-by What is an Online/Distance MBA?
An Online/ Distance MBA is a two-year Master’s degree program designed to offer flexibility and accessibility to students who cannot attend traditional, on-campus classes. It allows individuals to pursue an advanced business degree while managing other professional or personal commitments. Courses are typically delivered through online platforms, enabling students to study from anywhere at their own pace. Distance or online MBA programs often include a mix of recorded lectures, live sessions, discussion forums, and digital resources. They are ideal for working professionals seeking to enhance their skills, knowledge, and career prospects without interrupting their jobs.
With the increasing demand for flexible and accessible higher education, online and distance MBA programs have become popular among working professionals and students. These programs offer the convenience of studying from anywhere while maintaining the rigour and quality of traditional MBA programs.
In this blog, we will review and rank the top online/distance MBA universities in India for 2024-25, considering their academic excellence, faculty, infrastructure, and student support services.
1. Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
In India, IGNOU is a pioneer in open and distance education. IGNOU, founded in 1985, has many different programs, one of which is its renowned MBA program. The university has a reputation for having a thorough curriculum, knowledgeable instructors, and extensive student support services. IGNOU has a network of 67 Regional Centres, around 2,000 Learner Support Centres and 20 overseas institutions.
Reviews and Rankings:
IGNOU is a well-recognized university with more than 3 million students pursuing their higher education in distance & online mode. The high-quality education delivered by the institute makes it one of the top-most open universities. The university has eGyanKosh, a National Digital Repository with loads of learning resources and study materials to enhance the learning in the online MBA program.
IGNOU Highlights:
| Year of Establishment | 1985 |
| Ownership | Government |
| Course Fee | 15,500/ Semester |
| Approvals | UGC – DEB, AICTE |
| Recognition | NAAC A++ |
| Eligibility | Bachelor’s with 50% marks |
| Location | New Delhi, Delhi NCR |
| EMI Available | No |
| Advantage | Affordable Fee |
2. Amity University Online
Amity University is a well-known private university in India that prides itself on offering top-notch instruction and cutting-edge facilities. Amity University’s online MBA program aims to strike a balance between theoretical understanding and applied abilities.
Reviews and Rankings
Amity University Online is ranked among the top 3% of universities globally and is 1st university in India to receive UGC approval for online degree programs. The university is an active member of WES, WASC, etc. Amity Online has been ranked among the top 10 universities in Asia-Pacific by QS World Ranking.
Amity University Online Highlights
| Year of Establishment | 2005 |
| Course Fee | ₹ 1,79,000 |
| Approvals | UGC-DEB, NCTE |
| Accreditations | NAAC accreditation with an A+ Grade |
| Course Duration | 2 Years |
| Program Mode | Online |
| Location | Noida |
| EMI Available | Yes |
| Advantage | ACCA-accredited specializations |
3. Dr D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth’s Centre of Online Learning (DPU-COL)
One of the well-known names in higher education is DPU-COL, Pune which offers an extensive online MBA program designed to give students both practical skills and high-quality instruction. The program features top-notch instruction via cutting-edge online techniques to cater to the needs of working professionals. The DPU-COL has 1,00,000 + a strong alumni network across the globe.
Reviews and Rankings
DPU-COL is among the prestigious online learning centres and has accreditations from NAAC, AICTE, ASSOCHAM, AIU, and WES. The remote learning MBA program at D.Y. Patil University is commended for its creative curriculum and knowledgeable instructors. The institute has been ranked among the top 50 by the NIRF ranking framework 2023.
| Year of Establishment | 1986 |
| Course Fee | ₹ 1,69,200 |
| Approvals | UGC-DEB |
| Accreditations | NAAC “A++”, AICTE, ASSOCHAM, AIU, and WES |
| Course Duration | 2 Years |
| Program Mode | Online |
| Location | Pune, Maharashtra |
| EMI Available | Yes |
| Advantage | India’s Only Comfort Learning Platform |
4. Symbiosis School for Online and Digital Learning (SSODL)
Symbiosis School for Online and Digital Learning (SSODL) is part of the prestigious Symbiosis International (Deemed University) (SIU). SSODL offers online programs (UG and PG degrees) recognized by the UGC and AICTE. SSODL’s curricula are offered online and digitally, and they provide the same skills, knowledge, and domain expertise as traditional physical programmes. This program provides academic rigour, exceptional instructors, learner-centric outcome-based education, and self-paced learning options.
Reviews and Rankings
SSODL is recognized as one of India’s best online learning organizations. The institution ranked 32nd in the Universities Category of NIRF 2023 and tenth in the ‘Institution & Deemed to be University (Private-Self-Financed)’ category of the Atal Ranking of Institutions on Innovation Achievement (ARIIA) 2021. The extensive learning experience, esteemed professors, and demanding curriculum of the online MBA program are highly praised.
| Year of Establishment | 1971 |
| Course Fee | ₹1,50,000 (total fee) |
| Approvals | UGC-DEB, AICTE |
| Accreditations | NAAC accreditation with an A+ Grade |
| Course Duration | 2 Years |
| Program Mode | Online |
| Location | Pune, Maharashtra |
| EMI Available | – |
| Advantage | Placement Assistance with leading companies |
5. Sikkim Manipal University (SMU)
The highly rated remote MBA program at Sikkim Manipal University (SMU) is renowned for its cutting-edge business education methodology and rigorous academic standards. The curriculum is designed to cater to the needs of working professionals.
Review scores and rankings
SMU is frequently listed as one of India’s best distance-learning universities. The MBA program is well-regarded for its extensive curriculum, knowledgeable instructors, and robust student assistance programs.
| Year of Establishment | 1992 |
| Course Fee | ₹ 80,000/- |
| Approvals | UGC-DEB, AICTE |
| Accreditations | NAAC – A++, ISO 9001:2015 |
| Course Duration | 2 Years |
| Program Mode | Distance |
| Location | East Sikkim |
| EMI Available | – |
| Advantage |
6. Lovely Professional University (LPU)
LPU is renowned for its wide range of degree offerings and creative approach to teaching. The goal of LPU’s remote MBA program is to give students a solid background in business management. It is among the 5th oldest private universities in India. LPU aims to provide education with a focus on research, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Reviews and Rankings
The extensive curriculum, knowledgeable instructors, and cutting-edge online learning environment of LPU Distance Education have earned great reviews. The university is ranked among the top 3 universities by Impact in 2023 & ranked among the top 25 universities (both govt. & private) by the World Universities Ranking 2023.
| Year of Establishment | 2005 |
| Course Fee | ₹ 62,000/- |
| Approvals | UGC-DEB, AICTE |
| Accreditations | NAAC – A++ |
| Course Duration | 2 Years |
| Program Mode | Online |
| Location | Phagwara, Punjab |
| EMI Available | – |
| Advantage | Industry Exposure & Placement Support |
7. School of Open Learning, University of Delhi (SOL)
The UGC-recognized distance learning MBA program at Delhi University School of Open Learning (SOL) blends academic rigour with real-world learning experiences. The curriculum is developed to meet the demands of students looking for flexible learning options as well as working Professionals.
Reviews and Rankings
SOL is frequently listed as one of India’s best online learning schools. The MBA program is well-known for its extensive curriculum, knowledgeable instructors, and robust student services.
| Year of Establishment | 1962 |
| Course Fee | 30,000/- Semester |
| Approvals | UGC-DEB, AICTE |
| Accreditations | NAAC – A+ |
| Course Duration | 2 Years |
| Program Mode | Online |
| Location | South Campus, New Delhi |
| EMI Available | No |
| Advantage | Dual Specializations in MBA |
8. Institute of Management Technology (IMT CDL), Ghaziabad
Recognized for its top-notch management programs, the Institute of Management Technology (IMT) is one of India’s top business schools. IMT offers a distance learning MBA program that blends demanding coursework with real-world experience.
Review and rankings
IMT Centre for Distance Learning (IMT CDL) is one of India’s leading providers of distance education. Its demanding curriculum offers academic and practical knowledge suited to the demands of business. Proficiency instructors provide invaluable views and guidance, enhancing the educational process.
One of the top options for MBA programs offered remotely is IMT CDL, renowned for providing high-quality instruction and support services.
| Year of Establishment | 1982 |
| Course Fee | ₹ 1,60,000/- |
| Approvals | UGC-DEB, AICTE |
| Accreditations | NAAC – A+ |
| Course Duration | 2 Years |
| Program Mode | Online |
| Location | Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh |
| EMI Available | No |
| Advantage | Human-centric approach combined with technological integration. |
9. Chandigarh University
An MBA program offered online by Chandigarh University is intended to give students a solid foundation in business management. The university is renowned for its cutting-edge teaching methods and outstanding academic programs.
Review scores and rankings
High marks are given to Chandigarh University for both its robust student support services and high quality of education. The extensive curriculum and real-world learning opportunities of the MBA program are well acclaimed.
| Course Fee | 16,340/- Semester |
| Approvals | UGC |
| Accreditations | NIRF 27 | NAAC A+ |
| Eligibility | Bachelor’s with 50% marks |
| Location | Ajitgarh, Punjab |
| EMI Available | Yes |
| Advantage | Dual Specializations in MBA |
Conclusion
Choosing the right online/distance MBA program in 2024-25 involves considering various factors such as academic excellence, faculty expertise, learning infrastructure, and student support services. The institutions listed above are among the top choices for online/distance MBA programs in India, offering comprehensive and flexible learning experiences tailored to the needs of today’s dynamic business environment. By carefully evaluating these options, prospective students can make informed decisions that align with their career goals and personal aspirations.
