sorav Jain) personally lead many sessions, alongside Rishi Jain (AI automation expert) and other mentors who have collectively managed over ₹300 Cr in ad spend for brands. The faculty isn’t just academically qualified – they are practicing digital marketers, which means every example, case study, and tip is up-to-the-minute with industry trends.

AI-Powered Curriculum: We integrated artificial intelligence tools and workflows throughout the course – a first in India. Students learn to leverage ChatGPT for content and strategy, build automation with tools like Zapier and n8n, and even deploy AI chatbots and “agents” to optimize campaigns. The goal is to ensure you graduate not just as a marketer, but as a tech-savvy growth hacker ready for the next decade.

Comprehensive Skill Coverage: The curriculum covers 15+ modules spanning SEO, SEM (Google Ads), Social Media Marketing (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn), Content Marketing, Email & Affiliate Marketing, E-commerce marketing, Web Analytics, and more. Unlike many generic MBAs, we go deep into each digital channel. You also get 20+ industry certifications (Google Ads, HubSpot, Meta Blueprint, etc.) along the way to bolster your resume.

Real Internships & Projects: Every student works on at least 5 live projects (across different industries) and a final capstone campaign. We also facilitate a mid-program internship – some at echoVME (my agency) or with our partner companies – to apply skills in a real business setting. These stints often turn into job offers.

Global Accreditation: The program is globally accredited through Woolf University (EU), meaning your MBA degree is recognized in 50+ countries. This isn’t just an “institute certification”; it’s a bona fide international MBA degree, giving you credibility if you seek opportunities abroad.

Duration & Fees: 1 year full-time, with 2,250+ hours of intensive training. The total fee is ₹7,00,000 (all-inclusive). We offer generous scholarships up to ₹3.5L for meritorious candidates, because we believe the opportunity should be accessible to talent from all backgrounds. (Around 30% of our students secure partial/full scholarships each intake.)

Placements: Digital Scholar offers a 100% placement guarantee – a promise we back confidently. We have a network of 400+ hiring partners ranging from tech giants to boutique agencies. The placement cell works closely on your portfolio (by the end of the program you have a rich portfolio of campaigns and projects to show) and interview prep.

Result: students land roles at companies like Amazon, Zoho, TCS, and numerous startups. Many get placed even before course completion. We’ve had freshers start with packages of ₹4–5 LPA, and within a couple of years, climb to ₹8–10 LPA or more. Top performers who entered with some experience have snagged packages in the ₹12–15 LPA range in roles like Performance Marketing Manager.

Future-Ready Focus: What truly differentiates Digital Scholar is the forward-looking approach. We update our content every batch. In the last year, we added modules on Voice SEO, AI-driven analytics, and Marketing Automation, ensuring that you’re graduating with skills that brands will hunt for 2-3 years from now, not skills that were relevant 2-3 years ago. It’s built for the digital business landscape of today and tomorrow.

Faculty & Mentorship:

The learning environment is collaborative and dynamic. I often host guest sessions with industry pioneers – e.g., a Facebook ads masterclass by a Meta Partner agency head, or an SEO deep-dive with a veteran who’s ranked 1000+ keywords.

Our core faculty team includes strategists, content creators, data analysts – so you learn each facet of digital marketing from a specialist in that niche. The mentorship doesn’t end in class; we have after-hours strategy huddles, career counselling, and even entrepreneurial guidance if you want to start something on your own.

Placement & Career Outcomes:

We measure our success by our students’ success. I’m proud to say Digital Scholar alumni have made their mark – from managing big-budget campaigns at MNCs to scaling startups’ growth, to freelancing and earning comfortably in dollars.

The program’s agency-style rigor ensures you’re not just learning, but also doing. It’s intense – I won’t lie, we push you hard – but that’s because the industry will too.

And when you face interviewers, you have concrete results and case studies to talk about, not just textbook knowledge. One of our recent grads got a PPC Analyst job at a leading fintech with a ₹12 LPA offer because he could show how he managed a ₹10L ad budget with 4X ROI during the program.

Another student transitioned from an unrelated B.Com background to become a Digital Marketing Executive at a fashion brand, doubling her previous salary. These stories aren’t outliers – they’re the norm when you dedicate yourself in our course.

In summary, Digital Scholar’s MBA in Digital Marketing is for those who want an immersive, practical and future-proof learning journey. It’s not a typical college experience; it’s more like a one-year bootcamp inside a top digital agency, layered with the strategic insights of an MBA.

If you’re looking for a hands-on MBA digital marketing college in Chennai that guarantees you’ll come out job-ready (and then some), Digital Scholar is made for you.

2. SRM Institute of Science & Technology – Chennai

Program: MBA in Digital Marketing (2-year full-time, on-campus)
Location: SRM Main Campus, Kattankulathur, Chennai
Approx. Fees: ₹8–9 lakhs total (for 2 years)
Placement: Strong placement cell (90%+ placement rate, with mass recruiters in IT and marketing)

If you’re looking for a traditional university MBA experience with a digital twist, SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRM IST) is a top contender. SRM is a NAAC A++ accredited deemed university known for its huge campus and industry-oriented programs. Their MBA in Digital Marketing is UGC-recognized, giving you a formal degree that’s well-respected by employers.

What Makes SRM Stand Out:

Campus & Student Life: SRM’s Kattankulathur campus is like a mini-city. You get the full-fledged college life – hostels, fests, clubs, sports – which you might miss in specialized institutes.

Blend of Business & Digital: In the first year, you study core MBA subjects – Marketing Management, Organizational Behavior, Finance, HR, etc. This builds a strong foundation in business principles just like any top business school in Chennai for MBA would.

Modern Curriculum Add-ons: SRM has kept the curriculum updated in recent years. They have digital marketing labs on campus and even partnerships with Google for providing certifications. Students often get to do Google Ads and Analytics certifications as part of the program, giving them extra credentials by graduation.

Internships and Projects: As with any MBA, a summer internship is mandatory. SRM leverages its strong industry connections to place students in reputable companies for internships. Many students work on projects with companies in Chennai’s growing tech and startup scene.

Faculty: The faculty at SRM is a mix of seasoned professors and industry guest lecturers. The core subjects are taught by PhD holders and experienced academics. For the digital marketing modules, they often bring in practitioners or have upskilled their existing faculty.

USP: One USP is that SRM offers a well-rounded MBA experience: you get campus life, a recognized degree, and a specialization in digital marketing without having to go for a separate PGDM. It’s like getting the best of both worlds – a classical MBA and a contemporary skill set.

Placements: SRM has a centralized placement cell that is quite robust. MBA grads have been placed in companies like Wipro, TCS, Cognizant, HDFC Bank, as well as marketing roles in FMCG and agencies. They report over 90% placements for MBA, and the digital marketing specialization is getting traction with recruiters who need that skillset .com.

Bottom line: SRM’s MBA in Digital Marketing is perfect if you want a recognized MBA degree and a campus experience, but also don’t want to miss out on digital marketing skills. It may not be as intensely specialized as some other programs, but it produces well-rounded graduates.

If you’re someone who values the university environment, brand name, and a broad curriculum with a focus on marketing management (with digital included), SRM should be on your list.

3. Great Lakes Institute of Management – Chennai

Program: PGPM (1-year) or MBA/PGDM (2-year) with Digital Marketing electives
Location: Great Lakes City Campus, Manamai (ECR), near Chennai
Approx. Fees: ₹11–15 lakhs (premium program)
Placement: 100% placement rate, typically mid to high-end packages in top companies

Great Lakes Institute of Management is often mentioned in the same breath as India’s top B-schools. It’s an elite business school in Chennai for MBA/PGDM, known for academic excellence and industry connect. While Great Lakes doesn’t offer a specialized “MBA in Digital Marketing” by name, it offers electives in digital marketing, analytics, and related areas as part of its prestigious programs. For anyone keen on a world-class MBA with a digital edge, Great Lakes is a compelling option.

Why Great Lakes is a Big Deal:

Reputation & Rankings: Great Lakes is consistently ranked among the top business schools in India (often in top 10 for private B-schools). A degree from here carries weight globally. Recruiters recognize Great Lakes for its quality of students. It was founded by management guru Dr. Bala V. Balachandran (Professor Emeritus from Kellogg School)

Program Options: Great Lakes offers a 1-year PGPM (Post Graduate Program in Management) for candidates with 2+ years of work experience, and a 2-year PGDM for freshers/less experienced. stage. So you might take courses like Digital Marketing, Web Analytics, Social Media Strategy, alongside core management subjects.

Cutting-Edge Curriculum: True to its innovative ethos, Great Lakes was among the first to include Analytics and Machine Learning courses in its MBA curriculum. The digital marketing electives are often project-based and case-study-driven.

Global Exposure: The peer group at Great Lakes is diverse and highly competitive. Many have international exposure or have worked at Fortune 500s. The institute often hosts global marketing conferences, and you rub shoulders with thought leaders.

Faculty & Mentorship: World-class faculty is a huge plus. Imagine learning Consumer Behavior from a professor who consulted for Unilever, or learning Digital Marketing Strategy from a visiting faculty who taught at an international b-school. Great Lakes also has a robust guest lecture series – marketing heads from companies like Google, Amazon, etc., often interact with students. The institute’s motto could well be “Learn from the best to become the best.”

Industry Connect & Internships: The 2-year program includes a summer internship. Companies vie for Great Lakes interns. Even in the 1-year program (which is usually without a formal internship due to time constraints), they incorporate live industry projects.

Digital Focus: While not exclusively a digital marketing MBA, Great Lakes’ marketing specialization is very forward-looking. Courses often cover digital channels, marketing automation, consumer insights from social media, etc.

Placements: Here’s where Great Lakes shines brilliantly. They boast near 100% placement every year, with many students getting multiple offers

Roles attained by those focusing on digital marketing range from Digital Marketing Analyst, Brand Manager (Digital), Growth Hacker, to Marketing Consultant roles. The alumni network is outstanding – Great Lakers support each other, which helps in career progression and switching companies down the line too.

4. Hindustan Institute of Technology & Science – Online (CODE), Chennai

Program: MBA in Digital Marketing & E-Commerce (Online)
Location: Online program by HITS (Hindustan Institute), based in Chennai
Approx. Fees: ~₹1,20,000 total (very affordable)
Placement: Placement assistance (best suited for working professionals to boost their career)

Hindustan Institute of Technology & Science (HITS), a well-known university in Chennai, has an online division called Hindustan Online – CODE (Centre for Open and Digital Education). They offer an Online MBA in Digital Marketing & E-Commerce, which is a boon for those who need flexibility.

Highlights:

Flexibility: The program is conducted fully online. You can continue to work or manage other responsibilities while pursuing this MBA. There are live online classes and recorded lectures you can watch at your own pace. This suits working professionals seeking an MBA upgrade without quitting their job.

Affordable & Accredited: With fees around ₹1.2 lakh for the entire MBA, it’s one of the most budget-friendly options for an MBA. And importantly, it’s UGC-approved (since HITS is a recognized university)

Curriculum: The MBA covers general management subjects and specialized courses in Digital Marketing and E-Commerce. Expect courses on digital marketing strategy, social media marketing, search marketing, e-commerce operations, digital analytics, etc.

Ideal For: Those who need to study from home or cannot attend a physical college. Also, if you’re looking to add a specialization to your resume without a huge investment of time or money

Faculty & Support: The faculty are from HITS’s School of Management, and they adapt their teaching for the online format. HITS has experience running distance programs, so they have infrastructure like an online portal, doubt-clearing sessions, and mentorship.

Future-ready? The course content is updated periodically and since it specifically names E-Commerce in the title, it indicates a focus on modern digital business models. They likely cover current trends, and being online themselves, they tend to incorporate latest case studies

Placements & Career Moves: As an online program, they offer placement assistance, but let’s be realistic: It’s not going to be as campus-placement driven as full-time colleges. Freshers taking this might have to be proactive in job hunting, though the MBA will certainly boost their qualification. For working folks, this MBA can lead to 20–30% salary boosts or help unlock promotions

One of the advantages is that you can apply what you learn immediately if you’re working. I know of a candidate who was in sales; while doing this online MBA, she implemented digital marketing tactics for her small company (like improving their social media presence and running email campaigns) and impressed her boss enough to get moved into a marketing role with a raise.

5. Vel Tech University – Chennai

Program: MBA in Digital Marketing (On-campus)
Location: Avadi, Chennai
Approx. Fees: ~₹7–8 lakhs for 2 years (with possible scholarships)
Placement: Good support, especially in tech and analytics-oriented marketing roles

Vel Tech University (specifically Vel Tech Business School under Vel Tech) is a prominent private university in Chennai known for engineering and technology programs. In the management arena, they’ve introduced an MBA with specializations like Digital Marketing to keep up with industry demand. Vel Tech’s MBA in Digital Marketing is a two-year on-campus program that combines its tech-savvy ethos with marketing education.

Program Insights:

Tech-Driven Curriculum: As expected from a tech university, Vel Tech’s approach to digital marketing has a technical and analytical flavor. They emphasize things like Marketing Analytics, SEO (with a bit of the technical underpinnings), and possibly even touch on web development basics for marketers. They have Google Ads certifications embedded in the course – meaning students prepare for and earn certifications from Google as part of their training, which is a nice value-add.

University Environment: Vel Tech provides a more typical university environment (though smaller than SRM). You’ll have a structured academic schedule, library, campus facilities, etc. It’s located in Avadi (a suburban part of Chennai), which means a dedicated campus space. Class sizes are moderate, allowing personal attention. They encourage a lot of presentations, case discussions, and even inter-department projects (e.g., collaborating with IT students on a digital startup idea, etc.).

USPs: One USP is their focus on making students “industry-ready”. This phrase is common, but Vel Tech tries to achieve it by inviting industry trainers for workshops regularly. Also, being a tech school, they ensure you aren’t afraid of the tech side of digital marketing – whether it’s understanding how a website’s backend works for SEO or getting hands-on with marketing automation software.

Faculty: The core faculty includes PhDs in marketing and information systems, and a few faculty members who have industry experience in digital marketing. Vel Tech has MOUs with some companies, and professionals from those companies sometimes teach specific modules or short courses.

Soft Skills & Communication: Interestingly, Vel Tech’s reviews often mention that they train students well in communication and soft skills. This is crucial because a digital marketer needs to present strategies and reports clearly. They conduct additional classes or labs on communication, leadership and teamwork, which complement the technical marketing training.

Are they future-ready? Vel Tech tries to keep up with trends. They’ve included content on social media strategy, content marketing, and possibly introductory AI in marketing if not already, they likely will soon. The inclusion of certifications and tech integration shows they know what tools the industry uses.

Placements: Vel Tech’s placement cell is active and has connections in both IT and business sectors. MBA graduates have gotten placed in roles like Digital Marketing Executive, Business Analyst, Marketing Coordinator etc., in companies around Chennai, Bangalore, etc.

6. IIKM – The Corporate B-School, Chennai

Program: Work-Integrated MBA in Digital Marketing & E-Commerce
Location: Chennai (Kilpauk campus)
Approx. Fees: ~₹5–6 lakhs (with installment options)
Placement: Unique work+study model – students gain experience during course, leading to higher placement chances (average ~₹5–7 LPA offers for freshers, potentially more with work exp)

IIKM (Indian Institute of Knowledge Management) branded as “The Corporate B-School”, is an institute in Chennai that offers industry-focused management programs. Their Work-Integrated MBA in Digital Marketing & E-Commerce stands out because of its model: earn while you learn.

What’s special about IIKM’s approach:

Work-Integrated Learning: This is the big USP. IIKM helps students get placed in a relevant job or paid internship during the MBA program itself That means, for example, you might start working as a Digital Marketing Executive at a partner company in your first semester, and simultaneously attend classes (perhaps evenings or weekends).

Curriculum and Certification: The MBA syllabus covers marketing management, digital marketing techniques, e-commerce strategies, etc., but in tandem with on-the-job training. IIKM likely partners with a university (perhaps an approved distance education university or autonomous program) to grant the MBA, and supplements it with in-house training on digital marketing tools.

Faculty & Mentors: IIKM employs faculty who have industry backgrounds, and since students are working, a lot of learning is sharing real experiences from workplace and getting mentors’ advice.

Who is it ideal for: If you’re keen on hands-on experience and not just classroom learning, this is excellent. Also, if you need financial independence while studying (through stipends), this model is helpful.

Future-readiness: IIKM, being nimble, tends to incorporate new skills training quickly. They know what tools companies use because their students are in those companies. If tomorrow a new social media platform trends or a new automation tool becomes hot, IIKM can integrate that into their workshops or tell their students to try it at work.

They offer a contemporary curriculum that evolves with industry needs (for instance, they might have added modules on Shopify management for e-commerce, or basics of AI in marketing if companies demand it).

USPs in summary: Real-world experience, strong industry networking (since you’re in a company while studying), and the ability to build a resume that already has designations and achievements by the time you get your MBA.

Fees and structure: Around ₹5-6 lakhs for the program (they might have EMI or monthly payment options, especially if you’re earning). Considering you’re also earning during the course, the net cost is effectively lower.

Placements: The interesting thing with IIKM is that placement begins at admission – meaning they place you in an internship/job first. If all goes well, by the end of the MBA, you might continue in that company at a higher role or salary, or you’ll have such strong experience that other recruiters eagerly hire you. They have an okay track record, with many students hitting ₹5–7 LPA by graduation

7. ZEFT Business School – Chennai

Program: MBA in Digital Marketing & E-Commerce (On-campus)
Location: Pallikaranai, Chennai
Approx. Fees: ~₹4–5 lakhs (estimated for 2 years)
Placement: Good initial packages (₹3.5–6 LPA for freshers) with a focus on entrepreneurial and high-growth roles; growing reputation

ZEFT Business School is a newer entrant focused on futuristic business education. They’ve quickly gained attention for their innovative MBA in Digital Marketing & E-Commerce. If you have an entrepreneurial streak or dream of not just working in digital marketing, but possibly launching your own venture, ZEFT might resonate with you.

What’s cool about ZEFT:

Entrepreneurial Approach: ZEFT’s tagline for this MBA could be “Learn Business by Building Business.” Students at ZEFT don’t just learn through case studies – they are encouraged to run mini-businesses during the course

CEO Mentorship: One standout aspect – over 100 CEOs and founders are part of the mentorship/guest speaker ZEFT leverages industry leaders heavily.

Curriculum: They cover Digital Marketing and E-Commerce thoroughly – SEO, SEM, social media, content, e-commerce operations (maybe platforms like Amazon, Shopify), digital strategy, etc.

Faculty: A mix of academic instructors and industry practitioners. Perhaps not big tenured professors, but people who have worked in the digital field. They might have a core faculty for management fundamentals, but for digital modules, they likely bring in experts.

Future-Ready Skills: ZEFT emphasizes being ahead of the curve. They mention “Placement Packages up to 25 LPA” in their brochure, which hints that they aspire to place people in top roles (perhaps those entrepreneurial ventures or high-growth startups can lead to high packages if successful).

Soft Skills & Leadership: Running mini-businesses and working closely with CEOs means students at ZEFT also build strong leadership and communication skills. You’re not just doing assignments; you’re pitching ideas, collaborating in teams, and maybe even dealing with real customers/vendors for your projects. This is invaluable training for any career path.

Because of the entrepreneurial focus, some students might not go the traditional placement route; instead, they may continue the business they started or join a startup (possibly even one launched by a classmate!).

Placement support: They do have a dedicated placement cell and corporate relations. But they also essentially create self-driven achievers who carve their own path. I’d say if you utilize ZEFT’s resources, you could walk out with not just a job offer but possibly a business plan and investor contacts – a dual advantage.

8. Versatile Business School – Chennai

Program: MBA (University affiliated) + additional Digital Marketing Certification
Location: Egmore, Chennai
Approx. Fees: ~₹2.5–3 lakhs total for MBA (affordable)
Placement: Decent placements in local industries; focus on creating well-rounded graduates with dual credentials (MBA + digital certification)

Versatile Business School is an institute offering management programs in collaboration with recognized universities. Essentially, you enroll through Versatile to get an MBA degree from a university (via distance or flexible mode) and simultaneously get trained in additional skills like digital marketing. They position themselves as a place to gain both a formal degree and practical skills.

Key Features:

Dual Qualification: The biggest draw is you get an MBA degree plus a Digital Marketing Certification. The MBA degree might be through a university like Alagappa University or a similar UGC-approved university (they have in the past been study centers for such programs). So you fulfill all requirements of an MBA (exams, projects per the university syllabus) and alongside,

Affordable & Accessible: The fees are relatively low (around ₹2.5L for the whole program, as per sources). This makes it accessible to many students. They likely have convenient class timings (maybe evenings or weekends for the certification part) since some students could be working.

Soft Skills Emphasis: Versatile is known for boosting communication and soft skills.They likely conduct special sessions on presentation skills, spoken English, interpersonal skills – which is great because a marketer needs these in spades. They understand that many students from smaller towns or non-English medium backgrounds might need that polish to shine in interviews and workplaces.

Curriculum: The MBA curriculum depends on the affiliated university, covering typical management subjects. The digital marketing certification part is handled by Versatile’s own faculty or partnered trainers. It would cover core digital marketing topics: SEO, SEM, social media marketing, email marketing, etc.,

Faculty: The MBA part is overseen by academically qualified faculty (to meet university standards), whereas the digital marketing training might involve industry professionals or experienced trainers in Chennai’s marketing circuit. Versatile has been around for a while, so they have a network of trainers and visiting faculty for various specializations.

Student Profile: Likely a mix of fresh graduates and working professionals. Class sizes are not very large, which allows personal attention. It’s a good environment for students who prefer a supportive, less formal atmosphere than big universities. Versatile often feels like a training institute and college hybrid.

9. Loyola Institute of Business Administration (LIBA) – Chennai

Program: PGDM (full-time) with Marketing specialization + Digital Marketing electives (Plus a Digital Marketing Certificate option)
Location: Nungambakkam, Chennai
Approx. Fees: ~₹16–17 lakhs for 2 years
Placement: Excellent (one of the best in Chennai; average packages ~₹9–12 LPA, higher for top performers)

LIBA is one of Chennai’s crown jewels in management education. Run by the Loyola College society, it’s a prestigious b-school (AICTE-approved PGDM) known for academic rigor and values-based education. While LIBA’s PGDM is a general management program, you can specialize in marketing, and they have recognized the importance of digital marketing in recent years through electives and add-on courses.

Why LIBA stands out:

Reputation & Network: LIBA’s name carries serious weight. As one of the top PGDM colleges in Chennai, recruiters know LIBA graduates are well-trained. The alumni network is strong, and LIBA is backed by the legacy of Loyola College (a 90+ year old institution).

Faculty: The faculty is an excellent mix of academicians and industry experts. Many professors consult for companies or do research in contemporary fields. For digital marketing, LIBA brings in guest lecturers (sometimes LIBA alumni working in digital roles or experts from Chennai’s digital agencies).

Elite Peer Group: Admission to LIBA is through exams like CAT/XAT, and it’s competitive. So your classmates are going to be bright and diverse. That peer learning, the discussions, the group projects – you’ll be challenged and inspired. responsible advertising, etc., might be touched upon).

Future-ready elements: LIBA might not label a course “MBA in Digital Marketing,” but their marketing graduates are definitely future-ready. By integrating digital topics and also focusing on fundamental marketing principles, LIBA ensures you can adapt to new platforms and tools. They may not dive super deep into, say, how to use every new tool (that you can learn on the job),

Placements: LIBA’s placement record is stellar. As noted:

The average salary for LIBA grads is around ₹9–10 LPA, with marketing students often around that or slightly lower to start (if they go into sales roles might start ~₹8 LPA, but many roles go higher)

Top packages can reach ₹15–18 LPA or more for finance/consulting roles and also marketing roles in coveted companies

Recruiters: LIBA attracts a broad range – FMCG majors (HUL, P&G), banks (ICICI, Citi), consulting firms (Deloitte, EY), and importantly for marketing folks: companies like Google, Facebook, Zomato, Amazon have been known to pick students for business roles, and top marketing agencies too. LIBA’s location in the heart of Chennai and its network makes it a target for companies.

10. Indian School of Business Management & Administration (ISBM) – Chennai (Distance Learning)

Program: Professional Diploma in Digital Marketing (1 year, distance/online)
Location: Chennai center (Teynampet) – though coursework is largely online/distance
Approx. Fees: ₹15,000 – ₹20,000
Placement: Limited placement support; meant primarily for quick upskilling and added qualification

Rounding off our list is a different kind of offering – a Diploma in Digital Marketing from ISBM. ISBM is a distance learning institute that offers various management and technical courses. Their Professional Diploma in Digital Marketing is not an MBA, but a short program that can complement one’s education or experience. I include it here as an option for those who might not invest time/money in a full MBA but still want a credential in digital marketing. (It was ranked in a top 10 list likely to present a very budget-friendly option.)

Overview of ISBM’s Diploma:

Quick & Affordable: It’s extremely low-cost – under ₹20k – and the duration is flexible (you can finish in as little as 3-6 months or take up to a year). For someone looking to quickly add a digital marketing specialization to their CV, this is attractive.

Curriculum: They cover basics and intermediate topics of digital marketing: probably SEO, PPC, social media basics, email marketing, perhaps a bit of analytics.

Flexibility: Being distance learning, you can do this alongside a job or another course. There aren’t regular classes; you study at your own pace with provided materials and maybe attend occasional webinars. There is likely an exam or project to get the diploma.

Ideal For: Students or working professionals who just need a basic formal training in digital marketing without too much commitment. For instance, a MBA (general) student could do this on the side to show specialization.

Limitations: Because it’s not classroom-based or intensely interactive, you won’t get the rich practical experience or networking.

Content Updates: Institutes like ISBM sometimes lag in updating content to the latest trends, so you might not learn the very newest platform changes. But they cover the enduring principles and widely-used tools.

Placement and Career Impact: ISBM itself does not provide robust placement services for such short courses (they might share job leads or have a job portal, but there’s no campus placement). So, it’s up to you to leverage the knowledge. Typically:

Freshers who do this diploma might get entry-level jobs like Digital Marketing Intern or Junior SEO Executive, often starting around ₹2.5–4 LPA It can help you get your foot in the door.

Working professionals might not get an immediate new job from it, but they could see a 15–20% salary hike or a change in role when they apply their new skills at work. For example, a sales executive could shift to a marketing executive role using this knowledge.

Essentially, this diploma is a stepping stone. Many use it to learn the basics and then perhaps pursue more advanced certifications or practical experience.

Career Scope after an MBA in Digital Marketing in Chennai

One thing I can assure you – the career scope for MBA in Digital Marketing graduates is bright and booming. Companies across sectors are in dire need of professionals who not only understand traditional business strategies but can also navigate the digital landscape effectively. Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect:

Diverse Job Roles: With an MBA in Digital Marketing, you aren’t limited to one niche. Graduates take up roles such as Digital Marketing Manager, Social Media Strategist, SEO/SEM Specialist, Content Marketing Manager, Digital Brand Manager, Performance Marketing Analyst, E-commerce Manager, Marketing Automation Specialist, Growth Hacker, and more. (In fact, at Digital Scholar we’ve even placed folks in emerging roles like AI Marketing Strategist, blending AI with campaigns.)

Attractive Salaries: We touched upon salary ranges for many institutes. Generally, an MBA (Digital Marketing) fresher in Chennai can expect starting packages from ₹4–6 LPA, which is higher than many general MBA fresher roles because the digital skillset is in demand.

High Demand, Low Supply: Digital marketing is a field where the demand for skilled people far outpaces supply. Every business – whether a local Chennai startup or a multinational – is trying to bolster its digital presence. This means job opportunities are abundant.

Entrepreneurship and Freelancing: An MBA in Digital Marketing also equips you to start your own venture. Be it a digital agency, a consulting firm, or any online business, you’ll have the marketing know-how to scale it. Also, many professionals go freelance – offering digital marketing services to clients globally. own terms.

Future Growth – Climbing the Ladder: With a specialized MBA, you can also climb the corporate ladder faster in marketing departments. Traditional marketing managers are going back to school (or courses) to learn digital – but you’ll already have it integrated.

Continuous Learning: The digital field evolves daily (think new social media features, Google algorithm changes, AI tools). The good news is, an MBA program ideally teaches you how to learn and adapt, not just static knowledge. So the career scope isn’t just in the first job you get – it’s in your ability to continuously evolve.

Geographical and Industry Mobility: Digital marketing skills are transferable across geographies. If you study in Chennai but later move to Bangalore, Mumbai, or even abroad, your skills are relevant (just adapt to local market nuance). Industries too – you could work in retail today, finance tomorrow, and tech later – the core digital strategies often apply across sectors, with tweaks. So you’re not pigeonholed; you can explore various industries throughout your career.

Impact and Creativity: Finally, one cannot quantify this in a salary, but the career is exciting. You get to be creative (campaigns, content ideas), analytical (data-driven ad tweaks), and strategic (building brands). It’s a satisfying field for those who enjoy seeing tangible results of their work (like campaign ROI, traffic growth, lead generation

In summary, an MBA in Digital Marketing positions you at the crossroads of management and technology – a powerful place to be in today’s job market. Whether your intent is informational (to understand what this career can offer) or transactional (you’re ready to enroll and take the plunge), rest assured that the journey is worth it. With dedication and the right program fit, you’ll find yourself on a fulfilling career path with ample growth, a good paycheck, and the thrill of working in the dynamic digital domain.

Now, let’s address some frequently asked questions that many prospective students have about pursuing an MBA in Digital Marketing, especially in Chennai and India.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Which is the best MBA college in India?

A: If we’re talking generally, the IIMs and ISB often top the lists for traditional MBAs. However, for a modern, specialized MBA in Digital Marketing, I would vouch for Digital Scholar as the best choice. It might not be a traditional university, but with its global accreditation, industry-integrated curriculum, and 100% placement guarantee, Digital Scholar produces future-ready graduates on par with the best.

In the digital marketing domain, it outranks others by focusing on what employers need today and tomorrow (AI, hands-on skills, etc.). So, if your question is aimed at digital marketing MBAs – Digital Scholar is the answer. (For a conventional MBA, you’d consider IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, ISB, etc., but they don’t specialize in digital marketing to the extent Digital Scholar does.)

Q2: Which college has the best MBA in Digital Marketing?

A: Digital Scholar is ranked #1 for MBA in Digital Marketing, and for good reason. It’s the first in India to introduce AI and automation deeply into the marketing curriculum, trains students with real ad budgets and live projects, and is led by industry experts (we practice what we teach).

Other notable mentions would be programs like Great Lakes (for a mix of analytics and marketing) or SRM (for an established university program). But if you want the best – with a cutting-edge syllabus, practical exposure, and guaranteed outcomes – Digital Scholar stands at the top of the list.

Q3: Which MBA is best in Chennai for digital marketing?

A: In Chennai, you have some great options. Digital Scholar is the standout for a dedicated digital marketing MBA in Chennai (offline, 1 year). If you’re looking at more traditional MBAs with digital electives, Great Lakes offers a top-notch program where you can tailor your electives, and LIBA is excellent for marketing with some digital integration. SRM provides a solid university MBA with a digital focus. But again, for an all-in focus on digital with no compromises, Digital Scholar’s program is unique in the city (and country).

Q4: What are the top PGDM colleges in Chennai for Marketing/Digital Marketing?

A: The top PGDM (equivalent to MBA) colleges in Chennai for marketing include Great Lakes Institute of Management and LIBA (Loyola Institute of Business Administration) – these are premier institutes with strong marketing curriculum and placements. Great Lakes infuses a lot of analytics which complements digital marketing, and LIBA has a stellar marketing legacy. Besides these, ITM Chennai and Xavier Institute (if any in Chennai) are decent, but they don’t specialize in digital.

Q5: Is an MBA in Digital Marketing worth it in 2025 (and beyond)?

A: Absolutely, yes. Given the current trajectory, an MBA in Digital Marketing is extremely worthwhile. Businesses have realized that digital channels are their lifeline to customers. In 2025 and beyond, marketing budgets are predominantly shifting to digital. By having an MBA in this field, you aren’t just a generalist manager – you’re a specialist with strategic and technical skills.

Q6: What are the eligibility criteria for an MBA in Digital Marketing?

A: The eligibility typically is the same as any MBA/PGDM: a bachelor’s degree (in any discipline) with at least 50% marks (this can vary slightly by institution). Most full-time programs in India also require a score from an MBA entrance exam – CAT, MAT, XAT, CMAT, or the institute’s own test. However, some specialized institutes (like Digital Scholar) have their own admission process which might include an aptitude test and interview, but not necessarily CAT.

Q7: Do I need a marketing background or prior experience to do an MBA in Digital Marketing?

A: Not at all. MBA programs are designed to bring people from diverse backgrounds up to speed. Whether you studied engineering, science, commerce, or arts, you can join an MBA in Digital Marketing. The first part of most programs will teach you the basics of marketing and business from scratch.

Q8: What is the difference between a regular MBA (Marketing) and an MBA in Digital Marketing?

A: A regular MBA in Marketing covers a broad range of marketing concepts – consumer behavior, product management, sales management, branding, etc., and typically includes only a module or two on digital marketing. An MBA in Digital Marketing covers those core marketing principles but places a heavier emphasis on digital strategies and tools throughout the program.

It’s more specialized. Think of it this way: regular Marketing MBA makes you a marketing manager who knows a bit of digital; a Digital Marketing MBA makes you a digital expert who also understands general marketing and management.

Q9: Do these MBA in Digital Marketing programs include internships?

A: Yes, most of them do incorporate internships or practical projects, though it varies:

University programs (like SRM, Vel Tech): They have a standard summer internship (6-8 weeks) after the first year.

Digital Scholar: Has integrated internships and live projects throughout, plus a mandatory agency internship towards the end.

IIKM: The whole program is work-integrated, so you’re essentially on a long internship (that’s paid like a job).

Great Lakes PGDM: Has an internship; the PGPM (1 year) squeezes projects into the coursework due to time.

Online programs (Hindustan Online): They often encourage you to do a project in lieu of internship, since it’s flexible.

ZEFT: Focuses on mini projects (which simulate internships) and possibly external internships if time permits.
In short, almost every good program will ensure you have hands-on experience, either via an internship, live client projects, or building something of your own. It’s something you should verify when choosing a program, and all the ones we listed do have that practical component.

Q10: Can an MBA in Digital Marketing graduate work in non-digital roles as well?

A: Yes. The beauty of an MBA, even a specialized one, is that you learn a holistic skill set. You won’t be pigeonholed to only digital roles if you have broader interests or opportunities. For example, you’ll still learn marketing strategy, consumer behavior, and business management which are applicable to traditional marketing and other business roles. We’ve seen graduates go into brand management, business development, consulting, and even general management trainee roles.

Q11: Are there any entrance exams specifically for MBA in Digital Marketing colleges?

A: Generally, there’s no exclusive entrance test just for “digital marketing MBA” programs, but colleges use the common MBA entrance exams or their own exams:

Institutes like IIMs, Great Lakes, LIBA use CAT, XAT, CMAT or GMAT scores.

SRM conducts the SRMJEEM (SRM’s MBA entrance) or takes other exam scores.

Vel Tech, Hindustan, etc. might accept common exams or conduct their own (Vel Tech has its admission test but also considers MAT/CAT).

Specialized institutes like Digital Scholar or IIKM often have their own process – which could be an aptitude test (covering basic quantitative, verbal, and marketing aptitude) followed by personal interview. No CAT needed there.

Q12: How do I choose the right MBA Digital Marketing college for me?

A: Consider these factors:

Curriculum & USP: Does the program teach what you want to learn? Check if they focus more on strategy or tools, any unique offerings (like agency live projects at Digital Scholar or entrepreneurship at ZEFT).

Faculty & Industry Connect: A program with industry professionals (like mentors at Digital Scholar or CEO talks at ZEFT) can offer practical insights. Research faculty profiles if possible.

Placement Record: Look at placement percentages, average salary, and which companies recruit there. A strong placement cell (like at SRM, Great Lakes, or Digital Scholar) can make a huge difference.

Mode and Duration: Do you want a 1-year fast track (Great Lakes PGPM or Digital Scholar) or a 2-year immersive? Online flexibility (Hindustan Online) or strictly offline (most others)? Align it with your life situation.

Peer Group & Network: The kind of peers you’ll have matters for learning and networking. A college with competitive entrance (LIBA/Great Lakes) means very bright peers; an institute focusing on specific domain (like only marketing folks) means you network deeply in that domain.

Cost & ROI: Budget is a factor. Weigh the fees against placement outcomes. An expensive college with great placement can still have a good ROI. If budget is tight, consider lower-cost ones like Hindustan Online or Versatile.

Location & Infrastructure: If you value campus life, go for a university campus (SRM, LIBA). If you prefer city life and perhaps working alongside, maybe a city-based program or online one.

Future Plans: If you want to start your own business, a program like ZEFT or even Digital Scholar (with many entrepreneurial alumni) might help more. If you want corporate ladder, a reputed name like LIBA or Great Lakes could add weight.

Q13: Will I learn technical skills like coding in an MBA Digital Marketing

A: Not coding in the software development sense, but you will learn certain technical aspects:

Web technologies basics: like how websites work, maybe a bit of HTML for on-page SEO or building simple landing pages on WordPress.

Analytics tools: which involve tagging and maybe code snippets (Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel – you’ll handle code snippets but not write code from scratch).

Automation tools: If your program is advanced (Digital Scholar, Great Lakes), you might dabble in tools like Zapier or basic scripts for automation, but it’s more configuration than coding.

So, you won’t be writing programs in Java or Python as a core part (unless you choose to do something extra in analytics). If you fear heavy coding, rest easy – the focus is on marketing tools and strategy, not software engineering.

That said, comfort with technology is a must. You should be willing to learn new software interfaces, play with Excel formulas, maybe run an SQL query if doing deep data analysis (some programs might show you that). But these are taught from scratch if they are included.
In summary, no hardcore coding is required for an MBA in Digital Marketing. Any technical skill needed will be taught at a user-level proficiency. If you do have coding skills, though, it’s a bonus – you could leverage it for things like web analytics customization or building chatbots, but it’s not expected from all students.

Q14: What kind of projects will I work on during these programs?

A: Projects can vary, but typically:

Digital Marketing Plan Project: You might be given a real or fictional company and tasked to create a comprehensive digital marketing strategy for them, covering budget, channel mix, campaign ideas, etc.

Live Campaign Execution: Many programs (Digital Scholar, ZEFT, etc.) will have you run actual campaigns on Google or social media with a small budget, then optimize and report results.

Website/SEO Audit: You could work on creating or optimizing a website (sometimes using WordPress), and improving its SEO, then showing before-after results.

Social Media Campaign: Designing a content calendar and executing a social media campaign for a brand (sometimes you do it for your own personal brand or a NGO).

Analytics Project: analyzing Google Analytics data for a website to derive insights and recommendations.

E-commerce Project: if e-com is in syllabus, maybe setting up a dummy online store and devising its digital marketing plan.

Internship Project: If you intern at a company, that project (like launching a campaign or improving some metric there) often becomes a report/presentation in college.

Capstone/Thesis: Some MBAs will require a thesis-like project at the end. For digital marketing, that could be research on a topic (e.g., “Impact of AI on Digital Advertising”) or a real campaign you executed documented academically.

Q15: Can I pursue an MBA in Digital Marketing through distance learning or part-time?

A: Yes, there are options:

Distance/Online MBAs: Like the Hindustan Online MBA we discussed (and some others like Amity online, Jain University online offering digital marketing MBAs). These allow you to study remotely.

Part-Time/Evening MBAs: Some institutes might have evening batches or weekend classes for working professionals. In Chennai, a lot of the specific digital MBAs are full-time, but generic part-time MBAs might let you do a project in digital marketing.

Executive MBA/PGDM: Not specifically in Chennai that I know focusing on digital, but some executive MBA programs let you choose contemporary electives.

Q16: How important are certifications (Google, Facebook, etc.) in these programs?

A: Certifications are quite important in digital marketing:

They act as proof that you know how to use key platforms. Many employers love to see Google Ads, Google Analytics, Facebook Blueprint, HubSpot, etc. certifications on a resume.

Good programs integrate these. For instance, Digital Scholar offers 20+ certifications during the course, Vel Tech includes Google Ads cert prep, etc. They often dedicate time to prepare students for these exams because it boosts placement chances.

While an MBA gives you the macro understanding, these micro-certifications show tool proficiency. It’s a bit like in IT having a certification for a programming language – it complements your degree.

So, ensure during your MBA in Digital Marketing, you grab as many relevant certs as possible. They are usually free or included (just need to pass the exam). It can definitely tilt an interview in your favor if you have 5-6 certs and the other candidate has none.

Q17: What salary can I expect after completing an MBA in Digital Marketing in Chennai?

A: We covered various stats, but to summarize for Chennai specifically:

As a fresher (with no prior work ex) coming out of a good program: expect around ₹4 to 6 LPA. If you’re from a top institute like Great Lakes or LIBA, it could be on higher side of that range or slightly more (₹7-8L for some). If from a smaller institute, around ₹4-5L is common.

If you had 1-3 years work experience before MBA, you can expect higher (maybe ₹6–9 LPA or more, depending on role and previous exp).

Chennai’s cost of living is a bit lower than Mumbai/BLR, so salaries might be marginally lower than those cities, but not by much in the digital field (skills are in demand everywhere).

Within 2-3 years of working, many hit the ₹8–10 LPA mark. And in 5 years, ₹12–15L or more as you take on managerial roles.

Special cases: If you go into a highly specialized role or a revenue-driving role like performance marketing for a high-growth startup, you might get more. Some of our Digital Scholar grads who joined startups saw rapid hikes as they proved their value.

Also, companies often give performance bonuses and incentives in digital marketing (especially in agency or e-com roles tied to results), so factor that in.

Q18: Will I learn about AI and new technologies in an MBA Digital Marketing?

A: The top programs absolutely cover emerging tech:

We at Digital Scholar have a full AI-driven marketing module (ChatGPT, AI content creation, AI in ads, etc.) and even teach how to build AI chatbots or use AI tools

Great Lakes incorporates analytics and possibly AI in some courses (like an intro to ML for marketing).

Others like SRM or LIBA may not have dedicated AI courses yet, but they mention digital transformation trends, and savvy professors do bring up AI in discussions.

Given it’s 2025, any curriculum not mentioning AI would be behind. Even if not a full course, you’ll likely have workshops or seminars about it. For example, a guest lecture on “How AI is changing SEO” or an assignment to use an AI social media tool could be there.

So, yes, you’ll get exposure to new tech. However, keep in mind the field moves fast, so part of your job is to keep learning beyond the syllabus too. The MBA will teach you fundamentals and some cutting-edge aspects, but new tools come every year. The good programs teach you how to learn those on your own too.

If AI in marketing is a big interest for you, ask specifically about it when evaluating programs. Digital Scholar and some others pride themselves on that integration.

Q19: Are there guaranteed placements in MBA Digital Marketing colleges?

A: Guaranteed placement is a term to be careful with. Very few will promise in absolute terms, but:

Digital Scholar offers 100% placement assurance/guarantee (meaning they will place you, period, as long as you fulfill your commitments).

IIKM in a way guarantees you a work opportunity from the start (since it’s integrated).

Most other colleges don’t guarantee but have high placement rates (90%+). They will say they provide placement assistance. For instance, SRM, LIBA, Great Lakes all have near 100% placement historically, but it’s not “guaranteed” in writing usually.

Why caution: If a college outside of these known ones claims “100% guaranteed placement” but has no track record to show, take it with a grain of salt. Always look at past stats or speak to alumni.

But yes, the demand is so high that good students from any decent program should get placed. The “guarantee” is often more of a marketing term – except in Digital Scholar’s case where it’s a commitment we take seriously by aligning our training to ensure everyone meets a certain bar of employability and then connecting them diligently to employers.

Q20: What is the future of digital marketing as a career – will it be automated?

A: This is a great, forward-looking question. The future of digital marketing is vibrant, not just as a career but as an evolving discipline:

Some routine tasks will be automated by AI (e.g., basic reporting, some ad optimizations). But that frees up marketers to focus on strategy, creativity, and nuanced analysis. The role might shift from doing manual tasks to supervising AI, interpreting data, and making strategic decisions.

New sub-fields are emerging: AI Marketing, Voice SEO, AR/VR marketing, Influencer marketing management, Marketing Data Science – these will provide new career avenues. With your training, you can branch into those as they grow.

Companies will always need humans to understand other humans – consumer psychology, creative storytelling, big-picture strategy – AI can’t fully replace that. Instead, you’ll work with AI tools to be more effective. For instance, you might use an AI to generate 100 ad variations, but you decide which ones fit the brand best.

Job growth: As internet penetration increases and more businesses come online (think of all the local businesses yet to fully leverage digital), the need for digital marketers will increase. Also, marketing roles are expanding in scope (digital now often influences product development, customer service via social media, etc.).

So, the career is here to stay and will likely be one of the most exciting fields to be in. The key is continuous learning – which, having an MBA in Digital Marketing, you are already groomed for. The mindset of testing, learning, optimizing that you gain will serve you no matter how the tools change.

Final Thoughts

Embarking on an MBA in Digital Marketing in Chennai has been a life-changing journey for many, including myself as a mentor and lifelong student of this field. Chennai, with its blend of traditional academia and growing digital industry, is a fantastic place to dive into this course.

Whether you choose a hands-on institute like Digital Scholar, a university program like SRM or LIBA, or any other option from our top colleges list, make sure to make the most of your MBA years. Network like crazy, work on passion projects, experiment with new tools, and absorb knowledge from peers and mentors.

Remember, the goal is not just to get a degree, but to build a career that is dynamic, fruitful, and fulfilling. The digital marketing world welcomes the curious and the proactive – so bring those qualities with you. With the right training and mindset, you won’t just survive in the digital era – you’ll lead and thrive.

If you have any more questions or need guidance, feel free to reach out (you have my contact!). As someone who has walked this path and now helps pave it for others, I’m always excited to help new talent find their calling in digital marketing. Here’s wishing you the very best in your journey to become a skilled, future-ready digital marketer!