Online MBA Courses: The Key to Advancing Your Career

About Online MBA Programmes

MBA distance education is a correspondence postgraduate management program that can be completed in two years. It is a popular postgraduate degree program among students after graduation to work towards career growth in business management.The program provides flexibility to students as they can attend small MBA classes in a hybrid format and may need to visit the institute or centers during weekends. Online MBA program is a great career option for candidates who cannot pursue a traditional MBA program due to some reasons such as financial constraints, work schedules, belonging to rural areas, wanting to switch their career or others.

Online MBA courses are approved by UGC/AICTE and are offered by various universities and institutes in India. Several universities offering online MBA courses have established placement cells to help candidates secure positions in multinational companies, government jobs, and other roles such as Corporate Associate, Portfolio Manager, Finance Analyst, Credit Risk Manager, Executive, Senior Executive, etc.

The content and duration of the MBA online education program are equivalent to that of a full-time Master of Business Administration program, with a curriculum covering subjects such as Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, Operations Management, Corporate Finance, and other related disciplines. Despite differences in study style and access to campus resources, the syllabus of a Distance MBA is similar to that of full-time MBA programs.

While the different types of distance MBA courses available through online education make it a highly sought-after management degree, it shouldn’t be the only factor considered when deciding whether to pursue it. Online MBA courses provide students with professional and leadership skills, for example how to manage or organize a business? What strategies can be used to start a new venture etc.?

Why to Pursue an Online MBA program?

Lower Cost

Another advantage of an online MBA distance education is the lower cost compared to on-campus programs. You won’t have to worry about the costs of relocating or commuting to campus, and some online programs may offer tuition discounts.

Flexibility

Online MBA courses give an opportunity to students across the nation to pursue their course as there is no restricted schedule of learning or joining physical classes. The student can take classes, complete assignments, attempt quizzes and scheduled examinations as per their convenience. Students who cannot afford costly regular courses can opt for a distance learning programme as it is comparatively less hefty and suits their pocket. The subjects taught in online MBA are almost the same as in regular MBA and enhance the managerial skills required in the actual functioning of the industry.

Global Reach

Online MBA education programs are accessible from anywhere in the world, which means you can enroll in a program offered by a prestigious university without leaving your home country.

Curriculum

Online Master of Business Administration education programs offer a curriculum similar to traditional on-campus MBA programs. You are required to study core subjects along with the specialized subjects in management that develop the individual skills needed to succeed in a business world.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements for online MBA distance education programs are similar to those of on-campus Master of Business Administration programs. Most programs require a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, a minimum GPA, and sometimes work experience.

Course Delivery

Online MBA courses are typically delivered through video lectures, online discussions, and assignments while some programs may require you to attend virtual classes or participate in group projects.

Accreditation

Accreditation is an essential factor to consider when choosing an online MBA distance education program. Accreditation plays a crucial role in ensuring the­ quality and standards of online distance education programs offere­d by universities and institutions in India.

Career Advancement

A Master of Business Administration degree offers career assistance to their learners for better future prospects. With an online MBA program,Various internship programs, webinars, and training are organized from time to time by the University to boost the morale and personality of the students.

Who Should Pursue Online MBA?

The MBA online education program is an ideal choice for those:

• Professionals who wish to pursue their higher studies while working
• Candidates who cannot afford the high cost of the regular MBA course.
• Students who did not score good in CAT/MAT/GMAT entrance exams and failed to get enrolled in on-campus MBA programs.
• Students from rural areas who are unable to attend regular on-campus classes due to geographical issues.
• Individuals from any stream who want to switch their career to the business management line.

The online program offers the flexibility to attend classes from anywhere and anytime as per their convenience and can be completed in the same duration as a regular MBA program. With the advancement of technology, students can access digital books and attend pre-recorded lectures through distance mode.

​Key Highlights of Online MBA in India

Distance MBA course focuses on various business administration topics, including risk analysis, human resource management, business ethics, and business communication.

One of the most sought-after postgraduate degrees among students is the MBA. Most students continue taking this online MBA course even after graduating from a different field.

Students and working professionals who desire to advance their knowledge and careers in management are best suited for online MBA courses.

Students enrolling in an online MBA course receive the necessary business management and administration training.

Students must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in any stream in order to apply to this programme.

Online MBA Eligibility Criteria

To be admitted into an online MBA course, applicants must meet the specific admission requirements of each university or college. The following eligibility criteria must be met by students:

• Candidates must have completed a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university with a minimum of 50 per cent marks. Any graduate candidate is eligible to apply for the Distance MBA program.
• There is no age limit for distance MBA eligibility. However, candidates must have passed the colleges’ certified MBA admission exams before admission.

Online MBA Entrance Exams 2024

While some institutes require students to appear for an entrance exam to enroll in their distance MBA course, others have different admission procedures.

• Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning (SCDL) considers scores of management exams such as CAT, XAT, MAT, and ATMA, among others.
• Conversely, NMIMS Global Access School for Continuing Education admits students based on eligibility criteria, which include a Bachelor’s degree from any recognised university with 50 per cent aggregate marks and two years of work experience.
• At IGNOU, admission to the distance Master of Business Administration program is based on the performance of the candidates in IGNOU OPENMAT, which is conducted twice a year.

Distance MBA Online Courses

Upon completing the distance MBA courses, candidates are awarded a postgraduate degree or diploma, depending on the institute they enroll in.

• Institutes like Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS), Global Access School for Continuing Education (NGA-SCE), IMT, and Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning offer Post Graduate Diplomas (PGDs).
• In contrast, Sikkim Manipal University, Amity University, Manipal University Jaipur, LPU and many more offer MBA degree programs.
• IGNOU offers online MBA courses, Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM), and PGD degrees, while the Welingkar Institute of Management offers a PGDM degree.

Online MBA Specializations

The choice of specialization for online MBA courses can differ depending on the institute. However, the common specializations are finance, accounting, marketing, retail, human resources, and global or international business. Below mentioned are some of the popular specializations offered in online MBA courses.

• Human Resource
• Finance
• Sales and Marketing
• International Business
• IT and Systems
• Retail
• Operations
• Import and Export
• Healthcare and Hospital
• Logistics and Supply Chain Management
• Hospital Management

Online MBA Popular Colleges

Several well-known colleges offer distance MBA courses, and students can choose one based on their preferences. Here are some of the famous colleges:

Online Manipal

Manipal University Jaipur, also known as Online Manipal, is a state-private university that was established in 2011 on an invitation of the Government of Rajasthan. The Manipal University Jaipur has been accredited and recognized by bodies such as UGC, AICTE, WES, NAAC and many more. The fee for the online MBA program at MUJ is INR 1,75,000.

Amity Online University

Established in 2005 under the Uttar Pradesh Act 2005 (Act 11 of 2005), Amity University is a private university. The university’s online program is recognised by the University Grants Commission and is considered one of the top online universities. The fee for the online MBA program at Amity is INR 1,79,000.

Sikkim Manipal University

In 1995, the Manipal Group and the Government of Sikkim partnered to establish Sikkim Manipal University Distance Education (SMU-DE). The total fee is INR 85,000/-.

GLA University

GLA Online University has received all the major approvals from bodies like UGC, AICTE, BCI etc. for offering UG, PG and diploma courses through online mode. GLA University Online MBA degree course fee is very affordable and pocket-friendly. The total fee for the online MBA course is INR 68,000/-.

Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth-Centre for Online Learning

Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth in Pune was granted the status of a deemed to be university in 2003. In 2022, the University has been honored with an A++ grade for offering online learning education in India. The university is equipped with the best of academic resources for teaching, evaluation and e-learning from its sister management institutes as well as from the industry. The total fee for the online MBA is INR 1,67,200.

Chandigarh University Online

Established in 2012, Chandigarh University is a highly-regarded institution located in Punjab. The university offers an online MBA program that has been accredited and approved by several organizations, including UGC-DEB, AICTE, AIU, NAAC A+, QS World Rankings, WES and others. The fee for an online MBA is INR 2,00,000.

Jain Online

Founded in 1990 and situated in the IT hub of India, Bengaluru, Jain University is a deemed university that offers an online MBA program. The university has been accredited and recognised by bodies like UGC-DEB, AICTE, AIU, NAAC A++, and WES. The fee for the online MBA course in Jain University is INR 1,50,000/-.

Shiv Nadar University

Established in 2011, Shiv Nadar University Online, Delhi NCR (SNU) is a research-driven, student-centric multidisciplinary university. The fee for the online MBA course at Shiv Nadar is INR 5,00,000/-.

IGNOU

Situated in Delhi, IGNOU is a government-funded open university that has started by offering open and distance MBA courses. The university has now upgraded and provides MBA courses in online mode to its students. The total fee for MBA is INR 58,000/-.

NMIMS

Located in Mumbai, NMIMS is a top-ranked university that provides online and distance education to students at affordable fees.

Lovely Professional University – Online

Located in Jalandhar, Punjab, LPU is a renowned private university that has received accreditation from various councils, including UGC, AIU, NCTE, and AICTE. The fee for the online MBA course at LPU is INR 1,56,000.

Manav Rachna

Established in 2014 under section 2(f) of the UGC Act 1956, Manav Rachna University is a private institution in Haryana. The university has been awarded Grade ‘A+’ accreditation by NAAC. The fee for the online MBA course at MRU is INR 36,000/- per semester.

Uttaranchal University

Uttaranchal University has received recognition from UGC under sections 2(f) and 12(B) of the UGC Act, 1956, and other state and national statutory bodies. The university has been awarded the esteemed “A+ Grade” accreditation by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). The total fee for the online MBA course at UU is INR 80,000/-.

Online MBA Course Subjects and Syllabus

The online MBA course is divided into four semesters, where the curriculum includes core and elective subjects that vary based on the chosen specialization. The first two semesters primarily cover core subjects, while the remaining two semesters focus on elective subjects or specialization.

These are some of the common subjects and distance MBA course that students would study in the first year (semester I and II): Principles and Practice of Management, Management Economics, Organizational Behavior, Business Law, Management Accounting, Production/Operation Management, Financial Management, Human Resource Management, Marketing Management, Management Information system.

The specialization subjects offered in the second year of a distance MBA course can vary depending on the university or institution offering the program. However, some common specializations in MBA programs include Finance, Marketing, Human Resources, Operations Management, Information Technology, and International Business.

Online MBA Course Duration

The MBA course typically lasts for a minimum of 2 years and a maximum of 4 years, with an additional 2-year period for completing all exams. The curriculum is divided into four semesters of six months each.

Process of Admission

To apply for admission to a distance MBA course, you can follow these general steps:

1. Visit the official website of the university where you want to apply.
2. Register as a new user and complete the application form with your personal information.
3. Submit the required documents and the application form and pay the registration fee as mentioned on the website.
4. Choose a mode of payment, which may include net banking, UPI payment, or demand draft.
5. Once the payment is complete, you will receive a confirmation email with your student enrollment or number.

Online MBA Academic Fees

The fee structure for an online MBA course ranges from INR 15,000 to INR 1,00,000 per semester, depending on the university or institute. Government universities generally have a lower fee ranging from INR 30,000 to INR 80,000 for the entire online MBA course, while private management institutes charge around INR 1,50,000 to INR 5,00,000 for the same. The fees for most Master of Business Administration universities can be found on our website.

Job Opportunities for Online MBA Courses

Online MBA courses in management offer excellent career opportunities and help an individual to gear up their career to heights. After completing an online MBA course one can go into the field of finance, economics, banking, human resource and other fields like data analysis, consultancy, risk analysis etc. There are many job positions where students can apply after completing an online MBA course. The few of the job posts are mentioned below:

1. Accounts Manager
2. Marketing Head
3. Sales Manager
4. HR Manager
5. Banker
6. Management Consultant
7. Brand Manager
8. Data Analyst
9. Project Head