Aayushi
21 September, 2024
Table of Contents
Wouldn’t it be great to have Doraemon’s pocket or his anywhere door? You could continue with your job, and the next minute, you can switch to the student mode to pursue your MBA degree. If you are someone who has been aiming for career advancement and a salary hike, then you have got your ‘anywhere door’, the online education option. The flexibility and convenience of an online MBA programme are like a magic pocket where you can accomplish your academic goals without giving up on anything. The challenge is when you have to decide the right online MBA college.
India is home to some of the best management colleges, which offer valid and credible online degrees. So, how do you find the ‘one’ for you? This blog will discuss what an ideal online MBA college looks like, how to find the right college and summarise a list of the top 10 online MBA colleges in India.
Let’s begin!
The best part of an online MBA is its flexibility and convenience. Well, it wasn’t the reason people started enrolling in online courses a few years ago. Back then, it was a necessity, but now it has become a choice. Since the demand has increased, so many colleges in the market offer online MBA degrees. You are bound to get confused about this. If you are scratching your head to find the ideal online MBA college, then you need to have a clear picture of what an ideal online MBA looks like.
Here are the top features of an ideal online MBA college:
UGC-accredited online MBA
Good rankings and affiliations with international bodies
Interactive learning content
Case-based learning
Practice-based learning should be focused
Continuous feedback and assessment system
Advanced learning management system
Good student support services, including discussion forums, chats, etc
Experience and expertise of the faculty
Industry partnerships and networks
Vast alumni network working in corporate giants
Classroom flexibility options and the examination mode
Scholarships and financial aids
You have nearly tons of online MBA college options since no physical class is this season’s trend. Should you go for the brand or something regional? Are the fee programmes always better than others? Does it matter if your online MBA has live classes, student-teacher interactions, or workshops? There must be a long list of questions running through your mind concerning the ideal online MBA college.
Yes, all of this matters when choosing the right online MBA college. We have combined a few things you must consider when making this decision.
Look into the rankings and accreditations of the college. Look for UGC-DEB accreditation, NAAC grade, AICTE approval, and the college’s NIRF ranking. If the college has UGC approval, its online MBA degree will be valid in the market.
See whether the curriculum and specialisations offered are in line with your goals. You should check the programme syllabus thoroughly.
Set a budget and accordingly shortlist the university based on Affordability. Consider the financial expenses you will have to bear during this programme, the fee structure of every college, calculate their ROI, and whether they provide any financial aid.
Student support and academic facilities should be comparable to those of the offline system. This is what makes your learning experience worthwhile.
Placement assistance is among the most crucial factors to consider when choosing the right online MBA college. Some colleges offer mock interviews, virtual placement drives, resume-building services, and other facilities.
You might not believe it, but the location of the college also matters for online MBA courses. If the college is in a corporate hub like Banglore , the institution will likely attract many industries for placement and network building. However, it is a personal choice because not everyone may find it suitable, and it is entirely ok.
By now, you must have gained an idea of what to look for in an online MBA college. Let’s move on to the top 10 online MBA colleges in India and what was the criteria for this list.
In this blog, we have enlisted the top 10 online MBA colleges after carefully scrutinising the above points and deep research. The following criteria were used to list these institutes in this blog:
Only the UGC-DEB-approved universities are listed so that you don’t pursue an invalid degree.
College’s score in NIRF ranking 2024 and other educational rankings
The reputation of the institution and its management education
The relevancy of its curriculum to the industry standards
Coursework should involve case studies and other practice-based learning format
Career services, assistance and placement opportunities for online learners
Fee structure, financial aid, and scholarships offered
Positive reviews are given by the ongoing students and alumni
Industry and other institutional collaborations
Past record of the institution’s academic infrastructure
Strong student support facilities and academic assistance
Based on the above criteria, here is the list of the top 10 online MBA colleges in India.
NMIMS is a highly reputed name for management education in India. Since 1981, it has been offering world-class programmes and trained several business leaders. NMIMS CDOE (Centre for Distance and Online Education) is the institution’s remote learning branch that offers an online MBA programme. The institution has designed the curriculum as per the UGC guidelines, and every subject has recorded videos and live lectures. It covers detailed business administration concepts to exhibit critical thinking skills and develop your expertise in the chosen niche.
USPs of NMIMS CDOE:
The course content comprises recorded videos and digital study materials.
There would be live lectures, which include teaching sessions, doubt-clearing sessions, informative podcasts, case study discussions, and masterclasses.
You get access to a digital library
Call, chat and ticket support to address your queries.
500+ hiring partners
Complete placement and career assistance
Access to digital library
Experienced faculty to guide your way
NMIMS CDOE’s Online MBA Course Details:
Programme Duration: 2 years
Fees Structure: The fee for the Online MBA programme is INR 1,05,000 per year. Additionally, there is an admission processing fee of INR 1,200, an exam fee of INR 800 per subject per attempt, and a project fee of INR 1,500 per attempt.
Eligibility: You must have completed a bachelor’s degree in any discipline with a minimum of 50% marks or an equivalent degree approved by AIU
Accreditation & Ranking: UGC-DEB, AICTE, NAAC A+, AACSB, 21st rank in NIRF Management Ranking 2024
Specialisations Offered: Business Management, Marketing, Operations and Data Science, Human Resources, Finance
Financial Aid: An EMI facility is available with and without a credit card. Further, a 20% fee concession is offered to the armed forces, defence personnel and their immediate family members.
Must Read: 10 Reasons Why NMIMS CDOE is a Game Changer for Working Professionals
Amity University is a name known to every student in the country, whether for graduation or post-graduation. The university offers a wide range of courses in offline, online, and distance learning modes. Its online degrees are UGC-entitled, so the question of its validity is a myth. In its online MBA programme, you get a comprehensive understanding of the business world from industry experts and through real-world case studies.
USPs of Amity Online:
400+ hours of recorded lessons
Real-world projects
Masterclasses for interview preparation and resume building
Multi-format learning material like printed books, audiobooks, e-books, videos, etc.
Virtual placement drives
500+ hiring partners
Top-ranked faculty
Amity Online MBA Course Details:
Programme Duration: 2 years
Fee Structure: The per-semester fee is INR 49,750, which amounts to INR 1,99,000 for the complete course.
Eligibility: Graduate in any stream with a minimum of 40% marks in bachelor’s from a recognised university. You must appear in a standard test if the marks are below 40%.
Accreditation & Ranking: UGC-DEB, AICTE, NAAC A+, IAU, WES, ACBSP, IACBE, 29th NIRF rank 2024 (management category)
Specialisations Offered: International Finance, Digital Marketing Management, Digital Entrepreneurship, Business Analytics, Data Science, HR Analytics, and Business Analytics.
Financial Aid: There is a zero-cost EMI option with specific terms and conditions. The instalment for a 24-month EMI would be INR 8,292.
Must Read: Is Amity University Good for Online MBA?
The Centre for Online Learning at Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth (DPU – COL) offers an advanced online learning platform for convenient access to quality education. DPU – COL is counted among the top-tier institutions in India for online degrees. Its industry collaborations, modern facilities, practical exposure, and distinguished faculty make the online MBA degree worth the investment.
USPs of Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Centre for Online Learning:
Interactive learning with faculty
Complement professional grooming
Regular sessions with industry stalwarts
Counselling sessions
24/7 web support for digital library
Online assessments and assignments
Last-minute revision, case-based learning, and discussion forums
Counselling sessions
DPU COL Online MBA Course Details:
Programme Duration: 2 years
Fee Structure: The total fee for this course is INR 1,69,200, which includes INR 45,000 for the first three semesters and INR 34,200 for the fourth semester.
Eligibility: A bachelor’s degree from a recognised university with a minimum of 50% marks. For reserved category candidates, the minimum mark requirement is 45%.
Accreditation & Ranking: UGC-DEB, AICTE, NAAC A++, WES, AIU, ACU, 44th NIRF rank 2024 (university category)
Specialisations Offered: Marketing Management, Human Resource Management, Finance Management, IT Management, Project Management, Operations Management, Hospital Administration and Health Care Management, International Business Management, FinTech Management, Business Analytics Management, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Management, Logistics, Materials and Supply Chain Management, Blockchain Management, Digital Marketing Management and Agri-Business Management.
Financial Aid: The university offers an INR 10,000 scholarship to those who pay the fee in a single transaction or two transactions within 15 days. Additionally, the defence personnel and differently-abled candidates get 5% off on the tuition fee.
The Manipal Group has different institutions under and off-campuses in India and abroad. Manipal University Jaipur initiated the Online Manipal wing, which offers online degrees. The online MBA programme is offered by two Manipal institutions, i.e. Manipal University Jaipur and MAHE. The course provided by MAHE is specifically designed for working professionals. The Manipal online MBA has 11 in-demand specialisations to tailor your coursework as per your interest.
USPs of Manipal Online:
100% placement assistance
Weekly webinars with industry experts
Free access to 10k+ courses on Coursera
Campus immersion for in-person meetups
Real-world case studies
Alumni interaction during and after the course completion
UNext – virtual programming lab
EPIC.U – the community networking app
Remote proctored exams
Manipal Online MBA Course Details:
Programme Duration: 2 years
Fee Structure: The complete fee for an online MBA by Manipal University Jaipur is INR 1,75,000 wheres an online MBA (for working professionals) by MAHE is INR 2,80,000.
Eligibility: Graduation in any discipline with 50% minimum marks from a recognised university is required. For online MBA for working professionals, one year of work experience is also mandatory to apply.
Accreditation & Rankings: UGC-DEB, AICTE, WES, NAAC A+, 73rd NIRF rank 2024 (management category),
4th Rank by NIRF University Ranking 2024 (for MAHE), 64th Rank by NIRF University Ranking 2024 (for Manipal University Jaipur)
Specialisations Offered: Finance, Marketing, Human Resource Management, Analytics and Data Science, BFSI, IT & FinTech, Operations Management, International Business, Information System Management, Project Management, Supply Chain Management, Healthcare Management, Pharmaceutical Management, and Fashion Management.
Financial Aid: Low-interest financing options and EMI facilities are starting from INR 11,667 per month. There are exclusive scholarships for defence personnel, disabled people, meritorious students, and MAHE alumni, which range from 10% to 20%. Moreover, you will get a 5% fee concession if you make the full payment.
Related: Is Manipal Online MBA Recognised?
Chandigarh University is one of the most celebrated institutions in North India. It offers a UGC-entitled online MBA degree whose curriculum is at par with regular courses. It is designed to provide you with in-depth management training and expand your career prospects. It has various hands-on experience features to make the course relevant to the industry standards.
USPs of Chandigarh University Online:
Built-in internship option
Access to job portal with 300+ hiring partners
Access to Harward modules
World-class learning management system
On-demand examination
24/7 learner support
End-to-end placement support
Career counselling sessions
Chandigarh University Online MBA Course Details:
Programme Duration: 2 years
Fee Structure: The complete course fee is INR 2,00,000. If you get an early bird discount, then it becomes INR 1,50,000.
Eligibility: You must have completed a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university. CA/ICWA graduates are also eligible to apply.
Accreditation & Rankings: UGC-DEB, AIU, NAAC A+, ACU, IAU, NCHMCT, 36th NIRF rank 2024 (management category)
Specialisations Offered: Marketing, International Business, Finance, Information Technology, Retail Management, Banking and Insurance, Event Management, Airlines and Airport Management, HRM, Entrepreneurship, Disaster Management, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Hospital Management, Travel and Tourism Management, Digital Marketing, and Business Analytics.
Financial Aid: Zero interest EMI option for 24 months starting from INR 8,333
Must Read: Is Chandigarh University’s Online Degree Valid?
Another name in the list of top online MBA colleges is ICFAI Deemed-to-be University. This business school was established in 1984 with the aim of empowering future generations. Through its Center for Distance and Online Education, the university offers online MBA degrees that are open to graduates, working professionals, and entrepreneurs.
USPs of ICFAI CDOE University:
70:20:10 learning model
Hands-on experience
Career guidance
24/7 access to the learning management system (LMS)
Multiformat content
eLearning material
ICFAI Online MBA Course Details:
Programme Duration: 2 years
Fee Structure: The programme fee is INR 1,80,000, and the admission fee is INR 20,000. The total cost of the course is INR 2,00,000
Eligibility: Undergraduate in any stream from a recognised university with 50% minimum marks. Bachelor’s should be done in English. If not, then you have to submit an IELTS/TOEFL/NELT score. Apart from this, there is a micro presentation and personal interview round as well.
Accreditation & Rankings: UGC-DEB, NAAC A++, ACU, 39th NIRF rank 2024 (management category)
Specialisations Offered: ICFAI provides a long list of electives from which to choose.
Financial Aid: There are exclusive scholarships for defence, paramilitary, and police personnel and merit-based scholarships
Related: Is an MBA from ICFAI University Worth It?
Symbiosis International (Deemed University) is a multidisciplinary institution which offers UGC-approved online degrees under the umbrella of Symbiosis School for Online and Digital Learning. The programmes offered are designed to develop domain expertise and focus on outcome-based education.
USPs of Symbiosis CDL University:
Blended learning with live and recorded lectures
Industry relevant coursework
Seasoned faculty with rich industry experience
Huge alumni network
Placement support
Mock interviews and professional development programmes
Online assessments
Live student-teacher interaction
24/7 availability of the LMS
Symbiosis Online MBA Course Details:
Programme Duration: 2 years
Fee Structure: The full course fee of the programme is INR 3,00,000
Eligibility: Graduation from a recognised university of its equivalent
Accreditation & Rankings: UGC-DEB, NAAC A++, 31 NIRF rank 2024 (university category)
Specialisations Offered: Marketing, Human Resource Management, Finance, Operations, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Agri Operations Management, International Business, Business Analytics, Hospital and Health Care Management
Related: Is Symbiosis Online MBA Valid?
Adding another gem to the list of top 10 online MBA colleges in India is the Great Lakes Institute of Management. It was established in 2004 and with its stellar management education, the institution could gain prominence in a short period. Great Lakes offer an online PGDM programme, which is equivalent to an MBA degree. The programme is designed for working professionals and explains core concepts.
USPs of Great Lakes Institute of Management Online MBA/PGDM:
Recorded videos, live classes, discussion forums, and case-based learning
2 capstone and integrative projects
Campus immersion option
AICTE approved course
Career Support
Affordable MBA programme
Job-oriented curriculum
Great Lakes Institute of Management Online MBA/PGDM Course Details:
Programme Duration: 2 years
Fee Structure: The programme fee is INR 3,70,000 without the campus immersion option and INR 6,00,000 with campus immersion.
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university with 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/OBC candidates)
Accreditation & Rankings: AICTE, AMBA, NBA, SAQS, 34 NIRF rank 2024 (management category)
Specialisations Offered: Data Science and Analytics, Marketing, Operations and Finance
Financial Aid: EMI option available
UPES is a renowned name in domain-focused courses in areas like logistics, energy, petroleum, and others. UPES Online is the digital branch of the institution that offers online programmes as per the UGC’s guidelines. Its programmes include industry masterclasses and an updated curriculum for individuals striving to achieve personal goals. The university offers a wide range of industry-specific specialisations.
USPs of UPES Online:
Domain-specific specialisations
Affordable and easy financing options
Comprehensive career services
Mentorship by industry experts
Access to Coursera certifications
UPES’s Online MBA Course Details:
Programme Duration: 2 years
Fee Structure: The tuition varies as per the specialisation you choose. It ranges between INR 1,75,000 – 2,20,000 for the complete course.
Eligibility: Graduation in any discipline from a recognised university with 50% marks.
Accreditation & Rankings: UGC-DEB, NAAC A, AICTE, WES, IACBE, 41 NIRF rank 2024 (management category)
Specialisations Offered: Logistics and Supply Chain, International Business, Business Analytics, Digital Business, Human Resources, Marketing Management, Operations Management, Infrastructure Management, Oil and Gas, Power Management and Financial Management.
Financial Aid: There is an easy EMI plan of 24 months for stress-free payments
In the list of top 10 online MBA colleges, Jain University, located in Bangalore, stands tall. Jain University has 30 years of legacy in providing outstanding education and continuously upgrading its quality. It offers a wide range of online programmes at UG and PG level which can be completed in different specialisations. The curriculum of Jain’s online MBA focuses on outcome-based learning methods.
USPs of Jain Online University:
Technology-enabled learning with flipbooks, virtual labs, etc.
Practical based course
Beyond the class activities
2000+ hiring corporates
24/7 career assistance
Access to 20000+ LinkedIn courses
Pre-recorded lessons
Doubt clearing sessions
Career advancement services powered by foundit
Jain’s Online MBA Course Details:
Programme Duration: 2 years
Fee Structure: The programme ranges between INR 1,60,000 to 1,80,000. It varies as per the specialisation you choose.
Eligibility: You must have completed a bachelor’s in any stream from a recognised university. A minimum of 50% marks is required for applying; even if you are a final semester bachelor’s student, you are also eligible to apply.
Accreditation & Rankings: UGC-DEB, NBA, WES, ACU, AIU, AICTE, AIU, 65 NIRF Rank 2024 (University category)
Specialisations Offered: Marketing, Finance, Human Resources Management, General Management, Systems and Operations Management, Human Resource Management and Finance, Finance and Marketing, Marketing and Human Resource Management, and Logistics and Supply Chain Management.
Financial Aid: Zero interest EMI facility available
Also Read: Is Jain University Good For Online MBA?
This list has brought down to the best business school options for online MBA. Among the many, these are the best university options for your MBA dream. Although not all will be good for you, you must carry out in-depth research or consult a career counsellor to narrow down the list further. While you do so, keep in mind what an ideal online MBA college would look like for you and what your career goals are.