Top 10 Best Online MBA Degree Colleges in India – 2024

An Online MBA is like the ticket to Hogwarts for your career. It is the “swish and flick” for your wand that makes your career levitate without ever having to utter “Wingardium Leviosa”. However, unlike Hogwarts, there are many universities that offer an Online MBA programme. But how do you choose one? Maybe you can seek help from Hemione Granger. But she will ask you exactly the same question as we are- Best Online MBA Degree College for what?

Prominent bodies like the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and the University Grants Commission (UGC) certify MBA institutions and their programmes in India. Distance Education Bureau (DEC) is another such leading body that accredits distance MBA programmes in the country.

Take a deep breath. It’s not the Triwizard Maze. All you have to do is to answer a few questions to identify your goal for pursuing an MBA. Whether you seek career growth, placement opportunities, an MBA tag to impress your employer, skill development or everything! Only after you identify your priorities will it make sense to start hunting for a college.

Are all these questions making you feel like Naruto? You can relax as this blog is going to be your Jiraiya, helping you master the MBA Rasengan and sail through the adversities of the professional world. So, without wasting any time, let’s quickly explore Top Online MBA Colleges offering a blend of academic excellence, professional development opportunities, skill development along with lots and lots of…yes, you guessed it right- flexibility!

First Things First- Identify Your Career Goals

Going for an Online MBA is like any other career move. You must have well-defined goals on what you want to achieve from your MBA. This will not only make your MBA journey smooth but will also help you navigate through the different college options. You can start by asking the right questions. These include:

• What are my areas of interest?
• What are my career goals?
• How can an MBA help me achieve these goals?

Once you have the answers to all the above-mentioned questions, you will have in front of you the expectations that you have from your MBA degree.

Economy is the Mother of Empire- Define Your Budget

If you have watched the movie “Confessions of a Shopaholic” then, you must be well aware of what going over your budget can lead to. To avoid a wild goose chase, it is wise to first define a budget for your Online MBA. In India, the fee for an Online MBA can range anywhere between INR 50,000 to INR 10,00,000. Therefore, it becomes important to understand how much you can and you should spend on getting a degree. For instance, if you simply want an MBA tag, then it is not very smart to spend lacs of bucks on an MBA. However, if you want career advancement opportunities or hands-on experience, then you must go for a college that offers them all and doesn’t burn a hole in your pocket.

Choose Your Wand- How to Find the Right Specialisation?

Did you know that today there are over 50 MBA specialisation options to choose from? Yes, more than 50! So, how do you find your perfect match? How do you ensure that the wand you pick has all the right characteristics that complement your interests, passions and goals? It’s a million-dollar question. Before jumping on to answers, let us first explore what all specialisation options are available for you:

Now that you know what all specialisation options are available to you, let us address the elephant in the room. How to choose the right MBA specialisation? Here are a few steps you can follow:

• Make a list of your goals, passions and interests
• Take into consideration your current job and skill set
• See what you are good at
• Compare the growth and future scope of various specialisation areas

And viola! There’s a match made in heaven- your perfect MBA specialisation.

How to Find the Right Online MBA College?

How wonderful it would have been if there were a Sorting Hat who could pinpoint just the right college for you. Luckily, you can be your own Sorting Hat, that too without any professional expertise. That’s right. Let’s quickly go through the steps you can follow to find the right MBA college for you.

• Shortlist the colleges that offer your chosen specialisation
• Eliminate those that do not fall in your budget
• Compare the rankings, curriculum, career assistance services, skill development services, practical exposure, etc.
• There you have it- the right MBA college fulfilling all your needs and desires

Think Beyond IIMs- Top 10 Online MBA Degree Colleges in India

Everyone wants to get into IIMs. Sadly, not everyone can spare two years of their life to attend a full-time residential programme, putting their career on hold. But not to fret! Today, there are many top universities offering Online MBA courses which are at par with the IIMs. You get to study all the same things and get all the same opportunities, all without having to step out of your homes (unless you want to bunk and hit the movies instead!). So, here’s a list of top management colleges as ranked by NIRF offering Online MBA programmes.

1. XLRI (NIRF Rank- 17)

XLRI has built a rich legacy in the realm of management education and rightly so. This top-of-the-class institute offers an AICTE-approved Online PGDM programme that presents an opulent blend of academic expertise and opportunities to work on real-time industry projects. The direct-to-device mode enables students to pursue studies from anywhere in the world. Furthermore, the University also offers scholarships and fee waivers to make education affordable for a larger segment of people.

Specialisations Offered:

• Business Management
• Human Resource Management
• Finance

What to Expect?

• Direct-to-device mode – Students can attend from any place
• Learn from renowned XLRI Faculty
• Campus Immersion
• Prestigious XLRI Alumni Status
• Provision to take a temporary break and rejoin with another batch (subject to relevant rules)
• Fee Waivers and Scholarships
• Career Guidance
• Access to Digital Library

Who Should Go for This College?

• Working professionals seeking professional growth opportunities without having to compromise on their job.
• Those professionals who are looking for an on-campus experience during online learning.

2. S.P. Jain Institute of Management & Research (NIRF Rank- 20)

One of the best B-Schools in the country, the S.P. Jain Institute of Management & Research has partnered with Coursera to offer an innovative, AICTE-approved Online PGDM programme. Delivered by the distinguished faculty members of SPJIMR, the programme ensures a rewarding learning journey for students.

Specialisations Offered

• Finance and Markets
• Advances in Supply Chain
• Organisation and Leadership
• Strategy
• Marketing
• Information Management & Analytics

What to Expect?

• World Class Faculty
• Campus Immersion
• Immersive Learning Experience
• Workshops & Seminars with Industry Experts
• Live & Interactive Sessions
• Access to SPJIMR Alumni Network
• Career Guidance
• Innovative Pedagogy

Who Should Go for This College?

• SPJIMR has designed the Online PGDM programme, especially for working professionals who are looking to enhance their management acumen without having to leave their jobs and home locations.
• Fresh graduates who aspire to explore diverse business domains can also go for this programme.

3. Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (NIRF Rank- 27)

The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade was established by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry in 1963 to facilitate skill development in the domain of foreign trade. Today, the institute has flourished into a world-class business school offering opportunities for online learning as well. This helps working professionals augment their business knowledge without having to sacrifice their jobs.

Specialisations Offered

• Finance
• Trade
• Marketing
• Strategy
• Human Resources Management
• Information Technology
• Economics

What to Expect?

• Virtual Sessions
• Live Industry Interactions
• Field Trips
• Access to IIFT Alumni Network
• Workshops
• Case Study-Based Pedagogy

Who Should Go for This College?

• Professionals who are looking to enhance their management acumen without having to leave their jobs and home locations.
• Fresh graduates who aspire to explore diverse business domains can also go for this programme.

4. Amity University (NIRF Rank- 28)

In 2009, Amity became the first university in India to receive UGC recognition for various online courses. The University has grown into one of the best online education providers in the country. It offers an Online MBA programme which is designed to bridge the skills gap faced by employers. During the course, students get various skill development and personality enhancement opportunities.

Specialisations Offered

• Digital Entrepreneurship
• Business Analytics
• Data Science
• HR Analytics
• Digital Marketing Management
• International Finance

What to Expect?

• Lifetime Recorded Lectures
• Mentorship from Industry Experts
• Portfolio Building
• Interview Preparation
• Open Education Policy
• Virtual Job Fairs
• Amity ThinkTalks
• Unique LMS- AmiGo

Who Should Go for This College?

• Professionals who are looking to enhance their management acumen without having to leave their jobs and home locations.
• Entrepreneurs looking to augment their business acumen.
• Fresh graduates who aspire to explore diverse business domains can also go for this programme.

5. Great Lakes Institute of Management (NIRF Rank- 32)

The Great Lakes Institute of Management offers an AICTE recognised Online PGDM programme. The course is designed keeping in mind the skill development needs of 21st-century professionals. It helps them augment their business acumen while also building a strong knowledge base.

Specialisations Offered

• Data Science & Analytics
• Marketing
• Operations
• Finance

What to Expect?

• Live Virtual Classes
• Recorded Lectures
• Advanced Learning Material
• Case Study Based Pedagogy
• Discussion Forum
• Continuous Assessment
• Distinguished Faculty
• Access to Alumni Network

Who Should Go for This College?

• Professionals who are looking to enhance their management acumen without having to leave their jobs and home locations.
• Fresh graduates who aspire to explore diverse business domains can also go for this programme.

6. Chandigarh University (NIRF Rank- 36)

Located in the vicinity of Chandigarh, Chandigarh University offers a UGC-entitled and AICTE recognised Online MBA programme. The programme’s curriculum is designed in close assistance with industry experts to ensure that it meets the latest industry standards and can help professionals bridge the employability gap.

Specialisations Offered

• Marketing
• HRM
• IBs
• Entrepreneurship
• Finance
• Disaster Management
• IT
• Logistics & Supply Chain Management
• Retail Management
• Operations Management
• Banking & Insurance
• Hospital Management
• Events Management
• Travel & Tourism Management
• Airlines & Airport Management
• Digital Marketing

What to Expect?

• Live Lectures
• Guest Lectures from Industry Experts
• International Recognition
• Access to Job portal
• Advanced LMS
• Career Guidance

Who Should Go for This College?

• Professionals who are looking to enhance their management acumen without having to leave their jobs and home locations.
• Fresh graduates who aspire to explore diverse business domains can also go for this programme.

7. Institute of Management Technology, Ghaziabad (NIRF Rank- 38)

Established in 1980, the Institute of Management Technology (IMT), Ghaziabad is a premier management institute in India. It aims to groom young professionals into next-generation leaders. It offers a unique and innovative PGDM programme with an advanced curriculum and state-of-the-art infrastructure to foster creativity into the young minds.

Specialisations Offered

• Finance
• Operations
• Marketing
• Human Resource
• Business Analytics
• Strategy
• General Management

What to Expect?

• Over Three Decades of Expertise in Management Education
• Highly Reputed Distance Learning Institute for Management Programmes
• More Than 35,000 Alumni Across the Globe
• Highly Experienced Faculty
• Curriculum Benchmarked with Global Institutions
• 24×7 Learning Environment
• Online/Offline Learning Sessions (OLS)
• Self-Defined Pace of Learning
• State-of-the-Art Infrastructure
• Academic Flexibility to Optimise Student Learning
• Industry Oriented Curriculum
• Video Archives of Recorded Sessions by Eminent Faculty
• Project Work Situated in Student’s Own Work Environment
• Students can Define Their Own Pace of Learning
• Live Interactive Sessions with Experts
• Self-Explanatory, Exhaustive Learning Material

Who Should Go for This College?

• Professionals who are looking to enhance their management acumen without having to leave their jobs and home locations.
• Entrepreneurs looking to augment their business acumen.
• Fresh graduates who aspire to explore diverse business domains can also go for this programme.

8. UPES (NIRF Rank- 39)

Established in 2003, UPES is ranked among the best universities in India, with graduate and postgraduate programmes through eight schools. It is among the first institutions in Asia to offer domain-focused Online MBA programmes in IT, Project Management, Logistics and HSE, Energy and others. The Centre for Continuing Education (UPES ON) at UPES has further broadened the extent of education by offering specialised courses to working professionals and young graduates.

Specialisations Offered

• Financial Management
• Oil and Gas Management
• Power Management
• International Business
• Business Analytics
• Digital Business
• Human Resources Management
• Marketing Management
• Operations Management
• Infrastructure Management
• Logistics and Supply Chain Management

What to Expect?

• Lifetime Placement Assistance
• Runway Incubator for Start-Up Support
• Unmatched Global Exposure
• Flexible and Affordable Payment Plans
• Regular Career and Networking Sessions
• Seasoned Faculty With Rich Industry Experience
• Strong Industry Alliances with Ibm, Microsoft, KPMG, etc.
• Mental Health Counselling
• 24/7 Help Desk For Student Support

Who Should Go for This College?

• Professionals and fresh graduates looking to specialise in domain-specific management.

9. ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education, Hyderabad (NIRF Rank- 40)

One of the most well-known names in the realm of management education is the ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education. Its online arm offers an exclusive MBA programme designed for working professionals. The programme offers an updated and industry-relevant curriculum to cater to the diverse needs of 21st-century learners.

Elective Options

• Finance
• Marketing
• Human Resource Management
• IT and Operations

What to Expect?

• Placement and Professional Training
• Merit Scholarships
• Business Research Project
• Webinars
• Online Lectures
• Discussion Forums
• E-learning Material
• Gamification
• Industry Interface
• Student Clubs
• Mentoring

Who Should Go for This College?

• Professionals and fresh graduates looking to augment their business knowledge.
• Entrepreneurs looking to gain management expertise.

10. Manipal University (NIRF Rank- 79)

The Manipal Academy of Higher Education was established in 1953. Today, the group has prospered into one of the premium education institutions in India, imparting quality higher education in the country. In order to provide educational opportunities to a larger segment of individuals, Online Manipal was established under the aegis of Manipal University Jaipur. Online Manipal offers an advanced MBA programme for professionals looking to advance in their careers.

Electives Offered

• Finance
• Marketing
• HRM
• Analytics & Data Science
• IT & FinTech
• Operations Management
• International Business
• Information System Management
• Project Management
• Supply Chain Management

What to Expect?

• UGC-Entitled Degrees
• Free Coursera Access
• Attractive Scholarships
• Placement Assistance
• Prestigious Manipal Alumni Status
• Industry Webinars & Simulations
• Global Classroom
• Remote Proctored Exams

Who Should Go for This College?

• Professionals who are looking to enhance their management acumen without having to leave their jobs and home locations.
• Entrepreneurs looking to augment their business acumen.
• Fresh graduates who aspire to explore diverse business domains can also go for this programme.

Don’t Let Finances Overwhelm You- Top Affordable MBA Colleges in India

If you are thinking that quality education cannot come at an affordable price, then you couldn’t be further from the truth. Today, there are many Online MBA Colleges in India that offer all the same facilities, advanced curriculum, online classes, and extensive career support services at a very low cost. Here, we have listed top affordable Online MBA Colleges in India:

Check Admission Requirements

Before you proceed to apply for your chosen programme, keep in mind the following checkpoints:

• Make sure that you fulfil the eligibility criteria for your chosen programme.
• Check if your chosen college requires an entrance examination for enrolling into the Online MBA programme.
• Check for the micro presentation and SOP requirements.
• Prepare all the necessary documents in advance.

Who Should Do an Online MBA?

An online MBA programme is for a wider range of audience. You should be determined, disciplined and have the motivation to pursue higher education. While it totally depends on your interests and goals, let’s see which candidates usually go for an online MBA.

• Individuals who are ambitious and want to stay ahead of the competition. An Online MBA is specifically designed to cater for the current needs of the business world. This will prepare you to take on the future challenges.

• Working professionals who intend to advance into higher management positions or are looking for better career opportunities. An MBA qualification is enough to assume leadership roles.

• For candidates with a pile of responsibilities and busy schedules, an online MBA is an ideal way to progress in their careers. Online learning will not have any demanding schedule so you can easily fulfil other responsibilities while continuing your education.

• Aspiring candidates from remote areas who are unable to attend in-person classes should definitely do an online MBA.

• Working parents have dreaded the thought of a huge investment in their education at a time when they have a family to support. Online MBA is an affordable programme compared to the regular plus you can continue to work which will ease the burden on your pocket.

Why Should You Do an Online MBA?

It’s simple! Because of the countless benefits it offers. Let’s take a look at a few of them:

• Opportunities Beyond the Global Scale: You can study in a college which is located on the other side of the world without having to move there. Also, networking opportunities are limitless in online MBA programme provided your college has a good reputation.
• Large Network: In-person classes have a high interaction rate but, it gives a limited peer-to-peer learning experience. In an online MBA, there is a large network of peers and the curriculum encourages peer-to-peer interaction.
• Flexible and Convenient: The very basic advantage of an online MBA is the flexibility that tags along with it. There is no strict class schedule to follow and you can attend the recorded lectures as well according to your convenience. You don’t need to quit your job.
• Affordability: Since there is no classroom expense, the fee structure of an online MBA is much more affordable than offline courses. Moreover, there is no relocation, transportation and other miscellaneous expenses.

Career Prospects After Online MBA

It is correctly said that MBA is a launch pad for your success. Since employers seek candidates with technical/niche skills and business understanding, an online MBA widens your career prospects. You get access to various career pathways in multinational companies across continents.

Takeaway

As already discussed, the list of top online MBA colleges depends on multiple factors including your interests, ambitions and passions. Therefore, you must first self-evaluate your priorities and goals for choosing an Online MBA. Only then will you be able to find a college that completely fulfils your requirements.

FAQs

Q1. Is an online MBA worth it?

Yes, if done from a well-accredited university for all the right reasons and not just because everyone else is doing it. It can help you climb the corporate ladder, find better opportunities and get a hike in salary.

Q2. What are the best universities for online MBA in India?

Whether it’s the best college or not, it depends upon your needs and expectations. One college can be good for you but not for others. So it is a very personal decision. Meanwhile, the top colleges for online MBA which most of the students choose are Amity University, Manipal University, IMT CDL, XLRI, and S.P. Jain Institute of Management & Research among others.

Q3. Is an online MBA valid?

An online MBA done from a UGC-DEB-approved college is completely valid and credible. Therefore, check for UGC recognition while choosing the best online MBA college.

Q4. Is an online MBA accepted by employers?

Yes, an online MBA is accepted by employers provided your college/university should be well recognised.

Q5. Is an online MBA costly?

No, an online MBA is an affordable programme whose fee structure ranges between INR 80,000 to 4,00,000 for the complete fee. Though it depends on the college you choose, online degrees are generally more economical than regular courses.

Q6. Is an online MBA as good as a regular MBA?

As per the UGC guidelines, the online and regular MBA will have to follow the same standards. This implies that the academic standards of regular and online MBAs are equivalent.

Q7. Is an online MBA valid for government jobs?

Yes, the credibility of an online MBA is enough to apply for government jobs in India provided if the college is recognised by UGC-DEB.

Q8. Can an online MBA increase salary?

Getting a salary hike is one of the primary reasons why people go for an online MBA degree. However, it depends on your own skill set and knowledge to be able to grab a lucrative salary package. MBA can only provide a base for growth, the effort has to be yours.