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Author :
Shilpa Nigam |
An Online MBA program usually takes around 2 years to complete, but the exact duration can differ based on the university, course structure, and your study pace. Some institutions offer fast-track programs that can be finished in about 1.5 years, while others provide extended timelines of up to 3 years for added flexibility.
Standard Duration: Most online MBA programs take 2 years to complete, like regular MBAs.
Flexible Pace: Some courses let you study at your own speed, finishing in 1.5 to 3 years.
Fast-Track Option: A few universities offer 1-year accelerated programs for quicker completion.
Top online MBA specializations include
Marketing Management
Finance Management
Business Analytics
Digital Marketing
Human Resources Management.
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
Andhra University: Offers online MBA programs.
Anna University: Provides online MBA options.
Bangalore University (Directorate of Distance Education): Offers a recognized distance/online MBA program.
Bharathiar University: Offers an online/distance MBA program at a low cost.
IIM Indore (online/on-campus immersion): provides a 2-year MMS program with significant fees.
Amity University Online: It is UGC-DEB approved and NAAC A+ graded with international recognition.
As the public state-level universities, the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) and Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning (SCDL) are counted as the best online MBA programs. As IGNOU is well known for its low fees and easy access, SCDL’s PGDM program is treated as equal to an MBA and has a strong NAAC rating.
The SCDL PGDM program has an easy online admission process. There is no entrance exam. You just need to apply online, pay the fee, and upload the required documents.
The Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning (SCDL) offers strong placement and career support through its dedicated placement cell, which connects you with leading companies and provides training in resume writing, interview skills, and communication. It also runs a Career Relaunch Program for Women to help professionals return to work after a break.
SCDL has tie-ups with top recruiters like Wipro, IBM, HDFC Bank, Deloitte, and Cognizant, and a vast alumni network of over 1.2 million professionals, offering students valuable career guidance and networking opportunities.
The IGNOU online MBA is a highly affordable, flexible, and government-recognized option best suited for working professionals seeking career advancement or a foundational degree without a career break. The IGNOU Online MBA takes at least two years to complete, which equals four semesters. You can take up to four years to finish the course if needed.
However, it has its own pros and cons :
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Pros |
Cons |
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Affordable Fees – Around ?62,000, cheaper than most MBA programs |
Less Practical Exposure – Limited networking and industry interaction |
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Flexible Learning – Study at your own pace from anywhere |
Needs Self-Discipline – Success depends on self-motivation and time management |
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Recognized Degree – Approved by UGC, AICTE, and NAAC, A++ accredited |
Administrative Issues – Some delays in assignment and exam communication |
|
Quality Study Material – Designed by experts from top institutes like IIMs |
Recruiter Preference – Some top companies prefer full-time MBA graduates |
AT IGNOU, Placements are not the main focus, as many students are already working or pursuing a degree for career growth or promotion.
Job Search Support: Students often rely on their own efforts, university career guidance, and the alumni network for opportunities.
Placement Rate: Reports show an average 70–80% placement rate through on /off-campus drives.
Salary Range: Average salaries are around 3.5–7 LPA, with higher packages possible for those with prior experience or strong skills.
Top Recruiters: Companies like Amazon, Wipro, HDFC Bank, TCS, EY, and KPMG hire graduates, mostly for entry-level roles.
The placement success mainly depends on a student’s experience, skills, and networking, not just the university’s placement cell.
Anyone who meets the following criteria is eligible for an online MBA.
General Eligibility Criteria for Online MBA
Educational Qualification: It requires a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
Minimum Marks: It needs at least 50% marks in graduation (or 45% for SC/ST/OBC candidates).
Final-Year Students: If you are in your final year of graduation, you can enroll in an MBA program.
Professional Qualifications: Candidates with CA, CS, or ICWA qualifications are usually eligible too.
Direct admission: If you have good grades in academics, you can apply for direct admission without an entrance exam
Some universities may require scores from entrance exams such as CAT, MAT, XAT, or GMAT
No age bar: There is generally no age limit for applying to an online MBA program.
English proficiency: A certain level of English proficiency may be required.
Essential Work Experience for Online MBA: Executive MBA online programs especially demand work experience as they are designed for the core working professionals who are already doing corporate jobs and need a management degree for career growth. A minimum of 1–2 years of relevant work experience is usually required for an Executive MBA Course admission.
An online MBA has the same academic eligibility criteria as any other regular MBA program. There may be slight changes as per individual institute or college requirements.
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| Christ University Bangalore |
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