Business Development Manager
Business Development Managers (BDMs) identify growth opportunities, build client relationships and close strategic deals across industries in India. Typical entry routes include commerce/management UG degrees, engineering followed by MBA, or direct MBA; roles exist in startups, SMEs and large corporates.
Actions for your grade
- Take part in commerce/entrepreneurship workshops and school business competitions
- Learn spreadsheet basics and simple data analysis
- Seek short internships or shadow local small businesses
Your complete path from Grade 10 to Business Development Manager
Every step you need — from now to your first job.
Good for early entry into sales, business development roles and internships; some colleges use state or university-specific tests.
- NowCommerce Stream
- ExamsCUET UG or MHT CET
- DegreeB.Com / BBA / BMS (3 years)
- CollegesShri Ram College of Commerce · Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies · Christ University Bangalore
- CareerBusiness Development Manager
Common route for technical products or SaaS BDM roles; requires strong academics for top MBA entry.
- NowScience Stream
- ExamsJEE Main or BITSAT or CAT
- DegreeB.Tech (4 years) → MBA / PGDM (2 years)
- CollegesIIT Delhi · BITS Pilani · IIM Ahmedabad
- CareerBusiness Development Manager
MBA gives structured training in strategy, sales and market analytics; work experience boosts placements into senior BDM roles.
- NowAny Stream Stream
- ExamsCAT
- DegreeMBA / PGDM (2 years)
- CollegesIIM Bangalore · IIM Calcutta · IIM Ahmedabad
- CareerBusiness Development Manager
Entrance exams
| Exam | Eligibility | Difficulty | Window |
|---|---|---|---|
JEE Main NTA | Class 12 PCM | Very Hard | Jan & Apr |
BITSAT BITS Pilani | Class 12 PCM, 75%+ | Hard | May-Jun |
MHT CET Maharashtra State CET Cell | Class 12 PCM (Maharashtra domicile preferred) | Medium | Apr-May |
CUET UG NTA | Class 12 (any stream) | Medium | May-Jun |
CAT IIMs | Bachelor's degree 50%+ | Very Hard | Nov |
Where to Study
Institutes known to offer this career pathway in India.