Online MBA is a 2-year postgraduate degree program that trains students in the fundamental concepts of business administration and strategies. This course is highly beneficial for individuals who want to make a career in the management field or start their businesses. However, due to some reasons such as family commitments, job responsibilities, financial situations, or geographical barriers, some students find it difficult to pursue a traditional MBA course. To facilitate such students so that they can pursue their dream career path and study their preferred course according to their convenience, many universities have introduced an online MBA course which provides flexibility and affordability to the students in their educational journeys.
But one dilemma students face while choosing a course or a university is - which course, specialization, and university would be better suited for them. This article is aimed at helping such students so that they can have an in-depth understanding of the various courses and universities and make an informed decision. This blog focuses on the two main factors to be considered while choosing your academic career path. These are -
- Course Duration
- Cost of the course
Course Duration
- Program Flexibility - Several universities provide flexibility in education through various entry and exit points in the program. This provides students with multiple options to get admission to their preferred courses or seek employment by taking an early exit from the MBA program.
- Accelerated Programs - Some universities offer accelerated programs to students who wish to complete their studies sooner than the typical duration of MBA courses and seek employment in various companies at the early stages of their careers.
- Part-Time vs. Full-Time - Students can choose whether they want to pursue a full-time course or complete their course on a part-time basis. Individuals who are already working somewhere and can’t pursue a regular course are greatly benefitted from this part-time option as this enables them to customize their studies according to their schedule.
- Curriculum Intensity - Students are recommended to check the syllabus of each semester of the MBA course offered by a university before taking admission. This helps them understand how the course will commence and how much learning materials and activities are included in the course.
Cost
- Tuition Structure - Candidates should check the tuition fee of the course in various universities and participate in the course that suits their financial situation.
- Additional Costs - Apart from the tuition cost, there are additional costs included in the course fee such as Hostel, Mess, Exam fee, etc.
- Financial Aid and Scholarships - To reduce the financial burden, several universities provide various scholarships and financial aid to students. While taking admission, students can apply for these scholarships to reduce the total cost of their course.
- Return on Investment (ROI) - Before investing in an MBA program, students should check the placement reports of the university. Students should apply to universities with a higher return on investment ratio.
Now that you understand the important criteria regarding the duration and cost of the course, let’s have a comparative analysis of some of the universities offering an online MBA course.
Chandigarh University
Established in 2012, Chandigarh University is a privately owned UGC-approved university located in Mohali, Punjab. Apart from the MBA program, Chandigarh University also offers courses related to engineering, pharma, legal studies, agriculture science, and commerce fields at undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctorate levels. NIRF has ranked Chandigarh University 29th in university rankings.
University of Delhi
Delhi University, commonly known as DU, is a central university in Delhi, India which was established in 1922. Du has affiliations with over 90 colleges and is accredited by UGC, AIU, NAAC, ACU, and other esteemed regulatory bodies.
Manipal Academy of Higher Education
Manipal University is a UGC-approved leading educational institution, offering over 300 programs across 30 fields on five campuses. It includes notable institutions like the Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal University Jaipur, and Sikkim Manipal University, with numerous international collaborations.
IGNOU
Indira Gandhi National Open University, famously known as IGNOU, is a public distance learning university established in 1985 in Delhi, India. IGNOU has 67 regional centers and offers 226 academic programs at certificate, diploma, and degree levels. All these courses are approved by the UGC.
Jain University
Jain University is a Bangalore-based pioneering academic institution that offers UGC-approved online UG and PG programs in the fields of Business Administration, Engineering, and Information technology.
Lovely Professional University
Lovely Professional University, established in 2005, is India's fifth oldest private university, dedicated to providing high-quality education across 20+ schools and 150+ programs on a large 600-acre campus.
Manav Rachna University
Located in Faridabad, Haryana, Manav Rachna University is a privately owned prestigious institution established in 2014 as a university. Manav Rachna Online University offers various UGC-approved flexible programs to working professionals and students with time constraints.
GLA University
GLA University, which was founded in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, in 2001, is renowned for its outstanding academic program. Approved by the AICTE, UGC, DEB, and NAAC(A+), GLA University Online offers a dynamic and adaptable worldwide educational platform.
Amity University
Amity University Online, situated in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India, was founded in 2008 and is leading the way in the provision of top-notch online education. It guarantees flexibility for students worldwide with a wide selection of programs, experienced faculty, engaging learning resources, and all-inclusive support services for both academic and professional success.
Symbiosis School for Online and Digital Learning
Symbiosis School for Online and Digital Learning (SSODL) was founded in 2023 as a division of Pune, India's Symbiosis International University. SSODL, which is sanctioned by the Government of India and has accreditation from AICTE, UGC, and DEB, provides a range of industry-relevant online programs with an emphasis on practical application.
