Distance MBA courses are a two-year postgraduate degree program for management students who want to advance in this field. Such courses are most preferred by students who do not want to attend the regular course due to some circumstances. There are many underlying benefits of the distance MBA program which we will discuss further in this blog.
Distance MBA courses: Overview
In distance MBA or online MBA the study, of course, is through a virtual platform. The live interactive sessions are the main part of the classes where the learner and the teachers interact with each other. The main benefit of the course is that you can study anywhere, anytime.
Key highlights of the course
Some of the highlights of the course are as follows:
- Cost-effective: the online or distance MBA is cheaper than the regular course. It is so because the cost incurred while running the program is less. However, the students are not required to reside in the hostel which also saves money.
- Flexibility: the learner can learn and get knowledge at any point in time using the LMS shared by the institute. The institute also has videos and audio by experts that help in better learning during the course.
- Network Building: the distance MBA course helps in building strong network connections as most of the students pursuing the course are from different industrial backgrounds. During the live classes, the students can interact with each other which helps in the formation of the peer network. This network is very beneficial in terms of career advancement in the future.
- Tech-friendly: the virtual classes and online access during the course lead the students to be tech-savvy and let them use the latest technology without any hassle.
- Trending Curriculum: Distance MBA is usually framed for working professionals. So, the curriculum of the course is as per the latest industry trend under the guidance of industry experts.
- Saves time: Distance MBA program is generally for those who cannot pursue regular courses due to some constraints. The flexibility of the course and the online classes can be attended at any time. In addition to this, the exams are also online as per the student timings in proctored manner. Thus, the distance MBA saves time.
Admission process for distance MBA courses
The minimum eligibility for the distance MBA course is as follows:
- Graduation with a minimum of 50% marks.
- For the Executive MBA program, a minimum of 2 years of work experience is mandatory after graduation.
- Qualifying marks in the aptitude test or any entrance exam accepted by the university or institute.
Admission process
The candidates are required to fill out the online application form available on the university website.
- Once the form is filled the university or institute will verify the details and invite the candidate for the further process.
- Some institutes accept exams such as CAT/MAT/XAT/GMAT while other takes their own entrance exams.
- During the selection process, the next step is the group discussion followed by a personal interview.
- The final admission list is prepared based on the overall performance in the entrance exam, group discussion, and personal interview.
Drawbacks of the distance MBA program
The distance MBA has some disadvantages that the candidate cannot ignore despite how advantageous it is. Some of them are as follows:
- Less interaction between students and teachers leads to a gap between the network connection and bond formation. The students of the distance courses meet for less time than the regular courses who reside together for the entire program.
- Some employees do not consider the distance MBA degree equivalent to the regular one. They always prefer the regular MBA degree over the distance course.
- The students have to focus on multiple things at one time. They have to manage their studies along with work and other day-to-day activities.
Difference between distance MBA and Regular MBA courses
| Distance MBA | Regular MBA |
|---|---|
| Virtual classes are available for learning that the students can attend from their homes. | Regular classes with fixed the time period is mandatory to attend. |
| A lot of flexibility is available during the course. | A tight and strict schedule is followed during the full-time course. |
| Students can complete the course at a minimum of 2 years and a maximum of 4 years. | Fulltime two-year program |
| Program fee varies from 50,000 to 3,00,000/- | Program fee varies from 4,00,000 to 10,00,000/- |
Types of distance MBA courses:
Based on the duration of the course the courses can be classified as short-term and long-term courses.
Short-term courses: the duration of the course is either 1 year or less than a year. It includes post-graduate diplomas and certificate courses. The different specializations are marketing, finance, hr, operation, and so on.
Long-term courses: the 2-year degree program in management is referred to as the long-term courses of the distance MBA. It is also offered in different specializations such as marketing, finance, operation, IT, and so on.
Top institutes in India offering Distance MBA program
IGNOU Distance MBA
IGNOU is the oldest and the top university in India offering distance MBA courses worldwide. The degree is accepted worldwide. The university offers Distance MBA in the following specializations banking & Finance, human resources, finance, operation, and marketing. It also offers diploma courses in five specializations for distance learners.
The learning includes printed course materials for independent study, supplemental audio-visual programs, in-person meetings with academic counselors at learner support centers, assignments for evaluation and feedback, broadcasts of video programs on Doordarshan, broadcasts of audio-visual programs through Gyan Vani (interactive radio counseling), and teleconferencing through Gyan Darshan, Swayamprabha, and DTH.
The minimum and maximum time periods for course completion are 2 and 4 years. However, the total fee for the course is 62,000/-. Apart from this, admission to the course is after the qualification of the OPENMAT exam conducted by the institute. IGNOU takes admission twice a year in March and September.
Symbiosis Distance MBA program
Symbiosis center of distance learning (SCDL) is a leading private management institute in India. SCDL offers two years online MBA program in Marketing, Finance, HR, and Health Care Management. Guest lecturers from the industry, dynamic content, and live online sessions are some of the key features of the MBA program.
The online application forms are available on the official website of the institute. You can purchase the form and register for the course online. Later fee payment is made via demand draft or payment gateway. The total fee for the program is ₹ 70,000.
Amity University (Distance Education)
Amity Directorate of Distance & Online Education is a globally recognized university. It offers a distance MBA program in Human Resource Management, Entrepreneurship & leadership, marketing & sales, production & operation, retail, Finance, IT, hospitality, International Business, banking, and insurance.
The curriculum is created under the close supervision of professionals from the industry and subject matter experts, and it is updated frequently. The learners are given the study materials for this dynamic program via courier. Assignments for the program are based on particular subjects. 24/7 student academic and technical support is provided to assist the students with various issues. In Addition, face-to-face PCP consultations are there for discussion on important topics.
The fee for the program is 2.5 lakhs. Any graduate with a minimum of 40% marks can apply for the course.
Sikkim Manipal University
Sikkim Manipal University offers distance MBA in specializations such as specialization in Marketing, Information Systems, Finance, and Human Resource management. It is among the top distance education universities in India. Admission to the university is twice a year in January and July.
Admission to the MBA program is after the clearance of the entrance exam such as CAT/MAT/ XAT/GMAT/IBSAT and so on. The students can fill out the inquiry form and the university will get back to them with details about the admission process. The fee for the program is ₹ 85,000/-.
However, the university has its own online portal Edunxt that provides all details of the course. EduNxt contains Announcements, Lecture Videos, Course Books, Quizzes, Internal Assignments, and a forum.
ICFAI University Distance MBA
ICFAI university offers a distance MBA program in its centers at Hyderabad, Tirupra, Jharkhand, HP, Dehradun, Jaipur, Raipur, and Shilong. The electives offered at the university are Marketing, Finance, Human Resource Management, Operations, and Information Technology & Systems.
The program’s courses are practice-oriented, with a focus on applying ideas, concepts, and tools to problems and challenges that organizations face today. Admission is online after the passing of the entrance exam by the university itself. The fee for the course is around 16 lakhs.
Annamalai University
Annamalai university is a pioneering industry in the southern part of India. The university started offering a single MBA course forty years back and is now offering wide range f specializations in management and executive MBA too. The university offers MBA in business analytics, HRM, finance, marketing, infrastructure, international business, and dual specialization too.
Annamalai university offers distance MBA courses in two languages English & Tamil. Admission to the course is offered twice a year in online mode. However, there is no entrance test for the course. The total fee for Annamalai University Distance MBA is INR 49,000/-
Bharathidasan University
Bharathidasan University provides a number of programs in an online format that allow both students and working professionals to complete the programs and advance their careers in this competitive business environment. The two-year distance MBA program is offered in the specializations such as marketing, finance, human resource, information systems, and operations.
Interested candidates can apply online by visiting the official website https://www.bduedu.in/. There is no entrance exam for admission to the MBA program. The MBA program offered helps in building team building and leadership qualities along with decision-making and learning business ethics.
The total fee for the program is ₹ 91,000/-. However, the examination fees are to be paid separately for each semester.
Lovely Professional University distance education
LPU distance education offers a two-year MBA program in Human Resources, marketing, Finance, Data Science, Operations
International Business, Information Technology, Digital Marketing, and Business Analytics. Printed study material is provided by the university to study at home.
Prospectuses are available from the Division of Admission on campus or as specified by the university. Students can also get it from the LPU DE’s official website, www.lpude.in. The students can fill out the form and pay the fee for the course in order to get admission. The total fee for the course is ₹ 50,000/-.
Suresh Gyan Vihar University Distance MBA
Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE), Suresh GyanVihar University was set up in 2012. The University provides industry-oriented professional courses with up-to-date input from experts in the field. Distance MBA is available in the following specializations Human resources, marketing, operations, supply chain, IT, logistics, project, and healthcare management.
The course contains up-to-date information as per the latest industry trend, live classes, live case studies, and projects to incorporate effective and real-time learning. Online applications can be filled up after visiting the official website https://www.sgvu.edu.in/. Students can also gain information about the course and other queries by using the chat option or call the counselor.
The total course fee is ₹ 58,000/-. SGVU also provides LMS for easy access to the study material and other details required for the completion of the course.
Pondicherry University
Pondicherry University is among the oldest university in the country. The university works with the vision to create world-class leaders that can conquer the world with unbeatable leadership qualities. It offers two year MBA program in the following specializations marketing, finance, international business, Human resource, general, hospital, tourism, supply chain, and operation management.
The students can log on to the official website https://dde.pondiuni.edu.in/ and register themselves for admission to the MBA program. The fee for MBA is ₹ 25,000/- whereas the fee for hospital management is ₹ 55,000/-.
Popular distance MBA Specializations
Some of the famous specializations of the distance MBA program are as follows:
| Marketing | Finance | Human Resource |
| Operation | Supply chain | IT |
| Health care | Hospital | Information System |
| Disaster | Aviation | International Buisness |
Is a distance MBA worth it?
Yes, a distance MBA is a worthy investment as you can reap the investment within a short time span. After pursuing an MBA distance mode of learning from a top college you can get good career opportunities and advance in your career in management. Some of the career opportunities after a distance MBA are as follows:
- operation managers
- Research Analyst
- Advertising manager
- Business analyst
- Web Editor
- Digital marketer
- Human resource specialist
- Area sales manager
- Consultant
- Analyst
Apart from this, if you pursue a distance MBA in entrepreneurship you can start or set up your own business. The course will let you gain knowledge about the details of setting up a new business or venture. In addition, after the MBA course, you can get handsome packages in your own organization or can opt for another. Generally, an MBA gets around 5 to 8 LPA as a fresher which can rise to 20 to 25 LPA with advancement in career or promotion.
Therefore, we can say that distance MBA is worth spending as you can get ample of career opportunities. Moreover, as per the research and survey, the MBAs are the most demanding workforce in the present scenario. Most companies are taking into consideration the MBA degree due to its versatility and usage.
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