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Made up your mind on an online MBA but don’t know where to go? With so many universities offering the course, choosing the best and right one could be challenging. Well, worry not, because we have narrowed down the long list to just two top-ranked and highly prestigious colleges: Symbiosis and IGNOU. Both are well-established and widely recognised, ensuring a flexible online MBA course.
However, while the universities may share the spotlight, their offerings in course structure, industry relevance, and affordability differ. While Symbiosis's online MBA is known to offer a best-in-class curriculum, IGNOU’s affordable MBA online course is unbeatable. Consider this blog as your battle guide to Symbiosis vs IGNOU online MBA courses. Dive in to learn about the key online MBA differences in curriculum, duration, eligibility, fees, and much more.
Symbiosis online MBA and IGNOU online MBA has its unique features. Here are the key highlights of the programme. This shall help you make an effective and informed decision for your career growth:
| Parameters | Symbiosis Online MBA | IGNOU Online MBA |
|---|---|---|
| Course Name | Online MBA | Online MBA |
| Duration | 2 Years |
|
| Accreditations and Recognitions | UGC | NAAC A++ | AICTE | NIRF | UGC-DEB | AICTE | NAAC A++ | NIRF |
| No. of Semesters | 4 | 4 |
| Mode of Learning | Online | Online |
| Number of Specialisations Offered | Nine (9) | Five (5) |
| Total Fees | INR 3,70,000 | INR 58,000 + exam fees |
| Minimum Eligibility | Graduation with 50% marks | Bachelor’s degree with 50% |
| Course Benefits | Self-paced learning, widely recognised, etc. | Flexible learning is widely recognised. |
Symbiosis online MBA is a two-year postgraduate course, encompassing a 4-semester curriculum. The course covers key areas of management, including financial services, accounting, marketing, micro & macroeconomics, and business communication. It has several specialisations, allowing you to choose your majors based on your career objectives.
IGNOU online MBA is a two-year postgraduate course. It offers utmost flexibility with 2 years extension. It encompasses a straightforward curriculum, covering aspects of marketing, finance, and accounting taught by expert faculty members. Several specialisations are available to choose from for your area of expertise.
We have compared the most important factors of an online MBA, such as duration, eligibility, and curriculum. Exploring them would help you know which online MBA course goes well with your career goals. So, let us thoroughly explore:
Symbiosis online MBA follows a 24-month curriculum. Within a two-year duration, you indulge in theoretical learning, project work and masterclasses. On the other hand, IGNOU online MBA offers you a flexible duration of 2-4 years. The minimum duration for the IGNOU MBA online is 24 months (2 years). However, depending on your preferences, you can finish the course in up to 4 years.
An online MBA PG course is inherently a 2-year programme. Throughout the first year, you would cover the core management fundamentals. And, in the second year, you would cover a blend of fundamental and specialisation-based elective subjects.
The Symbiosis online MBA comprises a curriculum of 4 semesters, to be completed within 24 months. In the first two semesters, core subjects are covered. While the third and fourth semesters allow you to choose specialisations, which we shall discuss below.
IGNOU online MBA also consists of 4 semesters. Study core courses during your first year. You can choose electives from your desired specialisation in the 3rd and 4th semesters. The third semester also includes project work.
Established in 1971, Symbiosis is not only an institute but a legacy of excellence, pioneering in management education. It has an NAAC A++ grade and is recognised as a category 1 university by UGC. Symbiosis online MBA is uniquely recognised by UGC and AICTE, making it a trusted course.
IGNOU, formerly known for distance education, started the Centre for Online Education (COE) in 2019. With an NAAC A++ grade, IGNOU's online MBA also ensures recognition from UGC. In a nutshell, both Symbiosis MBA online and IGNOU MBA online hold the same credibility and prestige in terms of accreditations and recognitions.
| Symbiosis Online MBA | IGNOU Online MBA |
| NAAC A++ | NAAC A++ |
| UGC | UGC-DEB |
| AICTE | AICTE |
| AIU | |
| ACU |
Admission to either Symbiosis or IGNOU online MBA requires you to fulfil the minimum eligibility criteria. Let us first check out the Symbiosis online MBA eligibility:
Here is the IGNOU online MBA eligibility criteria:
An MBA degree can help unlock career growth, a higher salary, or a career pivot. This is why choosing an online MBA that supports and advances your professional journey is crucial.
Symbiosis online MBA is dedicated towards helping you upskill and explore different career opportunities. The college offers career guidance sessions, mentorship from industry experts, and an extensive alumni network. Moreover, you would get placement assistance as well.
IGNOU Online MBA focuses on a cutting-edge curriculum, equipping you with relevant industry insights. Besides this, the university offers one-on-one counselling, guest lectures, and a dedicated placement cell to connect you with the best opportunities.
Symbiosis Online is a well-established, globally recognised brand name. It has a vast alumni network, international collaborations, faculty members, and partners. Moreover, the online MBA curriculum and specialisations are tailored to meet the global industry needs. On the other hand, IGNOU is a well-recognised brand name as well. This top open university aims to equip you with globally in-demand skills with employability enhancement activities, soft skills modules, and other training and placement portals.
With the Symbiosis online MBA, you can choose your area of expertise among nine in-demand specialisations. You would be able to opt for electives in semesters 3rd and 4th. Here is a list of Symbiosis online MBA specialisations:
Like Symbiosis, IGNOU online MBA also allows you to opt for specialisation-based subjects during your third and fourth semesters. The choice of the right online MBA institute would depend on your desired area of specialisation. Check out the IGNOU online MBA specialisations to know whether they suit your requirements:
The Symbiosis online MBA fees for a 2-year course are INR 3,70,000. You can also pay it with EMI options, and EMI with a scholarship method. It allows you to pay your fee in instalments. Symbiosis allows you to pay the fee in three ways. Here is a quick overview:
Moving on, IGNOU online MBA fees are INR 58,000 for the entire course. This fee structure does not include the examination fee, which is subject to decision by the university. Here is the quick fee plan:
In terms of affordability, IGNOU online MBA is a more budget-friendly programme.
Which institution can fit your requirements better depends on several factors. Explore them to figure out your ideal online MBA between Symbiosis and IGNOU:
Both Symbiosis and IGNOU offer top-tier online MBA programmes with similarities in duration, eligibility, and accreditations. However, choosing the right one for you depends on what you value the most. Symbiosis vs IGNOU offer different online MBA specialisations. Your choices can vary by your area of expertise, fee structure for better affordability, and career support services.
Symbiosis is a perfect fit if you are seeking flexibility with a corporate-oriented curriculum. However, if affordability and government recognition are your priorities, IGNOU stands taller. Thus, evaluate your career goals, budget, and learning preferences carefully. Choose the right MBA that not only boasts a brand, but also skills and professional development.
IGNOU vs Symbiosis online MBA have their benefits. Choosing between the two depends on individual requirements. IGNOU online MBA is considered the best for working professionals who are seeking flexible learning without compromising their jobs. Symbiosis online MBA is a better option for fresh graduates in terms of specialisations and global exposure.
Yes, Symbiosis is a nationally recognised and globally trusted institute with NAAC accreditation. Symbiosis online MBA is a UGC-approved course, incorporating an industry-oriented curriculum, popular specialisations, and career support services, making it an ideal choice for aspirants.
Yes, Indira Gandhi National Open University is one of India’s recognised distance learning institutes. Its UGC-recognised online MBA is as credible as an offline MBA degree, encompassing a curriculum relevant to industry demands.
The cost of the Symbiosis online MBA is INR 3,70,000. If you have 2 years of work experience, the university also offers an INR 55,000 discount or concession. You can also choose to pay it in instalments with EMI options available.
The Symbiosis PGDM and MBA courses are considered equivalent since both are postgraduate courses and focus on the key areas of management. While PGDM (Postgraduate Diploma in Management) is a diploma course, an MBA (Master of Business Administration) is a credible degree programme.
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