Masters on a Budget: Affordable Distance MBA Colleges in India Revealed!

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Isha

16 June, 2025

Masters on a Budget: Affordable Distance MBA Colleges in India Revealed!

There was a time when an MBA was only for those with deep pockets or individuals with time to spare. In a country as dynamic as India, many top-tier institutions are redefining MBA education with distance learning. The course is specially curated for ambitious minds who want flexibility without compromising on quality. Distance MBA colleges in India are bridging the gap between “cost and credibility”.

This blog discusses the top affordable distance MBA colleges in India. They ensure an industry-oriented curriculum, recognised degrees, and various career support services. A distance MBA degree earned from these colleges is highly recognised and widely accepted among employers. Let us dive deeper to learn about several best distance MBA colleges in India under budget, such as Jain University Online and Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). So, are you ready? Let’s explore:

7 Affordable Distance MBA Colleges List

Many colleges across the nation offer distance MBA programmes. However, does every college hold equal prestige and ensure quality education? Not necessarily! This is why we have refined several top distance MBA colleges in India that balance quality content and credibility with affordable MBA programmes. Most of them offer you a distance MBA for under 1 lakh. Here is a quick overview:

Affordable Distance MBA CollegesDistance MBA Fees
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) INR 66,000 + registration & development fee
Chandigarh University Open & Distance Learning (CU ODL)INR 65,360
Annamalai University Distance Education INR 46,500
Delhi University School of Open Learning (DU SOL) INR 1,05,140
Jain University, Centre of Distance EducationINR 86,500
BR Ambedkar Open University (BRAOU) INR 30,300 + exam fees
Lovely Professional University Distance Education • INR 58,000 (if paid lump sum)
• INR 62,000 (if paid annually)
• INR 66,000 (if paid semester-wise)

Also Read: Best Online MBA Colleges Under 1 Lakh: Master’s Degree on a Budget

Top 7 Colleges Offering Affordable Distance MBA Programmes

Here are the best distance MBA colleges in India, ensuring a pocket-friendly curriculum. Let us quickly check out the essential details:

Top 7 Colleges Offering Affordable Distance MBA Programmes

1. IGNOU: Indira Gandhi National Open University

Established in 1985, IGNOU is one of the top-ranked distance MBA colleges in India. The university is known for its distance learning curriculum, content quality, and credibility of distance degrees. The NAAC A++ institute ensures that it provides you with an industry-centric curriculum that can open your pathways to potential career options. IGNOU distance MBA is a widely recognised and accepted programme among employers nationwide. The university also caters to a distance MBA for foreign national students.

IGNOU Distance MBA Overview
Accreditations & RecognitionsNAAC A++ Grade / UGC-DEB / AICTE / NCTE
IGNOU Distance MBA Duration2 Years
IGNOU Distance MBA FeesINR 66,000 + registration & development fees
Minimum Eligibility3 years of graduation with at least 50% marks (45% for reserved categories)
Mode of LearningDistance/ Virtual
Mode of ExaminationOffline at exam centres

2. Chandigarh University ODL

Chandigarh University Open & Distance Learning is another one in the list of best distance MBA colleges in India under budget. CU distance MBA ensures an affordable fee structure while ensuring a globally accepted curriculum. It is one of the top 5% of universities in India to hold a prestigious NAAC A+ grade.

Chandigarh University distance MBA is recognised by UGC, making the course highly valid in India. In a distant and virtual landscape, CU ensures that it provides you with on-demand study material at your doorstep. Get access to placement support services with the CU MBA distance course.

Also Check: Chandigarh University Distance Education Review

Chandigarh University (CU) Distance MBA Overview
Accreditations & RecognitionsNAAC A++ / UGC
CU Distance MBA Duration2 Years
CU Distance MBA FeesINR 65,360
Minimum EligibilityBachelor’s degree in any discipline with at least 50% marks from a recognised institution.
Mode of LearningDistance/Virtual
Mode of ExaminationOnline

3. Annamalai University CDOE

Founded in 1979, Annamalai University Centre for Distance and Online Education is a renowned institute across the nation. Formerly known as the Centre for Correspondence and Continuing Education, the NAAC A+ institute is recognised for its variety of distance education courses, including a distance MBA.

Located in Tamil Nadu, Annamalai University is one of the best affordable distance MBA colleges in India. Here, you can take charge of your learning schedules. It ensures a flexible curriculum that is a suitable fit for freshers and working professionals.

Annamalai University Distance MBA Overview
Accreditations & RecognitionsNAAC A+ / UGC-DEB
Annamalai Distance MBA Duration2 Years
Annamalai Distance MBA FeesINR 46,500
Minimum EligibilityGraduation with 50% marks from a recognised institution
Mode of LearningDistance/Virtual
Mode of ExaminationOffline at exam centres

4. Delhi University School of Open Learning

The University of Delhi, popularly known as DU, is a prestigious institution in India with a history of academic excellence spanning decades. However, making it through its courses is extremely challenging due to high competition. Founded in 1962, the School of Open Learning, University of Delhi, was initially known as “The School of Correspondence Courses and Continuing Education”.

It is a part of the Delhi University Campus of Open Learning (DU COL). With DU SOL, you do not need to be a part of the competition. DU admissions without CUET can only be done through SOL. You can directly enrol in its distance MBA course based on merit-based marking in graduation. Cherry on top, DU SOL placement cells assist you in securing promising placements for your career. 

DU SOL Distance MBA Overview
Accreditations & RecognitionsNAAC A+ / UGC-DEB
DU SOL Distance MBA Duration2–4 Years
DU SOL Distance MBA FeesINR 1,05,140
Minimum EligibilityGraduation with a minimum of 50% marks from a recognised institution (merit-based selection)
Mode of LearningVirtual/Offline (both options available)
Mode of ExaminationOffline at exam centres in Delhi

5. Jain University, Centre of Distance Education

Jain University is one of the globally recognised institutes in India, especially for its excellent management education. With over 5 campuses across the nation, Jain University is also among the best distance MBA colleges in India. Jain distance MBA is recognised by UGC, AICTE, and WES, making it a widely acknowledged course in India and outside.

Along with self-paced learning, expert faculty, and a skill-focused curriculum, Jain University distance MBA allows you to choose your area of expertise among marketing, finance, HR, and logistics and supply chain specialisations.

Jain Distance MBA Overview
Accreditations & RecognitionsNAAC A++ / UGC / AICTE / WES / AIU
Jain Distance MBA Duration2 Years
Jain Distance MBA FeesINR 86,500
Minimum EligibilityGraduation with 50% marks from a recognised institute (45% for SC/ST candidates)
Mode of LearningDistance/Virtual
Mode of ExaminationOnline Proctored

6. BRAOU: Dr BR Ambedkar Open University

BRAOU is an esteemed open university in Hyderabad, with prestige spread across the nation. Best known for its open and distance degrees, the university was established in 1982. Formerly known as Andhra Pradesh Open University, the institute was one of its kind in India when it was established.

A distance MBA at BRAOU is one of the most popular courses. Perhaps, this is one of the reasons BRAOU distance MBA admissions are granted based on the ICET entrance exam. Qualifying the same allows you to enrol in one of the most affordable distance MBA programmes in India.

BRAOU Distance MBA Overview
Accreditations & RecognitionsNAAC A / UGC-DEB / NCTE
BRAOU Distance MBA Duration2–4 Years
BRAOU Distance MBA FeesINR 30,300 + exam fees
Minimum Eligibility Bachelor’s degree with 50% marks (45% for reserved categories).
Admission is based on the ICET exam conducted by Telangana and Andhra Pradesh states.
Mode of LearningDistance/Virtual
Mode of ExaminationOffline at exam centres

7. Lovely Professional University Distance Education

LPU Distance Education is a platform where affordability, flexibility, accessibility, and credibility meet. The university has been catering to UGC-recognised courses since 2007. With over 17 years of academic excellence, this NAAC A++ institute is contributing to making higher education accessible for aspirants.

With an affordable fee structure, LPU distance education courses ensure career support services to help you in career advancement. While LPU distance MBA fees are an extremely affordable option, it has recently added a 100% waiver scholarship scheme for defence personnel.

LPU Distance MBA Overview
Accreditations & RecognitionsNAAC A++ / UGC / AICTE / WES / UGC-DEB
LPU Distance MBA Duration2–4 Years
LPU Distance MBA Fees INR 58,000 (if paid lump sum)
INR 62,000 (if paid annually)
INR 66,000 (if paid semester-wise)
Minimum EligibilityBachelor’s degree or equivalent
Mode of LearningDistance/Virtual
Mode of ExaminationOffline at exam centres

Distance MBA Admission Process: How to Apply for the Course?

Most distance MBA colleges follow a neat, straightforward, and quick admission process. Here are the steps that you can follow to confirm your distance MBA admission. Take a look:

Distance MBA Admission Process: How to Apply for the Course?


  • Visit the official website of your desired distance MBA college.

  • Navigate to the programme and click on the “Apply” button.

  • Fill out the application form with essential details such as name, mobile number, qualifications, and work experience (if any).

  • Upload the copies of your scanned documents in the given format.

  • Pay the registration fee through online payment methods such as UPI, net banking, debit card, credit card, etc.

  • Submit the form and wait till the university verifies your documents.

  • Upon confirmation, pay the course fees as per university guidelines and fee payment schedules.

  • Receive the credentials after getting your admission successfully done.

Logging Out

Various colleges in India offer budget-friendly distance MBA programmes. However, what’s truly challenging is choosing the right distance MBA college that ensures affordability as well as credibility of the course. Remember that a distance MBA course is more than just a degree; it is a catalyst to your future career. Choosing the right distance MBA college can open your doors to various leadership and managerial roles across industries. We have covered the best distance MBA colleges in India above. Explore them thoroughly to discover your ideal MBA distance course. 

FAQs

Q1. Which distance MBA is best in India?

The following are the institutions that offer the best distance MBA in India:


  • Jain University Online

  • Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)

  • Lovely Professional University Distance Education (LPU DE)

  • Chandigarh University CDOE

  • Delhi University School of Open Learning (DU SOL)

  • BR Ambedkar Open University (BRAOU Hyderabad)

Q2. How much does distance MBA cost?

Most distance MBA courses are available within INR 1,00,000 in India. Their cost generally ranges between INR 35,000 and INR 80,000. It varies from institution to institution.

Q3. Is distance MBA valid in India?

Yes, a distance MBA degree earned from an institution with recognition from the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the University Grants Commission – Distance Education Bureau (UGC-DEB) is highly valid across India.

Q4. Who is eligible for distance MBA?

Many colleges offer admissions to distance MBAs based on your previous qualifications. A distance MBA admission requires you to hold a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for reserved categories) in any discipline from a recognised institution. A few colleges may proceed with admission based on entrance exams, such asthe  BR Ambedkar Open University (BRAOU).

Q5. Is a CAT required for distance MBA?

No, the CAT exam is not required for admission to distance MBA programmes. However, a few colleges may conduct their entrance exams for distance MBA admissions. Generally, it is based on your previous qualifications, which include a bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks.

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Isha - Author

Isha Education Counsellor / Editor

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Isha Jain holds a Bachelor's degree in Literature along with a Diploma in Digital Marketing, bringing a strong foundation in communication and content creation. With over 7 years of hands-on experience in the education domain, she has crafted impactful content across various formats - ranging from educational blogs and news articles to video scripts, newsletters, and learner-focused campaigns. As the editorial lead at Learning Routes, Isha plays a key role in shaping content that empowers students and working professionals to make confident choices about online courses and career-building certifications. Her deep understanding of the online education space is reflected in her writing, which aims to simplify complex decisions and provide real-world clarity to learners. Beyond her professional role, Isha has also written extensively on lifestyle and digital learning trends. She is passionate about guiding students and loves engaging in conversations around career development on platforms like LinkedIn, Quora, and Reddit. Whether it's recommending the right upskilling path or demystifying online education, she has helped countless learners take confident steps toward their goals. In her spare time, you’ll find Isha reading, traveling, or playing sports to stay active and inspired.

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