MBA (Master’s in Business Administration) is one of the most sought-after higher education programs in India. It’s a preferred course for recent graduates, working professionals, and career-oriented individuals. MBA programmes are considered to offer wide skill sets, stable job opportunities, and future prospects. But which MBA is best—an online, Regular, or distance MBA?
Popular MBA Types - Regular, Online, Distance 2024
In India, you can pursue mainly in three ways through traditional MBA programs, regular MBA, or online.
Regular MBA- Popular University, Entrance Test, Pros, Cons
Popular Universities/Colleges for Regular MBA
- IIM Ahmedabad
- IIM Calcutta
- IIT Delhi
- Xavier School of Management
- Symbiosis Institute of Business Management
Some well MBA Entrance Exams
- CAT (Common Admission Test)
- GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)
- MAT (Management Aptitude Test)
- XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test)
- CMAT (Common Management Admission Test)
Pros of Regular MBA
- 360-degree learning
- Networking opportunities
- Highly valued in the industry
- Theoretical and practical learning
- High-salary job opportunities
Cons of Regular MBA
- Not suitable for working professionals
- High college fees
- Compulsory attendance
- The highly competitive entrance test
- Limited flexibility
Online MBA- Popular University, Entrance Test, Pros, Cons
Popular Universities/Colleges for Regular MBA
Pros of Regular MBA
- Flexible learning opportunities
- Equal industry recognition
- Manageable with Job or other responsibility
- Affordable fees
- From anywhere, anytime, learning opportunities
Cons of Regular MBA
- Not in-person interaction with peers and faculty
- Less networking opportunities
- No involvement in any campus activities
- Compulsory internet connection & electronic device
- Some colleges may ask for work experience or entrance test
Distance MBA- Popular University, Entrance Test, Pros, Cons
Some Popular Distance MBA Colleges are:
- Indira Gandhi Open University, IGNOU
- Karnataka State Open University
- Pondicherry Distance Education University
- MIT school of distance education
- Symbiosis centre for distance learning
Pros of Distance MBA
- No reliance on high-speed internet connection
- Self-paced learning
- Some universities conduct on-campus classes on weekends.
- Can manage studies with regular job and responsibility
- Pursue the course along with other regular programmes.
Cons of Distance MBA
- Limited to no interaction with Peers and faculty
- Feedback and support rates are low compared to online MBA
- Fewer opportunities for networking
- Exams are conducted at the centre like regular MBA
- Generally, it does not include internships and placements.
Online MBA Vs Regular MBA
Both the online MBA and regular MBA are 2-years programs, approved by UGC. However, considering differences between them is compulsory for students to select the right programme.
Differentiating Factors | Online MBA | Regular MBA |
Fees | The average fee for an online MBA ranges from Rs 50 K to 3 Lakhs. | Average fee for full time MBA from a prestigious college starts from Rs 10 lakhs. |
Flexibility | With an online MBA, you study at your pace and balance your regular duties with your job. | Full time MBA programme offers less or no flexibility do job or parttime. |
Attendance | Attendance in live classes is required for students. | Attendance is compulsory. Most colleges asks for 75% attendance. |
Eligibility | At Least 40-50% marks in graduation in any stream from a recognised university. | 50% marks in bachelor’s degree 45% for reserved category). Moreover, Qualification in entrance exam MICAT, XAT, CAT, GMAT, is necessary. |
Curriculum | The online MBA curriculum covers almost every subject required for an MBA and resonates more with virtual learning. | The full time programmes include a curriculum balanced with practical and theoretical concepts. |
Delivery of Program | The Virtual MBA programme provides learning through online study materials, live lectures, and recorded videos. | Regular classroom MBA programmes study on a fixed schedule, instructors come and deliver lectures, students work on projects, and appear for offline exams. |
Class Capacity | An endless number of students can enrol in an online MBA, making it accessible. | The class capacity for regular MBA is limited from 30 to 50 students. |
Student Teacher Relation | The teacher bond is stronger than the student-teacher bond. | A very strong bond between teacher and students. |
Networking Opportunities | Virtual opportunity for networking. | Strong alumni community and opportunity to network by visiting colleges daily, meeting numbers of people in person. |
Internship/Placement Opportunities | Some online universities offer virtual placement cells and assistance. | College placement cells, regular supports from teacher and Alumni association. |
Distance MBA Vs Regular MBA
Differentiating Factors | Distance MBA | Regular MBA |
Fees | The fee for a distance MBA is much lower than a regular and online MBA. | The fee is very high, starting from Rs 2 lakhs. |
Flexibility | Self-paced learning | Fixed schedule |
Attendance | Attendance is required only during exams. | Daily attendance is compulsory. |
Eligibility | Bachelor’s degree with passing marks, no requirement for any entrance exam. | 50% marks in bachelor’s degrees and 45% for reserved category). Moreover, Qualification in entrance exams, MICAT, XAT, CAT, and GMAT is necessary. |
Curriculum | Concise curriculum | Vast curriculum with practical and theoretical learning |
Delivery of Program | Mainly through e-textbooks and study materials. | Offline regular classes |
Class Capacity | Not limited | Intake of 30-50 students (depends on college) |
Student Teacher Relation | Weaker than online and regular MBA | A full-time MBA course helps nourish student-teacher relationships. |
Networking Opportunities | No | Various options |
Internship/Placement Opportunities | Not received often (however, some university provides placement assistance) | Yes |
Regular MBA Vs Distance MBA Vs Online MBA
Differentiating Factors | Regular MBA | Distance MBA | Online MBA |
Course Fees | Rs. 2 LPA - 20 LPA | Rs. 20k - 70k | Rs.80k - 3 LPA |
Suitability | Recent graduates and financially strong individuals | Individual already in job market with no-time for online classes or living in remote area. | Aspiring promotion, skills, and managerial position but at their own pace. |
Pedagogy | Offline classes with advanced infrastructure and in-person teachers. | Study through e-library and materials. | Live and recorded classes, regular assessments, electronic study materials, textbook. |
Examination Mode | Classroom sittings | Physical centre exams | Online exams can be conducted |
Duration | 2 years | 4 years | 2 years |
Accreditation/Recognition | NAAC, UGC, AICTE | NAAC, UGC- Deb, AICTE | NAAC, UGC- Deb, AICTE |
Placement | Most of the colleges provide placement and support. | Very few opportunity |
The New Age MBA Programme
1. Executive MBA
2. Deferred MBA
3. MBA with Hybrid Learning
How to Choose the Right MBA?
1. Course Fees
2. Consider MBA Goal
3. Check accessibility for You
Choose the Right MBA with EduKyu!
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