Popular Branches
MBA
B.Tech
BBA
BSc
Home > News & Articles > Distance MBA (MBA Distance Education): Admission 2024, Fees, Colleges, Jobs, Salary
Updated on 28th November, 2023 , 16 min read
The full form of an MBA is Master of Business Administration. It is a two-year postgraduate course that focuses on company management and administration. It is intended to help students gain a wide range of business-related abilities and information, laying a solid basis for future professional progression and leadership positions.
More MBA Courses:
Distance MBA is a management program for students pursuing an MBA in correspondence mode. Students who are unable to attend regular MBA courses can enroll in an MBA from a distance to upgrade their management and administrative skills and abilities. Students may be required to pay weekend visits to the institutes and colleges.
The distance MBA program is quite similar to the full-time MBA course in terms of duration and curriculum. The difference lies in the course fees, mode of study, and campus amenities.
The distance MBA Syllabus includes management, administrative, and economic-related subjects like Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, Operations Management, Corporate Finance, etc.
Candidates must have graduated from an accredited university or college to be eligible for distance MBA admission in 2024. Some of the Distance Education MBA entrance exams are OPENMAT, XAT, MAH CET, CAT, etc.
Some of the top distance MBA Colleges in India are the School of Open Learning (SOL), IGNOU, Annamalai University, Sikkim Manipal University, and Symbiosis Centre for Distant Learning. Requirements for distance learning MBA vary from college to college.
Distance MBA fees vary from INR 40,000 - 75,000 which is far less than the course fees for regular MBA programs. After completing an MBA in distance, candidates can find work opportunities like Marketing Manager, HR Manager, Financial Analyst, etc., with an average salary of INR 1.80 – 3 LPA.
All about MBA:
- |
Details | Particulars |
Course Name | Distance MBA |
Course Level | Postgraduate |
Course Full Form | Master of Business Administration |
Course Duration | 2 Years |
Course Type | Distance Education |
Distance MBA Admission | Entrance based |
Eligibility Criteria | Graduation in any stream from a recognized university. Some colleges may ask for 3 - years of work experience. |
Entrance Exams | |
Course Fees | INR 40,000 - 75,000 |
Distance MBA Specializations | MBA HR Management, MBA Marketing, MBA Finance, MBA Banking and Finance, MBA Retail Management, MBA Hospitality Management, MBA Digital Marketing, MBA International Trade Management, MBA IT and Systems Management, and MBA Operations Management. |
Distance MBA Top Colleges | School of Open Learning (SOL), IGNOU, Annamalai University, Sikkim Manipal University and Symbiosis Centre for Distant Learning. |
Distance MBA Average Salary | INR 1.80 – 3 LPA. |
Distance MBA Jobs | HR Manager, Marketing Manager, Portfolio Manager, Financial Analyst, Operations Manager, etc. |
Distance MBA Top Recruiters | Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Infosys, Wipro, HCL Technologies, Tech Mahindra, Procter & Gamble (P&G), Nestlé, ITC, and Amazon. |
Distance MBA can be pursued in a flexible and convenient manner through the correspondence mode of education. A Distance MBA is a feasible option for students who are working professionals or are unable to pursue the course regularly. They're given a chance to learn business management skills and information at their own pace and convenience.
A distance MBA program has the following important characteristics:
To pursue an MBA in distance education, students must fulfil some of the eligibility requirements. Each college has its own set of requirements for Distance MBA Admission 2024.
The basic eligibility criteria for MBA in distance are as follows:
Given below are the details of some of the Distance MBA entrance exams conducted by various universities along with their details:
Exam Name | Registration Dates | Exam Dates |
To be Notified | To be Notified | |
3rd Week of February, 2024 - 3rd Week of March, 2024 | 23rd March & 24th March, 2024 | |
10th October, 2023 | 10th October - 19th December, 2023 | |
21st September, 2023 | 26th November, 2023 | |
30th November, 2023 | 7th January, 2024 |
The course is divided into 4 Semesters which must be covered in 2 years. The syllabus of Distance MBA will vary from college to college; however, a brief of the syllabus is given in the following tables:
Distance MBA Syllabus: 1st Year | |
Semester – 1 | Semester – 2 |
Principles of Management | Human Resource Management |
Managerial Economics | Financial Management |
Financial Accounting | Operations Management |
Business Communication | Business Research Methods |
Marketing Management | Management Information Systems |
Organizational Behavior | Business Environment and Law |
Quantitative Techniques for Management | Operations Research |
Distance MBA Syllabus: 2nd Year | |
Semester – 3 | Semester – 4 |
Strategic Management | International Business Management |
Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management | Business Ethics and Corporate Governance |
Elective Course 1 | Elective Course 5 |
Elective Course 2 | Elective Course 6 |
Elective Course 3 | Elective Course 7 |
Elective Course 4 | Project Work/Internship |
There are MBA distance education colleges in many of India's cities. MBA courses are offered in a variety of specialties by universities including IGNOU, Annamalai University, and Madras University.
Some of the top colleges that offer distance learning MBA programs are given below:
One of India's largest independent distance learning education institutions is the Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning (SCDL). Thousands of students in India and overseas receive a high-quality education from SCDL. Across all industry categories, the institute provides Post Graduate Diploma, Diploma, and Certificate programs. An MBA from Symbiosis can cost you around INR 80,000.
Symbiosis MBA Important Dates:
Events | Dates |
Admission Open | February 28, 2023 |
Online Class Commences | January 2, 2023 |
Last Date of Admission | January 2, 2023 |
Last Date for Change in Specializations | February 28, 2023 |
Symbiosis MBA Admission Process:
IIMs do not offer MBA distance programs. IIMs only offer some short-term management courses including ePGP, certificate programmes, and general management programs. The distance MBA course fees for IIM programs varies between INR 4,00,000 and INR 12,00,000. The IIMs at Ahmedabad, Ranchi, Indore, Lucknow, etc. provide distance management programs.
Given below is some important information about these management programs:
Colleges | Specializations | Fees |
Post Graduate Program in Management for Working Executives | 14,20,000 | |
Certificate Program in General Management | 3,00,000 | |
General Management Program for Executives (GMPE) | 3,50,000 | |
Working Managers' Program (WMP) | 13,70,000 | |
ePost Graduate Program (ePGP) | 20,00,000 |
IIM MBA Important Dates:
Events | Dates |
IIM MBA Dates | To be Announced |
IIM MBA Admission Process:
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) provides a variety of academic programs. IGNOU Delhi's School of Management Studies also grants PG diplomas in five different areas and a distance MBA.
For both the MBA and PGDM programs at IGNOU, the maximum time frame is four years. The dates of the admission notifications for the distance MBA entrance exams are March/April and September/October each year.
IGNOU MBA Fees:
MBA Specialization | Course Fees |
MBA Banking & Finance | INR 37,800 |
MBA Human Resources | INR 37,800 |
MBA General | INR 37,800 |
IGNOU MBA Admission Process:
NMIMS offers interested students a distance learning MBA program. It is among India's top private colleges for distance learning. More than 55,000 students are enrolled in NMIMS, and there are plenty of job prospects. Founded in 1994, one of the greatest MBA distance learning colleges in India was named as the NMIMS Global Access School for Continuing Education. The NMIMS Distance MBA costs 86,000 INR.
NMIMS MBA Important Dates:
Events | Dates |
Admission Starts | October 1, 2022 |
Admission without late fee | October 1, 2022, to January 24, 2023 |
Admission with late fee of INR 500 | January 25, 2023, to February 21, 2023 |
Admission with late fee of INR 1000 | February 22, 2023, to March 21, 2023 |
NMIMS MBA Fees:
MBA Specialization | Course Fees |
MBA Business Management | INR 1,44,000 |
MBA Operations Management | INR 1,44,000 |
MBA HR | INR 1,44,000 |
MBA Financial Management | INR 1,44,000 |
MBA Banking and Finance | INR 1,44,000 |
MBA International Trade Management | INR 1,44,000 |
MBA Marketing Management | INR 1,44,000 |
MBA Retail Management | INR 1,44,000 |
MBA IT and Systems Management | INR 1,44,000 |
NMIMS MBA Admission Process:
ICFAI University, Directorate of Distance Education, Agartala, Tripura, was established in 2007 to give people unable to attend full-time courses alternative learning opportunities. It provides programs such as the BBA, MBA, MBA Executive, PG Diploma, and Management Diploma. Candidates can apply through both online and offline mode and the admission is based on merit.
ICFAI MBA Important Dates:
Events | Dates |
Registration Starts | First week of August 2023 |
Registration Ends | Last Week of August 2023 |
Correction of Application Form | September 2023 |
Admit Card Release | October 2023 |
Exam Date | November 2023 |
Answer Key | Not Released |
Results | Dec 2023 |
ICFAI MBA Admission Process:
IMT Ghaziabad is also known as the Institute of Management Technology Centre for Distance Learning. The All-India Council for Technical Education has given it their approval. Postgraduate programs in a variety of specializations are available via distance learning at IMT Ghaziabad Distance Learning.
A two-year PGDM program in finance, marketing, operations, business analytics, and human resource management is provided by the institute. Candidates can apply for the PGDM program if they have earned a bachelor's degree in any specialization.
IMT MBA Important Dates:
Events | Dates |
Release of EMAT 2023 Application Form | Phase 3: December 1, 2022 Phase 4: February 1, 2023 |
Last date for EMAT Registration 2023 | Phase 3: January 31, 2023 Phase 4: March 12, 2023 |
EMAT 2023 Exam Date/ Personal Interview | Phase 3: February 4 - 5, 2023 Phase 4: March 17 - 18, 2023 |
Offer Issuance | Phase 3: February 11, 2023 Phase 4: March 24, 2023 |
IMT MBA Admission Process:
College Name | Distance MBA Fees |
INR 7,50,000 | |
INR 31,500 | |
- | |
INR 24,000 | |
INR 7,65,000 |
College Name | Distance MBA Fees |
Vasavi Institute of Management & Advanced Studies (VIMAS), Bangalore | INR 5,75,000 |
INR 50,000 | |
INR 50,000 | |
INR 13,5000 |
College Name | Distance MBA Fees |
INR 80,000 | |
ICMind Institute of Management Technology and Research, Hyderabad | INR 53,400 |
INR 42000 | |
INR 20,150 |
College Name | Distance MBA Fees |
INR 24,000-3,00,000 | |
INR 50,000 | |
INR 4,15,000 | |
- |
Distance MBA programs offer a range of specializations that allow students to focus their studies on specific areas of business management. Here are some common specializations in Distance MBA programs, along with a brief description of each:
Distance MBA Specialization | Description |
Finance Management | This specialization focuses on financial planning, investment management, corporate finance, risk management, and financial analysis. |
Marketing Management | This specialization deals with the concepts and strategies of marketing, consumer behavior, brand management, market research, and digital marketing. |
Human Resource Management | This specialization focuses on managing human capital within organizations. |
Business Analytics | This specialization emphasizes the use of data analytics for decision-making and business strategy |
Operations Management | This specialization deals with the efficient management of business operations and supply chains. |
Information Technology Management | This specialization combines business management principles with IT knowledge. |
International Business | This specialization focuses on the global aspects of business management. |
Supply Chain Management | This specialization focuses on the efficient management of supply chains and logistics. |
Entrepreneurship | This specialization is designed for individuals interested in starting and managing their own business ventures. |
Healthcare Management | This specialization focuses on the unique aspects of managing healthcare organization. |
The best management schools in India provide a variety of distance MBA programs. The numerous kinds of online MBA programs available include:
The Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration, also known as the PGDBA, is a 1-year diploma program that is further broken into two semesters. It covers topics such as business management, administration, general operations and marketing, finance, etc.
A certificate program in business management teaches students the fundamentals of management as well as how to use resources efficiently to increase wealth.
The most popular sort of distance MBA degree taken by candidates is the two-year program. A distant MBA follows a comparable academic schedule to a traditional MBA. Depending on the college, MBA distance course might last up to four years.
Here are some essential skills that can be beneficial for individuals pursuing a Distance MBA:
Time Management | Self-Motivation |
Communication Skills | Digital Literacy |
Critical Thinking | Collaborative Skills |
Adaptability | Leadership Skills |
Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills | Ethical Decision-Making |
Features | Distance MBA | Regular MBA |
Course Name | Master of Business Administration | Master of Business Administration |
Overview | The physical presence of the students is not required. | Students are required to attend full-time classes for 2-years. |
Course | Online. Study material delivered via post or soft copy is shared with the candidates. | Offline and fix curriculum schedule as decided by the college. |
Duration | 2 Years or more. | 2 Years. |
Cost | Generally affordable. | Higher Tuition Fee and Expenses |
Principles of Teaching | Flexibility in terms of exam schedule, selection of venue, and online submission of assignments. | Strict schedule for assignment submission, exam dates, and class participation. |
Average Course Fee | INR 40,000 - 75,000 | INR 3 – 30 Lakhs. |
Eligibility Criteria | Candidates must have acquired a total of 50% in 10+2 and graduation level. | Candidates must have acquired a total of 50% in 10+2 and graduation level. |
Admission Process | Merit and Entrance based. | Merit and Entrance based. |
Top Colleges | School of Open Learning (SOL), IGNOU, Annamalai University, Sikkim Manipal University and Symbiosis Centre for Distant Learning. | Amity University, Indian Institute of Management, Faculty of Management Studies, Indian Institute of Management and BML Munjal University. |
Average Salary | INR 1.80 – 3 LPA | INR 4 – 15 LPA |
Placement | Generally, placement is not available through this course. | Placement is available through this course. |
Job Profiles | HR Manager, Marketing Manager, Portfolio Manager, Financial Analyst, Operations Manager, etc. | HR Manager, Marketing Manager, Portfolio Manager, Financial Analyst, Operations Manager, etc. |
Given below are the Distance MBA Jobs and their descriptions:
Distance MBA Job Profiles | Job Description |
Operations Manager | Manages the day-to-day operations of an organization, streamlines processes, improves efficiency, and ensures smooth functioning of business operations. |
Project Manager | Leads and manages projects from initiation to completion, ensuring timely delivery, effective resource allocation, and stakeholder coordination. |
Financial Analyst | Analyzes financial data, prepares reports, assesses investment opportunities, and provides financial guidance and recommendations to support decision-making. |
Business Development Manager | Responsible for identifying and pursuing business growth opportunities, developing strategic partnerships, and expanding the company's customer base. |
Marketing Manager | Oversees marketing activities, develops marketing strategies, manages campaigns, and analyzes market trends to promote products or services. |
Human Resources Manager
| Manages various HR functions, including recruitment, employee relations, performance management, training, and development, and ensures compliance with labor laws and policies. |
Strategy Analyst/Consultant:
| Analyzes market trends, competitive landscape, and organizational data to develop strategic plans, provide insights, and contribute to the overall business strategy. |
Entrepreneur/Business Owner | Starts and manages their own business venture, leveraging the skills and knowledge acquired during the Distance MBA program. |
Supply Chain Manager | Oversees the flow of goods and services from suppliers to customers, manages inventory, optimizes logistics, and improves supply chain efficiency. |
Given below is an overview of the jobs in different fields of MBA:
Specialization | Job Domain |
Finance | Banks, Credit Rating Agencies, Insurance companies, Trading, and Broking Firms |
Marketing | Sales and Marketing departments, advertising agencies, event management companies. |
HR Management | HR departments of MNCs, recruitment and training agencies, counselling, and career development firms. |
Digital Marketing | Branding, advertising, and marketing platforms |
Hospitality Management | Hotels, restaurants, bars, Cruise, Airlines, and other recreational areas. |
The table below mentions the different jobs and salary offered for distance MBA graduates:
Job Profiles | Average Starting Salary |
HR Manager | INR 2.73 LPA |
Marketing Manager | INR 3.16 LPA |
Business Development Manager | INR 2.98 LPA |
Operation Manager | INR 3.2 LPA |
Financial Analyst | INR 2.25 LPA |
IT Business Analyst | INR 3.40 LPA |
HR Generalist | INR 1.66 LPA |
After completing Distance MBA, graduates can apply to both private as well as public sector companies for job opportunities. Given below is a list of the top recruiters of this course:
Field of Employment | Top Recruiters |
Consulting | Accenture, Deloitte, Ernst & Young (EY), KPMG, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC),McKinsey & Company and The Boston Consulting Group (BCG). |
Information Technology (IT) and Technology | Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Wipro, Microsoft, Google, Amazon, IBM, and Tech Mahindra. |
Banking and Financial Services | HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, State Bank of India, Citibank, J.P. Morgan, Goldman Sachs, and HSBC. |
Manufacturing and Engineering | Larsen & Toubro (L&T), Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra, Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL), Procter & Gamble (P&G), Nestle, Maruti Suzuki, BHEL (Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited) |
Retail and E-commerce
| Flipkart, Amazon, Reliance Retail, BigBasket, Myntra Future Group, Aditya Birla Retail, and ShopClues. |
FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods) | Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL), Procter & Gamble (P&G), Nestle, ITC Limited, Colgate-Palmolive, Dabur India, Britannia Industries and PepsiCo. |
Given below are some of the recruiters who offer positions to graduates after distance education MBA along with their average salary:
Recruiter's Name | Average Distance MBA Salary |
Citi Bank | INR 5 LPA |
FashionandYou.com | INR 1.8 LPA |
INR 15 LPA | |
WNS Global Services | INR 2.4 LPA |
Manhattan Associates | INR 3.75 LPA |
Microsoft | INR 10 LPA |
Hero MotoCorp | INR 2.5 LPA |
Nestle | INR 12 LPA |
Mahindra & Mahindra | INR 2.7 LPA |
Maruti Suzuki | INR 3.4 LPA |
Amazon | INR 8 LPA |
Bosch | INR 2.40 LPA |
Finolex Cables | INR 2.75 LPA |
Apollo Hospitals | INR 3.2 LPA |
Procter and Gamble | INR 7 LPA |
L&T | INR 4.44 LPA |
Hindustan Unilever | INR 3.7 LPA |
SAIL | INR 3.55 LPA |
Goldman Sachs | INR 6 LPA |
Shoppers Stop | INR 3.50 LPA |
People with their own enterprises, employed executives, or prospective business owners can use a distance MBA to assist them achieve the following objectives:
MBA Entrance Exams 2024: Dates, Registration, Syllabus, Pattern
By - Prachi Bhatia 2024-07-15 08:31:56 , 10 min readDistance MBA is a 2-year postgraduate course for students who want to opt for higher studies but are not able to attend a full-time MBA course program.
Some of the best universities to pursue distance MBA course are IGNOU, NMIMS, Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning, Amity University Distance Learning and IMT Ghaziabad.
Yes, MBA in distance is a valuable degree. It is approved by UGC-DEC and offers many job opportunities in the marketing industry.
Yes. The university is backed by a prestigious education body and has received all necessary approvals. The UGC-DEB has approved NMIMS distance MBA, allowing it to offer online and distance learning. Additionally, NAAC gave it a rating of A+. On the NAAC scale, the university had a 3.59 CGPA out of 4.
Yes, distance MBA is a valuable course approved by UGC DEC. It is a viable course option for students who are not able to attend regular MBA programs and want to grow their career in the field of management and administration.
No, distance MBA does not guarantee placement opportunities. Working candidates can grow up in their career and find job opportunities in various sectors but the colleges does not promote any placements.
Yes, one can do a PhD after distance MBA, provided that the MBA in distance education is done from a UGC-recognized university.
Regular MBA is an excellent option for you if you are willing to attend regular classes. However, for candidates who do not want to compromise on the workfront and pursue management education can find distance MBA as a great alternative.
Yes, if you hold an online or distance learning degree, you are qualified for government employment openings.
Yes. The online MBA degree is recognised in India because distance MBA programs in India are developed and approved by UGC, and only universities that have received UGC recognition are permitted to provide online MBA programmes.
Yes, there are many business schools that offer various specializations in terms of finance, human resources, marketing, operations, etc for those pursuing an MBA in distance.
Yes. Both of the MBA programmes are thought to be equally valuable and can lead to opportunities for higher-paying employment.
Yes, because even if you have just graduated or are new to the job market, a distance MBA is a terrific option to advance your career. It may enable you to enter a new line of work or provide you with the specialised knowledge and abilities you want to succeed in the job market.
The salary of distance MBA fresher in India is INR 1.80 – 3 LPA.
Graduation in any stream from a recognized university. Some colleges may ask for 3 - years of work experience.
Flexibility, Accessibility, Cost-Effective, Continuing Professional Development, Networking Opportunities and Remote Learning are some of the advantages of an online MBA over an offline one.
Distance MBA is a part-time course.
IMT Ghaziabad is also known as the Institute of Management Technology Centre for Distance Learning. A two-year PGDM program in finance, marketing, operations, business analytics, and human resource management is provided by the institute.
Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), Times Business School, Netaji Subash Open University and Disha Institute of Advanced Studies.
IIMs do not offer MBA distance programs. IIMs only offer some short-term management courses including ePGP, certificate programmes, and general management programs. The distance MBA course fees for IIM programs varies between INR 4,00,000 and INR 12,00,000.
Students who wish to pursue Distance MBA Admission 2023 will have to appear for entrance exams such as OPENMAT, XAT, MAH CET,CAT, etc. Apply to the desired college such as School of Open Learning (SOL), IGNOU, Annamalai University, Sikkim Manipal University and Symbiosis Centre for Distant Learning through their official website or by physically visiting the institution and filling out the application form.
Yes, LPU or Lovely Professional University does have a distance education MBA program.