Distance MBA in India
What is Distance MBA?
Distance MBA program refers to the imparting of information and educating students mostly via digital platforms to their place of convenience. It is different from regular MBA courses, as there, students receive education by being physically present in the class and take lectures from the faculty.
Under Distance MBA, the modes of studying are virtualized, and students receive lessons through PDFs, MP3s, Live video lectures, paperback or online notes and use of software applications. Most of the popular Distance Institutes offering Distance MBA programs.
Why distance MBA?
Distance MBA is quite popular because it’s a job oriented course and due to the financial or time constraints students take up jobs without completing their studies. Distance MBA course comes as a boon to these students because most corporate, government, public agencies prefer candidates with an MBA degree.
It’s spatially and temporally convenient, economic and self-paced at times as can be seen below-
- No age limit: There is no age limit as to who can pursue these courses and when to pursue it.
- Resourcefulness: Students save the unnecessary travel time and devote it build their career and study with concentration. A lot of money is saved as the fee for distance courses is comparatively lower than Regular MBA programs. Students get to save money spent on hostel, food, travel, reprographic services and recreational activities.
- Self-propelled: Students can select and optimise their schedule and there’s no fear of missing classes because everything is available 24/7. One can revisit any topics via online lectures or study material.
What is the scope after Distance MBA?
The most visible scope of Distance MBA is the advancement of career and education simultaneously. Organisations also sponsor employee’s education to train them online through distance education courses.
An MBA program gives one the outlook to maintain a flourishing business, to boost the speed and efficiency of everyday administration and business prospects for an organisation. Also more number of MBA specialisations are offered through distance mode as compared to regular mode. This helps students to study general MBA topics along with specialization job oriented knowledge.
Options in all sectors are open for candidates after Distance MBA course. Private jobs are more accessible, companies like Dell, HCL, Media Lab Asia, IITRAM, Bank of Baroda, Balmer and Lawrie Company Limited etc recruit candidates with a Distance MBA degree.
Who is eligible for Distance MBA?
Any student planning to pursue the program through online/distance learning should qualify for the admission through the following Distance MBA Eligibility criteria–
- Candidate must have completed schooling with at least passing marks in matriculation and intermediate.
- Candidate must have graduation degree from an recognized university with a minimum of 40% -50% marks.
- Some institutes conduct their own entrance test. IGNOU conducts OPENMAT for admission into its Distance MBA program.
- Institutes like BITS Pilani, require the candidate to have atleast 1 year of work experience
There is no upper age limit for pursuing this course. OBC/SC/ST and other reserved categories get a 5% – 10% relaxation.
What is an Online MBA program?
Although Distance MBA and Online MBA are assumed to be the same but they are not. Below mentioned are the differences between them-
Distance MBA- A distance course/correspondence course is where students do not have a chance of interaction with other distance program students. Study material is provided to the candidate and candidates need to prepare through it and clear exams.
Online MBA– In online learning a virtual classroom is created with interactive discussions with the students. Virtual chat rooms are present where students can ask questions to the teacher and with fellow students in real time.
At the end of each session interaction follows. Live lectures are more common in online MBA classes and students are expected to be present at the scheduled time.
Here is a list of top universities offering an Online MBA course–
- BITS Pilani Online MBA
- Manipal Online MBA
- Bharati Vidyapeeth Online MBA
- Jain University Online MBA
- Amity University Online MBA
- ICFAI University Online MBA
- DY Patil Online MBA
- Upgrad Online MBA
How to choose a Distance MBA program?
MBA as a course is a valuable asset on its own, but, choosing the right specialisation and the mode of teaching is equally important. In a Distance MBA program it becomes a task to choose the right option which can be best consumed via online teaching programmes. Here are some pointers to guide you through the hectic task of choosing the right course-
Choose a course according to your area of interest, such as MBA in Marketing Management or MBA in Human Resource Management.
Ensure that whether you are enrolling for a distance learning program or an online interactive programme.
Check the syllabus of the Distance MBA program and compare it with the regular MBA course. Does it contain all the topics and essentials?
Check if the degree or diploma affiliated to/recognised by/Accredited by Distance Education Council (DEC), University Grants Commission (UGC). It’s an important process because it makes one know whether the course is approved by a statutory body or not.
What is the eligibility criterion to get into the course? A structured criterion ensures that meritorious students are selected.
Keep in the mind the graduation success data and the placement opportunities provided by the institute.
Check the rankings given to online distance education institutes by authentic authorities.
Be mindful of the facilities provided by the online education program, such as personal interaction with the faculty, ease of communicating doubts, value for money, industry-oriented teaching etc. Compare it with different distance learning institutes.
Check if they allow the students to select the date and time of exams.
Top 10 Distance MBA courses with fees
Here’s a list of top Distance MBA colleges which offer different MBA courses-
College name | Course fee | Duration |
BITS Pilani Work Integrated Learning Programmes | Rs 2.65 lakh | 2 years |
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) | Rs 31,500 | 2.5 years |
Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning (SCDL) | Rs 40,000 | 2 years |
Amity University Distance Learning | Rs 1.51 lakh | 2 years |
LPU Distance Education | Rs 50,000 | 2 years |
ICFAI University Distance Education | Rs 54,000- 61,000 | 2 years |
NMIMS Distance Education | Rs 76,000 | 2 years |
Sikkim Manipal University Distance Education | Rs 73,000 | 2 years |
Welingkar Distance Learning | Rs 50,000 | 2 years |
Bharathiar School of Distance Education | Rs 25,000 | 2 years |
Top 10 Distance MBA Institutes
Here is a brief description of what candidates can expect from the following distance learning institutes-
1. BITS Pilani Work Integrated Learning Programmes
BITS Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani is a deemed to be university, and is recognised by UGC under Act 3. It has been ranked 4th by the Outlook magazine survey 2017 and was ranked 801 in QS World University Rankings in 2018.
Its Distance Education program is called BITS Pilani Work Integrated Learning Programmes which offers Distance MBA Programmes for Individuals and Organisations. It focuses on employed personnel who wish to pursue an MBA degree and advance their career.
Below is a list of popular specializations provided by the Institute-
Program name | Duration | Cost |
MBA in Consultancy Management | 2 years | Rs 2.65 lakh |
MBA in Manufacturing Management | 2 years | Rs 2.65 lakh |
MBA in Quality Management | 2 years | Rs 2.65 lakh |
MBA in Hospital and Health Systems Management | 2 years | Rs 2.65 lakh |
MBA in Finance | 2 years | Rs 2.65 lakh |
PG Diploma in Finance | 1 years | Rs 1.2 lakh |
2. Indira Gandhi National Open University
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is a university for correspondence courses. It has consistently been ranked among top 5 distance education institutes in India. It was established by an Act of Parliament and Diploma in Management is one of its oldest courses.
The IGNOU Distance MBA program is recognized by UGC-DEC. Candidates need to clear an IGNOU conducted OPENMAT Entrance test for admission into the MBA program.
These are the following MBA specialisations offered by IGNOU-
Program name | Duration | Cost |
MBA in Marketing | 2.5 years | Rs 31,500 |
MBA in Finance | 2.5 years | Rs 31,500 |
MBA in Human Resource | 2.5 years | Rs 31,500 |
MBA in Production and Operations | 2.5 years | Rs 31,500 |
3. Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning
Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning (SCDL) provides a number of distance courses and has been ranked 8th by the Outlook magazine among “Top Distance Education Institutes in India”. Moreover, it had been nominated for the Institutional Excellence award by the ICDE which facilitates Distance Education in the world. It is approved by the AICTE, UGC and DEC.
SCDL’s MBA (PGDM) provides industry oriented distance Postgraduate Diploma programs in Business Administration. For admission into the PGDM courses, the candidate needs to have at least a graduation degree from a recognized university.
Program name | Duration | Cost |
PG Diploma in Business Administration | 2 years | Rs 40,000 |
PG Diploma in Human Resource Management | 1.5 years | Rs 30,000 |
Corporate PG Diploma in Business Administration | 1.5 years | Rs 61,000 |
PG Diploma in Retail Management | 1.5 years | Rs 30,000 |
PG Diploma in Supply Chain Management | 1.5 years | Rs 30,000 |
4. Amity University Distance Learning
Amity University consistently ranks amongst Asia’s best online education institutes. It is globally accredited by ASIC, UK; Central Counseling Board and ACBSP Accreditation for Management Programs (ACBSP).
It provides both PG Diploma in Business Administration (PGDBA) and Masters of Business Administration (MBA) Programmes. For admission into the Amity Distance MBA program, candidates need to be a graduate from a recognized university. Here’s a list of some of the specialisations students can choose from-
Program name | Duration | Cost |
MBA in Entrepreneurship and Leadership | 2 years | Rs 1.51 lakh |
MBA in International Business | 2 years | Rs 1.51 lakh |
MBA in Marketing and Sales | 2 years | Rs 1.51 lakh |
MBA in Retail Management | 2 years | Rs 1.51 lakh |
MBA in Human Resource Management | 2 years | Rs 1.51 lakh |
5. Lovely Professional University Distance Education (LPU-DE)
Lovely Professional University is a renowned university located in Jalandhar, Punjab. It offers higher education through both regular and distance mode.
The LPU Distance Education MBA is offered in 7 below-mentioned specializations. It also offers Postgraduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) course.
For admission into the MBA program, candidates need to be a graduate from a recognized university. No minimum percentage is required.
Here’s a list at some specialisations offered by the institute-
Program name | Duration | Cost |
MBA in International Business | 2 years | Rs 50,000 |
MBA in Marketing Management | 2 years | Rs 50,000 |
MBA in Information Technology | 2 years | Rs 50,000 |
MBA in Finance | 2 years | Rs 50,000 |
MBA in Human Resource Management | 2 years | Rs 50,000 |
MBA in Operations Management | 2 years | Rs 50,000 |
MBA in Retail Management | 2 years | Rs 50,000 |
Postgraduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) | 1 year | Rs 25,000 |
6. ICFAI University Distance Education
ICFAI University has received a number of accolades; the Faculty of Management Studies has been offered Lifetime International Membership by the Association of Management Development Institutions of South Asia (AMDISA). It’s been approved by the UGC.
ICFAI University’s distance education program is known as Distance and Flexible Education program. The applications for admission are accepted 4 times a year; January, September, December, March.
Below is a list of distance MBA courses offered by ICFAI–
Program name | Duration | Cost |
MBA in Human Resource Management | 2 years | Rs 63000 |
MBA in Risk Management | 2 years | Rs 63000 |
MBA Sr. Executives | 2 years | Rs 1.5 lakh |
MBA in Innovation Management | 2 years | Rs 63000 |
MBA in International Business | 2 years | Rs 63000 |
7. NMIMS Global Access School for Continuing Education
NMIMS been awarded by the Competition Success Review with the following – Top Distance Learning Institute in India for Excellence in Management Education for the years 2014 and 2015. Its programmes are recognised by DEB and UGC.
NMIMS Distance Education MBA (PGDM) program is offered in various management disciplines. Here’s a list of some of them-
Program name | Duration | Cost |
Postgraduate Diploma in International Trade Management | 2 years | Rs 76000 |
Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing Management | 2 years | Rs 76000 |
Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resource Management | 2 years | Rs 76000 |
Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management | 2 years | Rs 76000 |
Postgraduate Diploma in Retail Management | 2 years | Rs 76000 |
8. Sikkim Manipal University Distance Education
Sikkim Manipal University’s distance education program offered by the Directorate of Distance Education (SMU-DDE) has been highly regarded by the Silicon India and ASSOCHAM.
Sikkim Manipal University’s Distance MBA programmes are recognised by the UGC and DEB. The institute also offers scholarships up to 30%. Candidates can avail EMI’s from Bajaj Finserv.
Here are the Distance MBA specialisations offered by the institution-
Program name | Duration | Cost |
MBA in Marketing | 2 years | Rs 80000 |
MBA in Human Resources | 2 years | Rs 80000 |
MBA in Information Systems | 2 years | Rs 80000 |
MBA in Finance | 2 years | Rs 80000 |
9. Welingkar Distance Learning
Welingkar Education Institute of Management Development (We School) offers distance education. Also known as Hybrid Programmes, these courses are industry oriented and prepared by experts. It has been recognised by the AICTE.
Welingkar Distance MBA (PGDM) programs are designed for working professionals. Here’s a list of some of these-
Program name | Duration | Cost |
Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration | 2 years | Rs 60000 |
Postgraduate Diploma in Retail Management | 2 years | Rs 60000 |
Postgraduate Diploma in International Business | 2 years | Rs 60000 |
Postgraduate Diploma in Rural and Agribusiness | 2 years | Rs 60000 |
Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing Management | 2 years | Rs 60000 |
10. Bharathiar School of Distance Education
Bharathiar University is a Tamil Nadu based University. It is approved by the UGC and its School Distance Education is accredited by the NAAC, UGC and DEB.
Bharathar University offers Distance MBA courses in a number of specializations. For admission, into the distance MBA course candidates need to be a graduate from a recognized University.
Some of the specializations are listed below –
Program name | Duration | Cost |
MBA in Tourism and Hotel Management | 2 Years | Rs 26,100 |
MBA in Human Resource Management | 2 years | Rs 26,100 |
MBA in Materials Management | 2 years | Rs 26,100 |
MBA in Airlines and Airport Management | 2 years | Rs 26,100 |
MBA in Project Management | 2 years | Rs 26,100 |
Here is a list of few other universities that too offer distance MBA programs
Anna University
Annamalai University
Karnataka State Open University
Madras University
Osmania University
Pondicherry University
Xlri Distance
Suresh Gyan Vihar University (SGVU)
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FAQ
When can I apply for Distance MBA Program?
Students can apply for different rounds of distance MBA courses. Admissions occur mostly thrice in a year at the beginning, middle and end. For instance SCDL takes in students in at least three rounds which depends on the availability of seats. Different Distance Education institutes have different admission time tables. On the other hand, IGNOU conducts its admissions twice a year.
How do I pay the fees? Is there any EMI facility?
To pay fees students can use NET Banking/Credit Card/Debit Card/Demand Draft. Most distance learning programmes have online payment criteria. Most of the colleges have semester-wise fee payment for the convenience of students.
Are there any universities offering and loans for Distance MBA Program?
Scholarships are provided by Sikkim Manipal University for its distance programs. It offers upto 30% of the course fee.
For loan facilities, SMU-DDE provides EMI Facilities form Bajaj Finserv. It is to be noted that candidates cannot avail Scholarships and Loan Facility simultaneously.
How much does a distance program cost?
The cost depends much on the institution offering the program. For instance, the fee of BITS Pilani is higher as compared to Symbiosis. The average range of fees ranges between Rs 30000 – Rs 2.2 lakh.
Which MBA specialisations are available through distance mode?
A number of job oriented Distance MBA specialisations are available. Some of the popular specializations are as follows-
MBA in Human Resource Management
MBA in International Business
MBA in Supply Chain Management
MBA in Marketing and Sales
MBA in Finance
Updated On – 15-May-2023