This was the same question that comes into my mind when i was onto completion my B.E.
What i heard is that in other countries trend of work ex before MBA is popular & helpful too & it is gaining in India too.
Now i have got atleast 2.5 yrs of work ex & i am doing PGDBA ( distance learning)as well.
I think practical experience( before going for MBA )is far much more better,useful & easier before theoritical knowledge It is more useful/helpful for MBA students if experience is in Management/excecutive field.