Anyone who’s stepped into an MBA programme in India knows that books aren’t cheap. From the moment your classes start, you’re handed a long list of textbooks and reference materials. But they all come with price tags that pile up faster than expected.
Most students, knowingly or not, end up spending thousands on MBA books that they’ll only use for a semester or two. Once the exams are over, these books are either packed away, left to gather dust, or sold to the scrap dealer for next to nothing.
But that doesn’t have to be the case.
A growing number of students have started leaning towards second hand MBA books, and not just to save money (though that’s a big reason). It’s practical, easy, and a far more sensible way to manage resources.
Whether you’re a first-year MBA student, someone preparing for the next round of entrance exams, or looking to clear out your old shelf, this guide breaks things for you.
Different People, One Smart Choice: Used MBA Books
Buying or selling second hand MBA books is a practical choice that suits different types of people at different points in their journey. If you’re wondering whether this guide (or this idea in general) is for you, take a look below (chances are you’ll find yourself in one of these):
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Current MBA Students Looking to Save Money
If you’re in your first or second year of MBA and your syllabus requires you to pick up 5-10 new books each term, you’ve already realised how expensive things can get. This guide is for you if you’re trying to cut costs without compromising on quality. Second hand MBA books can help you access the same content your classmates use without spending the full amount.
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Aspirants Preparing for MBA Entrance Exams
Preparing for entrance tests like CAT, GMAT, XAT or MAT? You will need prep books that cover topics like quantitative aptitude, verbal reasoning, and business awareness. Buying second hand prep material makes perfect sense when you’re on a tight prep schedule and want access to tried-and-tested books without paying full price.
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Students Switching or Choosing Specialisations
Let’s say you chose Marketing in the first semester but have now switched to Finance or maybe you’re doing a dual specialisation. Either way, you now need books for a subject you didn’t originally plan for. Buying brand-new books for just one elective may not always make sense. Used MBA books can help you bridge the gap affordably and without much hassle.
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Fresh Graduates or Seniors with Books to Sell
If you’ve completed your MBA and your bookshelf is still stacked with books you know you won’t touch again, why let them sit idle? You can sell your second hand MBA books online to students who actually need them. It’s better than scrapping them, and you get some money back too.
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Anyone Who Believes in Reuse and Circular Economy
There’s a growing awareness around reducing waste, especially among the younger crowd. If you’re someone who believes that good books should be reused rather than thrown away or wasted, you’ll appreciate this idea.
Also Read: A Guide to CAT Exam Preparation
What Kind of MBA Books Can You Find Second Hand?
Not all MBA books are created equal. Some are absolutely essential, while others are more like reference materials that barely get opened. But there’s actually quite a bit on offer when it comes to buying second hand MBA books.
Used books can easily cover most of what you need if you know where to look and what to expect. Let’s break it down, just to give you a clearer idea of what’s commonly available.
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Core Subjects Everyone Studies
No matter which college you’re in or what specialisation you choose later, these subjects are part of the first year’s curriculum. Books for these subjects are usually easy to find second hand because every student goes through them, and most are eager to sell them off once they’re done.
Some of the more common ones you’ll come across:
- Financial Accounting
- Managerial Economics
- Organisational Behaviour
- Business Law
- Operations Management
- Marketing Fundamentals
You’ll often spot these in bundles from seniors clearing out their shelves after their first year.
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Finance Books That Are Always in Circulation
Finance students usually buy more books than they expect. Since the core ideas in finance don’t change overnight, many of these books remain useful year after year.
Look out for titles like:
- Corporate Finance
- Investment Analysis
- Financial Risk Management
- International Finance
If you’re lucky, you’ll even find copies with clean diagrams and a few helpful handwritten notes in the margins.
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Marketing Books with Real-World Case Studies
Marketing is another stream where second hand books are everywhere mainly because people love to pass on their case-heavy textbooks once done. Many books focus on Indian brands or campaigns, which makes them quite handy.
Common ones include:
- Consumer Behaviour
- Brand Strategy
- Digital Marketing
- Sales & Channel Management
If you’re in marketing, it’s worth scanning BookMandee for well-priced copies that are still relevant.
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HR Books That Stay Useful Over Time
HR books tend to age well. The concepts, laws, and frameworks don’t change much every year, and that’s good news if you’re looking to pick them up second hand.
You’ll likely find:
- Talent Management
- Labour Laws in India
- Organisational Development
- Performance Appraisal Systems
These books usually come in very good condition since they’re mostly text-heavy and used lightly.
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Business Analytics & Quantitative Subjects
While the tools in this area may evolve, most books cover the basics that stay relevant. Data-focused students can find some great second hand picks.
Books to look out for:
- Data-Driven Decision Making
- Business Analytics Basics
- Quantitative Methods
- Statistical Tools in Excel
Do double-check if the book includes digital access (if needed), or whether you’re just getting the physical copy.
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Electives and Niche Subjects
Elective books are hit or miss. Since fewer people opt for them, they’re not always in circulation. But when they are, they’re usually priced well. Seniors from your college are often the best source for these.
Subjects you might see:
- Entrepreneurship
- Strategic Management
- Retail & E-Commerce
- Sustainability & Ethics
It’s worth keeping an eye out, especially if you want to avoid paying full price for a subject you’re only studying for one term.
Recommended Read: A Complete GRE Exam Guide
What Do You Really Gain by Choosing Used MBA Books?
Buying second-hand MBA books is simply more practical. Whether you’re trying to stretch your budget, avoid unnecessary clutter, or make smarter decisions during your MBA, there are a few clear reasons why this approach works better for a lot of students.
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You’ll Spend a Lot Less, Without Missing Out on Anything
MBA books are not cheap. A single book can cost ₹800, sometimes over ₹1,500 depending on the subject. If you’re buying a few at once, it starts feeling like a luxury expense. But when you go for second-hand MBA books, you can often find the same titles for half the price, sometimes even less.
Most of these books are only needed for a semester or two. Spending a few thousand every term just doesn’t make sense when there’s a more affordable option sitting right there.
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The Quality is Usually Better Than You’d Expect
There’s this idea that second-hand automatically means worn out, torn pages, and coffee stains. However, that’s really not the case. Most MBA students buy their books new, use them with care, and then resell them a few months later once the exams are over. Some barely even touch them beyond a chapter or two.
So when you buy used books online, you can get a perfectly readable copy with useful highlights or notes at a much better price.
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You Avoid the Whole Rush at the Start of Each Term
At the beginning of a new semester, it’s the same story in most B-schools. Everyone’s scrambling to get their books, either lining up at campus stores or scrolling through online sellers. Prices go up, stock runs out, and delivery delays become inevitable.
You can avoid all that if you buy second-hand and plan a little ahead. You get your books early, for less money, without having to fight over the last copy online.
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You Don’t Waste Money on Books You Barely Use
You might only need a couple of chapters from one book all year. But if you bought it new, that’s ₹1,000 down the drain for something that barely left your shelf. Buying it used makes that easier to live with. Even if you barely touch it, at least you didn’t pay full price. If you do end up using it more than expected, you still save money.
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Older Editions Are Often Just as Good, Sometimes Better
Publishers love releasing new editions every year. But the core content rarely changes that much. Maybe they update a few examples or swap out some case studies. In fact, some older editions go into more detail and aren’t overloaded with reformatted content just to look fresh.
So when you pick up a second-hand book that’s a couple of years old, you’re probably getting the same knowledge without the inflated price.
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You Can Resell Them Again Later
Second-hand doesn’t mean the end of the road. Once you’re done with a book, there’s nothing stopping you from passing it on again. If it’s still relevant and in good shape, list it for resale. BookMandee makes that process easy – you list the book, set your price, and connect with someone who needs it. Know more about the selling process here.
This way, your books keep circulating, someone else gets to save money, and you get back a bit of what you spent. It’s a small step towards making your MBA more affordable overall.
Where Are Students Actually Finding Used MBA Books These Days?
Most MBA students don’t have the time (or the patience) to go chasing books all over the city. Between lectures, assignments, and trying to have a life outside of class, you need a simple, reliable way to get your hands on the books you need without blowing a hole in your budget.
Luckily, second hand MBA books are available in more places than most people realise. You just need to know where to look.
1. Second-Hand Bookstores Near College Areas or Old City Markets
If you’ve ever walked around the older parts of a city or near big university clusters, you will see shops with shelves stacked with books, sometimes in no particular order. These shops have been around for years. They thrive on foot traffic, word of mouth, and the steady flow of students who need affordable books every year.
Why it works:
- They often stock last semester’s MBA books from students who just passed out.
- You can flip through and check the actual condition of the book yourself.
- You can negotiate if you’re picking up more than one book.
- Sellers often remember what students usually ask for, so they might even guide you.
2. Well-Known Second-Hand Book Markets in Bigger Cities
Some cities have built a reputation for being goldmines when it comes to used books. If you’re anywhere near Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Pune, or Hyderabad, you’ve probably heard of these already:
- Daryaganj, Delhi – A Sunday-only book market where books are sold by weight or at throwaway prices.
- College Street, Kolkata – Possibly the biggest hub for academic books in India. You’ll find everything from entrance exam guides to niche MBA texts.
- Flora Fountain, Mumbai – Used book vendors line the pavement. Some even specialise in business and management titles.
- Abids, Hyderabad – Sundays are the best time to visit. It’s chaotic but that’s part of the charm.
You’ll need to dig a bit, and don’t expect the books to be arranged by subject, but the savings make it worth it.
3. Seniors and Alumni from Your Own B-School
Sometimes, the easiest solution is right under your nose. Every year, thousands of MBA students finish their degrees and wonder what to do with their old books. If you’re in touch with someone who just completed their MBA or even someone from the batch above yours, ask them.
What helps:
- Reach out on class WhatsApp groups or internal forums.
- Don’t just ask for books. Be specific about your subjects or electives.
- Offer a fair price. You’re not just buying the book; you’re also saving time and effort.
This method works best for elective or niche subjects that aren’t available as easily in markets.
4. Book-Focused Online Platforms (BookMandee)
If wandering around markets or chasing seniors isn’t your thing, you’ll want something more structured. That’s where BookMandee fits in. It’s not another general e-commerce site. it’s built specifically for buying and selling old books.
Why it’s actually helpful:
- You can deal with real people, mostly students just like you
- Only books, without phone covers or kitchenware mixed in
- You can filter by city, subject, or category
- The process is simple: find the book, contact the seller, fix a deal
If you’re serious about buying (or selling) second hand MBA books online, this is a more direct route than scrolling endlessly on any other marketplace.
How to Know if a Used MBA Book Is Worth Buying?
Once you’ve found a bunch of used MBA books online or at your local market, take a moment before you say yes and hand over the cash (or hit ‘Buy Now’). Not every second hand book is a good deal. Some might be outdated, missing pages, or not relevant to your syllabus.
Choosing the right book is about condition, content, and context. Here are a few things you should always check before committing to any second hand MBA book purchase:
- Match the Book with Your College’s Latest Syllabus
- Confirm the Edition Before You Buy
- Physically Check (or Ask Clearly) About Book Condition
- Check if the Book Has Add-ons or Digital Access (If Needed)
- Think About How Long You’ll Actually Need It
- Always Compare Prices Before You Decide
- Check if You Can Resell or Pass It Forward
The MBA Books That Actually Move (Bought and Sold Most Often)
Here’s a breakdown of the books that rarely stay in one place for long:
1. Philip Kotler’s ‘Marketing Management’ (Multiple Editions)
2. R.S. Kaplan’s ‘Managerial Accounting’ or T.S. Grewal-style Indian alternatives
3. P. Subba Rao’s ‘Organisational Behaviour’
4. C.K. Prahalad & Gary Hamel’s ‘Competing for the Future’
5. Richard D. Irwin’s ‘Operations Management’
6. Business Law Books (by Indian Authors like N.D. Kapoor or P.C. Tulsian)
7. Quantitative Aptitude & Statistics Textbooks (by R.S. Aggarwal, Levin & Rubin)
8. Digital Marketing Handbooks or Elective Books (like Seema Gupta’s Titles)
Don’t Rush: Here’s When to Buy (and When Not To)
Buying second hand MBA books can save you a lot of money. However, when you buy them matters just as much as what you buy. If you grab everything at the start of the term without thinking, you might end up with books you barely touch. On the other hand, if you wait too long, the good deals are gone, and you’re stuck either overpaying or scrambling the night before your midterm.
So, how do you time it right? Here is a breakdown of when you should act quickly and when it’s actually smarter to hold off, based on what thousands of MBA students typically go through every academic year:
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Buy Core Subject Books Early Even Before the Term Starts
When to buy: Late semester break or 1–2 weeks before classes begin.
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Wait on Electives, Especially Until You Finalise Your Subjects
When to buy: Week 2 or 3 of the semester, once the final elective list is confirmed.
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Avoid Buying Every Recommended Book
When to wait: At least the first 10–14 days of the course before buying supplementary texts.
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Mid-Semester is a Good Time to Grab Books for the Next Term
When to buy: Around the midterm mark of your current semester (usually Month 2).
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Post-Exam Windows Are Perfect for Buying & Selling
When to buy or sell: End of term / after final exams / before summer or winter break.
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Sell Old MBA Books When Juniors Are Just Starting Their Term
Best time to sell:
- A week or two before the new term.
- When admission results come out (for first-years).
- During orientation or early lectures.
BookMandee sees a flood of new users around this time, so your listing is more likely to get noticed and sold fast.
What Not to Do When Buying Second Hand MBA Books?
If you’re buying second hand MBA books for the first time, this list will save you from falling into common traps that many students (especially in their first term) walk straight into. Let’s go over them one by one.
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Jumping at the First Deal Without Comparing Prices
This one’s super common. You’re in a rush, someone lists a book, and you grab it without even checking what others are selling it for. Chances are, you either overpaid or could’ve found a better copy.
Instead, spend at least 10-15 minutes browsing similar listings. You’ll quickly get a feel for what a fair price looks like.
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Not Asking About the Edition Before Buying
MBA courses change, so do syllabi. Also, books come out with new editions every couple of years. The difference between the 13th and 17th edition might seem small, but chapters get shuffled or removed sometimes.
This matters as you might buy the wrong edition and then have to borrow or photocopy the missing parts anyway. So, before confirming, ask: ‘Which edition is this? Is it the one currently being used in XYZ college?’ If they say they’re not sure, cross-check.
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Ignoring the Book’s Actual Condition
People say ‘good condition’ in their listing, but that can mean anything. One person’s ‘like new’ is another person’s ‘scribbled everywhere in red ink’. If you’re buying online or remotely, always ask for clear photos.
What to ask for:
- Inside pages (especially the first few and last few)
- Any highlighting or markings
- Binding or spine condition
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Buying Every Single Book Mentioned by the Faculty
You’ll likely get a list of ‘recommended’ readings from your professor. Don’t rush out to buy all of them. You may not even use half. Instead, ask seniors which books they actually studied from.
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Focusing Too Much on the MRP Instead of Practical Value
Sometimes, sellers quote the original MRP to make their asking price sound like a deal (like It’s ₹950 new, I’m giving it for ₹600). But if the book is outdated or barely needed, even ₹200 is too much.
So, don’t let the original price fool you. Value it based on how much you’ll actually use it, not how much the first buyer paid.
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Not Using BookMandee – A Dedicated Book Platforms
Many students limit themselves to WhatsApp groups, Telegram channels, or college noticeboards. But there’s a whole world outside that. BookMandee is a platform dedicated purely to second hand books.
Why it helps:
- Easier to filter by subject, author, and location
- Fewer spammy or irrelevant listings
- You’re not lost among washing machine or furniture listings like many other marketplaces
Using a platform built for books means less back-and-forth and better results.
Quick Comparison Table: New vs Second Hand MBA Books
| Factor | Second Hand Books | New Books |
| Price | Much cheaper (50-% less) | Higher upfront cost |
| Condition | Varies (may have notes/highlights) | Clean, unused |
| Edition Availability | May be older editions | Always the latest (usually) |
| Convenience | Takes time to search, negotiate | Easily available on e-com sites |
| Best For | Short-term use, electives, budgeting | Long-term use, collectors, reference material |
| Eco-Friendliness | Recycled, sustainable | Adds to new production footprint |
| Resale Potential | Higher resale chances later | Lower, unless barely used |
Final Thought
You don’t need to pick one side forever. Most MBA students mix buying second hand for electives and side subjects, and getting a few brand-new books for core subjects or personal use. Whatever you do, don’t fall into the trap of thinking more expensive = more effective.
A ₹300 used book that helps you pass is always better than a ₹900 one that just looks good on your shelf.
The smarter you are with your book choices, the more time and money you’ll free up for surviving case studies, assignments, and back-to-back presentations.