Explore Courses
Top University
Elina
13 July, 2024
Table of Contents
Sourav is a BA graduate and a social media manager at a private firm. As he decides to upskill himself and pursue broader career opportunities, he finds an MBA programme can be a lucrative option for a career upgrade. But now, he is at a crossroads and confused between an Online MBA and an on-campus MBA programme.
The big question is whether he should leave his job and pursue a regular MBA programme (i.e., an on-campus MBA) or continue with his job and pursue an online MBA . The following questions hinder him from making a decision.
Does an online MBA have any value?
Is an online MBA equivalent to a regular MBA?
Does an online MBA provide good placement opportunities?
Is an online MBA recognised by reputed companies?
Sourav needs answers to all these questions before taking a big career leap and enrolling in a business management degree programme. This insightful blog has all the answers to Sourav’s questions. In addition, it is also a guide for all those Souravs out there who have completed BA, BTech, BCom, BBA, BPharma, BSc, etc. and want to know if an online MBA is worth it. Let’s read the answers.
On many grounds, an online MBA is similar to a regular one, just with added benefits. Like the regular MBA, it is also a two-year postgraduate degree programme that imparts knowledge regarding business administration and management practices. The programme has a rigorous curriculum that helps you hone your managerial skills and embrace leadership qualities.
Here, you get an array of industry-focused specialisation options to pick your career path and earn an MBA degree in the comfort of your home.
In 2020, the Distance Education Board (UGC-DEB) and All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) approved the Online MBA programme in India and gave it an equal degree to the regular MBA (on-campus) programme. So, one thing is clear: the value of an online MBA is seen as equivalent to an offline MBA.
Since both online and offline MBAs are considered equivalent in India and receive recognition and accreditation around the world, let’s understand which mode of MBA programme is most favoured by aspirants. Let’s find out which MBA mode is gaining momentum as a successful management programme.
According to the GMAC 2020 report, Online MBA programmes have become increasingly popular due to their flexibility and accessibility. That’s why more B-schools and universities are offering Online MBA programmes as a part of their curriculum.
Even if you want to weigh the value of an online MBA in terms of employment opportunities or recognition by elite corporations, this programme won’t disappoint you.
ProTip: However, you must consider the institute’s accreditation and reputation to assess the value of the Online MBA programme provided. Moreover, you can consider talking to experts.
Online MBA programmes offer global access to top-ranked business schools, attracting a diverse cohort of students from different countries. The Princeton Review 2023-2024 ranks the top B-schools providing online MBA.
According to a recent Forbes Survey , online MBA students outnumber full-time MBAs.
The key differences between an online MBA and an on-campus MBA are laid out below:
| Aspect | Online MBA | Regular MBA |
| Learning Mode | Imparting education through digital mode: Virtual classroom and online classes. | Traditional classroom setting with a structured schedule. |
| Flexibility | Can attend classes anytime and from anywhere. Video recordings are also available. | There is a fixed schedule and location. Video recordings are not provided in case you miss the class. |
| Cost | Much cheaper as compared to the regular MBA programme. Moreover, also saves travel charges and hostel fees. | Higher costs are due to tuition fees, housing/hostels, and commuting. |
| Networking | Limited face-to-face interaction but higher virtual networking. | In-person networking and interactions are more. |
| Access to Resources | While pursuing an online MBA, you can access recorded video lectures, a digital library, and other forms of multimedia content. | Here, you have physical access to campus libraries, labs and facilities. |
| Accreditation | One should ensure that the programme is recognised and accredited. | On-campus/regular MBA programmes generally have well-established accreditations. |
| Specialisation | A wide range of specialisations are available that align with your career goals. | There may be fewer specialisation options than an online MBA. |
| Career Support | Students can get access to online career services and virtual job fairs | On-campus career services and recruitment events. |
| Global Exposure | Candidates get opportunities to interact with international peers. | This programme involves primarily local or regional peer groups. |
Needless to say an online MBA comes with a plethora of benefits, and that is one of the primary reasons why it has been highly favoured by professionals who want to upgrade their skiils. The benefits of pursuing an Online MBA programme are as follows:
Affordable Programme Cost: Online MBA programmes are much cheaper than offline MBAs. Additionally, unlike regular MBA programmes, they cut down on hostel and travel costs.
Self-Paced Learning: Online MBA supports self-paced learning where students can complete all the modules at their own pace. It is highly flexible making it convenient for students. Thus, Online MBA programmes are often best for individuals who have full-time or part-time jobs.
Flexibility: With an online MBA, you can connect and access study material anytime from anywhere. The programme is digitally supported, and the mode of training is virtual.
Tailored Curriculum: Generally, the average work experience of applicants to top Online MBA programmes is between 2 and 10 years. Thus, the curriculum for Online MBA programmes is tailored to incorporate the latest industry updates and real-world business strategies for various experience groups.
Global Networking: Online MBA makes networking with peers, professors, and community members more accessible and global. The programme provides more options for diverse and international network connections. This would enhance your learning experience as well as boost your career prospects.
Easy Access to Study Materials: During the Online MBA programme, candidates have easy access to recorded video lectures to revise their chapters whenever they want. Moreover, they can easily access online study materials, PPTs, PDFs, etc.
Work-life Balance: Online MBA offers flexibility so that you can address family responsibilities and fulfil your professional commitments without compromising your education. With the online mode of study, you can easily manage your time without overburdening yourself.
Let’s dive in to learn the best career options and salaries after an Online MBA.
| Career Opportunities After Online MBA | Average Salary |
| Marketing Manager | ₹5.2 L/yr – ₹36 L/yr |
| Financial Analyst | ₹2.1 L/yr – ₹12.4 L/yr |
| Product Manager | ₹5.5 L/yr – ₹38 L/yr |
| Operations Manager | ₹3.0 L/yr – ₹22 L/yr |
| Data Analyst | ₹1.6 L/yr – ₹11.5 L/yr |
| Sales Manager | ₹2.2 L/yr – ₹15.9 L/yr |
| Supply Chain Manager | ₹3.0 L/yr – ₹28.8 L/yr |
Also Read: Why an Online MBA is a Game Changer for Professionals
Candidates with a preconceived mindset about Online MBA programmes should reconsider their stance. The flexibility, accessibility, and affordability of an Online MBA make it one of the popular career options for working professionals today. With equivalent recognition and accreditation to regular MBA programmes and an industry-focused curriculum, an Online MBA has the best of both worlds.
So, if you are an aspiring MBA applicant with industry experience, then, an Online MBA is the best choice for career advancement.
