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Komal
19 June, 2025
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The full form of CAT is the Common Admission Test. Every year, over 2.5 lakh MBA aspirants appear for the exam. It is one of the toughest management exams with an acceptance rate of under 2 per cent, making it difficult to clear the CAT cutoff marks. However, that’s not the end. Check out these MBA level online courses to fast-track your career growth. Moreover, these courses can open the door to diverse opportunities that prioritise skills, creativity, and innovation, similar to an online MBA.
With business evolving, the job market requirements have evolved. Today, your professional success depends on industry expertise, specific skills, and critical thinking. An online course, specially designed to meet the industry requirements, would equip you with tangible skills. Top online courses that must be enrolled in include digital marketing, data analytics, project management, and more. In this blog, we explore types of management career-focused online courses across industries.
Top companies such as Google, Apple, and Tesla have shifted to skill-based hiring from degree-based hiring. Whether it’s AI, green tech, marketing, sales, or business development, companies are changing their hiring trends. The hiring pattern is focused on specialised skills and knowledge more than a degree. This indicates the importance of online learning.
These online industry-specific certifications have now become a trustworthy alternative to CAT. IT would enable you with the tools and techniques necessary for navigating the complex corporate ecosystem. Kickstart your career with an industry-relevant online course. Let it be your ticket to long-term career success.
Also read: Top Online Courses for Career Growth in 2025
Today, management education has become accessible and convenient. Missed the CAT cut-off by a few marks? Don’t worry, we have a solution. A diverse range of management online courses is available. Enhance your knowledge and skills in management concepts with the online programmes. There are three types of management online courses:
It is a two-year online PG programme specially designed to offer you managerial and leadership skills. This programme offers you 100% flexibility and the freedom to study as per your learning style. An online MBA course equips you with advanced knowledge and skills of core management principles and specialisation of your choice. It offers diverse career options, increased earning potential, and a global learning experience. Whether you are a fresher or a working professional, this is the right place for career advancement opportunities.
Unlike a traditional MBA programme, an online MBA is pocket-friendly, accessible, and includes a rigorous curriculum. Typically, institutes/colleges design the curriculum in consultation with industry experts and top faculty members. Moreover, you can curate your learning experience as per your learning needs and convenience. It allows you to align your interests with a wide range of MBA specialisations, equipping you with a unique skill set.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Online Course | Online MBA |
| Duration | 2 Years |
| Fees | INR 1,20,000 – INR 2,50,000 |
| Eligibility |
|
| Top Specialisations |
|
Here is a list of some of the top online MBA colleges that you can choose from:
| Top Colleges | Top Colleges |
|---|---|
| Amity University Online | Jain University Online |
| ICFAI University | Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth |
| Online Manipal Jaipur | O.P. Jindal Global University |
Distance education has been around for decades in India. However, it is becoming increasingly popular due to the ease a distance MBA offers. A great option if you are unable to attend in-person classes. Here you get access to self-learning material, recorded sessions, and some doubt-clearing sessions. You are free from rigid schedules, allowing you to balance work and study at the same time. Distance MBA courses have lower fees compared to traditional and online MBA programmes.
Typically, universities offering distance MBA courses are UGC-recognised. This ensures credibility and quality of education. With this course, you get a chance to learn and grow with added benefits of flexibility and enhanced skills. It provides you with a chance to excel in both your personal and professional life.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Online Course | Distance MBA |
| Duration | 2 Years |
| Fees | INR 12,000 – INR 1,00,000 |
| Eligibility |
|
| Top Specialisations | Finance |
| Marketing | |
| Human Resource Management | |
| Operations Management |
Check out the list of the best MBA distance colleges:
| Top Colleges | Top Colleges |
|---|---|
| IGNOU | Chandigarh University |
| Annamalai University | Jain University |
| NMIMS CDOE |
Also read: Want to Pursue a Distance MBA Degree? Here’s Your Complete Guide.
Failing to crack the cut-off is an opportunity in disguise. You can explore other careers that provide career growth, diverse opportunities, and a lucrative salary. With the right online course, you can set out on a unique path to success. Here is a list of the top six career-focused online courses that can transform your career trajectory:
| Course | Online Platform |
|---|---|
| Digital Marketing & E-Commerce Professional Certificate | Coursera |
| LSE: MBA Essentials | Edx |
| IBM Project Manager Professional Certificate | Coursera |
| Advanced Certificate Programme in Business and Data Analytics | IIM Indore |
| Advanced Certificate in Brand Management & Communication | Upgrad |
| IIMB: Marketing Management | Edx |
Let’s take a deeper look at the online certification courses one-by-one:
Google offers this online digital marketing certificate through Coursera. This course offers 190 hours of content, case studies, assignments, and a certificate of completion. The course is specially designed to offer you industry-relevant knowledge and skills. Here you would learn the basics of digital marketing and e-commerce. Moreover, it shall help you develop skills to enter the digital marketing industry.
The programme curriculum covers social media marketing, email marketing, SEO, display advertising, and other online channels to engage with consumers. Develop the ability to manage digital marketing campaigns, engage with existing consumers, and attract new customers. Elevate your career with this industry-focused online course at your own pace, from anywhere, anytime.
| Online Course | Google Digital Marketing & E-commerce Professional Certificate |
|---|---|
| Duration | 6 Months |
| Fees | INR 1676 – INR 5029 (this range is subject to change) |
| Topics Covered | Foundation of digital marketing, SEO, lead generation, online marketing channels, and content writing. |
You can also check out: Digital Marketing Certification.
The London School of Economics and Political Science offers this online certification course. It is a 10-week self-paced course. The course provides MBA-focused skills: strategy, finance, and people. It is taught by thought leaders and LSE expert faculty members. Master the ability to make informed business decisions to lead with confidence.
The curriculum covers the strategic environment, financial toolkit, and the human element. Experience flexible learning with a structured approach. Moreover, your understanding of the business environment would give you a competitive advantage. Additionally, benefit from the network of global professionals and a world-class institute certificate.
| Online Course | LSE: MBA Essentials |
|---|---|
| Duration | 10 Weeks |
| Fees | INR 3,77,564 |
| Topics Covered | Competitive strategy, corporate strategy, financial accounting, management accounting, organisational culture |
IBM offers this beginner-friendly course in collaboration with Coursera. It is an 8-series course. Launch your career as a project manager with this 3-month course. This advanced certificate equips you with job-ready skills and hands-on experience in the field of project management. On top of that, master the tools and techniques required for the project’s success.
The programme covers project management foundation, initiation, planning, project lifecycle, information sharing, risk management, agile development, and Scrum. Additionally, develop a portfolio to showcase your expertise by developing timelines, management tools, communication plans, and more. Moreover, you can prepare for the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) exam.
| Online Course | IBM Project Manager Professional Certificate |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 Months |
| Fees | INR 1,652 – INR 4,958 (this range is subject to change) |
| Topics Covered | Project initiation, planning, lifecycle, agile concepts, stakeholder engagement, resource planning, risk management, and change management. |
IIM Indore provides this advanced online certification. This online programme is specially designed for business and data analytics leaders. Learn to make data-driven, effective decisions with the course. The programme is taught by global industry experts and IIM faculty members. This online certification offers hands-on experience, industry-specific curriculum, interdisciplinary learning, and future-ready skills.
This programme covers applied mathematics, statistics, data management, and more. This 3-month-long programme includes 180 hours of live interaction, research work, projects, assignments, assessments, and a certificate. To be eligible for this online course, you must have a bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks, 2 years or more of work experience, and cut-off marks in the pre-screen assessment.
| Online Course | Advanced Certificate Programme in Business and Data Analytics |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 Months |
| Fees | INR 2,43,079 |
| Topics Covered | Data visualisation, data mining, decision science, fundamentals of business and data analytics, programming for business analytics, and applied mathematics. |
MICA offers this advanced online certification in partnership with UpGrad. The programme is designed and delivered by industry experts and MICA faculty members. This 5-month programme includes case studies, live learning lessons, personalised industry sessions, debate sessions, 5+ tools and templates, and placement assistance. Whether you are a fresher, a working professional, or an entrepreneur, enhance your skills and accelerate your career growth with this programme.
The programme covers introduction to brand and customers, marketing communications, and brand campaign planning. You have the option to extend the programme, with one or more specialisations based on your interest. There are two options: social media and content marketing, and marketing communication. Admission to the programme is based on your qualifications and profile.
| Online Course | Advanced Certificate in Brand Management & Communication |
|---|---|
| Duration |
|
| Fees |
|
| Topics Covered | Customer centricity, brand as an experience brand, management, integrated marketing communications, marketing communication channels, and brand campaign management. |
Enhance your marketing skills with the top B-school in India, the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore. The IIMB offers this 9-week self-paced programme for working professionals. Could not clear the CAT cut-off, no worries, IIMB has specially designed this online programme for you. IIMB has partnered with edX to offer this marketing management course.
Here you would learn fundamentals of marketing management, advanced theories, case studies, various marketing tools to increase your customer base, and more. It offers a combination of career-focused marketing knowledge and skills. By the end of the course, you would learn customer satisfaction, customer service, and management consulting.
| Online Course | IIMBx: Marketing Management |
|---|---|
| Duration | 9 Weeks |
| Fees | INR 12,750 |
| Topics Covered | Introduction to marketing, 4 Ps of marketing, segmentation, targeting, differentiation, marketing strategy, and positioning. |
Today, your dreams are not limited by marks and degrees. Missing your CAT cut-off marks is not going to stop you from achieving your dream career. Online courses would give you a competitive edge in the market. With the right skills and knowledge, you can unlock a range of career opportunities. Here is a list of job roles you can unlock after completing these online courses:
| Job Roles | Pay Scale (in INR) |
|---|---|
| SEO Specialist | INR 2.4 LPA – INR 4.8 LPA |
| Business Analyst | INR 6.0 LPA – INR 11.0 LPA |
| Marketing Coordinator | INR 4.0 LPA – INR 8.0 LPA |
| Project Manager | INR 8.0 LPA – INR 21.0 LPA |
| Marketing Analyst | INR 5.0 LPA – INR 10.9 LPA |
| Brand Manager | INR 7.0 LPA – INR 22.0 LPA |
*Source: Glassdoor
By now, you must have understood that missing the CAT cutoff marks is not a defining moment. Not scoring well in the CAT used to be an issue earlier, but with the shift in hiring trends, the job market has transformed. Today, companies are shifting from degree-based hiring to skill-based hiring. So, rather than investing primarily in a degree, you must focus on skills and industry-based knowledge.
Investing in the right online certification programme can boost your resume manifold. In this blog, we discuss different types of online management courses. The blog covers the top 6 career-focused online courses, online and distance MBA. From digital marketing to data analysis, these courses cover it all. Additionally, the blog also discusses the top job roles, with which you can kickstart your career.
The lowest cut-offs for IIMs can range between the 93rd and 100th percentile in the general category, while for the reserved category, the percentile is lower.
No, to apply for an MBA at IIT, you need valid CAT scores.
No, you do not require the Common Admission Test for an online MBA. Typically, you can get admission to an online MBA programme with academic records, work experience, and in some cases, a personal interview.
Yes, you can join an IIM without a CAT. The institute conducts its own entrance exam, such as EMAT. Your valid GMAT/GRE scores might also be accepted by some IIMs. Make sure to check the admission criteria before applying for the programme.
Finding the best option depends on your personal preference, availability, budget, interest, and career goal. While online MBAs offer flexibility, accessibility, and affordability, offline MBAs are tried and tested. They offer an in-person learning experience with an opportunity to lead a true MBA college life.
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