If you are looking for Distance MBA courses, there are a few institutes that offer good value for your time and effort. This article by MBAUniverse.com experts will help you decide which are the Best Distance Learning MBA programs, their key features, Distance MBA Colleges Fees and how to select the Best Distance Learning MBA
The top Management Institutions and University who have been offering such courses, duly approved by the statutory authority, offer Distance MBA Learning. Such Distance MBA Learning programmes require a minimum National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) score also.
Advantages of MBA Distance Education
Key advantages of pursuing the MBA Distance Education are
- Well Suited for Working Professionals: MBA Distance Education offers flexibility of time and place over regular MBA and is suitable for working professionals, who do not find time to do full time MBA
- Distance MBA Fee is much Lower than Regular MBA Program: The Fee for regular MBA is 7 to 10 times more than the Distance MBA Fee
- Syllabus at Par with Regular MBA: MBA Distance Education syllabus is at par with Regular MBA and same topics are taught by the same faculty with case studies, projects through online platform
- Recognized by Regulatory Bodies: MBA Distance Education program is a recognized MBA degree programme by UGC
Top Distance MBA Colleges
Before going deep into the Distance MBA courses, let us know which are the Top Distance MBA Colleges. MBAUniverse.com experts have analyzed over hundred Distance MBA colleges and programs and have selected the best Distance MBA University and Colleges in India. Here is our list:
| Institutes | Program offered | Program Duration | Fee (In Rupees) |
| Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) | MBA | 2 Years | Rs.37,800 |
| NMIMS Global Access School for Continuing Education, Mumbai | MBA in 10 Areas like Marketing, IT, Finance, HR & Others- Check details below | 2 Years | Rs.1,44,000 |
| Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning (SCDL), Pune | MBA in 16 Areas like IB, Supply Chain, Data Science, Marketing & Others- Check details below | 2 Years | Rs. 50,000 |
| IMT-Centre for Distance Learning (IMT-CDL) Ghaziabad | PGDM | 2 Years | Rs.1,11,000 |
| Welingkar Institute of Management (We School) Mumbai | PGDM in 18 Areas like E-Business, Travel & Tourism, Marketing, Retail, Agri-Business, HCM & Others-Check in detail below | 2 Years | Rs.1,01,000 |
| Shiv Nadar University, Greater Noida | MBA | 2 Years | Rs.4,00,000 |
Let us know in detail about what exactly is distance MBA in India, what are the key criteria of Distance MBA eligibility, which are the MBA Distance Education programs, admission process and more
Table of Contents
- What is Distance MBA in India?
- Distance MBA Eligibility Criteria
- Distance MBA Admission Process
- IGNOU Distance Learning MBA
- NMIMS Distance Learning MBA
- IMT Distance Learning MBA by IMTCDL
- Symbiosis Distance Learning MBA by SCDL
- Welingkar Distance Learning MBA
- Shiv Nadar University MBA Distance Education Program
- MBA Distance Education from IIMs
- Benefits of doing Distance MBA in India
- What is Distance MBA in India?
Distance MBA course is a flexible and affordable Government recognized MBA program which does not require you to attend regular daily classes. So, if you are unable to pursue full time MBA for lack of time or due to high cost, Distance MBA Education is a good option. The Top Distance MBA colleges in India offer MBA in Distance Learning mode. These colleges have a few common features like Recognition by UGC, good Brand name, Updated curriculum and affordable fee.
- Distance MBA Eligibility Criteria
Distance MBA Eligibility for admission is as per the UGC/AICTE norms:
- Graduate Degree in any Stream: Some Distance Learning MBA Universities and Institutes like IGNOU/NMIMS require minimum 50% marks in Graduation while few others like Welingkar need graduation from a recognized university
- There is no age bar to pursue MBA Distance Education
- Work experience is not mandatory. Fresh graduates can also apply
- A valid score in any of MBA entrance exam like State Level CET/ MAT/ CMAT/ CAT/ ATMA/ XAT or equivalent management entrance test.
- Some colleges may conduct their own entrance test if you don’t have any other test score
- Distance MBA Admission Process
Distance MBA Admission process is simple and is more based on direct MBA admission process. The step by step Distance MBA Admission process is as follows:
- Step-1: Check Your Eligibility for the institute and the program
- Step-2: Apply for the Distance MBA program with requisite application fee
- Step-3: Upload required documents like Certificates/Degree/ID proof, Work Ex certificate and other required documents
- Step-4: Check your admission status and Pay Distance MBA Fees
- Step-5: Get Seat Confirmation
- IGNOU Distance Learning MBA
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) School of Management Studies started its operation in 1987. IGNOU offers distance MBA along with a wide range of other courses. Distance MBA at IGNOU is a 2 year programme, duly approved by UGC and AICTE. IGNOU follows a system of course-wise registration in its Management Programme. The Open University System is more learner-oriented and the learner is an active participant in the teaching-learning process. Most of the instruction is imparted online through distance learning, rather than face-to-face communication. The University follows a multi-media approach for instruction.
IGNOU follows a modular approach in its program offerings. For example, if a student takes admission into IGNOU Distance MBA and for some reason, is not able to complete all the courses he/she is provided with exit point. If s/he completes five (5) courses in a particular specialization alongwith one (1) compulsory basic course s/he would be awarded Post Graduate Diploma in that particular MBA specialization
- IGNOU Distance MBA Program Duration
Minimum Duration to complete the IGNOU Distance MBA is 2 Years and Maximum Duration to complete the program is 5 Years
- IGNOU Distance MBA Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for admission to IGNOU distance MBA is as per the AICTE norms as below:
- Any graduate (Including Chartered Accountancy/Cost Accountancy/Company Secretaryship) with 50% marks for general category/45% for reserved category as per government of India rules.
- Student should ensure that his/her CGPA should meet the eligibility percentage requirement.
- Clearance of OPENMAT entrance test of IGNOU conducted by National Testing Agency (NTA)
- No age bar
- IGNOU Distance MBA Courses
- IGNOU distance MBA Program consists of 21 courses in all. These courses comprise of:
- All the courses from MS-1 to MS-09 and MS-11
- Five courses from anyone of the specialization stream
- Compulsory Courses (MS-10, MS-91, MS-95) and any one elective course out of MS-92/93/94/96/97
- Project Course (MS-100) equivalent to 2 courses
- IGNOU Distance MBA Fees
- There are 21 courses in IGNOU Distance MBA program
- The fees for each course is Rs. 1800/-
- Total IGNOU Distance MBA Fees is Rs. 37800
- NMIMS Distance Learning MBA
NMIMS Global Access School for Continuing Education (NGA -SCE), a branch of NMIMS University, is amongst the top players in the Distance Education field. One of the top Distance MBA colleges in India, NMIMS offers 2 year Online/Distance MBA in various functional specializations of Management, such as Human Resource, Retail, Finance, Banking, Supply Chain among others.
- NMIMS NGA-SCE Distance MBA: Highlights
- Fast growing distance learning institute with an innovative blend of investment in technology, value-added services to students.
- Collaborations with leading organizations including American Express, Cipla, Bajaj Finserv, Jet Airways, Vodafone, Eureka Forbes, IBM and many others.
- Over 200 faculty members comprising of highly qualified academicians and industry professionals.
- NMIMS Distance MBA Programs
NMIMS Global Access School for Continuing Education offers wide range of Distance MBA courses. Some of them are:
| NMIMS Distance MBA Courses | Duration (Year) | NMIMS Distance MBA Fee (In Rs.) |
| MBA – Information Technology and Systems Management | 2 Years | Rs.144,000 |
| MBA – Retail Management | 2 Years | Rs. 144,000 |
| MBA – Supply Chain Management | 2 Years | Rs. 144,000 |
| MBA – Marketing Management | 2 Years | Rs. 144,000 |
- IMT Distance Learning MBA by IMTCDL, Ghaziabad
IMT Ghaziabad with campuses at Nagpur, Hyderabad, Dubai offers one of the Best Online Learning MBA programmes. IMT-Centre for Distance Learning (IMT-CDL) is a sister institution of IMT Ghaziabad. IMT CDL offers a wide range of management and information technology programmes. The institute updates its curriculum on a regular basis to be in pace with the fast moving educational world.
- IMT Online/Distance MBA Highlights
- 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.
- IMT CDL MBA Distance Education Programs
IMT CDL offers following MBA Programs
| MBA Program | Duration (Year) | IMT Distance MBA Fee (In Rs.) |
| Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) | 2 Years | Rs.1,11,000 |
- Symbiosis Distance Learning MBA by SCDL
Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning (SCDL) is located in Pune and is part of Symbiosis International University. SCDL offers a wide range of Distance learning MBA programs across various industry sectors including International Business, Information Technology, Banking and Finance, Supply Chain, Customer Relationship, Insurance, Education, Business and Corporate Law and Entrepreneurship.
7.1 Symbiosis SCDL MBA Highlights
- One of the largest autonomous distance learning education institutes in India.
- Industry collaborations with leading organizations including IBM, Cognizant, Infosys, Ranbaxy, Collabera, Aditya Birla, Wall-mart, Vodafone and others.
- Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning also offers placement assistance to the students.
7.2 Symbiosis SCDL Distance Education MBA Programs
The two year Symbiosis MBA Programs offered by Symbiosis Center for Distance Learning are as below. Apart from these distance MBA courses, SCDL offers wide range of one year distance education MBA programs also
| Symbiosis SCDL Distance MBA Courses Offered | Duration | SCDL Distance MBA Fee (In Rs.) |
| Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration | 2 Years | Rs. 50,000 |
| Post Graduate Diploma in Banking and Financial Services | 2 Years | Rs. 50,000 |
| Post Graduate Diploma in Human Resource Management | 2 Years | Rs. 50,000 |
- Welingkar Distance Learning MBA
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. Welingkar was ranked #72 among top B-schools in National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2021 conducted by Ministry of Human Resources Development, Government of India.
8.1 Welingkar Distance PGDM Highlights
- Apart from a wide range of full time PGDM programs, Welingkar offers 18 specialized Distance PGDM programs
- Candidates can take tests conducted by Welingkar to find out the best suited distance PGDM program for their career goals.
- Welingkar distance PGDM curriculum is divided in four semesters
- Distance MBA 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
8.2 Welingkar Distance PGDM Programs
Welingkar offers wide range of two year distance PGDM programs in 18 key areas of management. Some of the programs are shared below:
| Welingkar Distance MBA Courses | Duration | Welingkar Distance MBA Fee (In Rs.) |
| MARKETING MANAGEMENT PGDM-MM-HB | 2 Years | Rs. 1,01,000 |
| FINANCE MANAGEMENT PGDM-FM-HB | 2 Years | Rs. 1,01,000 |
| HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PGDM-HRM-HB | 2 Years | Rs. 1,01,000 |
| RETAIL MANAGEMENT PGDM-RM-HB | 2 Years | Rs. 1,01,000 |
| OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT PGDM-OM-HB | 2 Years | Rs. 1,01,000 |
- Shiv Nadar University Distance MBA
Recognized as an Institute of Eminence (IoE), by Government of India, Shiv Nadar University School of Management and Entrepreneurship offers 2 years Distance MBA. The Founder & Chairman of HCL, and Founder & Chairman of Shiv Nadar Foundation, Padma Bhushan Shiv Nadar founded Shiv Nadar University in 2011 with a vision to create a world renowned institution for multidisciplinary education, embedded in innovation and research.
9.1 Shiv Nadar University Distance MBA Highlights
- MBA Degree with Future Ready Specialization
- Learning from world-class faculty of Shiv Nadar University & industry leaders
- Opportunity to Work on capstone project with practical industry experience to guide you through project roadblocks
- 6200+ Industry Hiring Partners, opportunity for career mentorship
- Over 1000 learning hours using the platform powered by Great Learning.
- Online MBA will be delivered through a mix of live, interactive and recorded classes by world-class faculty and industry experts involving discussions, peer to peer learning and hands-on learning.
- All learning material including case studies, reading material, videos, quizzes, projects etc. will all be available on the online Learning Management System (LMS)
- Shiv Nadar Online MBA Program is highly suitable for fresh and young graduates looking to acquire business acumen and skills to launch their careers; New managers keen to build the skills necessary to lead teams and grow their business; Professionals and entrepreneurs looking for a flexible, convenient, world-class MBA program from an Institution of Eminence as recognized by the Govt. of India
9.2 Shiv Nadar University Distance MBA Programs
Below are shared the Distance MBA program offered by Shiv Nadar University School of Management and Entrepreneurship with duration, specializations and fees
| Shiv Nadar University Online MBA Program Name | Duration | Online MBA Fees (In Rs.) |
| MBA (Online) | 2 Years | Rs.4,00,000 |
9.3 Shiv Nadar University MBA (Online) Program: Specializations Offered
Shiv Nadar University students in MBA (Online) program have the opportunity to pursue electives with a specialized focus in the second year. However, the MBA degree on completing the MBA will state the program as a degree of Master of Business Administration. There are 4 areas of specialization offered in SME-Shiv Nadar Universtiy MBA (Online) program as below:
- Data Science & Analytics
- Marketing
- Digital Finance
- Human Resources
9.4 Shiv Nadar University Distance MBA Admission Process
Shiv Nadar University-SME MBA (Online) Admission process is slightly different from the regular distance MBA admission process as followed by other institutes. Key differentiating steps in Shiv Nadar University distance MBA admission process are given below:
- Step 1: Register & fill online application form & Provide basic information and professional details. Graduates with professional working experience will be preferred.
- Step 2: While the minimum eligibility is 50% marks in graduation, the applicants with 60% and above in graduation will go through a screening call by Admission Director’s Office while candidates with less than 60% will be tested for their aptitude and analytical skills, followed by a screening call by Admission Director’s Office
- Step 3: If selected, you will receive a ‘Provisional Offer of Admission’ letter. Secure your
10. Distance MBA in India from IIM
At present there is no programe like distance MBA from IIM. However, IIMs offer customized part time distance MBA which are very short term or certificate programs. However, many IIMs are taking steps in direction of offering distance MBA. For example, IIM Bangalore has started offering open online courses (MOOCs) through its digital learning initiative, IIMBx, in partnership with edX – a not-for-profit online initiative of Harvard and MIT. Apart from edX, the programme offers courses on its own platform, IIMBx, and SWAYAM. For the online courses IIM Bangalore uses digital learning tools to enable anytime, anywhere learning in a global classroom. In next few years it is likely that Distance MBA from IIM may be offered.
- Key Benefits of doing MBA in Distance Mode
If you are still having doubts, MBA Programs through Distance mode offers a lot of benefits and advantages for students and working professionals. Key benefits are:
11.1 Effective Time Management: The 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.
11.2 Power of education technology, direct to your home: MBA through distance education has greatly benefited from the rise of communication and education technology. Even premier Universities and B-schools such as MIT and Harvard Business School use education technology to deliver programs across the world. Further, MOOCs and platforms such as Coursera, Edex and Udacity have removed the stigma associated with distance education.
11.3 Cost effective Option: One of the biggest advantages of pursuing the MBA in distance mode is its low fee structure. While a regular MBA can cost you anywhere in between 15-25 Lakhs, good Distance MBA in India has a fee range from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1.5 lakhs.
11.4 Syllabus: The syllabus and curriculum for MBA in distance mode is more or less same as that of regular class room MBA. Students are taught same topics with case studies in various subjects.
11.5 Industry relevant Distance MBA curriculum: Best Distance MBA institutes like NMIMS University, Symbiosis Center for Distance Learning and IMT CDL are well aware of changing business environment and hence offer an updated and industry relevant curriculum to the students.
11.6 Course Specializations: The course specializations are offered in important management areas like Marketing, HR, Finance, Operations, E Commerce, Healthcare, International Business, Retail Management, Entrepreneurship among others
11.7 Scope: A working professional gets MBA/PGDM degree from top management institute without quitting the job. Another key aspect of the distance MBA scope is that your MBA degree is duly recognized and will be accepted in your career growth
11.8 Distance MBA in India-Recognized by Regulatory Bodies: Distance MBA in India is offered by recognized MBA colleges which are approved by UGC. You can check about the status of approval of any distance MBA program in India by visiting the UGC website.
