Online MBA in India: Colleges, Courses, Fees, Admissions

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Updated on
May 6, 2023

The world is getting shorter with the technological advancement, making the Globe connected even faster day by day. The two years of Covid pandemic has further strengthened this connectivity. With more technology advancement and changes in pedagogy and work culture approach in past few years, like Online teaching platforms, working by login from remote places, more and more MBA aspirants have started exploring opportunity to do Online MBA from top B-schools without visiting the campus in person. Looking at the growing global interest, especially of working professionals in pursuing MBA in Online mode, many top MBA colleges including IIMs, XLRI and other top B-schools in India have launched quality Online MBA programmes that are considered as good as classroom MBA and lead to same skill grooming, experiential learning, case studies as you would have experienced in class room courses, but at a much lower fee.

 

As such, during last few years, the Online MBA has created greater interest among MBA aspirants, especially among the working class due to its flexibility, no requirement of physical classroom attendance, low fees among other key factors. Besides, these Online MBA programmes in India are approved and recognized by AICTE, UGC and Ministry of HRD. Read this article below to know what is Online MBA, What are its key USPs and highlights, which top B-schools including IIMs offer online MBA, programmes, its details, duration, Fees, admission requirement among others

 

Online MBA

 

Table of Contents

  1. What is Online MBA?
  2. Key highlights of Online MBA
  3. Key Advantages & Disadvantages of Online MBA
  4. Top Online MBA Colleges in the World
  5. Top Online MBA in India
  6. Online MBA from IIM
  7. Low Fee Online MBA Colleges in India
  8. Top IIMs Offering Online MBA in India: IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Kozhikode
  9. Top Online PGDM Colleges in India offering Online MBA in India: XLRI, MDI, Great Lakes
  10. Online MBA FAQs

1. What is Online MBA?
An online MBA is a Master of Business Administration program that can be completed entirely online, without the need to attend classes on a physical campus. Online MBA programs cover a wide range of business topics, such as accounting, finance, marketing, strategy, and entrepreneurship. These programs are designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in a variety of business settings, including corporations, non-profit organizations, and startups.

 

Online MBA programs offer several advantages over traditional on-campus programs, including flexibility, convenience, and cost-effectiveness. However, online MBA programs may also have some drawbacks. They may lack the same level of networking opportunities and face-to-face interactions with professors and classmates that are often available in traditional programs. Overall, an online MBA can be the right option for working professionals who want to advance their careers without disrupting their work or personal lives.

 

Best Online Learning MBA in the world is offered by Indiana University - Kelley School of Business, Carnegie Mellon University - Tepper School of Business, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - Kenan-Flagler Business School, among others which are considered the best programs in the USA.

 

Many top B-schools offer online MBA in India. Best Online Learning MBA in India is offered by IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Kozhikode, XLRI Jamshedpur, MDI Gurgaon, Great Lakes. The XLRI Online MBA, MDI Online MBA, Jaipuria Online MBA, IMT Online MBA, Symbiosis Online MBA, BIMTECH Online MBA, Welingkar Online MBA are among high RoI Top Online MBA Colleges in India. The classes are conducted digitally and the candidates can attend classes at designated classroom centres in their city, or directly from their homes.

 

2. Key highlights of Online MBA
Key highlights of Online MBA and its USPs are:

Top Online MBA Colleges in the World
Top Ranked Online MBA Colleges include Warwick, Imperial, Carnegie, Massachusetts, North Carolina among others
List of Private and Public Online MBA Colleges in India
IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Kozhikode, XLRI, MDI, Great Lakes, Welingkar
Qualitative Programme
Online MBA is offered across the Globe by many top Universities and Institutes. The programme is also ranked globally
Grooms Leadership Skills
Online MBA gives you the exposure on all Management courses and develop your leadership and management skills giving you the opportunity to understand the key business management areas
Top Online MBA Course Specializations
Online MBA offers specialization in industry relevant areas like Marketing, Finance, HR, Operations, International Business, Analytics & Big Data among others
Approved & Recognized
Online MBA is duly approved by the statutory authority like AICTE/UGC
Online MBA Curriculum & Syllabus at Par with Regular MBA
There is almost no difference between the syllabus and curriculum for MBA Online which is at par with Regular MBA and same topics are taught by the same faculty with case studies, projects through online platform
Award of MBA without Leaving Job
Without quitting the job, Online MBA offers the best option for the working professionals and other candidates who cannot afford class room MBA programs
Flexibility of Time & Place
MBA Online Education offers flexibility of time and place over regular MBA. The classes are also recorded and you can have access to them from any corner of the world
No Commuting to Campus
Since physical class room presence is not required, you neither need to live at campus nor have to visit the campus. Online MBA saves your time and energy
Online MBA Fee
Online MBA colleges fee is much lower than the regular MBA programme fees.
Job Opportunities for Online MBA Degree
If you are a working professional or self - employed person and is pursing MBA course online, you will get good career growth after completing the course. If you are a fresher, doing online MBA also awards you the recognized MBA degree which will give you a good career growth

3. Key Advantages & Disadvantages of Online MBA
Pursuing Online MBA offers you benefits as well as some disadvantages also as below:

Benefits & Advantages of Online MBA
Disadvantages of Online MBA
Low Cost Programme: Online MBA colleges fees is 7-8 times less than the regular MBA fees
No Peer Learning
Time Saving: You need not reside or visit the institute campus
Lack of Campus experience
Use of Technology Power from Home: MIT, Harvard, use technology to deliver programs across the world. MOOCs and platforms such as Coursera, Edex and Udacity offer good online education experience
Face to Face Faculty Interaction Missing
Effective Time Management: Online program offers flexibility of time and pace over regular MBA. It is well suited for people, who due to time, money or other constraints cannot afford to do full time MBA.
Technology Glitches cause problems
Industry relevant curriculum: Institutes offering best Online MBA are well aware of changing business environment and hence offer an updated and industry relevant curriculum to the students.
No Experience of Learning in a Diverse Batch
Online MBA Scope: A key aspect of the Online MBA scope is that your MBA degree is duly recognized and will be accepted in your career growth
Academic Punctuality is compromised
Alumni Status: After completing your Online MBA, you will be awarded alumni status of the B-school
Placements are not as high as of regular MBA

4. Top Online MBA Colleges in the World
Top Global Online MBA colleges as per the Financial Times Online MBA Ranking 2023, following are the top ten MBA colleges which offer MBA Learning Online across the Globe

 

FT Business School Rankings 2023 – Online MBA: Top 10 Online MBA Colleges in the World:

FT Rank 2023
College Name
Programme name
1.
IE Business School, Spain
Global Online MBA
2.
Warwick Business School, UK
Warwick MBA by Distance Learning
3.
Imperial College Business School, UK
Global Online MBA
4.
Carnegie Mellon:Tepper, US
Part time Online MBA
5.
University of Massachusetts Amherst: Isenberg
Isenberg Online MBA
6.
University of North Carolina: Kenan-Flagler
7.
University of Florida: Warrington, US
Online MBA
8.
Durham University Business School, UK
Online MBA
9.
University of Liverpool Management School, UK
Online MBA
10.
Politecnico di Milano School of Management, Italy
International Flex MBA

5. Top Online MBA (Best Online MBA) in India
Top Online MBA colleges in India include top online PGDM colleges like XLRI, MDI, Great Lakes among others and top IIMs offering Online MBA. Besides many University colleges offer online MBA. MBAUniverse.com has analysed over hundred Online MBA colleges and programs and have selected the best Online MBA Colleges in India. Here is our list of best online MBA/PGDM colleges in India that includes List of the Top Private Online MBA Colleges in India:

 

5.1 Online PGDM in India: Top Online MBA by XLRI, MDI, TAPMI, Great Lakes & Others
Many top B-schools including XLRI, MDI, TAPMI, Great Lakes have launched cost effective online PGDM in India without compromising their quality curriculum and syllabus. Below is shared the list of some of the Popular Online MBA Colleges in India:

Online MBA/PGDM College
Online MBA/PGDM program offered
Program Duration
Online MBA Colleges Fees (In Rupees)
XLRI Jamshedpur
PGDBM-Online
2 Years
Rs.14 lakhs
MDI Gurgaon
PGDM-Online
2 Years
Rs.14 lakhs
Great Lakes Chennai
PGDM-Online
2 Years
Rs. 3.50 lakhs
TAPMI Manipal
MBA-BFS Online
2 Years
Rs. 5.60 lakhs
IMT-Centre for Distance Learning (IMT-CDL) Ghaziabad
Online PGDM
2 Years
Rs. 1.11 lakhs
BIMTECH Greater Noida (Delhi NCR)
PGDM-Online
2 Years
Rs. 2.75 lakhs
Welingkar Institute of Management (We School) Mumbai
Online PGDM in 18 Areas like E-Business, Travel & Tourism, Marketing, Retail, Agri-Business, HCM & Others-Check in detail below
2 Years
Rs. 1.01 lakhs
Jaipuria Institute of Management, Noida
PGDM Online
2 Years
Rs. 1.20 lakhs

6. Online MBA from IIM
In the list of top public online MBA colleges in India includes Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) which are the most prestigious business schools in India and offer a variety of MBA programs, including online MBA programs and are the public online MBA colleges in India. The List of Public Online MBA Colleges in India includes the IIM Ahmedabad online MBA, IIM Kozhikode online MBA, IIM Shillong online MBA, IIM Rohtak online MBA and IIM Raipur online MBA which are the front runners in offering Online MBA in India. Online MBA courses from IIMs are offered in different formats, and different names. Here is an overview of online MBA courses from IIMs:

 

6.1 Online MBA Courses from IIMs
Below are the Online MBA and blended mode programmes offered by IIMs.
IIMs offering Online MBA
IIM Online MBA Course Name & Duration
Online MBA Format
Online MBA Fees
IIM Ahmedabad
e-Mode EPGP: 2 Years
eLearning Mode
Rs 20 lakh
IIM Kozhikode
Executive Post Graduate Programmes (EPGP): 2 Years Online
Interactive Learning Mode
Rs 14 lakhs
IIM Shillong
MBA for Working Executives (MBA WE): 2 Years Online
Live Online classes with interactive learning
Rs 12 lakhs
IIM Rohtak
Post Graduate Programme in Management for Executives (PGPx): 1 Year
Online & Offline blended programme
Rs 7.15 lakh
IIM Raipur
Executive Post Graduate Programme in Management (EPGP): 2 Years
Blended Mode MBA programme
Rs 12.25 lakhs

7. Low Fee Online MBA Colleges in India
There are many online MBA colleges with low fee in India. The lost cost online MBA programme is offered by Government and private universities, online PGDM colleges among others. Some of the top low fee online MBA programmes are offered by following colleges and universities:

Name of Low cost online MBA College
Online MBA/PGDM Programme Offered
Online MBA duration
Online MBA Academic Fees
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
Online MBA
2 Years
Rs.  62,000
Welingkar Institute of Management (We School) Mumbai
Online PGDM in 18 Areas like E-Business, Travel & Tourism, Marketing, Retail, Agri-Business, HCM & Others
2 Years
Rs. 1,01,000
IMT-Centre for Distance Learning (IMT-CDL) Ghaziabad
Online PGDM
2 Years
Rs. 1,11,000
Jaipuria Institute of Management, Noida
Online PGDM
2 Years
Rs. 1,20,000
Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE)
Online MBA
2 Years
Rs. 2,60,000

8. Top IIMs Offering Online MBA: IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Kozhikode
Out of the 20 IIMs, IIM Ahmedabad, Kozhikode, Shillong, Raipur, Rohtak have already entered the field of online MBA education and the number is increasing gradually. Below are shared the important details about the Online MBA by IIMs:

 

8.1 IIM Ahmedabad Online MBA: EPGP
IIM Ahmedabad Online MBA is e-Mode Post Graduate Programme (ePGP*) in Management. It is a two-year master degree programme (with added flexibility of completion in 3 years) offered on Interactive technology platform in eLearning mode.

 

Eligibility & Admission Process

  • Working Professionals and Entrepreneurs with a minimum of 3 years’ full-time work experience (after completion of graduation) can apply
  • Minimum Age 24 years and above
  • Personal interview will be conducted by IIM Ahmedabad.
  • Bachelor’s Degree/CA/CS/ICWA, with at least 50 percent marks in aggregate or equivalent CGPA, awarded by any of the recognized universities.
  • Valid CAT score (Test taken within the last 3 years); or GMAT /GRE score (taken within the last 5 years)
  • Alternatively, applicants will have to take IIMA Admission Test (IAT)
  • Shortlisted candidates will be invited for personal interview at IIMA campus or other cities

8.2 IIM Kozhikode Online MBA: EPGP
IIM Kozhikode Online MBA is called Executive Post Graduate Programmes (EPGP). It is a perfect option for working professionals and executives to enrich their skills. In the year 2001, IIMK conceived a new model of management education for working executives. Executive Management Education Programme (EMEP) marked the beginning of IIMK's Executive Education activities and IIMK pioneered management education through a synchronous interactive learning mode (IL) in the Asia Pacific region. Participants have the flexibility to choose the class room centers based on their city of residence /work.

 

Eligibility & Admission Process

  • A bachelor's degree or its equivalent in any discipline with minimum 50% aggregate marks or equivalent CGPA.
  • 3 Years of managerial/entrepreneurial/professional experience after successful completion of graduation as on the deadline of submitting the application online
  • The candidates meeting the eligibility criteria will be called for the stage 2, EMAT (Executive Management Aptitude Test) followed by a personal interview
  • Admission to the programme is based on the score obtained in the EMAT and Interview

 

9. Top Online PGDM Colleges in India: XLRI, MDI, Great Lakes
Top PGDM colleges like XLRI, MDI, Great Lakes, Welingkar offer online PGDM programs. Brief details of the Online PGDM programmes are as below:

 

9.1 XLRI Online MBA/PGDM: PGDBM-Online
XLRI has launched 3 masters level programs in online mode in line with the new education policy framework. The Programs are Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management (PGDBM), Post Graduate Diploma in Finance (PGDF) and Post Graduate Diploma in Human Resource Management (PGDHRM). Each program commences with a 1 week Immersion Program at XLRI Campus. XLRI, founded in 1949, is not only the oldest management institute of the country, but also the first institute to offer management courses through an online platform in India.

 

A Graduate in any discipline with professional work experience can enroll in this program

 

9.2 MDI Gurgaon Online MBA
Online MBA program offered by MDI Gurgaon is a two-year Online Post Graduate Diploma in Management (Online PGDM). MDI Online PGDM is approved by the AICTE, Government of India. It enables young working executives to earn a postgraduate management qualification from a leading business school. They can earn this prestigious qualification from anywhere in the world without taking a break from their career. While the total MBA Online PGDM fees is Rs 14.0 Lakhs for two years, the tuition fees is Rs 10.27 lakhs. Key highlights are:

  • Learning will be rigorous and delivered through Online Synchronous Classes, Asynchronous, self-paced learning and Campus immersion. The Programme Learning offers Global perspective, Critical and innovative thinking, Effective communication and collaborative decision-making, Functional competency.
  • The OPGDM offers same rigour and relevance as offered by MDI's Post Graduate Diploma in Management programme, but in a curated and customised package specially designed for online delivery of 
  • Cutting edge curriculum, delivering an integrated, global perspective of management.
  • Some of the courses will be taken by international faculty.
  • You would also benefit from interactions with a global cohort. Indian and Global case studies will be discussed
  • You get the opportunity to reflect, to rethink your career trajectory and to take steps to equip yourself with the right skills and knowledge. An end-to-end enterprise wide view of business will help you as you go move into senior management
  • Participants may continue to pursue their full-time careers and also continue their education, while residing anywhere in the world. Benefit from a variety of modes of interacting with peers and faculty. Work at your pace, within a time window, but with high commitment
  • Close interactions with faculty. Tutorial and doubt clearing sessions will be conducted in small groups. You would also have remote access to MDI Gurgaon Library. Participants may provide feedback, make suggestions, and raise concerns in regularly held open-house sessions with MDI programme managers.

9.3 Great Lakes Online MBA
The two-year online Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) is offered by Great Lakes Institute of Management, Center of Online Learning. Great Lakes says with an industry-relevant curriculum taught in a flexible format, you can learn future-ready concepts from one of India’s leading b-schools without pausing your career journey. Through a combination of live virtual classes and recorded lectures, you can engage in cutting-edge online learning as you gain hands-on experience with guidance from industry experts. The AICTE Approved online Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) program has been designed keeping in mind the professionals who are aspiring to move to managerial positions, and eventually become leaders in their organisations.

 

9.4 TAPMI Online MBA
T.A. Pai Management Institute’s (TAPMI) flagship MBA in Banking and Financial Services (BKFS) program is delivered in the online mode. This 100% online program aims at creating future-ready professionals by empowering them in digital transformation in the banking sector, cryptocurrency & blockchain, and other innovations in the new-age BFSI environment. Supported by state-of-the-art digital infrastructure, an up-to-date curriculum, and 4 industry-oriented elective baskets, this TAPMI Online MBA program enables learning to build managerial careers in the BFSI sector.

 

9.5 IMT Distance Learning MBA Online by IMTCDL, Ghaziabad
IMT Ghaziabad is one of the prominent management institutes in India. IMT-Centre for Distance Learning (IMT-CDL) is a sister institution of IMT Ghaziabad. IMT CDL offers a wide range of online management and information technology programmes. The institute updates its curriculum on a regular basis to keep pace with the fast moving educational world.

 

IMT Online PGDM programme key highlights are:

  • IMT CDL offers comprehensive education technology platforms such as LEAD, Expert Connect, and Action Case Studies etc.
  • IMT CDL offers insightful leaning videos and mock tests developed by some the world’s best known authors.

9.6 BIMTECH Online PGDM 
Birla Institute of Management Technology has been conferred with the prestigious Category 1 Graded Autonomy Status by the AICTE in February 2020. BIMTECH Online PGDM Program Highlights are:

  • AICTE approved courses with 80 credits and 2400 hours of hybrid learning
  • Portfolio of online PGDM programs certification programs and self-paced courses
  • Academic Rigor, Proctored Exam
  • 20% lectures delivered by Subject Matter Experts, 80% by experienced faculty
  • One week campus immersion (Optional)
  • Library Access: World-Class Physical and Virtual Library

9.7 Welingkar Online Learning PGDM
Prin. L.N. Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research, a leading B-school in Mumbai, was established in 1977. Welingkar has two campuses in Mumbai and Bengaluru. Apart from a wide range of full time PGDM programs, Welingkar offers 18 specialized Online PGDM programs including Marketing, Finance, HRM, Retail, Operations Management among others. Key highlights of the programme are:

  • Welingkar Online PGDM curriculum is divided in four semesters
  • Online PGDM is offered with virtual class room, online learning, eLearning toolkit, physical course material, e books, experiential learning, online video library, contact programs, industry visits, online guest lectures
  • Candidates can take tests conducted by Welingkar to find out the best suited Online PGDM program for their career goals.

9.8 Jaipuria Online PGDM/MBA
The online PGDM (Post Graduate Diploma in Management) programme offered by Jaipuria Noida comprises 25 core courses and 7 electives. You have the opportunity and flexibility to choose a specialization per your interest that suit your career aspirations. The online PGDM/MBA programme curriculum comprises 90 courses, wherein you will be getting 12 hours of live online sessions and 4.5 hours of recorded video content per course. The blended learning will be a mix of live sessions, case studies, quizzes, business simulations, and capstone projects.

 

9. Online MBA FAQs

 

Q. Will I get alumni status with Online MBA programme?
A.
Yes, on successful completion of the online MBA programme, the respective B-school awards alumni status to its students

 

Q. Do I need high score in MBA entrance exam like CAT, XAT for Online MBA Admission?
A.
No, a moderate score is accepted and most of the online MBA colleges also conduct their own entrance exams.

 

Q. Is online MBA fee is lower than regular MBA fee? What is the online MBA colleges fees as comprated to regular MBA fees?
A.
Online MBA colleges fees is 7-8 time less than the regular MBA fees. While Online MBA fees starts from Rs.50000+ the regular MBA fee starts from Rs.5-6 lakhs 

 

Q. What is the Online MBA Eligibility Criteria?
A.
The Online MBA colleges in India eligibility criteria is as per the UGC/AICTE norms. A Graduate Degree in any Stream with some work experience is the minimum Online MBA colleges in India eligibility criteria

 

Q. What is the difference between Online MBA Syllabus and Regular MBA syllabus?
A.
Online MBA Curriculum and syllabus is on the same lines as that of regular MBA. The online MBA curriculum and syllabus offers same high rigor with case studies, case presentation, internship, virtual class room study among others. The courses and subjects of specialization in Online program are similar to regular MBA and are much more as offered by many top online MBA colleges. Except the online mode of teaching, the MBA Online Education, Online MBA Learning and the Online MBA Scope is similar as that of regular classroom MBA

 

Q. What are the top Online MBA Course Specializations?
A
. Online MBA Specialisations and Online MBA Subjects are similar to that of regular MBA. The MBA Online course specializations are offered in all the important management areas like Marketing, HR, Finance, Operations, E Commerce, Healthcare, International Business, Retail Management, Entrepreneurship among others 

 

Q. What is the Online MBA Admission Process? How can I get admission..
A.
Online MBA Admission Procedure is simple and is more based on direct MBA admission process. After checking your eligibility for the institute and the program, you can apply for the program with requisite application fee. On the designated date, check your admission status and Pay programme Fees as given in admission offer

 

Q. What are the Job Opportunities for Online MBA Degree?
A.
Online MBA is a recognized MBA degree. As such the job opportunities for online MBA degree are similar to that of regular MBA. Besides, all the popular online MBA colleges offer placement assistance for the online MBA students

 

Q. What is Online MBA vs Distance MBA?
A.
Key difference between Online and distance MBA is that the pedagogy of the online  programmes is completely in virtual mode. On the other hand, while a large part of the curriculum of Distance MBA is offered online,still  there are certain parts which are conducted in physical or offline mode.