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Jagpreet
10 April, 2024
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A Fortune India report estimated that in 2022, there were 403,202 students registered in over 3,100 colleges that offered MBA and postgraduate diploma in management (PGDM) programs. There has been a sudden rush due to the launch of programs such as online and distance MBA relevant to the sector and the need for upskilling. Registrations for the Common Admission Test (CAT) in 2023, required for MBA admissions in India, have increased by 30% over the last few years.
The demand of MBA programs is increasing more among the working professionals. With technology coming into the picture, there are two modes of pursuing MBA programs: online and distance MBA. Many working professionals pursue MBA programs, but they are still determining which choice is best for them or which median to choose. Both the online MBA and distance MBA programs offer flexibility and convenience. But still, which one to choose? Read this article further to know the differences between online and distance MBA and which is better to choose.
Related: Distance MBA vs Regular MBA: Which one is better?
The master’s degree in business administration, known as the online MBA, is offered online through the Internet and lasts two years. An online MBA does not require commuting to college. Various sectors provide online MBA programs, including accounting, finance, marketing, and management. This MBA format is designed for working professionals or people who cannot devote their full time to their studies, and several online MBA institutions offer it.
The main requirement for online MBA admissions is passing online entrance exams like the CAT, XAT, MAT, SNAP, and GMAT. In India, the typical cost of an online MBA is between INR 3 lakh and INR 10 lakh. The flexibility and convenience of an online MBA program is its most significant benefit. The Online MBA offers several courses. Weekend participation is required for the online MBA course. Many universities provide recorded lectures, allowing students to work through the material at their own pace. Candidates must have graduated from an accredited university to pursue an online MBA.
Distance MBA is also known as MBA distance learning. It is offered remotely, so students can complete their MBA without visiting the college. For two years, the coursework, lectures, and interactions between students and instructors in a distance MBA program usually occur virtually. This mode of study is very practical for working professionals or those who cannot attend traditional on-campus classes because of various circumstances, including location, career obligations, or family responsibilities.
Any graduate is eligible for a distance MBA course. IGNOU Distance Education, Symbiosis Centre for Distant Learning, and more well-known popular distance MBA schools are among them. The cost of a distance learning MBA programme typically ranges from INR 3 Lakh to INR 11 Lakh. (IIMs charge between INR 15 and 20 lakh in fees). CAT, MAT, CMAT, XAT, and other popular entrance exam scores are recognised for admission to distance learning MBA programs.
Many colleges provide MBA degrees in different ways, such as online and distance. The candidate can review online and distance MBA differences and decide which is better.
| Aspect | Online MBA | Distance MBA |
| Delivery Method | Delivered entirely over the internet | Relies on physical study materials |
| Flexibility | Offers flexibility with self-paced learning and accessible course materials | It provides flexibility but requires more self-discipline without live classes |
| Interaction | Facilitates real-time discussions, group projects, and networking opportunities | Primarily relies on written correspondence, may offer limited online forums |
| Learning Resources | Access to digital resources such as e-books, journals, and multimedia lectures | Relies on physical study materials, may have limited access to online resources |
| Accreditation | Accredited programs available ensure high-quality education and recognition of credits | Accreditation varies and is critical to a research institution’s reputation |
| Cost | Tuition fees may be lower, with minimal additional expenses for commuting or housing. | It may require purchasing study materials and additional occasional face-to-face meetings or travel expenses. |
A list of the top 10 notable distance and online MBA colleges UGC approved are listed in the table below.
| Sl# | Online MBA Colleges | Distance MBA Colleges |
| 1 | Shiv Nadar University | Maharishi Dayanand University, Haryana |
| 2 | Kurukshetra University, Harayana | Aligarh Muslim University, Uttar Pradesh |
| 3 | Banasthali Vidyapith, Rajasthan | Suresh Gyan Vihar University, Rajasthan |
| 4 | Aligarh Muslim University, Uttar Pradesh | University of Delhi, Delhi |
| 5 | Maharishi Dayanand University, Harayana | Amity University, Uttar Pradesh |
| 6 | Manipal University, Rajasthan | Lovely Professional University, Punjab |
| 7 | SYMBIOSIS International, Maharashtra | Chandigarh University, Punjab |
| 8 | Manav Rachna International Institute of Research & Studies, Haryana | Calicut University, Kerala |
| 9 | Jamia Millia Islamia University, Delhi | Andhra University, Andhra Pradesh |
| 10 | O.P. Jindal Global University, Haryana | Netaji Subhash Open University, West Bengal |
MBA career opportunities are the same for online and distance learning. Once both types of MBA courses are completed, many prospects become available. Students will explore career choices and employment opportunities in a variety of industries.
After completing distance learning or online MBA programs, students can seek careers as sales managers, Financial Analysts, Business Analysts, marketing managers, and human resource managers.
Financial analysts examine financial statements to assess potential investments. Build financial models that help investors identify viable ventures.
A sales manager’s duties include managing teams, assigning territory, setting goals, offering training, and creating plans to increase sales.
The role of a marketing manager is to create and implement marketing plans that raise consumer awareness and stimulate demand for goods and services.
The role of a human resource manager involves supervising employee benefits, hiring, performance reviews, administering rewards, and managing benefit and compensation plans.
There is little difference between the salaries and top recruiters in online and distance MBA. The average salaries for both modes range between INR 3 lakhs and INR 10 lakhs. Some key recruiters are Delloite, KPMG, Axis Bank, Wipro, HSBC, etc.
Students who want to advance their careers through higher education can benefit from the flexibility and convenience of distance and online MBA programs. When choosing a choice, one should carefully analyse the variations regarding interaction, resources, certification, and cost. Ultimately, your preferences, objectives, and situation will determine the optimal choice. You can choose an online MBA or distance MBA program that best suits your academic and career goals by doing extensive research and comparison research.
