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Top Distance Learning MBA Colleges in India: Updated For 2023

Colleges | Scope | Courses | Eligibility | Admission

Introduction

The Executive Associate Dean of Academic Programmes, Gies College of Business, University of Illinois, W. Brooke Elliott said that “The MBA programme landscape has shifted significantly in the last 24 months. The pandemic inspired many individuals to re-evaluate their personal and professional choices and to take action, often through education, to change their current path.”

According to the reports of AACSB, the enrollment in distance MBA courses is nearing the enrollment in full-time MBA programmes. Today, the number of worldwide enrolments in the distance and online programmes has increased to 53,281. This testifies to the rising demand for distance learning MBA in India as well. The courses come with flexibility, multiple opportunities, and a good work-study balance.

According to a survey of 1,108 participants, the happiness index of MBA pass-outs is promising. The adjoined image records the aspects which made MBA a good career choice.

List of Top Distance Learning MBA Colleges in India

We have curated a list of India’s top distance learning MBA colleges for you. They offer a variety of specialisations along with many other benefits for working professionals such as flexible schedules, placement assistance, learning material and much more. Additionally, these universities are listed among the top universities in India in the NIRF rankings and are UGC-DEB approved. Let’s take a look.

College/ University 

NIRF Rank 

Fee

Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning Institute

32

₹ 50,000 (Complete Course)

Bharathiar University

15

₹ 12,550 (Per Annum)

Lovely Professional University Distance Education – (LPUDE)

47

₹ 12,000 (Per Semester)

Jaipur National University

72

₹ 10,000 (Per Semester)

SRM Institute of Science & Technology

19

₹ 30,000 (Per Annum)

Pondicherry University

68

24,925 (Per Annum)

Chandigarh University Distance Education (CUIDOL)

29

17840 (Per Semester)

Amity University

22

₹ 2,53,000 (Complete Course)

NMIMS – NAGSE 

51

1,68,000 (Complete Course)

IFHE, Hyderabad (ICFAI University)

27 

₹ 2,00,000 (Complete Course)

IGNOU

71

₹ 31,000 (Per Annum)

University Of Madras

39

₹ 19,750 (Per Annum)

Eligibility for Distance Education MBA Course

  1. Bachelor’s : The students must have passed any bachelor’s degree to take admission into a distance learning MBA course. Some universities might also demand a postgraduate degree. Since distance courses are specially designed for working professionals, hence, some universities also demand prior or ongoing work experience.
  2. Entrance Exam: In distance education programmes, universities generally do not take entrance exams. However, some universities may choose to conduct an entrance examination. Thus, the criteria may vary as per the university.
  3. Work Experience: A few universities may demand a minimum of one to two years of work experience. {Note: The criteria may vary as per the university.}
  4. Minimum Age Requirement: There is no age bar for enrolment in distance learning MBA courses in India. {Note: The criteria may vary as per the university.}

Admission Process for Distance MBA Course

In order to seek admission, the students have to fill out an application form, attach the necessary documents and make the payment.

Although the general process looks like this, the document requirement and post-application process may vary as per the university.

Let’s Discuss All Top Distance MBA Colleges Briefly:

1. Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning Institute

In 1971, renowned educationist Dr. S.B. Mujumdar founded Symbiosis International Deemed University, which was modelled after the Vedic concept of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.” It is a UGC-recognised university and is awarded the “Deemed University” status. Additionally, it has also received certification from the International Organisation for Standardisation for its top-notch education. The university’s Symbiosis Centre for International Education offers essential academic exposure to the students and faculty through its strategic international alliances and innovative programs in order to help students grow holistically.

In order to provide working professionals with skill-oriented educational services, Symbiosis International founded the Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning (SCDL) in the year 2001. The centre uses interactive, hybrid methods to deliver thorough education across a range of programmes. The university has introduced the “Symbiosis World Campus Web Portal” which helps the students to access a variety of services from the comfort of their homes. Through its domestic and international partnerships, the centre offers a curriculum that is at par with the latest industry standards and placement opportunities.

Fee Structure: Distance MBA – INR 70,000 (Complete Course)

Specialisations: The university offers a General MBA course.

Course

Distance MBA

College Type 

Private

Duration

2 Years

Course Fee 

INR 70,000 (Complete Course) 

Entrance Exam

N/A

NIRF Ranking 

32

NAAC Accreditation

A

Awards/ Recognitions 

Competition Success Review – Ranked 3

2. Bharathiar University

The Bharathiar University, which was founded in 1982, is a reputable higher education institution with UGC recognition. The university has been awarded “A” grade by NAAC. The university boasts a number of well-equipped, cutting-edge research centres and has received funding from the Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan with the intention to provide research-driven education. For the academic advancement of the students, the university also benefits from strategic ties with reputable worldwide organisations, such as Harvard Business School.

In the year 1991-92, Bharathiar University launched the School of Distance Education in order to provide comprehensive education at an affordable price. The university seeks to spread education throughout the entire state of Tamil Nadu through its extensive network of learner support services. Additionally, the university offers Personal Content Programmes, Lateral Admission Facilities and Digital Learning Resources so that students can experience real-time learning while pursuing a distance course.

Fee Structure: Distance MBA – INR 12,550 (Per Annum)

Specialisations:

  • General MBA 
  • Airline & Airport Management
  • Banking & Finance Management
  • Financial Management
  • Export Management 
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Financial Services
  • Hospital Management
  • Human Resource Management
  • International Business
  • Investment Management
  • Information System Management
  • Logistics & Supply Chain Management
  • Marketing Management
  • Project Management
  • Retail Management
  • Services Management

Course

Distance MBA

College Type 

Government

Duration

2 Years

Course Fee 

INR 12,550 (Per Annum)

Entrance Exam

N/A

NIRF Ranking 

15

NAAC Accreditation

A

Awards/ Recognitions 

THE (2021) – 44 

3. Lovely Professional University Distance Education – (LPUDE)

Established in the year 2005, Lovely Professional University is a UGC-recognised university and is also ranked 36th in the overall private and public institutions in India. The students receive hefty job offers from the best firms in the country, thanks to the more than 1,400 recruiters that visit the campus each year. Wipro, TATA Sky, Amazon, Reliance, and others are just a few of the institute’s notable recruiters. The university’s substantial alumni base speaks volumes about its dedication towards the growth of its students.

Students have excellent studying options under their Center for Distance and Online Education. They also get the opportunity to participate in offline activities without incurring any additional costs, in addition to creating a fully digital education ecosystem. The fact that Lovely Professional University is a top choice for students seeking online learning is undeniable given the excellent academic and technical support they provide such as student orientation so that they get a good grasp of the university’s working process, online study material, and placement assistance.

Fee Structure: Distance MBA – INR 12,000 (Per Semester)

Specialisations:

  • Finance
  • Marketing
  • Retail Management
  • Operations Management
  • International Business
  • Informational Technology
  • Human Resource

Course

Distance MBA

College Type 

Private

Duration

2 Years

Course Fee 

INR 12,000 (Per Semester)

Entrance Exam

N/A

NIRF Ranking 

47

NAAC Accreditation

N/A

Awards/ Recognitions 

THE – 36 

4. Jaipur National University

Jaipur National University was established on October 22, 2007, with funding from Mahima Shiksha Samiti. The university was the first independently funded organisation to receive NAAC accreditation. The 150-acre campus is constructed with a modern and visually appealing infrastructure to create a positive learning environment. The university conditions students’ minds such that they can think creatively as well as develop their social network and contribute to the advancement of society.

Jaipur National University launched The School of Distance Education and Learning in the academic year 2008–09. It is also accredited by the joint committee of UGC–AICTE–DEB in the year 2009. The school is committed to providing students with convenient access and high-quality education, enabling them to explore and become familiar with their multiple career options. To add weightage to their distance education courses, the university offers self-learning material and follows a credit-based system. Additionally, they have a strong network of more than 2,500 alumni who testifies for their distance learning courses.

Fee Structure: Distance MBA – INR 10,000 (Per Semester)

Specialisations: The university offers a General MBA course

Course

Distance MBA

College Type 

Private

Duration

2 Years

Course Fee 

INR 10,000 (Per Semester) 

Entrance Exam

N/A 

NIRF Ranking 

72

NAAC Accreditation

B

Awards/ Recognitions 

India Today – Top 25 Best Private University (2019)

5. SRM Institute of Science & Technology

Established in the year 1985, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, was originally founded as SRM Engineering College. It is a renowned university that has received “Deemed To Be University” status by UGC. Furthermore, the university received “A++” accreditation from NAAC in the year 2018. The university is determined to provide its professors and students with essential worldwide academic exposure through student-faculty exchange programmes. Additionally, the university also offers semester-abroad programmes through its strategic foreign partnerships.

The SRM Institute of Science and Technology offers a distance education division under the name “Directorate of Distance Education” with the goal of providing industry-driven education. Through its dedicated Enterprise Resource Planning System, the university provides counselling services to students. Furthermore, the university organises many webinars, lectures, and discussion-based learning facilities. To add more value to its distance education system, the university has a Digitally-Aided Library, Online Personal Contact Programmes, and much more.

Fee Structure: Distance MBA – INR 30,000 (Per Annum)

Specialisations:

  • Marketing
  • Finance
  • Human Resource Management
  • Business Analytics

Course

Distance MBA

College Type 

Private

Duration

2 Years 

Course Fee 

INR 30,000 (Per Annum) 

Entrance Exam

N/A

NIRF Ranking 

19

NAAC Accreditation

A++

6. Pondicherry University

Established in 1985, Pondicherry University is a coeducational, public central university. The university comprises three campuses that are NICTE and AICTE recognised. Pondicherry University offers a wide range of specialisations through its wide range of programmes and to be specifically 65 programmes. It has cultivated a creative environment that encourages students to exercise critical thought and supports the growth of their analytical skills.

The Pondicherry University division Directorate of Distance Education (PUDDE) seeks to provide inexpensive distance education. In order to prepare students for the workforce, they designed the course curriculum with the help of several industry professionals. To encourage a seamless and accommodating experience for students in remote learning, they also organise a variety of webinars & expert sessions, personal contact programmes, and learning material. Additionally, it also offers financial assistance and scholarships.

Fee Structure: Distance MBA – INR 24,925

Specialisations:

  • General MBA
  • Marketing 
  • Finance 
  • International Business 
  • Human Resource Management
  • Hospital Management (INR 55,500)

Course

Distance MBA

College Type 

Government

Duration

2 Years 

Course Fee 

INR 24,925 

Entrance Exam

N/A

NIRF Ranking 

68

NAAC Accreditation

A+

7. Chandigarh University Distance Education

Chandigarh University was established in 2012. The university received an “A+” rating by NAAC in the first cycle, making it the youngest university in Punjab to do so. The university is ranked 29th by the NIRF. It offers a setting for holistic growth, emphasising every facet of a student’s progress. They have also worked in partnership with over 350 international colleges and institutes from nations including the USA, Canada, UK, Australia, Italy, etc. to provide students worldwide exposure, providing greater employment opportunities.

The Department of Open & Distance Learning at Chandigarh University seeks to provide distance education programmes at a reasonable price. Their courses have been carefully designed to meet global standards and are student-friendly. The university is committed to developing a self-study learning system, a 24-hour support system, and access to placement services with top-notch educational resources. To ensure a smooth approach, the institution provides students with round-the-clock support with a facility called CU-VERSE.

Fee Structure: Distance: Education MBA – INR 13,850 (Per Semester)

Specialisations:

  • Finance
  • Marketing Management
  • Human Resource Management
  • International Business

Course

Distance MBA

College Type 

Private

Duration

2 Years

Course Fee 

INR 13,850 (Per Semester)

Entrance Exam

N/A

NIRF Ranking 

29

NAAC Accreditation

A+

Awards/ Recognitions 

Outlook – 7 Youngest University

8. Amity University

Amity University is among the best private universities worldwide. It is known for setting standards for higher education. The university has received an “A+” rating from NAAC. According to reports, Amity University graduates are among the most sought-after workers worldwide.

Amity University is Asia’s top distance learning platform with over 25 years of expertise in the education industry. The university’s primary goal is to provide working professionals with educational opportunities, and as a result, they promote the idea of “education anytime, anywhere.” The university has serviced more than 40,000 international students among its 2 lakh total students. Additionally, they provide a face-to-face interface, live sessions, webinars, study materials, recorded videos, and one-on-one faculty consultations, all of which are created and given by 6,000+ renowned business professionals and faculty.

Fee Structure: Distance Learning MBA: INR 2,53,000 (Complete Course)

Specialisations:

  • Human Resource Management
  • Production and Operations Management
  • Information Technology Management
  • International Business Management
  • Insurance Management
  • Entrepreneurship and Leadership Management
  • Retail Management
  • Hospitality Management
  • Petroleum and Natural Gas Management
  • Finance and Accounting Management
  • Marketing and Sales Management
  • Global Finance Market
  • Hospital and Healthcare Management
  • Banking Services

Course

Distance MBA

College Type 

Private 

Duration

2 Years 

Course Fee 

INR 2,53,000 (Complete Course)

Entrance Exam

N/A

NIRF Ranking 

43

NAAC Accreditation

A+

Awards/ Recognitions 

QS World Ranking – 34 Worldwide

(2019)

9. NMIMS – NGASCE

The Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies was founded in 1981 with the goal of providing top-notch management education and has since distinguished itself as a multidisciplinary educational organisation. The UGC has given the university the title of “Deemed-To-Be-University” in recognition of its high-quality research. By providing its students with a thorough education and advanced skill set, it aims to promote creative and effective leadership. The university has launched both individual and group research projects and is a member of international research networks in an effort to become a leader in a curriculum that is research-oriented. The NMIMS maintains a Department of International Linkages to form strategic partnerships with renowned organisations in order to offer academic exposure through engaging programmes.

The university established NMIMS Global Access School for Continuing Education as its open and distance learning division. Through its technologically assisted learning materials, the school provides complete management education with a mission to educate students to prepare them for the real world. The university provides flexible exam schedules so that working individuals can balance their careers with their day-to-day life and study schedule. To help students with financial difficulties, it offers flexible modes of payment along with hassle-free loan options.

Fee Structure: Distance MBA – INR 1,68,000 (Complete Course)

Specialisations:

  • Marketing Management
  •  Financial Management
  •  Business Management
  •  Human Resource Management
  •  International Trade Management
  •  Banking and Finance Management
  •  Supply Chain Management
  •  Operations Management
  •  Retail Management
  •  Information Technology and Systems Management

Course

Distance MBA

College Type 

Private 

Duration

2 Years 

Course Fee 

INR 1,68,000 (Complete Course)

Entrance Exam

N/A

NIRF Ranking 

16

NAAC Accreditation

A+

Awards/ Recognitions 

Economic Times – Ranked 6 

10. IFHE Hyderabad (ICFAI University)

Established in 1984, ICFAI was founded by Sri N J Yasaswy. The university is awarded Deemed-to-be-University status by the UGC. It is also graded “A+” by NAAC. It has been granted accreditation by statutory bodies of India including AACSB, AMDISA and is also a member of AIU. The university offers world-class education that is well-recognised around the globe.

The Center for Distance and Online Education, also known as IFHE Hyderabad, was established by ICFAI, and it serves as the administrative hub for all distance learning programmes like MBA. The university aims to develop entrepreneurship and leadership abilities in working professionals as well as freshers with a focus on research aptitude and practical application.

Fee Structure: Distance MBA – INR 2,00,000 (Complete Course)

 Specialisations:

  • Financial Management 
  • Global Financial Markets
  • Strategic Finance and Corporate Restructuring
  • Services Marketing
  • Strategic Marketing Management
  • Sales and Distribution Management
  • Recruitment, Training, and Development
  • Performance Management and Reward Systems
  • SMACS Technologies for Business
  • Services Operations Management

Course

Distance Education MBA

College Type 

Private

Duration

2 Years

Course Fee 

INR 2,00,000 (Complete Course) 

Entrance Exam

N/A

NIRF Ranking 

27

NAAC Accreditation

A+

Awards/ Recognitions 

Economic Times – Best Education

Brand 2020

11. IGNOU

In the field of open and distance learning in India, the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is a pioneering university. Established in the year 1985, the Central University has worked to provide students who want to pursue higher education with equal access to education. IGNOU is the first open university to receive an “A++” grade from the National Assessment Accreditation Council for its innovative education methods and pedagogy.

The institution has the resourceful, cutting-edge infrastructure to guarantee seamless, high-quality education delivery. The institution provides a wealth of electronic resources, including audio-visual lectures and PDFs, in addition to printed materials. In addition, the institution has created its own radio station named Gyan Vani and a television channel named Gyan Darshan for lecturing and guiding students with reference to coursework and exams. The university’s certificate, diploma, degree, and doctoral programmes all follow a module-based curriculum. It has established a sizable network of regional centres, learner support centres, and international universities in order to offer its students the necessary support services.

Fee Structure:  MBA – INR 31,000 (Per Annum)

Specialisations:

  • General MBA 
  • Banking and Finance
  • Financial Management
  • Human Resources Management
  • Marketing Management
  • Operations Management
  • Marketing Management (Hindi Medium)
 

Course

Distance MBA

College Type 

Government 

Duration

2 Years 

Course Fee 

INR 31,000 (Per Annum)

Entrance Exam

N/A

NIRF Ranking 

71

NAAC Accreditation

A++

Awards/ Recognitions 

QS World Ranking – 3264 of 14,131

12. University of Madras

Established during the 19th centure, Madras University is a renowned state university located in the state of Tamil Nadu. The university has received an “A” rating by NAAC for its efforts to deliver industry specialisaed education. Additionally, it has received “University with Potential for Excellence” by UGC.

The University of Madras established the Institute of Remote Education in 1981 with the goal of providing comprehensive education via distance learning. The institution provides its distance education students with both print and digital resources. Additionally, the university provides effective Centre for Web-based E-Learning. The university has a sizable network of modern learning centres to provide students with the necessary services all round the globe.

Fee Structure:

  • MBA – INR 19,350 (For Madras University Graduates)
  • INR 19,750 (For Other University Graduates)

Specialisation:

  • Human Resource Management
  • Financial Management
  • Hospital Management
  • Logistics and Supply Chain Management
  • Marketing Management
  • Systems Management

Course

Distance Learning MBA

College Type 

Private 

Duration

2 Years 

Course Fee 

INR 19,350 Per Annum (For Madras University Graduates) 

INR 19,750 Per Annum (For Other University Graduates)

Entrance Exam

N/A

NIRF Ranking 

39

NAAC Accreditation

A

Future of Distance MBA

As much as the technology evolves, humans crave for the “old-school” vibe. Apparently, distance education does not do that. Hence, it calls for the question “Is distance education here to stay?”

Studies have shown that in the United States alone, there are 358 distance MBA programmes, and more institutions are jumping on board. The part-time MBA programmes at NYU Stern and the Haas School of Business at UC-Berkeley will open doors for students to the online application. Boston University’s MBA batch has more than 1700 students and counting.

The rise in enrolment and more and more universities becoming a part of the online and distance education market testifies to its evergreen nature. India’s New Education Policy 2020 has also talked about the following paraments to encourage distance education:

  1. Pilot studies for Digital Education
  2. Introduce E-Learning Methods and Tools such as “DIKSHA” 
  3. Introduce Digital Infrastructure 
  4. Virtual Labs should be an integral part 
  5. Online Assessments and Examination
  6. A Dedicated Council will be set up for Digital Education

Takeaway

“The need for learning flexibility, even beyond evening/weekend in-person delivery, is very attractive for folks in many industries. Labour markets globally are strong, so the need for flexibility extends beyond national boundaries, too. During the pandemic, more people became comfortable with the concept and reality of online learning.”

-Sarah Perez, Managing Director of MBA Programmes, University of North Carolina’s Kenan-Flagler Business School

Recently, the UGC has notified that distance education degrees are at par with regular degrees. Keeping that in mind, more and more students are enrolling in these courses, especially working professionals. Additionally, top Indian universities are also participating in the distance education market given the rise in demand. The enrollment numbers in distance learning MBA programmes in India are expected to shoot up and many more developments are expected in 2023.

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