Introduction to SCDL
Symbiosis centre for distance learning is a popular name in the field of online and distance education. SCDL was established in the year 2001, and in the journey of more than 20 years, SCDL has achieved many milestones.
Symbiosis has outrun many private universities in the past, all because of its comprehensive educational offerings and compelling placement records. The university has a powerful web portal which facilitates the distance education, online classrooms, e mentoring and best, faculty interaction. Let’s talk more about the two-year PGDBA offering from Symbiosis:
The distance education PGDBA (MBA) programme offered by SCDL is very popular among working professionals. Symbiosis distance MBA (PGDBA) is one of the most affordable management programme available today. Currently, Symbiosis is offering Post Graduate Diploma, Diploma and Certificate programs in different industry sectors including
- Business Management
- Banking and Finance Management
- Education Management
- Information Technology Management
- International Business Management
- Supply Chain Management
- Customer Relationship Management
- Insurance Management
- Entrepreneurship Development Management
- Business and Corporate Law
Key Highlights of Symbiosis distance MBA (PGDBA) programme
| Institute / University Name | Symbiosis centre for distance learning |
| Year of Establishment | 2001 |
| Course Name | PGDBA (Popularly known as SCDL Distance MBA) |
| Duration | 2 Years |
| Validity of Registration | 4 Years |
| Specializations | Finance, Marketing, Management Accounting, Human Resource Management, Customer Relationship Management, Operations |
| Symbiosis Distance MBA Fee Structure | INR 76,000 – INR 81,000 for 2-year program |
| Eligibility Criteria | Graduate in any discipline from a recognized University. |
| Approved By | All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) |
| Program Delivery Mode | Online & Offline (Study Material) |
| Admission Drive | Admissions starts in April for July admission cycle, and for January admission cycle admission starts in October. |
| Examination Slots | Examinations are released in the 3rd month of each semester. |
| Payment Facility | Loan facility available |
| Examination Method | Computer based examination. Conducted at designated exam centres across the country. |
| Scholarship | Not Available |
| Placement Assistance | Available |
Note: This article is about SCDL PGDBA program, if you're looking for Symbiosis Online MBA program, click here.
SCDL Benefits
Here are some benefits of doing Distance Learning MBA (PGDBA) from Symbiosis Centre For Distance Learning (SCDL).
High Acceptance in the industry: The distance learning domain of Symbiosis have been an education partner for many Multinational corporates like Airtel, Bharti Pvt. Ltd., Bajaj Finance Ltd, Cognizant, HCL, IBM, Vodafone, TATA, and Wall-mart, etc.
Excellent services for students: Since Symbiosis is one of the oldest, the methodologies adopted by the university are more towards facilitating instantaneous faculty responses. The university has its own call centre who has counselors to answer promptly.
Emphasis on Placement Opportunities: Unlike other distance education providers, Symbiosis continue to receive a very strong response from recruiters. Many Multinational corporations give importance to a Symbiosis Management degree which is the result of the university’s efforts to focus more on creating job opportunities for students.
Series of Top rank title from various portals: Symbiosis has been consistently grabbing the topmost position designated by various online educational portals like Careers360, DNA, Outlook and the Maharashtrian Government as well.
Symbiosis Distance MBA Program Structure
Symbiosis distance MBA (PGDBA) is a 2 year program, divided in 4 semesters.
The first two semesters are common for everyone, in 3rd and 4th semesters, students may choose electives as per their specialization.
The 4th semester also has a project.
Below is detailed syllabus of Symbiosis Distance MBA (PGDBA)
Semester I & II: Core Subjects (Common for All Specializations)
Semester | Subjects |
Semester I |
|
Semester II |
|
Semester III & IV: Specialization-Wise Structure
- Finance
- Marketing
- Management Accounting
- Human Resource
- Customer relationship management
- Operations
Finance Specialization
Semester III Compulsory Subjects:
- Capital Market
- Direct Taxation
- Strategic Management
- Behavioural Finance
Semester III Elective (Choose One):
- Project Finance
- Security Analysis and Portfolio Management
- Financial Institutions and Banking
Semester IV Compulsory Subjects:
- GST and Allied Laws
- International Finance
- Project Management
- Project Report (Compulsory)
Semester IV Elective (Choose One):
- Strategic Finance
- Corporate Governance
- Risk Management
SCDL PGDBA (MBA) Specializations
Symbiosis offers total 6 specializations with their distance education MBA (PGDBA) course. The name of the specializations are as follows...
- Finance
- Marketing
- Management Accounting
- Human Resource
- Customer Relationship Management
- Operations
Note: Dual specialization option is also available. Dual specialization can be pursued only after completing the primary specialization courses.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for Symbiosis Distance MBA (PGDBA) program is as follows:
- A graduate in any discipline from a recognised university.
- Student in the final year of graduation can also apply.
- An International/SAARC graduate (AIU equivalence certificate required for foreign degrees).
Fee Structure
Symbiosis Distance MBA Fee (For July 2026 Admission Cycle): Last Verified: September 13, 2026 | Source: Official SCDL Website
The total fee for Symbiosis distance MBA program is INR 81,000/- for general category, INR 78,000/- for defence personnel, INR 1,68,000 for international students students and INR 1,35,000 for SAARC students.
The above fee is applicable when you make the payment in two yearly installments, but when you choose to make the full payment in one go, you get additional discount of INR 5,000 – INR 14,000 depending on your category.
Below is the detailed fee structure for Symbiosis Distance MBA (PGDBA) program:
Application Fee:
The application form fee for all applicants is INR 1200. The application fee is non-refundable.
Note: Earlier the application fee was different for different category of students but now SCDL has set the application fee same for all category of students i.e General, Defense, SAARC, International.
Program Fee:
Below is complete program fee details for SCDL distance MBA (PGDBA) program:
| Category | 1st Instalment | 2nd Instalment | Total (Instalments) | One-Time Full Payment (with Silver Jubilee Discount) |
| General | INR 49,000 | INR 32,000 | INR 81,000 | INR 76,000 |
| Defence | INR 47,000 | INR 31,000 | INR 78,000 | INR 73,000 |
| SAARC | INR 81,000 | INR 54,000 | INR 1,35,000 | INR 1,22,000 |
| International | INR 1,00,000 | INR 68,000 | INR 1,68,000 | INR 1,54,000 |
Payment Mode:
Students can pay their fee through the following mode of payments
- Online: Through payment gateway available at SCDL
- Demand Draft: in favour of “The Director SCDL, Pune” payable at Pune.
Note: Payment of fee in cash is not acceptable.
Payment Timelines:
Option 1: One Time Full Payment – Students who choose this option of payment needs to pay the full program fee immediately after admission confirmation.
Option 2: Two Instalments – Students who choose this option of payment needs to pay the fee in two instalments
- Instalment 1: Immediately after admission confirmation.
- Instalment 2: within 45 days of payment of first Instalment payment or on or before the last date to pay full fee, whichever is earlier, as per policy.
EMI Option:
SCDL also offer EMI facility to students. Students can choose from 6, 9, 12, 18 and 24 months education loan options.
Pro Tip From Tauseef (Author): Paying the fee in full is the best option for SCDL distance MBA. This not help you save money via discount but also unlocks all study material and benefits instantly. Many of the students I have personally talked to prefer this option to avoid follow up with university and unlock full benefits of the program.
Additional Fees (Not included in total program fee):
- Exam Fee: Paid separately per paper per attempt
- Project Fee: Paid Separately
- Both Exam fee and Project fee are non-refundable & non-transferable.
Important Dates:
- First Installment: Must be paid within 15 days from the date of confirmed admission.
- Second Installment: Must be paid within 45 days from the date of confirmed admission or on or before the final
My Verdict On SCDL MBA (PGDBA) Fee: After reviewing thousands of applications and reviewing more than hundred programs, I can say that the Symbiosis distance MBA (SCDL PGDBA) fee is reasonable for an AICTE-approved program with flexible structure, especially with current discounts and EMI.
SCDL is a strong brand in distance education and the current program fee makes it a value-for-money program for working professionals who can pay upfront. However, exam fee is seperate.
Admission Procedure
Below is the Step-by-step process to apply for Symbiosis PGDBA (MBA) Program:
Step 1: Purchase an Application Form
If you want to apply for SCDL PGDBA program, the first thing you need to do is to purchase an application form. Below are the steps to follow the purchase the application form online. Application forms can also be purchased offline.
- Visit SCDL Official website and click on Sign Up and register yourself on the portal.
- Now login to your account and purchase the application form by paying INR 1200.
- Now fill the application and submit it.
Step 2: Upload Document
In the next step, you need to provide required document to SCDL.
- Upload your passport size recent color photograph, Govt. Photo Identity Proof, Academic Records, Your signature, Work experience certificates.
- Applicants applying under Defence Category have to produce a Proof of service certificate or discharge book or dependent certificate.
Step 3: Fee Payment
To complete your application process, you need to pay the program fee. You can pay the full program fee at once to avail discount or you can pay the complete fee in two installments. Exam fee need to be paid separately.
Important Admission Dates (January 2026 Admission Cycle)
| Admission Starts From | 09 April 2026 |
| Program Orientation | In July 2026 |
| Classes commence from | 01 August 2026 |
| Last date for change in specialisation | 31 August 2026 |
| Last date for change in program | 31 August 2026 |
| Last date to submit eligibility deficient document/s for confirmation of admission | 31 August 2026 |
SCDL PGDBA vs Symbiosis Online MBA: Important Difference
Many students search for “Symbiosis Distance MBA” and assume that SCDL PGDBA and Symbiosis Online MBA are the same program. However, these are two different management courses offered by different Symbiosis institutions.
SCDL offers a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration (PGDBA) program, while Symbiosis School for Online and Digital Learning (SSODL) offers a UGC-approved Online MBA degree through Symbiosis International University.
If you’re also confused between the two, you must know the differences between Symbiosis PGDBA and Online MBA degree program.
Students get the same Symbiosis brand in in both programs, but the final qualification, fee, curriculum, admission requirements, and learning experience is different.
Particulars | SCDL PGDBA | SSODL Online MBA |
Institution | Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning | Symbiosis School for Online and Digital Learning |
Final Qualification | Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration (PGDBA) | Master of Business Administration (MBA) Degree |
Course Type | Distance learning management diploma | Fully Online MBA degree |
Duration | 2 Years | 2 Years |
Registration Validity | Up to 4 Years | Up to 4 Years |
Eligibility | Graduation in any discipline from a recognised university | A Graduation degree with minimum 50% marks (45% marks for SC/ST candidates) |
Learning Mode | Online support with study material and computer-based examinations at designated centres | 100% online learning with live classes, recorded sessions, LMS access and online assessments |
Fees | INR 76,000 – INR 81,000 | INR 3,15,000 – INR 3,70,000 |
Best For | Working professionals who are looking for flexible and affordable management education | Students who specifically need an Online MBA degree from a tier-1 institution |
SCDL PGDBA Is Not an MBA Degree
The most important thing students should understand is that SCDL offers a PGDBA, which is an AICTE approved post graduate diploma and not an MBA degree. PGDBA is popular management program among working professionals who want flexibility and affordable fee.
The SCDL PGDBA is a good option for candidates who want to improve their management knowledge, or looking for a promotion in their current job, or want to add a recognised management diploma to their profile.
However, students should not assume that PGDBA will be accepted as an MBA degree everywhere. In case of higher education like a Ph.D degree or government job where specifically a management degree is required, PGBDA will not be meet the eligibility criteria.
SCDL PGDBA Certificate
After completing of the program, students receives AICTE-approved Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration (PGDBA) from Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning (SCDL).
Below is a specimen copy of SCDL PGDBA program.
New facilities adopted by Symbiosis Distance learning:
- Symbiosis has adopted a unique procedure which includes three different and essential methodologies. The university offers printed/published or self-learning material, digital learning and round the clock faculty interaction.
- The university has also launched chat sessions along with the necessary online classroom facility.
- In order to provide the students with full conceptual knowledge of the degree, the university has developed a curriculum that invites student feedback which can be altered for best experiences.
- The online training is developed in a fashion that it does not require the student to struggle and arrange for information and modules. An easy and up to date curriculum backed up with industry essentials are the soul points of the whole Symbiosis Distance Learning program.
Other points to remember while applying for the PGDBA by Symbiosis:
- The maximum duration of the course is 4 years which is relatively less as compared to other universities.
- Students with work experience can gain more value from the course offered by Symbiosis as the whole curriculum is based on practical industrial exposure.
- SCDL offers placement assistance to students after thier course completion as well, unlike other
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Symbiosis offer a distance MBA program?
Symbiosis centre for distance learning (SCDL) doesn’t offer an MBA program but offers a post graduate diploma in business administration (PGDBA) which is popularly known as SCDL MBA.
The PGDBA is a 2-year course like an MBA, and covers the same subjects that are being taught in an MBA program.
Students may also choose a specialization available to them.
Is Symbiosis Distance MBA UGC approved?
The PGDBA program offered by Symbiosis is approved AICTE. Since Symbiosis doesn’t offers an MBA but the PGDBA program, the UGC approval is not required. The UGC approval is required for universities offering a degree program.
Is Symbiosis Distance MBA valid?
Yes, Symbiosis distance MBA (PGDBA) is valid for jobs in private sectors. In fact, Symbiosis is one the most popular institution among the working professionals and fresh graduates in India for pursuing a management program.
Which is better Symbiosis or NMIMS?
Symbiosis and NMIMS, both are the top institutions when it comes to business management courses.
Symbiosis is older than NMIMS in the field of distance education.
Symbiosis offers a PGDBA program, whereas NMIMS offers an MBA.
There is a huge difference in the fee structure. SCDL PGDBA cost INR 81,000/-, whereas NMIMS Online MBA cost INR 2,20,000.
Both of them are leaders in the field of business education. It’s all up to you which course you want to pursue. If you want to do an MBA degree, NMIMS is the option for you, but if you are OK with a PGDBA program, Symbiosis is better.
What is the fee structure for Symbiosis distance MBA?
The fee for distance learning MBA from Symbiosis is INR 81,000/-. Students can pay the fee in full, or in two Instalments.
Defence category students get INR 3,000/-, and for them the fee is INR 78,000/-
The fee for international students is INR 1,68,000 and for SAARC students the fee is INR 1,35,000.
Apart from the fee mentioned above, all categories of students required to pay application fee, exam fee, and project fee additionally as applicable.
Does Symbiosis offers placement after completing the distance MBA (PGDBA) program?
Yes, Symbiosis offers placement assistance to all students who complete distance MBA (PGDBA) program. For more details on this, you may contact their support team.
Which Specializations are offered at SCDL?
SCDL Offers total six specialisations: Marketing, HR, Finance, Operations, Management Accounting, and Customer Relationship Management. Students can also opt for dual specialisation.
Also Read: Best Online MBA Colleges in Pune
