In today’s competitive corporate world, the demand for professionals with strong business knowledge is continuously increasing.
To stay relevant in this competitive business world, professionals are turning towards doing an MBA program.
While the regular MBA courses are still highly regarded, the only drawback is that they cannot be done without leaving your job and the financial investment of doing them is also very high.
This is why distance education MBA courses are becoming popular among working professionals in India.
A distance education MBA also known as distance learning MBA is a 2-year post graduate degree program that is offered by the UGC approved universities in India through self-study and online mode of learning.
It is a flexible and affordable option for working professionals to earn a degree without leaving their job.
A distance education MBA program is a great choice for working professionals who want to:
- enhance their career prospects
- Improve their salary potential
- Gain a competitive edge in the job market
- Learn new skills and gain business knowledge
Not only working professionals, but fresh graduates are also turning towards pursuing a distance education MBA program because these courses give them the freedom to pursue their degree along with doing a job so that they can gain both the skills and the working experience at the same time.
A distance MBA can be a transformative step if you’re a working professional or a fresh graduate seeking to elevate your career.
Working professionals don't have time to attend regular classes thus a distance education MBA program is the most suitable option for them.
Not only is a distance MBA affordable, it also provides all the flexibility to the students to study at their own preferred time.
To join a distance education MBA course a bachelor’s degree from any recognized university is required.
The fee for these courses is also very affordable and starts from just INR 10,000 per semester, although the fee may vary depending on the university you choose.
In this article, we will mention the top universities that offer the best distance education MBA courses in India.
15 Best Universities in India for MBA Distance Education
Institute of Management Technology (IMT CDL)
IMT Ghaziabad is one of the top B-Schools in India offering a distance education MBA program. The institute is recognized by the DEB University Grant Commission and is a almost a decade old creation. In a very short time, the institute has gained quite a reputation for itself.
IMT CDL offers a 2 year Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) through the distance learning mode. IMT CDL PGDM is considered equivalent to an MBA program by many big corporates.
The two year PGDM program is divided into four semesters and offers 5 specializations to choose from. The specializations offered by IMT CDL are
- Marketing
- Operations
- Finance
- Business Analytics
- Human Resource Management
Students may also opt for a dual specialization by paying the additional fee.
Why IMT Centre for Distance Learning
- More than 30 years of experience in management education
- One of the top ranked B-School in India
- Top ranked distance PGDM program in India
- More than 35000 alumni across the globe
- Highly Experienced Faculty
- Updated curriculum designed with the latest industry trends
- Affordable course fee
- Placement assistance
- Programs are approved by AICTE
- Online and Offline learning sessions
Eligibility
10, 10+2 and Graduation in any discipline from any recognized college is a must.
Application Process
Candidates can apply online or offline as well by visiting the campus. A small application fee will be charged along with a lump some cost submission.
Fee Structure
The total fee for IMT Ghaziabad two year distance PGDM (MBA) program is Rs. 1,25,000.
Students can pay Rs. 32000 in 1st semester and Rs. 31000 per semester in 2nd, 3rd, and 4th semesters.
Amity University
Amity University is one of the finest of the finest when it comes to deliverables and quality education. Unlike other private universities, Amity has uplifted their standards and has been successful enough to segregate themselves from the rest of the Private university herd.
The online MBA offered by Amity university is a two year degree course that offers 14 industry specializations.
Specializations
Amity university online MBA offers the following 15 specializations
- Marketing and Sales
- Human Resource Management
- Banking Services
- Finance and Accounting
- Global Financial Market
- Information Technology
- Retail Management
- International Business
- Insurance Management
- Petroleum & Natural Gas Management
- Operations Management
- Entrepreneurship & Leadership
- Hospitality Management
- Hospital & Health Care Management
Why Amity
- More than 30 years of experience
- Strong placement record with 500+ hiring partner
- First university in India to receive UGC approval for online learning courses
- Rank 35 in India as per NIRF ranking
- All courses are approved by AICTE
- NAAC A+ accredited university
- Competitive fee structure
- Opportunities for internships, placements, and research collaborations
Eligibility
The candidate must be a graduate with minimum 40% marks to be eligible for Amity distance MBA course.
Application Process
The application process is simple, candidates can apply online or offline as well; the application fee costs around Rs. 1100/-. Rest of the proceedings can be continued accordingly.
Fee Structure
The fee of MBA online distance learning program is around Rs. 1,70,000.
Symbiosis Centre For Distance Learning (SCDL)
A tough competitor for the others and also one of the first choice of any student, SCDL has a plethora of credentials to flaunt. If you're looking for a distance education institute for doing your MBA at an affordable fee, Symbiosis is the option for you. Being an institution, Symbiosis only offers 2 years post graduate diploma course in business management which is considered equivalent to the MBA program.
Specializations
Symbiosis distance MBA offers the following 6 specializations
- Marketing Management
- Finance Management
- Human Resource Management
- Management Accounting Management
- Operations Management
- Customer Relationship Management
Why Symbiosis
- Symbiosis is a highly reputed university in India
- SCDL’s distance MBA program offers flexibility and convenient to working professionals.
- Comprehensive curriculum that covers all the important aspects of business management.
- A strong alumni network
- The fee structure is highly affordable
- SCDL provides placement assistance to its distance MBA students.
- SCDL distance learning courses are recognized by AICTE and other national and international bodies.
- Experienced and qualified faculty with a strong industry background.
Eligibility
10, 10+2 and Graduation from any recognized university is a mandate.
Application Process
Candidates can apply online through university’s website.
Fee Structure
The fee for SCDL two year PGDM (MBA) program is Rs. 58,000.
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
IGNOU is India’s oldest and brilliant open universities which are providing solutions since more than 5 decades. The university is known for its well crafted distance learning solutions and have a huge student database. The IGNOU MBA is one of the most reputed and highly accepted distance education program in the field of business management available in India.
Specializations
IGNOU distance MBA offers the following 5 specializations
- Financial Management
- Human Resource Management
- Marketing Management
- Operations Management
- Services Management
Why IGNOU
- Largest open university in the world
- Strong reputation in India and abroad
- Largest network of study centres and student support centres across India
- Most affordable fee structure
- Wide range of courses to choose from
- Widely accepted and UGC recognized degree
- experienced and qualified faculty
- strong alumni network
Eligibility
10, 10+2 and Graduation from any recognized school and college is a mandate.
Application Process
Candidates can apply online or go to any of the IGNOU centers established in the city.
Fee Structure
The total fee for two year IGNOU distance MBA program is Rs. 62000/-
Chandigarh University
Chandigarh University is one of the top private universities in India. As per the latest QS World Rankings 2024, Chandigarh University ranks No.1 among the top private universities in India.
Chandigarh University has been awarded NAAC A+ accreditation and ranks 23 best university in India as per NIRF Rankings 2023.
The university offers various undergraduate and postgraduate distance learning courses that are recognized by the UGC-DEB.
Chandigarh University offers a 2-year (4 semesters) distance MBA program that offers 4 specializations to choose from.
Specializations
Below are the names of 4 distance MBA specializations offered by Chandigarh University
- Finance Management
- Marketing Management
- Human Resource Management
- International Business
Why Chandigarh University
- 1 private university in India as per QS World Rankings 2024
- Ranked 27th among the best universities in India in 2023 by NIRF
- Limca world record for the highest number of companies for placements
- UGC-Entitled university
- NAAC A+ accredited university
- Affordable fee structure
Eligibility
Students with a 3-year bachelor’s degree in any discipline are eligible for admission in Chandigarh University online MBA program.
Students who have completed recognized professional program like CA/ICWA etc are also available for admission.
Application Process
Candidates can apply online through university’s website.
Fee Structure
The total fee for Chandigarh University distance education MBA program is INR 16,340 per semester.
This does not include the hard copy of study material. Students who need hard copy of study material can purchase it by paying additional INR 1500 per semester.
Annamalai University
Based in South India, Annamalai University is one of the oldest and the most reputed universities of the world. The university offers several specializations to its students which are majorly industry’s standard wise crafted.
Specializations
Annamalai Distance MBA offers the following 8 specializations
- International Business
- General Management
- Financial Management
- Human Resource Management
- Marketing Management
- Hospital Management
- E-Business
- Information Systems
Why Annamalai University
- NAAC A+ accredited university
- Well-respected university with a long history of providing quality distance education
- Wide range of specializations to choose from
- Affordable fee structure
- Strong presence of study centres in Tamilnadu
- Strong infrastructure to support its distance education programs
- Comprehensive curriculum that covers major aspects of business management
- MBA program is recognized by the UGC and the AICTE
Eligibility
Candidates must have 10, 10+2 and a graduation from a recognized school and college.
Application Process
Candidates can apply online through university’s website or by visiting the college campus as well if they wish to go through the campus ambiance or meet the faculty.
Fee Structure
The total fees of MBA distance learning is around 40,000 INR approximately. The exact figure can be checked after consulting an admission counselor. Merit based approximation of fees is also there.
Prin. L. N. Welingkar Institute of Management (WeSchool)
Established in 1977, WeSchool or Welingkar Institute of Management Development is one of the top B-Schools in India.
WeSchool is an award winning business school with more than 40 years of experience in providing quality education to students.
Welingkar Institute of Management Development offers a 2-year, AICTE approved, Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) program which is equivalent to an Online MBA or a distance MBA program.
The institute has launched a different mode of imparting education with offers like: Virtual classroom session,Video lectures, Personal contact program, E-learning and Online video library as well.
Specializations
The PGDM program offered by Welingkar Institute of Management Development offers total 18 specializations
- Marketing Management
- Finance Management
- Human Resource Management
- IT Projects Management
- Operations Management
- Supply Chain Management
- International Business
- Retail Management
- Healthcare Management
- Business Administration
- Banking, Investment And Insurance
- Services Excellence
- Rural and Agribusiness
- Travel and Tourism
- Hospitality Management
- E-Business
- E-Commerce
- Media and Advertising
Why WeSchool
- Among the top 75 B-Schools in India as per NIRF
- Awarded as the ‘best Innovative Institute’ by ASSOCHAM
- Hybrid PGDM is approved by AICTE
- 18 Specializations to choose from
- More than 40 years of experience in business education
- Ranked No.1 distance learning institute in western region by Competition Success Review
Eligibility
10, 10+ 2 and Graduation from any recognized school and college is a mandate. No entrance exam.
Application Process
Candidates can apply online and also visit the campus as well for a detailed tour or acknowledgement of education standards offered by the university.
Fee Structure
The whole program costs around Rs. 1,04,600/-. There is a smart breakage in payment options as well.
Lovely Professional University
Lovely Professional University has grown tremendously since the past few years. Amazing distance learning program segregation, flexible learning schedules and more of one on one faculty interaction, LPU is a complete distance learning package.
Specializations
LPU distance MBA offers the following 9 specializations
- Marketing Management
- Finance
- Human Resource Management
- Operations Management
- International Business
- Digital Marketing
- Data Science
- Information Technology
- Business Analytics
Why Lovely Professional University
- Recognized by the University Grants Commission- Distance Education Bureau
- NAAC grade A++ accreditation
- AICTE approved distance learning courses
- Member of Association of Indian Universities (AIU)
- Personal Contact Programmes at University campus
- Best-in-class learning management system
- Placement assistance
- Opportunity to visit campus
- Affordable fee structure
Eligibility
10, 10+2 and Graduation (any discipline) from a recognized school and college is a must.
Application Process
Candidates can apply online or visit any authorized learning center of LPU situated in any city for a detailed analysis of the process. .
Fee Structure
Per semester fees of LPU distance MBA program is Rs. 15,500/- There is an option of lump sum payment as well.
Suresh Gyan Vihar University
Suresh Gyan Vihar University, Fairly a new university as compared to the others on the list. It is recognized by AICTE and UGC both. One of the distinguishing factor of SGVU is that it has implemented edusphere in its distance learning education programs.
Specializations
Suresh Gyan Vihar University distance education MBA offers the following 22 specializations
- Human Resource Management
- Marketing
- Finance
- International Marketing
- Operation & Production Management
- Hospital Management
- Information Technology
- Financial Planning & Analysis
- Business Analytics & Intelligence
- Branding & Advertising
- Project Leadership Management
- Banking Management
- E-commerce Marketing & Management
- Investment Banking & wealth Management
- Mass Communication
- Digital Marketing
- Risk Management
- Business Leadership
- Strategic Management
- Entrepreneurship
- Media & Entertainment Management
- Foreign Trade & Global Business Management
Why Suresh Gyan Vihar University
- Recognized by the joint committee of UGC-AICTE-DEB
- Member of Association of Indian Universities (AIU)
- NAAC A Grade Accredited
- 8 MBA Specializations to choose from
- Affordable fee structure with zero cost EMI facility
- Flexible exam schedule
Eligibility
Candidates should have a valid 10, 10+2 and Graduation degree from a recognized school and college.
Application Process
Candidates can apply online through company’s website or either by approaching the university directly.
Fee Structure
The total fee for SGVU distance education MBA course is INR 74,400. The fee can be paid in installments. Although, if someone opts for making the complete payment in one go, the total fee needs to be paid is INR 62,400. That means, you can save INR 12000 by paying the complete course fee in one shot.
ICFAI University
ICFAI University has been ranking as one of the best universities in India for a distance learning MBA course since decades, reason being simple, quality and scope of learning is huge. Established as a non-profit association, ICFAI has consistently produced students who has achieved phenomenally well in the industry. The university has launched several distance education programs for professionals and aspiring entrepreneurs who can adjust learning and work in the same schedule.
The 2 year distance education MBA programme offered by ICFAI is divided into 20 subjects and offers total 16 specializations to choose from.
The programme is based on self-study and examination mode. That means, students will get the study material from the university and they have to study by their own. Examinations will be conducted on a pre-defined time every year.
Specializations
ICFAI University distance MBA offers the following 5 specializations
- Finance
- Marketing
- Human Resource Management
- IT
- Operations
Why ICFAI University
- NAAC A++ Accredited University
- AICTE Approved
- UGC Entitled
- Fully Online MBA program
- #40 best institute for MBA program – NIRF Ranking 2023
Eligibility
The candidate must be a graduate in any discipline to eligible for the ICFAI distance MBA course.
Application Process
Candidates can apply directly on the university’s website or offline as well by enrolling themselves from an authorized office of ICFAI in any city.
Fee Structure:
The whole program costs around Rs. 2,00,000/-
Pondicherry University
Pondicherry University is around 7 decades old and has a history of imparting excellence with pure perfection.
Specializations
Pondicherry University offers the following 8 specializations
- Marketing
- Finance
- International Business
- Human Resource Management
- General
- Hospital Management
- Tourism
- Operations & Supply Chain Management
Why Pondicherry University
- A renowned university that consistently ranked among the top universities in India
- Strong placement record
- Affordable fee structure
- Strong student support system
- Scholarship for Special Reservation Category (SRC) students
- Approved by UGC, DEB, and AICTE
Eligibility
Candidates should have a valid 10, 10+2 and Graduation degree from a recognized school and college.
Application Process
Candidates can apply online through company’s website or either by approaching the university directly.
Fee Structure
The fees of MBA distance learning is 24,925 INR.
MIT Pune
MIT’s distance learning education program is inspired by a unique project management tool which simplifies the learning process offshore for students.
Specializations
MIT Pune distance MBA offers the following 6 specializations
- Human Resource Management
- Marketing Management
- Operations Management
- Finance Management
- Information Technology
- Material Management
Why MIT Pune
- Wide range of courses to choose from i.e dual degree, executive MBA, PGDM, PGCM, PGDBA
- AICTE approved courses
- Member of International Council For Open And Distance Education
- 4 admission cycles per year
- Affordable fee structure
Eligibility
Candidates should have a valid 10, 10+2 and Graduation degree from a recognized school and college.
Application Process
Candidates can apply online through company’s website or either by approaching the university directly.
Fee Structure
Candidates have to get in touch with admission counselor for detailed fee structure.
Jaipur National University
Just like Amity University, JNU is a private establishment which is upgrading itself with time. The university is more renowned for its well qualified faculty who have exponential expertise in their domain.
Specializations
- Human Resource Management
- Marketing Management
- Financial Management
- Operations Management
- Rural Management
- Hospital Administration
- Hospitality Management
- Information Technology
- Project Management
- Supply Chain Management
- Airport and Airline Management
- Banking and Finance Management
- Construction Management
- International Business Management
- Total Quality Management
Why Jaipur National University
- More than 10 years of experience in the field of distance education
- Approved by the joint committee of AICTE-UGC-DEC
- Admissions twice a year
- 15 MBA specializations to choose from
- lateral entry in MBA
- Cheapest distance MBA program in India, fee starts from INR 10,000 per semester
Eligibility
Candidates should have a valid 10, 10+2 and Graduation degree from a recognized school and college.
Application Process
Candidates can apply online through company’s website or either by approaching the university directly.
Fee Structure
Total amount payable is around 21,800 INR which is inclusive of examination fees.
University of Madras
Established since past 160 years, University of Madras doesn’t need any recognition words to back it.
Specializations
- Marketing Management
- Financial Management
- Logistics and Supply Chain Management
- Human Resource Management
- Hospital Management
- Systems Management
Why University of Madras
- One of the oldest and reputed universities in India
- NAAC A grade university
- Global recognition
- Ample opportunities for internships, placements, and research collaborations
- Experienced Faculty
- Variety of Specializations
- Strong Alumni Network
Eligibility
Candidates should have a valid 10, 10+2 and Graduation degree from a recognized school and college.
Application Process
Candidates can apply online through company’s website or either by approaching the university directly.
Fee Structure
The entire fees of MBA distance education is around 17,000 INR.
Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies: (NMIMS)
NMIMS or the most superior colleges of distance learning discipline and has been accredited with NAAC Grade ‘A’ certification. The university offers flexibility and convenience to its students along with a beautiful distance learning education setup.
Eligibility
Just like other educational institutes, NMIMS requires candidates to pass 10, 10+2 and Graduation from any recognized school and college. Work experience is given preference in NIT distance learning selection process.
Application Process
Candidates can apply online or visit the campus for direct program registration.
Fee Structure
Admission fee of 1,000 INR and a full time payment of Rs. 1,44,000 INR required.
How to Choose the Right Distance MBA Course for Yourself?
Choosing the right distance MBA program is crucial because it can impact your career goals. There are many universities offering distance MBA courses are available in India, so it is obvious that someone may get confused which one choose.
We advise students to choose a distance MBA program based on their individual needs, career goals, and learning preferences.
Here are some tips on choosing the right distance MBA program
Align Your Career Goals with the MBA program
Before you choose a MBA program, think why you want to choose one. Do you want to enhance your overall business knowledge or you want to acquire knowledge and skills from a specific area of business such as marketing, finance, HR, operations, etc.
If your goal is to acquire knowledge about the overall business then a general MBA degree could be the right option for you but if your goal is to acquire knowledge in a specific field then a specialized distance MBA in that specific filed like MBA in marketing, MBA in Finance or MBA in HR, etc will be the right option for you.
Know about University's Reputation and Accreditation
There are all kind of universities offering a distance MBA program, some are well-reputed and some are less-reputed. So always try to join a university which is well reputed to pursue your distance MBA.
Also check if the university is accredited by the UGC-DEB-AICTE to offer distance education courses in India.
Consider tuition fee and financing options
The fee of a distance education MBA program differs university to university. Some universities are very affordable and some are less affordable so always inquire about the fee structure and financing options before you join a distance MBA program.
You may also know if any scholarship option is available or not.
Compare different programs and make an informed decision
Do your research, compare different programs and decide accordingly which distance learning MBA program is right for you. You can read articles, ask in forums and can take counselling sessions offered by experts in the field.
Popular Distance Education MBA Specializations
- General Management
- Marketing Management
- Human Resources Management
- Finance Management
- Banking
- Retail Management
- Materials Management
- Services Management
- International Business Management
- Information Technology Management
- Project Management
- Telecom Management
- Operations Management
- Entrepreneurship
- Hospital Management
- Pharma Management
- Investment Management
- Logistics & Supply Chain Management
- Shipping & Port Management
- Tourism & Travel Management
- Education Management
- Safety Management
- Export & Import Management
- Event Management
- Oil and Gas Management
- Airline & Airport Management
- Investment Management
- Environmental Management
- Aviation Management
- Disaster Management
- Shipping and Air-Cargo Logistics Management
- Information System Management
Career Opportunities in India After Doing MBA Distance Education
- Sales and Marketing
- Brand Managers
- Area Sales Managers
- Marketing Managers
- Marketing strategy
- Branding logistics
- Market research
- Equity researcher
- Treasurers
- Investment Banking Associates
- Management Consultants
- Analyst
- Finance Officers
- Human Resources- Manager, Executive, Recruitment
- Web Editor
- Content Manager
- Business Analyst
- Business Manager, Executive
- Account Planner
- Digital Marketer
- Advertising Manager
Average Salary of An MBA Professional in India
To give you a clear picture about how much an MBA professional earn every month, we have taken the data from a popular salary website PayScale.Com.
Here is the screenshot from their website which clearly shows the salary range of MBA professionals from different cities in India
