A marketing manager earning ₹15 lakh annually is considering quitting their job to pursue a two-year MBA from a top Indian business school, with total costs exceeding ₹40 lakh including tuition, living expenses, and lost salary. In June 2026, ChatGPT was asked whether this investment remains worthwhile, providing an answer that questioned some popular beliefs about the MBA's value, according to livemint.com.
The AI highlighted that while an MBA has traditionally been seen as a safe career investment in India, the decision to pursue one now involves more complexity. It pointed out that the rising costs and opportunity costs must be weighed against potential salary increases and career acceleration. ChatGPT emphasized that outcomes vary widely depending on the individual's goals, the business school's reputation, and the evolving job market dynamics.
This assessment comes amid broader debates on the relevance of expensive degrees in the face of rapid technological change and shifting employer expectations. The MBA's traditional formula—paying high fees for a significant salary boost—faces scrutiny as AI and automation reshape skills demand. The discussion aligns with recent commentary on the importance of AI-proof skills over formal degrees in shaping future careers in India.
The article was published on June 22, 2026, by livemint.com, reflecting a growing trend of using AI tools to evaluate major career decisions such as pursuing costly higher education programs.