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Isha
18 June, 2025
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Made up your mind for 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, affordability, and more. While Symbiosis online MBA is known to offer the best-in-class curriculum, IGNOU’s prestige 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.
What is Symbiosis Online MBA? It 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.
What is IGNOU Online MBA? With a minimum duration of two years, the postgraduate course offers utmost flexibility with 4 years that can be extended. It encompasses a straightforward curriculum, covering aspects of marketing, finance, and accounting. Several specialisations are available to choose your area of expertise.
| Parameters | Symbiosis Online MBA | IGNOU Online MBA |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 2 Years | 2–4 Years |
| No. of Semesters | 4 | 4 |
| Mode of Learning | Online | Online |
| Number of Specialisations Offered | Nine | 4–5 |
| Total Fees | INR 3,15,000 | 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 and widely recognised. |
We have compared several 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 IGNOU MBA online is 24 months (2 years). However, depending on your preferences, you can finish the course in up to 4 years.
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 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.
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:
Symbiosis International University has a dedicated placement cell for its online MBA learners. It ensures providing you are provided with numerous career support services, including placement assistance, career guidance, and mentorship sessions from industry experts. You can also leverage Symbiosis alumni status to expand your networking and job opportunities.
As part of career support services, IGNOU online MBA provides you with audio counselling services to help you choose the right career for you. It may provide you access to on-campus job fairs for placements.
With 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 3,15,000. 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 3,15,000. You can choose to pay it one-time with an instant INR 50K discount or pay it in instalments with EMI options available.
The Symbiosis PGDM and an MBA course 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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