Online MBA: Meaning, Benefits, Courses, and Colleges

Choosing between an MBA and a job is considered one of the most difficult decisions for young working professionals and newly graduated students. The right decision can vary for different people, depending on personal preferences, circumstances, and career aspirations. But what if we told you that you don’t have to sacrifice your job to pursue an MBA? Yes, it’s true and possible now. You can pursue an online MBA in your favourite discipline. This means you don’t have to compromise with your job or relocate to another city to earn your MBA. Thanks to today’s modern education system, backed by advanced online learning platforms, this dream can now become a reality. Let’s explore the concepts of online MBA programs, their benefits, available courses, and colleges.
Meaning of Online MBA
An online MBA (Master of Business Administration) program can be best described as a completely internet-based, modern way of earning a Master’s degree in any specialization from a recognized university. It’s a postgraduate program designed for both working professionals and recent undergraduates, allowing them to earn their MBA degree from anywhere in the world through online classes. Since this program is entirely delivered online using digital learning methods and virtual tools, students don’t need to physically visit the college or attend in-person classes. From admission to classes, and from exams to obtaining the degree, everything is done online.
Benefits of Online MBA
In recent years, the popularity of online MBAs has skyrocketed. This innovative approach to obtaining a Master’s degree in Business Administration comes with numerous benefits not found in the traditional way of pursuing an MBA. Most importantly, it allows students to acquire both knowledge and a degree from the comfort of their homes or offices, making learning more flexible and accessible. Below are a few more benefits of online or virtual MBA programs:
Study While Working: Unlike traditional full-time MBA programs, online MBA programs allow you to keep your current job. You can manage both and gain double benefits in your career.
Flexibility and Accessibility: The pre-recorded lectures, webinars, discussions, and live online classes on weekends offer a combination of flexibility and accessibility for students.
Reduces Costs: 100% online classes, exams, tests, and assignments eliminate the need for travel and accommodation. As a result, the overall cost and expenses of pursuing an MBA decrease significantly.
Study from Anywhere: Online MBA programs allow students to attend classes from anywhere in the world. All that’s needed is a stable internet connection and a laptop or mobile device. Whether you're at the office, home, or on vacation, as long as you have access to the internet and a supporting device, you can attend classes with ease.
Read Also: Best MBA Colleges in Delhi NCR Accepting CAT Score
Online MBA Programs, Fees, and Expected Salary
An MBA degree brings a high level of prestige and respect to its holder. Not only does it enhance the management skills and personality of the individual, but it also opens the doors to opportunities and career progress—if the MBA program is chosen strategically. There are many specializations and programs to choose from for an online MBA. The key is to select a program that aligns with your past experience, prior education, interests, and career objectives.
When it comes to fees, different universities and colleges have their own fee structures. We advise you to explore multiple colleges and their online MBA programs. The better the college or university you choose, the better your potential salary might be. To help you get a basic idea of online programs, fees, and salaries, we’ve compiled a short list for you below.
S.no. | Online MBA Programs | Fee & Cost | Annual Expected Salary |
1. | Banking & Finance | 80k-3 Lakh | 18-25 Lakh |
2. | Business Administration | 1-3 Lakh | 10-15 Lakh |
3. | Financial Management | 80K-3 Lakh | 20-25 Lakh |
4. | Human Resources Management | 1-3 Lakh | 10 – 15 Lakh |
5. | Operations Management | 1.5 -4 Lakh | 14 – 17 Lakh |
6. | Marketing Management | 2-6 Lakh | 10 – 15 Lakh |
7. | Supply Chain Management | 1.5-4 Lakh | 14 – 17 Lakh |
8. | Business Analytics | 2-8 Lakh | 18-25 Lakh |
9. | Digital Marketing | 2-4 Lakh | 10-15 Lakh |
10. | Wealth Management | 2-5 Lakh | 25 – 30 Lakh |
11. | Export and Import Management | 80K-3 Lakh | 18- 25 Lakh |
12. | Retail Management | 1-3 Lakh | 10 -15 Lakh |
13. | Customer Relationships Management | 2-3 Lakh | 14–17 Lakh |
14. | Insurance Management | 3-8 Lakh | 14–17 Lakh |
15. | Information Technology | 2-3 Lakh | 20-25 Lakh |
Note: Salary after the successful completion of online MBA programs depends on various factors, such as past work experience, work location, industry demand, and the reputation of the college or university from which you obtained your master's degree.
Admission, Eligibility and Selection Criteria for MBA (Online Mode)
The admission process, eligibility, and selection criteria for online MBA programs can vary from university to university. The differences primarily lie in the minimum required percentile in graduation and national entrance exams such as CAT, GMAT, NMAT, XAT, etc. It is worth noting that some colleges and universities have made it mandatory for students to clear their own entrance test, interviews, and group discussions. The good news is that the entire process is conducted online, ensuring the comfort of the students. While the eligibility and selection criteria might differ, they generally come down to some basic requirements as mentioned below:
- Applicants must have a valid undergraduate degree (3 years) from any recognized college or university.
- A minimum of 40 percentile in graduation and 50 percentiles in class 10th and 12th are typically required.
- Depending on the college and selected program, applicants may be required to have two to three years of work experience.
Best MBA Colleges with 100% Online Classes in India
S.no | College/University | Tier | Approval/Recognition | NIRF Ranking |
1. | Amity University | Tier 1 | UGC Recognized, NAAC Accredited (A+) | 57 |
2. | Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM) | Tier 1 | UGC Recognized, NAAC Accredited (A+) | 13 |
3. | Sikkim Manipal University | Tier 2 | UGC Recognized, NAAC Accredited (A+), Approved by AICTE | 101-150 (Band) |
4. | Chandigarh University | Tier 2 | UGC Recognized, NAAC Accredited (A), Approved by AICTE | 36 |
5. | Lovely Professional University (LPU) | Tier 3 | UGC Recognized, NAAC Accredited (A), Approved by AICTE | 38 |
6. | NMIMS Global | Tier 1 | UGC Recognized, NAAC Accredited (A), Approved by AICTE | 21 |
7. | National Institute of Business Management | Tier 1 | UGC Recognized, NAAC Accredited (A), Approved by AICTE | 88 |
8. | XLRI Jamshedpur | Tier 1 | UGC Recognized, NAAC Accredited (A), Approved by AICTE | 9 |
9. | Jindal Global Business School | Tier 2 | UGC Recognized, NAAC Accredited (A), Approved by AICTE | 43 |
10. | Pondicherry University | Tier 2 | UGC Recognized, NAAC Accredited (A), Approved by AICTE | 101-150 (Band) |
11. | IIM Ahmedabad | Tier 1 | UGC Recognized, NAAC Accredited (A), Approved by AICTE | 1 |
12. | Great Lake Institute of Management | Tier 2 | UGC Recognized, NAAC Accredited (A), Approved by AICTE | 34 |
Note: Please note that the recognition, ranking, and tier category of all universities are subject to constant scrutiny and may change on a yearly basis. We advise you to verify this information on the university's website.
FAQs:
What is the Difference Between Online and Traditional MBA?
In an online MBA, students don't have to visit the college for admission, classes, or exams. The course is entirely delivered through online means of communication and digital tools. On the other hand, in traditional MBA programs, students have to visit the college and attend classes in person until the completion of the course.
Is an Online MBA Degree worth it?
Yes, an online MBA program in any specialization can give wings to your professional career. The reason is that online MBA courses are certified and approved by all concerned authorities and educational agencies. Moreover, in today's world, a large number of both technical and non-technical industries have started to accept education obtained through distance learning.
Admission Requirement for an Online MBA
An applicant must have a 3-year bachelor's degree from any UGC-approved university or college. At least 50 percentiles in graduation and 60 percentiles in class 10th and 12th are not mandatory, but they will increase your chances of getting admission to any reputable university for a distance MBA.
How Long does it Take to Complete an Online MBA?
Generally, MBA programs have a two-year duration, but there are exceptions. Some programs are only one year long, while others may be three years long. Therefore, it is important to check all the details before applying for any online program.
What Programs are available in an Online MBA?
More than 30 programs are available for online MBA, but not all universities offer all of them. You may need to explore multiple universities to find the one you're interested in.
Who is Eligible for Online MBA in India?
Anyone who has a 3-year bachelor's degree from any UGC-approved university with at least 50 percentile (though not mandatory) is eligible for an online MBA.
Is Online MBA Degree Valid for Job and Further studies?
Yes, an online MBA degree is valid for both jobs and further studies if it is obtained from a UGC-approved university. However, the admission process for further studies and the employment process may have other factors to consider before accepting the application.