Download the app to find the best colleges for you
Download now

Distance MBA in India in 2023-24: Top Colleges, Courses & Fees

Mahima Gupta
Mahima GuptaUpdated On: November 15, 2023 02:04 pm IST

Planning to pursue Distance MBA in India? Here's everything you need to know about top distance MBA colleges in India, courses, fees, career scope, job profiles, and more!

Distance MBA in India: Top Distance MBA Colleges, Courses & Fees

Distance MBA in India is often regarded as a flexible and affordable option, which does not require you to attend classes regularly. In the current scenario, MBA has become a mandatory qualification for career progression in varied fields. MBA course in distance mode is officially recognized by the UGC-DEB/ AICTE if done from an approved institution. Top distance MBA colleges in India have the authority to offer MBA courses in distance mode. Aspirants who are unable to pursue an MBA course due to career/ professional commitments or lack of time can consider a distance MBA course as a better option.

Today, distance MBA in India is slowly gaining momentum. One of the major advantages of a distance MBA is its affordable fee structure in comparison to the Executive MBA. Over the years, considering the growing demand for distance MBA courses, top institutes in India have started to offer UGC/ AICTE-approved distance MBA courses with an aim to help the classes get their MBA certificate without going through the rigour of the classroom and college campus. If you are planning to pursue a Distance MBA in India, then have a look at the important details given below.

Also ReadDistance MBA vs Online MBA vs Regular MBA

Distance MBA in India Course Highlights

Check the major highlights of the Distance MBA in India course in India.
ParticularsDetails
Distance MBA in India Course LevelPost graduation
Distance MBA in India Duration2 years
Distance MBA in India EligibilityGraduation in any discipline with 50% aggregate score or equivalent CGPA
Distance MBA in India Admission ProcessMerit-based / Entrance Exams
Distance MBA in India Entrance ExamsCAT, MAT, XAT, NMAT, SNAP, etc
Distance MBA in India Course Fees (INR)INR 1,00,000 - INR 3,00,000
Distance MBA in India Average Salary (INR)INR 3,00,000 - INR 10,00,000
Distance MBA in India Job Profiles
  • Investment Banker
  • Credit Analyst
  • Project Manager
  • Financial Analyst

Types of Distance MBA Colleges in India

The Ministry of HRD under the guidance of the Government of India has identified six kinds of institutions to offer the best distance MBA in India mentioned below:

Types of Distance MBA CollegeSub-Type
Distance MBA provided by the State Open Universities-
Distance MBA provided by the National Open University(IGNOU)-
Distance Education Institutions (DEIs) at Institutions of National Importance
  • Central Universities
  • State Universities
  • Deemed to be Universities
  • State Private Universities
Distance MBA offered by DEIs at the stand-alone Institutions
  • Professional Associations
  • Government Institutions
  • Private institutions

Top Distance MBA Colleges in India for 2023-24: Courses Offered & Fee Structure

The table below includes the college list of the best distance learning MBA in India along with the courses offered and the fee structure

Name of College

Courses Offered

Duration

Approx. Fee Structure

University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES), Dehradun

  • MBA in Power Management
  • MBA in Financial Management
  • MBA in International Business
  • MBA in Business Analytics
  • MBA in Digital Business
  • MBA in Human Resources
  • MBA in Operations Management
  • MBA in Marketing Management
  • MBA in Logistics and Supply Chain Management
2 years

Rs. 1,50,000 - 1,75,000

Chandigarh University

  • MBA in Finance
  • MBA in Marketing Management
  • MBA in Human Resource Management
  • MBA in International Business
2 years

Rs. 17,840 per semester

Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)

MBA

2-4 years

Rs. 62,000

Lovely Professional University

  • MBA in Human Resource Management
  • MBA in Marketing Management
  • MBA in Finance
  • MBA in Data Science
  • MBA in Operations Management
  • MBA in International Business
  • MBA in Information Technology
  • MBA in Digital Marketing
  • MBA in Business Analytics
2-4 years

Rs.58,000 - 62,000

Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning

  • Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration
  • Post Graduate Diploma in Banking & Financial Services
  • Post Graduate Diploma in Data Science
  • Post Graduate Diploma in Human Resource Management
2 years

Rs. 58,000

Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, Mumbai

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

Rs. 1,68,000

IMT Ghaziabad

  • PGDM in Finance/ Operations/ Marketing/ Human Resource Management/ Business Analytics & Strategy
  • PGDM Executive
12-15 months

Rs. 1,25,000

SRM University, Chennai

  • MBA in Marketing
  • MBA in Finance
  • MBA in Business Analytics
  • MBA in Human Resource Management
2-4 yearsRs. 60,000
Welingkar Institute of Management (WeSchool)
  • MBA in Marketing Management
  • MBA in Finance Management
  • MBA in Human Resource Management
  • MBA in Retail Management
  • MBA in Operations Management
  • MBA in Supply Chain Management
  • MBA in Business Administration
  • MBA in E-business Management
  • MBA in Rural & Agribusiness Management
  • MBA in Hospitality Management
  • MBA in Healthcare Management
  • MBA in Travel and Tourism Management
  • MBA in IT Project Management
  • MBA in E-commerce Management
  • MBA in International Business Management
  • MBA in Media & Advertising Management
  • MBA in Banking, Investment & Insurance Management
2 yearsRs. 1,01,000

Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak

Master of Business Administration (Financial Markets) or MBA (FM)2 years

Rs. 30,000

Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu

  • MBA in International Business 
  • MBA in Human Resource Management 
  • MBA in Marketing Management 
  • MBA in Financial Management 
  • MBA in Information Systems
  • MBA in Hospital Management 
2 years

Rs. 49,000

Amity University

  • MBA in Digital Entrepreneurship
  • MBA in Business Analytics
  • MBA in HR Analytics
  • MBA in Digital Marketing Management
2 years

Rs. 1,79,000

GITAM – Centre for Distance Learning, Visakhapatnam (Institute of Eminence)

  • MBA General
  • MBA in Human Resource Management
2 years

Rs. 56,000

Jain University, Bangalore

Master of Business Administration2 yearsRs. 86,500

Andhra University (CDL)

MBA

2 years

Rs. 51000

Acharya Nagarjuna University, Andhra Pradesh

Master of Human Resource Management

2 years

Rs. 20,280

Jagannath University, Jaipur

  • MBA in Supply Chain Management
  • MBA in Media Management
  • MBA in Hospital Management
  • MBA in Information Technology
  • MBA in Human Resources Management
  • MBA in International Business Management
  • MBA in Finance Management
  • MBA in Marketing Management
  • MBA in Entrepreneurship Management
  • MBA in Operations Management
  • MBA in Project Management
  • MBA in Digital Marketing
2 yearsRs. 13,500 per semester

Distance MBA Course Specializations

The distance MBA course specializations vary from one institute to another but the major specializations include the following:

Accounting

Marketing

Finance

Retail

International Business

Human Resource Management

Information TechnologyHospital and Healthcare Management
Hospitality and Hotel ManagementSales
Business AnalyticsForeign Trade

Also ReadBest MBA Specializations in India

Types of Distance MBA Courses in India 2023-24

Various universities and institutes offer the following types of distance courses in the field of management.

Course

Duration

Course Details

PGDM/ MBA

2 years

It is the most popular and common MBA distance education course. The syllabus and course curriculum of distance MBA are similar to the regular program.

PGD in Business Administration (PGDBA)

1 year

It is a one-year diploma course divided into 2 semesters, that deals with the study of management of the business, general operations administration, finance, marketing, etc. The total fees range from INR 10,000 to 25,00,000.

Certifications in Business Management

3 or 6 months

Certification in Business Management courses deals with planning, executing, organizing, directing, and managing the activities of the business to meet the goals of the organization. The course fees range from INR 10K to  8 lakhs.

Distance MBA Syllabus and Subjects

The distance MBA comprises four semesters where the first two semesters focus on the core subjects while the third and fourth semesters focus is mainly on specializations.

Semester I

Semester II

Semester III

Semester IV

Principles and Practice of Management

Production/Operation Management

Required Specialisation 1

Project

Organizational Behaviour

Human Resource Management

Required Specialisation 2

Required Specialisation 4

Management Accounting

Marketing Management

Required Specialisation 3

Required Specialisation 5

Management Economics

Financial Management

Elective 1

Elective 4

Business Law

Marketing Management

Elective 2

Elective 5

Managerial Practices and Standards

Management Information system

Elective 3

Elective 6

Distance MBA in India: Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria to pursue a distance MBA is mentioned below:

  • Any graduate with at least three years of work experience can apply for a distance MBA
  • Many institutes have their own entrance exams and some institutes don't conduct any entrance tests. For example, NMIMS Global Acces School for Continuing Education offers admission to the distance MBA course basis the eligibility criteria (bachelor's degree in any course from a recognized institute with at least 50% aggregate and two years of work experience).
Also ReadMBA Entrance Exams in India 2023

    Distance MBA in India: Benefits

    Pursuing a distance MBA course has certain advantages. Given below are the strengths and features of pursuing a distance MBA course:

    Benefits of Distance MBA Courses | CollegeDekho

    • Easy Accessibility: Distance learning MBA courses are regarded as best for entrepreneurs, working professionals, or those who are searching for a job after graduation and wish to fulfill their dream of pursuing an MBA. Distance MBA gives scope for flexibility of time. In a regular MBA course, students are bound to attend the classes regularly. They can utilize evenings and weekends to study and cover the syllabus.
    • Scope for Continuous Learning: The course is designed in such a way that it provides scope for self-study for candidates to refer to a variety of resources to obtain subject knowledge for better understanding and perform well in exams and ultimately add to their own professional growth.
    • Digital Education: Some top institutes in India utilize the ICT methods for delivering a good MBA course that adds a perfect tool to minimize the gap between a regular MBA and a distance MBA. It further creates a hybrid learning environment through e-learning and personal contact programs.
    • Affordability: A distance MBA in India is cost-effective as well. While a regular MBA may cost about Rs. 10 lakh - Rs. 25 lakh in top institutes, a distance MBA might cost about INR 50,000 - INR 1 lakh.
    • Industry-Relevant Curriculum: Since Distance MBA courses are created for working professionals, special care is taken to ensure that their curriculum is relevant and focuses on practical learning with case studies.

    Distance MBA in India: Career Scope and Top Recruiters

    After pursuing a distance MBA course, candidates can choose to work in private, public, or government sectors in various domains listed below:

    • Marketing: A course in distance MBA can open opportunities in advertising agencies, sales, and marketing departments, and event management companies.
    • Finance: After pursuing a distance MBA in Finance, one can choose to work in insurance companies, trading and broking firms, and credit rating agencies.
    • Operations Management: After pursuing a distance MBA course in operations management, one can work in distribution and logistics, and production.
    • Human Resource Management: Management aspirants can also work in the HR departments of various national and multinational companies, counselling, career development, recruitment, and training agencies after pursuing a distance MBA.
    Other areas of recruitment after pursuing a Distance MBA in India include:
    • Banks
    • Brand & Marketing
    • Export Companies
    • Personal Business
    • Industrial Houses
    • Educational Institutes
    • Financial Organisations
    • Business Consultancies
    • Non- Profit Organisations
    • Multinational Companies

    Top Distance MBA Recruiters in India

    Wipro

    Vodafone

    HCL

    Axis Bank

    IBM

    HDFC Bank

    TCS

    Hindustan Unilever

    Bosch Ltd

    Capgemini

    Accenture

    Jindal Steel and Power

    Tata Sky

    Amazon

    PwC


    Also ReadCareer Scope after Completing Distance MBA

    Distance MBA Job Role and Average Salary Offered

    Aspirants can find the job roles offered to students after pursuing a distance MBA along with their salary in the table mentioned below.

    Distance MBA Job Roles

    Job Profile

    Average Salary (Per Annum)

    Financial Analyst

    INR 9.35 LPA

    Portfolio Manager

    INR  3.50 LPA

    Executive

    INR 4.50 LPA

    Credit Risk Manager

    INR 4.95 to INR 7.00 LPA

    Senior Executive

    INR 4.00 LPA

    Corporate Associate

    INR 2.65 to INR 10.71 LPA

    Note: The salary figures stated above have been taken from Payscale.

    Limitations of Distance MBA Course

    There are certain disadvantages as well when it comes to pursuing a distance MBA course. The limitations of a distance MBA are as follows:

    • Status: Even though a distance MBA has industry relevance, it cannot be given the same stature as that of a regular MBA course which is regarded highly in our country and even abroad.
    • Few Colleges: Only a limited number of institutes offer quality distance MBA courses in India. A poor-quality distance MBA course will have less industry relevance and scope for employment.

    Difference Between MBA Distance Learning & Regular MBA

    Candidates can find the difference between a distance MBA in India and a regular MBA in the table prescribed below.

    Points of Difference

    Distance MBA

    Regular MBA

    Overview & Introduction

    Distance MBA is imparted to students without physical presence through online mediums.

    MBA full form stands for Master of Business Administration. A full-time or regular MBA is a 2-year course divided into four semesters. 

    Physical 

    Presence

    The physical presence of students is not required.

    The physical presence of students is compulsory.

    Delivery of Program

    Distance MBA is delivered through an online platform and study material is provided in the form of soft copies or via post.

    The Full-time MBA program is delivered in Offline mode and the schedule remains fixed.

    Flexibility

    In distance MBA there is flexibility in terms of test schedule, and submission of online assignments.

    There is less flexibility in terms of the exam date and assignment submission. It follows a strict schedule.

    Fee Range

    A distance MBA fee ranges from INR 20,000 to 3 Lakhs.

    The fee for a regular MBA ranges from INR 4 Lakhs to 30 Lakhs.

    Admission Process

    Students are enrolled in Distance MBA based on their merit and entrance exam scores.

    Candidates get admission to MBA programs via entrance tests and merit.

    Scoring

    The scoring is based on the final examination.

    The scoring is based on the student's class performance, exams, and assignments.


    We hope that the above information is useful for you while choosing a perfect distance MBA course and college in India. Candidates can also check out the articles mentioned below to know about MBA admissions.

    Related Articles:

    Jobs after MBA

    List of Non-IIM MBA Colleges to Apply to Before and After CAT 2023 Exam

    Direct MBA Admission Without Entrance Exam

    List of Top MBA Colleges Accepting CAT 2023 Scores in 2024

    Best ROI MBA Colleges in India 2023

    MBA Admission Process in India


    If you require any information about admission to distance learning courses in India, just call our helpline number 18005729877 and talk to our career counsellor. If you wish to apply for popular MBA colleges in India, fill out our Common Application Form (CAF). If you have any doubts, you can ask our experts in the CollegeDekho QnA Zone.

    FAQs

    What are the required skills to pursue distance MBA in India?

    The required skills to pursue a distance MBA in India are good communication skills, management skills, leadership qualities, analytical skills, strategic thinking and analysis, networking skills, dealing with high-pressure situations, professional pragmatism, time management, decision-making, and leadership skills. 

    What popular specializations are offered at top distance MBA colleges in India?

    The popular specializations offered at top distance MBA colleges in India are Human Resources, Finance, Sales and Marketing, International Business, IT and Systems, Retail, and Operations. NMIMS Mumbai offers PGD-Business Management, Retail Management, PGD-Marketing Management, PGD-Financial Management, PGD-Human Resource Management, PGD-International Trade Management, PGD-Banking And Finance, and PGD-Supply Chain Management over a span of 2 years. Prin LN Welingkar Institute of Management offers specializations in Marketing Management; Finance Management; Human Resource Management; Retail Management Operations Management; Supply Chain Management; Business Administration; E-Business; International Business; Banking, and Investment and Insurance.

    Do IIMs provide distance MBA?

    No, IIMs don't provide distance MBA to aspirants but they provide Executive MBA/PGDM, Diploma, and Certificate programmes in management in distance mode. They mostly provide short-term management career-enhancing programmes that are taught via distance learning or an online/blended format that only require candidates to attend a selected few classes.

    What is the average fee for distance MBA in India?

    The average fee for a distance MBA in India ranges from INR 50,000 to 2 lakh per annum. The course fee at NMIMS is INR 1,44,000. At Symbiosis Pune, the course fee is INR 50,000, and at Welingkar Mumbai, it is INR 1,01,000.

    What are the top recruiters for distance MBA course in India?

    The major recruiters for distance MBA in India are Wipro, Vodafone, Axis Bank, IBM, Hindustan Unilever, etc. Graduates in Distance MBA can seek employment in Business Consultancies, Brand & Marketing, Non- Profit Organisations, Personal Business, Industrial Houses, Multinational Companies, Educational Institutes, Export Companies, and Financial Organisation.

    What is Distance MBA?

    Distance MBA is a type of MBA course in which a student is not required to attend physical classes as classes are conducted through correspondence or are held online.

    What is the advantage of doing distance MBA?

    Distance MBA education is very advantageous for people who don't have the time to pursue a full-time MBA course. One such example is working professionals. Distance MBA provides such candidates a means of learning from any place at their convenience. Plus, the courses are generally more affordable and updated to suit the industry.

    What are the top colleges offering Distance MBA?

    Some of the top colleges offering Distance MBA courses include IGNOU, UPES Dehradun, SCDL (Symbiosis), LPU, NMIMS, MDU Rohtak, etc.

    Is Distance MBA learning recognized by the industry?

    Yes, Distance MBA courses have complete recognition in the industry. Many reputed institutions offer high-quality distance MBA courses, which are recognized around the world.

    What are the main limitations of studying Distance MBA in India?

    Lack of exposure and networking ability is one of the major limitations of a Distance MBA. A classroom environment is generally considered better for learning and interacting with other people. The number of colleges offering distance MBA is also quite less compared to full-time MBA colleges. Other than that, there are no major disadvantages posed by distance MBA learning.

    Which is better Distance MBA or Regular MBA?

    Both Regular MBA and Distance MBA have their own advantages and disadvantages. It is the specific requirements of a student that make either one of these two options a better choice than the other. When it comes to job opportunities and career prospects after graduation, there isn't too much difference between a regular MBA and a distance MBA. The major difference between the two is the amount of freedom and flexibility that comes with the course delivery. In this fast-paced world we live in, many individuals do not have the luxury of pursuing a full-time MBA due to time and financial constraints. For such individuals, distance MBA courses are the best option. However, if an individual can afford a regular MBA they must go for the same, as it helps students gain more exposure.

    What are the top job profiles for distance MBA graduates?

    It is a common assumption that distance MBA graduates do not gain the same amount of job opportunities as regular MBA graduates. Although regular MBA graduates enjoy placement opportunities after their graduation which is an advantage that distance MBA students do not have, the career prospects of distance MBA students are not far from regular MBAs. Some of the top job profiles for distance MBA graduates are:

    • Marketing Manager
    • Business Development Manager
    • Medical Practice Manager
    • Finance Manager
    • Pharmaceutical Manager
    • Operations Manager
    • Human Resources Manager
    • Regional Sales Manager
    • Brand Manager
    • Digital Media Manager

    What is the average salary offered to distance MBA graduates?

    One of the most influential factors when choosing an MBA course is the average salary that students expect to earn after graduation. The better the average salary after a course, the better the Return on Investment that students will enjoy. The average salary offered to distance MBA graduates is quite lucrative if students have pursued their course from a reputable university. Some of the most lucrative job roles for distance MBA graduates along with their average annual salary are mentioned below:

    • Marketing Manager - INR 6.83 LPA
    • Business Development Manager - INR 5.98 LPA
    • Financial Analyst - INR 4.14
    • Finance Manager - INR 9.96
    • Pharmaceutical Manager - INR 4.44

    Can distance MBA only be pursued by working professionals?

    It is a well-known fact that distance MBA programs are mostly pursued by individuals who have other commitments like a full-time job. A majority of distance MBA students are either working professionals or handle their own businesses. Thus, it is presumed by many that distance MBA courses are only targeted toward such individuals, which is certainly not the case. If a candidate wants to pursue an MBA in distance learning, they do not necessarily need to be a working professional. Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree in any discipline from an accredited college or university to meet the eligibility requirements.

    What are the factors that determine the quality of a distance MBA course?

    There are several institutes and universities in India that offer Distance MBA courses to students. However, it is of utmost importance that students keep certain requirements in mind when selecting a distance MBA program. Choosing the right distance MBA course can provide aspirants with a decent headstart in their careers. Candidates should check that the institutions are accredited by the Distance Education Bureau, All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), or University Grants Commission (UGC) before choosing a distance MBA program. In addition, the acceptance of the institution or programs on the job market matters. In addition, there are other elements such as cost, curriculum, pedagogy, etc.

    View More
    /articles/distance-mba-in-india-top-distance-mba-colleges-courses-fees/
    View All Questions

    Related Questions

    Is admission possible here in MBA without any entrance exam?

    -Sumit AntilUpdated on November 25, 2023 03:51 PM
    • 5 Answers
    Puneet Hooda, Student / Alumni

    Dear student, 

    To be eligible for MBA admission in Department of Management Studies, IIT Delhi CAT score is mandatory. Candidates who have qualified CAT are shortlisted for a personal interview. Based on cumilative peformance of candidates in CAT and personal interview, they are selected for Department of Management Studies, IIT Delhi MBA admission. So, getting admission in MBA without any entrance exam is not possible.  

    READ MORE...

    whats the fee structure for mba for two years

    -shivani bahugunaUpdated on November 23, 2023 11:22 AM
    • 4 Answers
    Ankita Sarkar, Student / Alumni

    Hello Shivani,

    The fees for the MBA course at Nimbus Academy of Management is Rs 1 lakh per year. To get admitted you must have at least 50% in Graduation in any stream.

    Hope this helps. Feel free to ask for any more queries.

    READ MORE...

    Mba in hr k liye humme college se education loan provide hoga ya nhi

    -Mansi ChoudharyUpdated on November 23, 2023 11:18 AM
    • 4 Answers
    mayank Uniyal, Student / Alumni

    Dear Mansi, 

    The admission department at Rawal Institutions shall guide you through the financial assistance process during the counselling process. There are several banks that offer loan facilities for MBA programmes with an interest rate between 11 to 14 per cent. Moreover, the Rawal Institutions scholarship scheme is also offered for meritorious students to complete their education. 

    Hope this information was helpful!

    Feel free to contact us for any more questions.   

    READ MORE...

    Do you have a question? Ask us.

    • Typical response between 24-48 hours

    • Get personalized response

    • Free of Cost

    • Access to community

    Recent Articles

    Recent News

    Subscribe to CollegeDekho News

    By proceeding ahead you expressly agree to the CollegeDekho terms of use and privacy policy
    Apply Now

    Top 10 Management Colleges in India

    View All
    Top