Practical Steps to Become a Management Consultant in 2025

In today’s fast-paced business world, the demand for management consultants is growing as companies face intense competition and increasingly turn to specialists for guidance.

The major responsibilities of Management Consultants are:

• Providing solutions: Management consultants improve business operations by developing strategies, optimizing processes, and implementing technology to meet business needs.
• Documents and research: Consultants produce legal documents and conduct research on industry and economic changes, enhancing the information available to clients.
• Expert Advisory: They offer expert advice based on their in-depth knowledge of their field and industry, staying updated on new trends to help clients succeed.

According to Consultancy.in, India's management consulting sector has grown steadily, with an average growth rate of 6.75% since 2013. The 6% growth in the Indian consulting market has surpassed several global players, including the UK (5%), Germany (1%), and the Netherlands (0%). 

This guide will walk you through the practical steps to becoming a management consultant, helping you build the skills and knowledge needed for a successful career in this field.

So, let’s dive in and explore the steps to becoming a management consultant together.

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How to Become a Management Consultant?

To become a management consultant, you will need a degree in any of the fields like business administration, economics, or finance provide the foundational knowledge needed for this role. 

These areas of study cover crucial topics such as strategic planning, data analysis, and financial management, all of which are key skills in consulting.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to starting a career in management consulting:

1) Complete a bachelor’s degree program

• A bachelor’s degree is generally the minimum requirement for most consulting roles.
• Consider pursuing a major in a field of your choice, such as marketing, finance, or human resource development, to build foundational expertise.
• Supplement your major with specific minors and courses to gain targeted knowledge and skills for your chosen sector.
• Additional relevant management consultant courses can help you develop expertise in key areas needed for consulting, such as data analysis, project management, or strategy.
• Although not mandatory, many companies in consulting prefer candidates with a master’s degree or an MBA due to the competitive nature of the field.

Boost your career with an MBA from upGrad! Explore flexible, industry-relevant courses today and take the first step toward your future success.

2) Get Work Experience

• Most management consulting roles in India require a minimum of 2 to 3 years of work experience.
• Experience in other business areas, such as project management, the social sector, or the public sector, can be beneficial for consulting roles.
• Some professionals start in junior roles within a company and gradually gets into consulting positions as they gain experience.

3) Get Certified (To enhance your skills)

• While not mandatory, management consultant certifications can give you an advantage in the hiring process.
• Certifications act as proof of your training, experience, and practical knowledge in management consulting.
• They allow you to showcase your specific skills and expertise to potential employers, helping you stand out from other candidates.
• There are various certifications available, from entry-level to advanced programs for high-level managers who work directly with clients.
• These management consultant courses offer structured learning to help you gain the skills needed for a successful consulting career.

4) Crack the Interview

• Management consulting interviews are known for being lengthy and involve multiple stages to assess your skills.
• Employers will evaluate how well you work in a team and how you approach solving specific problems.
• You’ll need to show your ability to communicate effectively and present your solutions clearly.
• Interviews often include case studies, real-life consulting problems, and discussions to test your time management, analytical, and critical thinking abilities. Practice these skills to succeed.

Must read: Top 30 Interview Questions & Answers 

5) Continuous Learning

• Continuously improve your skills and knowledge to stay competitive in the field.
• Connect with other consultants at formal events, conferences, and industry meetups to expand your professional network.
• Use corporate presentations and events as opportunities to display your expertise to potential clients.
• Regularly engaging in these activities helps you build your professional reputation and opens doors to new opportunities.

What are the Qualifications needed for Management Consultant?

To become a management consultant, having the right qualifications is essential. While specific requirements may vary by company, certain educational backgrounds, skills, and experience are commonly sought after in the consulting field. 

Below are the key qualifications that can help you succeed in this career.

1. Bachelor’s Degree:

• Enroll in programs like BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration) or BBM (Bachelor of Business Management).
• Aim to score at least 55% marks from a reputable university.
• This is the first step in getting into management consulting.

Finished your BBA and exploring what’s next? Unlock a world of opportunities with our guide on career options after BBA to navigate your professional journey ahead.

2. Master’s Degree:

• Pursue a Master’s degree from a well-known institution to further specialize in management consulting.
• You can choose from various management consultant courses to deepen your expertise.

3. Relevant Work Experience:

• At least 2-3 years of experience in business or project management roles is typically required.
• Experience in sectors like marketing, finance, or the public sector can also be beneficial.

4. Certifications:

• Management consultant certifications, like the Certified Management Consultant (CMC), can boost your credibility and demonstrate your expertise.
• Other relevant certifications in business analysis or project management can add value.

5. Key Skills:

• Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities to assess and address complex issues.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills to explain solutions clearly.
• Ability to work in teams and manage client relationships effectively.
• Time management and critical thinking skills to handle multiple tasks and challenges.

What are the Key Skills Required to Become a Management Consultant?

It’s important to develop a strong set of skills to succeed as a management consultant that will help you analyze problems, communicate effectively, and provide valuable solutions to clients.

These skills are not only essential for problem-solving but also for building strong relationships with clients and colleagues.

Below are the key skills needed to succeed in the field of management consulting.

1. Analytical Thinking:

• Ability to break down complex problems into smaller, manageable parts.
• Analyzing data and trends to identify key issues and solutions.

2. Problem-Solving:

• Strong critical thinking to approach challenges creatively.
• Developing innovative strategies to solve business problems effectively.

3. Communication Skills:

• Clear and concise communication to explain complex ideas and solutions to clients.
• Strong writing and presentation skills for creating reports and delivering presentations.

Sign up for the Free Online Course on Communication with Certification to enhance your communication skills.

4. Teamwork:

• Ability to work well with clients and colleagues in a team setting.
• Collaborating with people from different backgrounds and departments to find solutions.

5. Improved Time Management:

• Effectively managing multiple projects and deadlines at once.
• Prioritizing tasks to ensure timely completion of work.

6. Adaptability:

• Being flexible and able to adjust to changing client needs and market conditions.
• Quickly learning about new industries, business models, or technologies.

7. Client Management:

• Building strong relationships with clients and understanding their needs.
• Providing excellent customer service and ensuring client satisfaction.

8. Leadership:

• Leading teams or projects to successful outcomes.
• Taking initiative and being responsible for decision-making processes.

Also Read: 5 Key Skills Required for a Successful Management Career

How Much Can a Management Consultant Earn in India?

The salary of a management consultant in India varies widely depending on factors such as experience, job role, location, and the consulting firm. As you progress in your career, earnings tend to increase significantly. 

Below is a general breakdown of the salary structure from entry-level to senior roles, along with how factors like experience, city, and company can impact your earnings.

Here is the salary structure of Management Consultants in India according to experience:

1. Entry-Level (0-1 years of experience): At the start of your consulting career, you can expect to earn around INR 15.5L per annum as per the Glassdoor, with most firms offering a base salary along with performance bonuses.

2. Mid-Level (4-6 years of experience): At this stage, consultants take on more responsibility, including managing projects and leading teams. Salaries increase accordingly. According to the Glassdoor, Management Consultants with this experience can get a salary of INR 26L per annum.

3. Senior-Level (10-14 years of experience): Senior consultants, managers, and partners, who have proven expertise and leadership skills, earn significantly higher salaries, often with additional bonuses, profit sharing, and other incentives. As per the glassdoor they their average annual salary is approximately INR 28L.

The average salary of a management consultant in India can range from INR 15L to INR 30L per year, depending on the factors mentioned above. 

Below is a table of the average annual salaries for management consultants across some top cities in India.

City	Average Annual Salary
Mumbai	INR 26L
New Delhi	INR 25L
Bengaluru	INR 27L
Hyderabad	INR 22.5L
Chennai	INR 16L

Sourced By: Glassdoor

Note: The salaries mentioned in the table are approximate and may vary as per the employer and experience.

Who are the Top Recruiters for Management Consultants in India?

India has a booming management consulting sector, with numerous top firms hiring skilled professionals to help businesses navigate complex challenges and improve operations. 

These firms range from global giants to industry-specific consultancies, each offering unique opportunities based on their areas of expertise.

According to India Business & Trade, the Indian consulting services industry has seen impressive growth over the years. In 2021, it was valued at USD 316.5 billion and is expected to reach USD 811.3 billion by 2031, growing at an annual rate of 10.2%. 

This growth highlights that there will be a notable increase in job openings for management consultants in India in the coming years.

Here are some of the top recruiters for management consultants in India:

Top Firms	Industry
Accenture	Strategy Operations
pWc	Audit & Assurance Consulting
Delloite	Consulting
KPMG	Financial Advisory Tax
IBM	Technology Cloud Services
Vector Consulting Group (India)	Operations Management Supply Chain Optimization
EY	Tax Advisory Assurance
Infosys	Consulting Cloud Solutions
Wipro	Consulting Cloud Computing
Tata Consultancy Services	IT Services Consulting

Sourced By: Glassdoor

What are the Right Courses for Becoming a Management Consultant in India?

Becoming a management consultant in India requires a strong educational base. The right courses help you build the skills needed to solve complex business problems, lead teams, and offer valuable insights to clients. 

Both undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) courses play an important role in shaping your career as a management consultant.

But did you know which course you should opt for to become a Management Consultant in India?

Well in that case, here are your details:

Course Name	Course Type	Average Duration
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)	Undergraduate (UG)	3 years
Bachelor of Business Management (BBM)	Undergraduate (UG)	3 years
Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com)	Undergraduate (UG)	3 years
Bachelor of Economics	Undergraduate (UG)	3 years
Bachelor of Management Studies (BMS)	Undergraduate (UG)	3 years
Master of Business Administration (MBA)	Postgraduate (PG)	2 years
Master of Management Studies (MMS)	Postgraduate (PG)	2 years
Master of Business Analytics (MBA in BA)	Postgraduate (PG)	2 years
Postgraduate Program in Management (PGPM)	Postgraduate (PG)	1-2 years
Master of Finance and Control (MFC)	Postgraduate (PG)	2 years

How UpGrad Can Help You Become a Management Consultant in India?

UpGrad offers a range of specialized management programs designed to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge required to excel as a management consultant in India.

Our industry-relevant courses are designed to give you practical insights and strategic thinking, which are essential in the consulting field.

Here's how UpGrad can guide you on your journey to becoming a management consultant:

• Industry-Relevant Curriculum: Courses are curated by top industry experts, ensuring you gain the latest skills required in the consulting field.
• Flexible Learning: With online classes, you can learn at your own pace, making it easier to balance your studies with work.
• Hands-On Learning: Practical projects and case studies help you develop problem-solving skills crucial for consulting.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with equivalents, industry experts, and alumni through UpGrad's platform, opening doors to new career opportunities.
• Personalized Mentorship: Receive guidance from experienced mentors who help you navigate through real-world challenges in management consulting.

Ready to take the next step in your management consulting career? Explore UpGrad's Management Course today!

What Are the Advantages of Becoming a Management Consultant in India?

A career in management consulting comes with numerous benefits, making it an attractive option for those looking for dynamic and rewarding work.

Consultants play a key role in helping organizations solve complex business challenges, which provides both personal and professional growth.

Here are some specific advantages of becoming a management consultant in India:

1. High Salary

• Management consulting is known for offering high salaries, especially as you progress in your career. 
• With experience and expertise, consultants can earn substantial compensation, along with performance bonuses and other incentives.

2. Travel Opportunities

• Many management consultants have the chance to travel for work, either to client sites within India or internationally. 
• This provides the opportunity to explore different cultures and gain diverse work experiences, while also expanding professional networks.

3. Quicker Success

• The consulting industry offers rapid career advancement. Top-performing consultants often see quicker promotions compared to other industries, helping them rise through the ranks faster.
• You will acquire a broad set of skills, from problem-solving and leadership to client management, which can accelerate your success in the field.

4. Growing Field

• Management consulting is a growing field in India, with more businesses seeking expert advice to remain competitive. 
• As the industry continues to expand, more job opportunities and career paths will become available for consultants.