Distance MBA

  • course years 2 Years
  • type of course Post Graduate
  • course stream Management
  • course type Distance

The distance learning MBA is a 2-year correspondence postgraduate program in management. Distance learning MBA in India is one of the preferred alternatives for MBA aspirants who cannot attend regular courses. The Distance MBA courses are carried out with the hybrid method. The students may be asked to visit the institute or centers during weekends. UGC/AICTE is responsible for recognizing Distance Education in India.

Apart from the mode of study and campus facilities, Distance MBA and Full-Time MBA have similar course curricula and course duration. Distance MBA Syllabus consists of subjects like Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, Operations Management, Corporate Finance, etc.

The minimum eligibility criteria for Distance MBA Admission is that candidates should clear their graduation from a recognized university/college. Popular distance learning MBA colleges in India include IGNOU, Annamalai University, NMIMS Global Access School for Continuing Education, Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning, IMT-CDL Ghaziabad, Sikkim SCDL, etc.

Distance learning MBA admission varies from college to college. OPENMAT was the most popular choice for IGNOU MBA admission, but it was announced that the January session for admission to the IGNOU MBA will be merit-based. Other MBA Entrance Exams like NMAT, MAH CET, etc., are held once or twice a year for admission to other distance-learning MBA colleges. The average Distance MBA Fee is around INR 40,000 to INR 75,000 which is lower than other types of MBA.

Distance MBA Course Highlights

Students who are looking for a Distance MBA program. They can either complete their graduation in any discipline or in any specialization. The highlights of the course are as under:

Particulars Value
Course Type Degree
Course Duration 2 years
Course Level Postgraduate
Eligibility Criteria Minimum 50% marks in Graduation in any discipline
Mode of Course Distance
Admission Process Entrance Examination
Examination Type Both Semester wise/ Year wise
Entrance Exams CAT, XAT, MAT, SNAP, CMAT
Age No specific age limit
University Approved UGC, DEB
Admission Process Online/Offline
Average Fee Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 200,000
Average Annual Salary Rs. 200,000 to Rs. 10,00,000
Job Profiles Manager, Human Resource Manager, Sales Manager, Product Manager, Business Development Manager, Marketing Manager, Operations Manager, Business Analyst, Business Development Manager, Senior Business Analyst, SAP Consultant, Area Sales Manager, Marketing Executive, etc
Top Recruiters Infosys Limited, Oracle, Standard Chartered Bank, IBM India Private Limited, Citibank, Axis Bank, Capgemini Consulting, Vodafone, Deloitte, HSBC, Cognizant, etc

Why study Distance MBA?

The Distance MBA program is a fantastic opportunity for students who are looking to improve their marketing and strategic skills. In the case of students who opt for admission to a correspondence MBA Program, they will be able to learn and increase their skills under the guidance of lecturers who are professional and experienced in their field. After graduating, students enroll in this course in order to get into a secure and valued position after completing their undergraduate degree.

The students who get admission into the Distance MBA in Delhi get the opportunity to increase their skills related to management, advertising, accounting, ethics, leadership skills, etc. As the demand for professional structures in the industries has started growing the demand for MBA professionals has also seen a significant rise.

For MBA students in India, doing MBA in distance mode is the best alternative when they cannot attend the regular courses. Among many reasons for doing the course, some are mentioned here:

(i). There are many institutes in India that are working to make it possible for students to take distance MBA classes.

(ii). Students can take online classes anywhere they desire and the study material is provided to students online.

(iii). Such candidates learn in-depth knowledge by studying subjects similar to the regular MBA syllabus.

(iv). There are multiple Job options available after its completion.

(1). Distance MBA  Admission Process

Those who want to take their career in Business and Administration can go for this Distance MBA Course. This course can be done from anywhere and anytime. Anyone can do this course if they want to pursue the program online without attending lectures but the Distance MBA course can be little suitable for those who are busy with self-employment.

Distance learning MBA course types

The Top management colleges in India provide distance MBA Courses of various types. The different types of distance MBA courses offered are:

(1). 3-months/6-month Certificate Course in Business Management

A certificate Course in Business Management is a basic management course that imparts knowledge of basic business functions and how to optimize the use of resources to maximize wealth.

(2).1 year PGD in Business Administration (PGDBA)

The Graduate Diploma in Business Administration or PGDBA is a one-year degree course,  divided into 2 semesters, which deals with the study of business management, administration, general operations,  marketing, finance, etc.

(3). 2-year PGDM/ MBA

A 2-year Distance MBA course is the most common type of distance MBA course pursued by distance MBA aspirants. The course curriculum of a distance MBA is similar to that of a regular MBA. The duration of a distance MBA can be extended to 4 years depending on the college.

(4). Executive MBA Distance Education

ExecutiveMBA Distance Education is a specially derived course that is offered for the benefit of working professionals who don’t want to sacrifice their job for education.

(5). Integrated MBA Distance Education

The IntegratedMBA course is termed for the course that students opt for admission into the UG and PG level both at the same time like the BBA-MBA, BCA-MBA, etc.

(6). PGDM Distance Education

PGDM distance education is a PG diploma course that is offered for admission to students who have an interest in pursuing a management course after UG but can’t get admission into the distance MBA course.

(7). Dual Specialization MBA Distance Education

MBA Dual Specialization is seen as an opportunity for students as they get to learn about multiple disciplines by getting admission into the Dual Specialization Distance MBA course.

Distance MBA Eligibility Criteria

For admission to the distance MBA program, the candidates should have a good score on various entrance tests like CAT, GMAT, XAT, and more. But in some institutions, an entrance exam is conducted at an institute level. Let us look at the eligibility criteria of various institutes/universities that provide distance education for MBA programs.

The common eligibility criteria for the Distance MBA degree program is that the candidates should be holding a bachelor’s degree in any discipline, primarily BBA and B.Com graduates go for this degree, but it is quite popular among students who have done their B.Tech, BA, and other such degrees as well.

Distance MBA Admission Process

(i). Since this is a distance learning program, all admission procedures can be completed entirely online, with no need to visit the college. Instead, you must first visit the official website of the college to which you are applying.

(ii). Select the option for Distance learning programs. Then, in the Post-graduate section, choose the Distance MBA program. If there are several specializations available, choose the one you want to pursue.

(iii). Register for your program and complete the registration/application form with the relevant information.

(iv). After completing the registration/application form, the website will guide you through the payment portal.

(v). Students can pay the application fee through a credit/debit card or by DD.

(vi). Scanned copies of your documents must be submitted for verification. These documents include academic certificates such as class 12th and graduation mark sheets, work experience certificates (if any), photo identity proof such as an Aadhar card/ PAN card/ driving license/ passport, Caste certificates, and disability certificates (if applicable), also scanned copies of your passport size photograph as well as signature, with any other documents specified by the college.

(vii). Your admission will be approved once your documents have been verified. Following that, you must pay the tuition fee for that semester/year in accordance with university regulations. You will be enrolled in the course and you will be given a student roll number once your payment has been verified.

Skills Required

Candidates wishing to enroll in a distance MBA program are required to acquire several skill sets for a better learning experience with upgradation of knowledge. We have provided below a list of major skills they will acquire during their distance MBA period through their academic syllabus and practical experience.

Self Motivation Analytical skills Good communication skills
Multicultural Diversity Time Management Management skills
Virtual Team Work Self Discipline Leadership qualities

Distance MBA Entrance Exams

There are many entrance examinations for admission to various management programs such as PGDM, MBA, Executive MBA, and Distance MBA. We have provided below details of major entrance examinations for admissions in Distance MBA and other management programs.

TS ICET CAT
GMAT XAT
CMAT MAT
SNAP

Distance MBA Fee Structure

Distance MBA Fees in India vary based on the infrastructure and facilities available at the colleges and universities offering the course. The average MBA distance education fee ranges between INR 50,000 -1,50,000 PA. Here is the Distance MBA fee structure for some business administration schools in India:

Name of College Average Annual Fees (INR)
Uttarakhand Open University - Distance Education Rs. 9,050 PA
Garuda School of Business, Mumbai Rs. 60,000 PA
Sikkim Manipal University Directorate of Distance Education Rs. 80000 PA
ENA Institute of Management and Technology Distance MBA, Pune Rs. 48,600 PA
Annamalai University Rs. 57,050 PA
Amity University (Distance Learning) Rs. 1.51 LPA
BMS Centre for Executive Education & Distance Learning, Bangalore 40,000 PA
IGNOU Rs. 31,500 PA
ICFAI University Rs. 65,000 PA
Tamil Nadu Physical Education and Sports University, Chennai Rs. 5,600 PA

Selection Criteria: Distance MBA

A graduate candidate's exam score is a determining factor in choosing a distance learning MBA program. Colleges and universities that offer distance learning MBA courses will require prospective students to meet their eligibility criteria.

The selection process can begin once a student has cleared the entrance exam boundary. Applicants with knowledge of business administration can also enroll in the course.

(2). Course Comparison

Distance MBA V/s Regular MBA

Some of the major differences between an MBA through Distance Education and a Regular MBA are tabulated below based on various parameters:

Parameters Distance MBA Full-Time MBA
Course Overview A distance learning MBA program means that course content can be taught without the physical presence of the candidate. An MBA program in which candidates are required to attend two academic years of full-time classwork.
Course Duration 1-2 years 2 years
Fees INR 20,000–3,00,000 INR 4,00,000-30,00,000
Delivery of Program Online. Study material will either be sent via post or a soft copy will be delivered to the aspirants. Offline and fixed schedule.
Admission Process Via both Merit and Entrance Exam Via both Merit and Entrance Exam
Principles of Teaching There is a lot of flexibility in terms of exam schedule, selection of venue, and online submission of assignments. There is a very tight and strict schedule for assignment submission, exam dates, and class participation.
Placement Distance MBA placement is not available through the course and is now being accepted by the top recruiters in India and abroad. Placement is provided by top colleges. The placement package will depend on the caliber of the candidate and the B school level from which the candidate took the course.

(3). Distance MBA Course Specializations

Many universities and institutes offer various specialized programs and degrees in finance, retail management, banking, and marketing. Check the list below to know the specializations offered by the universities and institutes.

Telecom General Management International Business
Insurance Management Human Resources Customer Relationship Management
Business Administration Operations Material, Logistics, and Supply Chain Management
Financial management Retail Healthcare
Human resource management Marketing Education Management
Marketing management Finance Hospital Administration

(4). Top Distance MBA Colleges

As the MBA qualification needs to increase day by day, many colleges in India provide the opportunity for students to get admitted to their respective colleges and complete their higher education. The distance learning MBA is offered at a variety of colleges and universities across the country.

Below are the top 10 distance-learning MBA colleges in India:

Name of College Average Fees (INR)
Annamalai University, Cuddalore Rs. 1,00,000
Sikkim Manipal University - Distance Education Rs. 3,00,000
Amity University, Noida Rs. 5,00,000
JIM, Noida Rs. 3,00,000
IMT - Centre for Distance Learning, Ghaziabad Rs. 5,00,000
Welingkar Mumbai Rs. 3,00,000
IFIM Bangalore Rs. 5,00,000
NMIMS Global Access School, Bengaluru Rs. 5,00,000
IGNOU, New Delhi Rs. 1,00,000
SCDL, Pune Rs. 5,00,000

Top Government & Private Distance MBA Colleges in India

Various colleges in India offer management programs. We have provided below a list of top government & private Distance MBA Colleges. The fees charged by government colleges are generally lower than those charged by private colleges. The academic program and fee structure of a distance learning MBA course may vary from college to college.

Type of College Name of college
Government IGNOU Delhi
BRAOU Hyderabad
Manage Hyderabad - NIAEM
School of Distance Education, Andhra Universit
YCMOU Nashik
Tamil Nadu Open University, Chennai
Centre for Distance Education, Anna University, Chennai
Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University, Guwahati
Madhya Pradesh Bhoj Open University, Bhopal
KSOU Mysore
Private Directorate of Distance Education, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara
Amity Directorate of Distance and Online Education, Noida
Jagannath University, Jaipur
Don Bosco University Centre for Online and Distance Education, Guwahati
CCE UPES Dehradun
Carreograph Institute of Management Studies, Kolkata
SKU CDE Anantapur
Global Open University, Dimapur
Institute of Distance and Online Learning, Chandigarh University
Venkateshwara Open University, Papum Pare

(5). Distance MBA Job & Placements

The best distance-learning MBA colleges in India offer graduates a wide range of career options. These distance-learning MBAs are designed to equip students with the practical and theoretical skills needed to advance their careers. Students who complete this program will be prepared for any senior position in business administration and to maintain a successful career.

Jobs Profiles in India

Here is a list given below according to the job profile and salary:

Job Profile Average Starting Salary(INR)
Operation Manager INR 3.2 LPA
IT Business Analyst INR 3.40 LPA
Business Development Manager INR 2.98 LPA
HR Manager INR 2.73 LPA
HR Generalist INR 1.66 LPA
Financial Analyst INR 2.25 LPA
Marketing Manager INR 3.16 LPA

Top Recruiters: Distance MBA

There are numerous organizations that offer employment opportunities to graduates of Distance MBA. We have listed below the top distance MBA recruiters.

Goldman Sachs Jio Future Groups
Bain & Company Flipkart ITC Hotels
JP Morgan Chase Deloitte Reliance
HCL Amazon

Average Salary after Distance MBA

The salary offered to distance learning MBA graduates may vary depending on their skills, knowledge, and related work experience. We have provided salary details for the various management positions offered after a distance learning MBA below.

Job Profiles Average salary(INR)
Marketing Manager Rs. 6,83,043
Brand Manager Rs. 9,25,106
Human Resource Manager Rs. 6,96,985
Sales Manager Rs. 4,92,583
Manager Rs. 11,45,038
Salary Offered by Top Recruiters in India

Some top recruiters are listed with the salary package they offered:

Name of the Recruiter Average Placement Salary (in INR)
Shoppers Stop INR 3.50 LPA
Mahindra & Mahindra INR 2.7 LPA
Hindustan Unilever INR 3.7 LPA
Finolex Cables INR 2.75 LPA
Apollo Hospitals INR 3.2 LPA
FashionandYou.com INR 1.8 LPA
Manhattan Associates INR 3.75 LPA
L&T INR 4.44 LPA
Hero Motocorp INR 2.5 LPA
WNS Global Services INR 2.4 LPA
SAIL INR 3.55 LPA
Maruti Suzuki INR 3.4 LPA
Bosch INR 2.40 LPA
(6). Career Scope: Distance MBA

The purpose of having a distance MBA qualification is no less than that of having a regular MBA. If the candidates have made the right efforts to obtain the distance learning MBA, they have gathered all the necessary management skills. There is an upliftment in career growth as the MBA degree will boost career opportunities. Candidates will integrate a managerial attitude and know how to manage their time. An innovative point of view will also be assimilated into a candidate.

Career Opportunities after distance learning MBA

There are many career opportunities that can be pursued by candidates after completing their distance learning MBA. The candidates get job opportunities from huge companies like Accenture, HDFC Bank, KPMG, Capgemini, and others such companies. Not only job opportunities, but candidates can also start their own businesses as they have gained all the necessary knowledge and skills to start an enterprise. Students who have obtained a distance MBA may have professional profiles such as HR manager, marketing manager, operations manager, business development manager, Human Resource (HR) generalist & senior business analyst.

(1). Sales Manager

The Sales Manager is the head of the sales department. He is responsible for planning strategies and implementing them to improve sales of the company's products and services. A sales manager assigns sales goals to members of the sales team and supervises them. He ensures that sales targets are met on time and provides training for sales staff to present to potential customers.

(2). Brand Manager

Brand managers are responsible for building the brand value for the products and services of the organization. He or she develops brand strategies and promotes the growth of the brand by implementing brand plans. A brand manager works in alignment with the organization’s business goal to attain the objectives of building a brand for both the short and long term.

(3). Manager

A manager is a senior role. He or she is responsible for the management of the specific department given to him or her. He or she has the prime responsibility of accomplishing the goals of the organization with the high productivity of the department by managing staff, planning, and evaluating activities of the department. He or she is responsible for supervising the work of the employees, recruiting and providing them with necessary training.

(4). Marketing Manager

A marketing manager is the head of the marketing department. He or she is responsible for the management, promotion, and positioning of products and services of the organization. Marketing managers are responsible for building strategies to attract more customers to buy products or services offered by the employing organizations. A marketing manager plans marketing campaigns that issue coupons or special offers for a specific period to attract potential customers.

(5). HR Manager

The HR manager or HR manager is the head of the HR department. He or she is responsible for developing and implementing HR strategies aligned with the organization’s business strategies. A human resources manager's job is to connect employees and management by addressing their concerns such as grievances, requests, and other issues. He or she is responsible for the effective conduct of the recruitment and selection processes.

Scope for Higher Education in Distance MBA

The entrepreneurial profession respects and recognizes the value of Distance MBA colleges. Some higher education options are available for students:

(i). Ph.D
(ii). CFA
(iii). CMA
(iv). FRM
(v). CISA
(vi). CPIM

Skills that Make You the Best Distance Learning MBA Graduate

Best MBA distance learning colleges in India suggest graduates develop business and communication skills. Developing skills based on a student's interests can also contribute to career development. Developing some skills without interest in learning is necessary to advance their careers. The following skills should be possessed by graduates of the Distance MBA:

(i). Appreciation of Cultural differences
(ii). Communicating With Different Audiences
(iii). Critical thinking
(iv). Planning and management
(v). Problem-solving
(vi). Research and analysis
(vii). Teamwork

(7). FAQs

(1). What is the required educational qualification to enroll in a distance MBA?

Ans. Candidates are required to successfully complete 10+2+3 or 10+2+4 levels of education from a recognized university to enroll in a distance MBA program.

(2). Do IIMs provide distance MBA degrees?

Ans. No, IIMs do not provide distance MBA courses but they do provide Executive MBA/PGDM, Diploma, and Certificate courses in management in distance education (blended) mode.

(3). Is a Distance MBA considered by recruiters?

Ans. Yes, Distance MBA has an equal value to a regular MBA degree.

(4). What are the factors I should keep in mind while selecting the right Distance MBA institute?

Ans. Distance MBA, if not pursued by a reputed institute that is recognized by Distance Education Bureau along with the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) or University Grants Commission (UGC) won't hold value in the industry.  Hence, while selecting the institute or program, Distance MBA aspirants should check the program approval and recognition status by one or all the authorities mentioned here.

(5). Which is a better distance MBA or a regular MBA?

Ans. A regular MBA is better than Distance MBA.

(6). What is the average salary offered to graduates of distance MBA?

Ans. The average salary offered to fresh graduates of distance MBA is Rs. 200,000 to Rs. 10,00,000 per annum.

(7). Is there any age limit to pursue a distance MBA?

Ans. Usually, there is no age limit as such but some institutes or universities might consider age in the eligibility criteria.

(8). Is it difficult to pursue an MBA remotely? 

Ans. Pursuing an MBA can sometimes be hectic or difficult, but once you have successfully completed one can get well-paying jobs, making an MBA one of the most popular postgraduate degrees. 

(9). What is the average fee for a distance MBA?

Ans. The average fee for the distance MBA ranges from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 200,000.

(10). Can I opt for distance learning MBA specializations? 

Ans. Yes, several B-schools or institutes offer specialized Distance MBA programs in Finance, Marketing, HR, Operations & Supply Chain Management, Media & Communication, Hospitality, Healthcare, and Retail, among others.

(10). Which is best for a distance learning MBA?

Ans. MBA Finance and MBA Marketing are some of the best MBA Programs available in MBA distance mode.

(11). What is the scope of a distance MBA?

Ans. Distance MBA has a lot of scopes since an MBA Distance Education from a good college holds a lot of value.

(12). Is distance MBA valid for Canada PR? 

Ans. Distance learning MBA is valid for PR Canada. The Department of Immigration verifies the authenticity and genuineness of the qualification acquired through distance education.

(13). Is it possible to interact with my professor or classmates during the class?

Ans. Yes, in this age of technological advancement, there is no dearth of communication modes. Hence, students can interact or raise their queries and clarify their doubts during online classes, or even later through telephone, messaging services, and voice or video calls.  The same applies to connecting with fellow students.

(14). What are various career opportunities for graduates of distance MBA?

Ans. The various career options for distance MBA graduates are:
(i). Manager
(ii). Human Resource Manager
(iii). Marketing Manager
(iv). Sales Manager
(v). Brand Manager
(vi). Product Manager
(vii). Project Manager

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