Online MBA Course: Eligibility, Fees, Scope Colleges, Specializations

Online MBA Courses

An MBA degree has long been recognized as a valuable asset for individuals seeking to advance their careers in the field of business management. However, for many people, pursuing a traditional, full-time MBA program may not be feasible due to constraints such as time, cost, and geographical location.

In recent years, the rise of online education has made it possible for individuals to pursue an MBA degree from the comfort of their own homes, on a flexible schedule, and at an affordable cost.

Online MBA courses are degree programs in business administration that are delivered entirely over the internet. They provide the same curriculum as traditional MBA programs but offer greater flexibility and convenience to students who are unable to attend classes on campus.

Online MBA courses typically cover a wide range of topics related to business and management, including accounting, finance, marketing, operations management, organizational behaviour, and strategy. They may also include specialized courses in areas such as entrepreneurship, healthcare management, or sustainability.

In this article, we will explore the benefits and disadvantages of pursuing an online MBA program in India, the subjects and syllabus covered in these programs, eligibility criteria, fees, and the top online MBA colleges in India. We will also discuss the various specializations in online MBA, and the career opportunities available to graduates of these programs.

Quick Facts About Online MBA in India

  1. Online MBA programs in India are gaining popularity among working professionals who want to earn a degree while continuing to work.
  2. These programs are offered by many reputed business schools in India, such as the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, and NMIMS Global Access School for Continuing Education.
  3. Online MBA programs in India typically take two to three years to complete and cover topics such as business management, marketing, finance, and operations.
  4. The cost of an Online MBA in India can vary depending on the institution and program but typically ranges from INR 50,000 to INR 5,00,000 and above.
  5. To be eligible for an Online MBA program in India, candidates must typically have a bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution and meet other admission requirements, such as work experience and  CAT scores.

Benefits And Drawbacks of Pursuing an Online MBA

Online MBA programs have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their flexibility and accessibility. However, many people still wonder whether an online MBA is worth the time, effort, and money. Let’s discuss the benefits and drawbacks of pursuing an online MBA to help you decide if it is the right choice for you.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Online MBA

Benefits of Online MBA Programs:

  1. Flexibility: One of the most significant advantages of an online MBA program is its flexibility. With online programs, students have the freedom to complete coursework and assignments at their own pace and schedule. This makes it easier for working professionals to balance their work and personal life with their academic pursuits.
  2. Cost-Effective: Online MBA programs are often less expensive than traditional on-campus programs. This is because online programs do not require students to pay for housing, transportation, and other expenses associated with attending classes on campus. 
  3. Access to High-Quality Education: Many reputable universities and business schools offer online MBA programs that provide the same level of education and training as their on-campus counterparts. This means that students can benefit from the same academic rigour and quality of instruction, regardless of where they are located.

Also read: Pros of Online MBA

Drawbacks of Online MBA Programs:

  1. Lack of Face-to-Face Interaction: One of the main drawbacks of online MBA programs is the lack of face-to-face interaction with instructors and classmates. This can make it more challenging for students to develop personal relationships with their peers and professors, and to fully engage in class discussions.
  2. Limited Access to Resources: Some online MBA programs may not provide the same level of access to resources as traditional on-campus programs. For example, students may have limited access to research materials, career services, and networking events.
  3. Self-Motivation and Time Management: Online MBA programs require students to be self-motivated and disciplined, as they are responsible for managing their own schedules and completing coursework on time. This can be a challenge for some students who may struggle with time management and procrastination.

Online MBA Course Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for an online MBA course, you typically need to meet certain academic and professional requirements. While specific eligibility criteria may vary depending on the program, here are some common requirements:

  1. Bachelor’s degree: You will need to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Some MBA programs may require a degree in a specific field or a certain minimum GPA.
  2. Work experience: Many MBA programs prefer candidates who have some professional work experience. Some programs require a minimum number of years of work experience, while others do not have a specific requirement.
  3. Entrance Exams: Some MBA programs may require scores from standardized tests such as the Common Admission Test (CAT), Common Management Admission Test (CMAT), Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT), Management Aptitude Test (MAT), Symbiosis National Aptitude Test (SNAP), etc.  Also read: MBA Entrance exams in India

It’s important to note that eligibility criteria can vary between programs, so it’s important to carefully review the specific requirements for the programs you are interested in. 

Online MBA Specializations

While pursuing an online MBA degree, students can specialize in a particular area of business to enhance their knowledge and skills in that field. Here are some top online MBA course specializations.

  • Innovation Management
  • International Business
  • Finance Management
  • Healthcare Management
  • Hospitality Management
  • Digital Marketing
  • Cybersecurity, Information Security Analysis
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Marketing Management
  • Operations Management
  • Public Administration
  • Risk Management
  • Advertising and PR Management
  • Logistics and Supply Chain Management
  • Sustainability Management
  • Investment Management
  • Managerial Economics
  • Sports Management
  • Business Analytics
  • Human Resources
  • Information Technology

Online MBA Course Fees And Duration

Online MBA course fees and duration can vary depending on the institution offering the program, the curriculum, and the location. Here is an overview of the average fees and duration of online MBA programs in India:

Fees:

Online MBA course fees in India range from INR 50,000 to INR 5,00,000, and above. The cost of an online MBA program depends on factors such as the reputation of the institution, the curriculum, and the duration of the program.

Duration:

The duration of an online MBA program in India ranges from 1 year to 3 years, with most programs being around 2 years long. Some institutions offer accelerated programs that can be completed in 1 year, while others offer part-time programs that can take up to 3 years to complete.

Online MBA Syllabus and Subjects

Online MBA programs in India cover a wide range of subjects and provide students with a comprehensive understanding of business management. The syllabus for an online MBA program is the same as that of a traditional MBA.

Online MBA Syllabus And Subjects

Organizational Behaviors

Marketing Management

Financial Accounting

Management Accounting

Quantitative Methods

Human Resource Management

Managerial Economics

Business Communication

Organization Effectiveness and Change

Operation Management

Marketing Research

Economic Environment of Business

Financial Management

Management of Information System

Business Ethics & Corporate Social Responsibility

Strategic Management

Legal Environment of Business

International Business Environment

Job Opportunities And Salary After Online MBA Course

An online MBA course can lead to a variety of job opportunities and higher salary prospects for graduates. Here is an overview of the potential job opportunities and salary prospects after completing an online MBA course in India:

Job Opportunities

Sector

Jobs

Public Sector

Operations & Project Management

Finance

Accounting

Technology Management

e-Business

Computer System

Global Management

Entrepreneurship

International Business

Human Resource

Healthcare

Private Sector

Securities/Investment Analyst

Financial Research Analyst

Financial Advisor

Portfolio Manager

Real Estate

Fashion Industry

Information Security Analyst

Operations Research Analyst

Management Analyst

HR Specialist

Credit Risk Management Analyst

IT Sector

HR Managers

ERP Consultants

Project Managers

Business Analyst

IT Manager

Business Development Manager

Cash Managers

Salary Prospects

  1. The salary prospects after completing an online MBA course in India can vary depending on the industry, location, and experience level of the graduate.
  2. On average, MBA graduates in India can expect a starting salary of around INR 6 to 12 lakhs per annum. However, the salary can go up to INR 20 lakhs or more depending on the industry and job profile.
  3. Graduates in finance, consulting, and technology tend to earn higher salaries than those in other industries.
  4. The salary prospects also increase with the level of work experience and professional skills gained after completing the MBA program.

Online MBA: Top Recruiter And Companies

While many students may have concerns about their job prospects after completing an online MBA, the truth is that many top companies actively recruit graduates from online MBA programs. Here are some of the top recruiters and companies to consider after completing your online MBA:

Online MBA: Top Companies And Recruiters

Amazon

Philips India

Raymonds

NTPC

Reliance Jio

Taj Group of Hotels

FlipKart

Blue Star

Canon

Goldman Sachs

JP Morgan Chase

IBM

Microsoft

Deloitte

Johnsons & Johnsons

Nestle

Panasonic

Puma

HCL

Snapdeal

Zomato

Top Online MBA Colleges in India

India has emerged as a hub for online MBA programs, with a growing number of prestigious institutions offering online MBA programs. These programs provide students with the flexibility to earn their MBA degree while continuing to work and maintain their personal commitments. Here are some of the top online MBA colleges in India

S.No

Colleges

Average Fees

1

Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS)

INR 50,000 – INR 4,00,000

2

Lovely Professional University (LPU)

INR 1,42,000

3

Amity University Online

INR 1,20,000 to 1,50,000

4

Jain Deemed to be university

INR 80,000 – 2,08,000

5

IGNOU School of Management Studies

INR 62,000

6

D.Y Patil University

INR 1,30,000

7

Manipal University 

INR 1,50,000

8

ICFAI University

INR 2,00,000

9

Bharathidasan University

INR 1,21,000

10 

Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning (SCDL)

INR 18,000 To 30,0000

Cheapest Online MBA Colleges in India

An MBA degree can be a valuable asset in today’s highly competitive job market. However, pursuing an MBA from a top-tier institution can be prohibitively expensive, making it out of reach for many individuals. Fortunately, there are several online MBA colleges in India that offer high-quality education at an affordable price. Here are some of the cheapest online MBA colleges in India:

S.No

Colleges

Average Fees

1

IGNOU New Delhi

INR 62,000

2

Symbiosis Pune

INR 35,000 per year

3

NMIMS Mumbai

INR 50,000 – INR 4,00,000

4

Sathyabama University, Chennai

INR 45,000 per year

5

Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University, Pune

INR 1,00,000

Top Online MBA Colleges in Abroad

Here are 8 online MBA colleges in abroad with their average fees and duration:

S.No

Colleges

Average Fees

Duration

1

University of Bridgeport (USA)

INR 3,00,000

23 Months

2

Edgewood College (USA)

INR 3,00,000

24 Months

3

IU Germany

INR 2,50,000

12 Months

4

University of Canada West (UCW)

INR 2,75,000

26 Months

5

Johnsons and Wales University, USA

INR 3,00,000

24 Months

6

Dundalk Institute of Technology, Ireland

INR 2,75,000

24 Months

7

UCL School of Management

INR 43,11,000

24-60 Months

8

Macquarie University

INR 21,22,000

14-32 Months

FAQs

Yes, an online MBA degree can be worth it, depending on your career goals and the reputation of the program you are opting for. If your aim is to advance your career in a specific industry or function, an online MBA may be a valuable investment. Online MBA also offers you a flexible schedule, lower costs, and access to a global network of students and faculty.

Yes, it is OK to do an MBA online. Online MBA programs offer the same curriculum and degree as traditional MBA programs, but with the added benefits of flexibility and convenience. Many reputable universities and business schools now offer online MBA programs, so it is important to research the program and ensure that it is accredited and recognized by employers in your field.

Yes, an online MBA is as good as a traditional MBA. The course circular for both degrees is the same. However, Online MBA programs are often designed with working professionals in mind, allowing students to continue working while pursuing their degree. This can be beneficial for those who cannot take a break from their careers to pursue an MBA full-time

There are many reputable universities and business schools that offer online MBA programs, so it depends on your specific needs and preferences. Some of the top online MBA programs include NMIMS, LPU, Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning, and Amity University Online.

Distance MBA courses typically involve physical study materials and occasional in-person sessions, whereas online MBA courses are entirely digital and can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection. However, both types of programs offer the same curriculum and degree and may have similar requirements and formats.

Yes, the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) offers online MBA programs. IIMs are considered among the top business schools in India and offer various online management programs, including Executive Post Graduate Programme (ePGP), Executive Programme in Digital and Social Media Marketing Strategy, and more