Distance MBA: Course Details, Eligibility, Admission, Fees
Duration
2 Years
Average Fees
INR 50,000 - 1.5 LPA
Updated on Mar 20, 2023 by Surobhi Chatterjee
Updated on Mar 20, 2023 by Surobhi Chatterjee
Distance MBA is a 2-year postgraduate course that deals with the knowledge that can be imparted without your physical presence in a class that falls under the category of a program. Distance MBA in India prepares students for a wide range of job opportunities, including Marketing Manager, Business Development Manager, Financial Analyst, Finance Manager, Pharmaceutical Manager, Medical Practice Manager, Human Resources Manager, and Operations Manager.
Distance MBA Course Details
| Degree | Masters |
| Full Form | Distance MBA |
| Duration | 2 Years |
| Age | No specific age limit |
| Minimum Percentage | 50% |
| Average Fees | INR 50,000 - 1.5 LPA |
| Average Salary | INR 6 - 8 LPA [PayScale] |
| Employment Roles | HR Manager, Marketing Manager, Operations Manager, Business Analyst, Business Development Manager, Senior Business Analyst, SAP Consultant, Area Sales Manager, Marketing Executive etc |
| Opportunities | InfoSys Limited, Oracle, Standard Chartered Bank, IBM India Private Limited, Citibank, Axis Bank, Capgemini Consulting, Vodafone, Deloitte, HSBC, Cognizant etc |
About Distance MBA
Distance MBA or MBA Distance Education is a two-year post-graduation course. The Distance MBA syllabus and subjects cover various areas of business administration such as accounting, applied statistics, human resources, business communication, business ethics, business law, entrepreneurship, marketing, supply chain management, and operations management in a manner most relevant to management analysis and strategy.
Distance MBA job scope is vast that employment opportunities are available in both the public and private sectors as Marketing Managers, Financial Analysts, Human Resource Managers, Finance Managers, etc.
Table of Contents
- Distance MBA Eligibility Criteria
- Who Should Pursue Distance MBA?
- Distance MBA Admission Process
- Popular Distance MBA Entrance Exams
- Top Distance MBA Colleges
- Distance MBA Fees Structure
- Distance MBA Syllabus and Subjects
- Why choose the Distance MBA?
- Course Comparison
- Preparation Tips for Distance MBA
- Scope of Higher Education for Distance MBA
- Distance MBA Salary
- Distance MBA Career Options
- Skills to Excel
Read More on Advantages and Disadvantages of Distance MBA
Eligibility Criteria for Distance MBA Course
As part of the MBA Distance Education eligibility criteria, students need to have passed a bachelor’s or graduation with a minimum of 50% in the former subject from a recognized university. Distance MBA Eligibility has no maximum age limit, but the students should have a valid score in any MBA entrance exam. For admission to the Distance MBA program applicants must meet special admission requirements established by each university/college.
Who Should Pursue a Distance MBA?
Those who want to take their career in Business and Administration can go for this Distance MBA Course. This course can be done from anywhere and anytime. Anyone can do this course if they want to pursue the program online without attending lectures but the Distance MBA course can be little suitable for those who are busy with self-employment.
When To Do Distance MBA?
For taking admission in this course, it has to be kept in mind that the candidates need to pass a bachelor's degree from any specialized university before enrolling themselves in this Distance MBA course.
How To Get Admission to a Distance MBA Course?
Many universities or colleges conduct their own entrance exam to determine which students will be admitted. Students who have finished their bachelor's examination with an aggregate mark of 50% are eligible for this course. Online and in-person applications are both acceptable for Distance MBA admissions.
The following information provides an overview of the admission process:
How to Apply for a Distance MBA course?
Admission to the Distance MBA course can be obtained by visiting the college’s website. Online and in-person application forms are available. Applicants who wish to apply offline must verify the admission cycle at the college or university that offers the course. To find out how to apply, students should visit the college’s or university’s official website.
Application forms must be completed online with all required information, along with scanned documents as specified in the application guidelines. Paying the course fee is required after submitting an online application.
Selection Process
A candidate’s grade in the bachelor's examination is a significant determinant of selection for a Distance MBA program. Colleges and universities that offer the Distance MBA course will require potential students to meet their eligibility requirements.
The selection process can begin once a student clears the cut-off for the entrance exam. Candidates with an understanding of business administration can also apply for the course.
Types of Distance MBA
The best management schools in India provide a variety of distance MBA programmes. The numerous kinds of online MBA programmes available include:
1- year PGD in Business Administration
The 1-year diploma programme known as the Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration (PGDBA) is further broken down into 2 semesters. It covers subjects like marketing, finance, general operations, and business management, among others.
3 months / 6 months Certificate Course
Students learn the fundamentals of management as well as how to use resources effectively to increase wealth in a certificate programme in business management.
2 years / 4 years PGDM/MBA
A distance MBA course is the most often used kind of online MBA programme. A standard MBA's course timetable is followed similarly by a distant MBA. A distance MBA programme may run up to four years, depending on the college.
Popular Entrance Exams for Distance MBA
Admission to colleges or universities offering Distance MBA may be determined by the requirements for admission. By researching the exam pattern and preparing accordingly, Distance MBA entrance exams can also be passed. Students interested in taking this course may have to take an entrance exam on a national, state, or college level.
Many colleges and universities have different entrance tests and cutoff marks. There are a few of the most popular entrance exams for Distance MBA programs:
A Quick Glance at the Distance MBA Entrance Exams
The Distance MBA syllabus and exam pattern should be familiar to students before they take the business administration exam. Although some colleges may provide Distance MBA without an entrance exam, it is advised to students to confirm with the college of their choice, before deciding on which exam to sit for.
The students will be able to prepare for the exam in advance and will also be able to pass it effortlessly. The format of the entrance exam is generally as follows:
- The exam will be conducted online using computer technology.
- There is a time limit of 2 hours for the exam.
- Exams are conducted in English.
- A section of the paper is devoted to each of the following subjects: Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Ability, and Verbal Reasoning and Reading comprehension.
- The maximum score for the exam is 228 points.
- There will be a +3 mark for every correct answer.
- A -1 mark will be deducted for incorrect answers.
Top Distance MBA Colleges in India
As the MBA qualification needs to increase day by day, there are many colleges in India that provide the opportunity to students to get admitted to their respective colleges and complete their higher education. Distance MBA is offered at a variety of colleges and universities around the country.
The following are the top 10 Distance MBA colleges in India:
|
SI.NO |
Name of Colleges |
Average Fees (INR) |
| 1 | NMIMS Global Access School, Bengaluru | 5 Lakhs |
| 2 | SCDL, Pune | 5 Lakhs |
| 3 | IMT - Centre for Distance Learning, Ghaziabad | 5 Lakhs |
| 4 | IGNOU, New Delhi | 1 Lakh |
| 5 | Sikkim Manipal University - Distance Education | 3 Lakhs |
| 6 | Welingkar Mumbai | 3 Lakhs |
| 7 | Amity University, Noida | 5 Lakhs |
| 8 | Annamalai University, Cuddalore | 1 Lakhs |
| 9 | JIM, Noida | 3 Lakhs |
| 10 | IFIM Bangalore | 5 Lakhs |
Top Distance MBA Colleges in New Delhi
India’s capital city is home to some of the best institutions for Distance MBA in India. Check the table below for the top Distance MBA colleges in New Delhi:
| Sl.No | Institution |
| 1 | IGNOU |
| 2 | SCDL |
| 3 | AIMA |
| 4 | ICFAI University |
Top Distance MBA Colleges in Pune
Pune also has some of the best institutions for Distance MBA in India. Check the table below for the top Distance MBA colleges in Pune:
| Sl.No | Institution |
| 1 | SCDL |
| 2 | Amity University, Distance and Online Education |
| 4 | MIT School of Distance Education |
Top Distance MBA Colleges in Chennai
Tamil Nadu’s capital city is home to some of the premier institutions for Distance MBA in India. Check the table below for the best Distance MBA colleges in Chennai:
| Sl.No | Institution |
| 1 | University of Madras |
| 2 | Anna University |
| 3 | TNOU |
| 4 | SRM SOM |
| 5 | ISBMA |
Top Distance MBA Colleges in Bangalore
The capital city of Karnataka is renowned around the country for colleges offering top Distance MBA programs. Check the table below for the best Distance MBA colleges in India:
| Sl.No | Institution |
| 1 | NMIMS |
| 2 | ICFAI University |
| 3 | KSOU |
| 4 | ISBMA |
Top Distance MBA Colleges in Kolkata
West Bengal’s capital city, Kolkata, has some of the best colleges for Distance MBA courses in India. Check the table below for the best Distance MBA colleges in Kolkata:
| Sl.No | Institution |
| 1 | NSOU |
| 2 | ICFAI University |
| 3 | IMT |
| 4 | NLU |
Top Distance MBA Colleges in Hyderabad
The Telangana state capital has some premier institutions in the country for Distance MBA courses in India. Check the table below for the top Distance MBA colleges in Hyderabad:
| Sl.No | Institution |
| 1 | ISBMA |
| 2 | Dr. BR Ambedkar Open University |
| 3 | Xavier’s Institute of Business Management |
| 4 | ICFAI University |
| 5 | Telangana Open University |
Top Distance MBA Government Colleges
There are several top Government Colleges offering quality Distance MBA programs across the country. Check the table below for the top Distance MBA government colleges in India:
| Sl.No | Institution |
| 1 | NSOU, Kolkata |
| 2 | IGNOU, Delhi |
| 3 | Dr. BR Ambedkar Open University |
| 4 | Osmania University |
Top Distance MBA Private Colleges
India has seen significant growth in the number of quality Distance MBA private colleges that offer some of the best programmes in the country. Check the table below for the top Distance MBA private colleges in India:
| Sl.No | Institution |
| 1 | SCDL |
| 2 | Amity University, Distance and Online Education |
| 3 | ISBM Kolkata |
| 4 | IIBMS Mumbai |
| 5 | Xavier’s Institute of Business Management |
Distance MBA from IIM
There is no IIM distance MBA programme. A few short management courses are offered, including ePGP, certificate programmes, and general management programmes. The average cost of the IIM distance management programme is between INR 4,00,000 and INR 12,00,000. The IIMs at Ropar, Ranchi, Indore, Lucknow, etc. provide distance management courses.
Read More: Distance MBA from IIMs
NMIMS Distance MBA
Pursuing a Distance MBA from NMIMS is a popular choice for students to make. The MBA Program is structured & scheduled to allow students to have a work, life and study balance. The distance MBA degree from NMIMS is fully recognised by corporations and start-ups in India. To help their students find employment after completing their courses, NMIMS has over 500 hiring partners. Some of the most popular NMIMS Distance MBA specialisations are:
- MBA in Business Management
- MBA in Marketing
- MBA in Human Resource Management
- MBA IT and Systems Management
Symbiosis Distance MBA
The NMIMS Distance MBA programme is a popular choice among students. The structure of the MBA programme allows students to seamlessly integrate their education while having full-time jobs. Since 2001, Symbiosis has offered high-quality education and has been recognised by the UGC and DEB as one of India's largest remote learning institutions. Some of the popular Symbiosis Distance MBA courses are:
- MBA in Event Management
- MBA in Data Analytics
- MBA in HRM
IGNOU Distance MBA
One of the best MBA programmes available via distance mode of study in India is offered by IGNOU. The School of Management Studies (SOMS) of IGNOU offers the MBA programme. Since its founding in 1987, SOMS has offered 14 programmes in commerce and 4 programmes in management. It is considered that one of the hardest tests is the one for IGNOU's distance learning MBA programme. Given below are some of the popular Distance MBA courses provided by IGNOU:
- MBA in Banking & Finance
- MBA in HRM
- MBA General
Madras University Distance MBA
The University of Madras established the Institute of Distance Education (IDE) as a separate division in 1981 to provide students with undergraduate and graduate programmes, including a distance MBA. It has over 40 years of expertise in providing education through correspondence and is a distance learning institution that has received UGC-DEB approval. Selection will be made based on performance in the university-conducted admission exam. Students who want to enrol in a Distance MBA programme must take the CAT, XAT, MAT, or CMAT. Given below are some of the popular Distance MBA courses provided by Madras University:
- MBA in Marketing
- MBA in Human Resource Management
- MBA in Supply Chain Management
- MBA General
Distance MBA Fees in India
Distance MBA fees in India vary based on the infrastructure and facilities available at the colleges and universities offering the course. The average MBA distance education fees ranges between INR 50,000 - 1.5 LPA. Here is the Distance MBA fee structure for some business administration schools in India:
|
SI.No |
Name of the Institute |
Average Annual Fees (INR) |
| 1 | Sikkim Manipal University Directorate of Distance Education | 80,000 PA |
| 2 | IGNOU | 31,500 PA |
| 3 | Amity University (Distance Learning) | 1.51 LPA |
| 4 | ICFAI University | 65,000 PA |
| 5 | Annamalai University | 57,050 PA |
| 6 | ENA Institute of Management and Technology Distance MBA, Pune | 48,600 PA |
| 7 | Tamil Nadu Physical Education and Sports University, Chennai | 5,600 PA |
| 8 | Uttarakhand Open University - Distance Education | 9,050 PA |
| 9 | Garuda School of Business, Mumbai | 60,000 PA |
| 10 | BMS Centre for Executive Education & Distance Learning, Bangalore | 40,000 PA |
Syllabus and Subjects for Distance MBA Course
The Distance MBA syllabus and subjects teach students about accounting, applied statistics, human resources, business communication, business ethics, business law, business strategy, finance, managerial economics, management, entrepreneurship, marketing, supply chain management, and operations management in a manner most relevant to management analysis and strategy.
These are some of the subjects that students will study in this course:
- Management Theory and Practices
- Accounting and Financial Management
- Marketing Management
- Strategic Management
- Human Resources Management
- Corporate Finance
- Research Methods
- Management of Change
- Leadership and Entrepreneurship
- Business Economics
Read More: Distance MBA Syllabus & Subjects
Why Choose the Distance MBA Course?
Students often wonder about Distance MBA course details before choosing the program. Before choosing the course, students often ask “What is a Distance MBA course?” and “Why should I choose a Distance MBA?”. The following three-pointers may be helpful to students:
What Distance MBA Course is All About?
The Distance MBA post-graduate program lasts 2 years. Distance MBA deals with the study and learning of international business trends, the newest management tools, and techniques, and to improve business, etc. The Distance in Master of Business Administration aims on imparting knowledge of business administration and its elective fields. Facilities the study of marketing, management, finance, and other elective fields require to raise the income of business administrators. Indian business administrators are being exposed to many different techniques and systems of business administrators.
What Does a Distance MBA Graduate Do?
Distance MBA course details provide a variety of career options within the business administration sector. Distance MBA graduates can work in both the public and private sectors. Graduates of this course can pursue a wide variety of careers; they can become Marketing Manager, Business Development Manager, Financial Analyst, Finance Managers, Pharmaceutical Manager, Medical Practice Manager, Human Resources Manager, Operations Manager, Accountants, Account Managers, Regional Sales Manager, and more.
Human Resources Manager: A human resources manager plans, coordinates, and directs an organization’s administrative functions. A human resources manager oversees recruiting, interviewing, and hiring new employees; consults with top executives on strategic planning; and serves as the link between an organization's management and its employees.
Reasons Why Distance MBA Course Can Fetch You a Rewarding Career?
Distance MBA colleges in India can be used to pursue rewarding career paths in a range of public and private sectors. The Distance MBA has become one of the most popular business administration courses in recent years. After completing this course, students will have the skills and knowledge they need to start a business and work in different business administrative sectors.
Career Scope and Options: Graduates of the Distance MBA program have a wide range of career options in business administration. Students can also find employment with Wipro, Axis Bank, Hindustan Unilever, Capgemini, HDFC Bank, Tata Sky, HCL, Vodafone, IBM, TCS, Bosch Ltd, Jindal Steel and Power, Accenture, etc.
Read More: Distance MBA Jobs and Scope
Distance MBA Course Comparison
Distance MBA are typically catered to students interested in and inclined towards humanities and social sciences. Below is a comparison of the Distance MBA course with other courses:
Distance MBA vs PGDM
The table below showcases the differences between Distance MBA and PGDM
| Course | Distance MBA | PGDM |
| Full-Form | Distance Master of Business Administration | Post Graduate Diploma in Management |
| Course Duration | 2 Years | 2 Years |
| Eligibility | Graduation in any stream with a minimum of 50% of marks in the qualifying exams from a recognized university | Graduation in any stream from a recognized institute and final year students are also eligible in some institutes |
| Entrance Exams | GMAT, CAT, MAT, ATMA, NMAT, XAT, and CMAT). | MAT, CAT, CMAT, XAT, SNAP, GMAT |
| Top Colleges | Symbiosis University, IGNOU, Anna University, Madras University, NMIMS etc. | Birla Institute of Management Technology, International Management Institute (New Delhi), Symbiosis University, XLRI etc. |
| Fees | INR 2-20 LPA | INR 4-40 LPA |
| Job Opportunities | HR Manager, Business Analyst, Marketing Manager, Finance Advisor, Investment Banker, etc. | Project Manager, Data Scientist, Auditor, Tax Specialist, Consultant, etc. |
Read More: PGDM
Distance MBA vs Regular MBA
The table below showcases the differences between Distance MBA and Regular MBA
| Course | Distance MBA | Regular MBA |
| Full-Form | Distance Master of Business Administration | Master of Business Administration |
| Course Duration | 2 Years | 2 Years |
| Eligibility | Graduation in any stream with a minimum of 50% of marks in the qualifying exams from a recognized university | Graduation in any stream from a recognized institute and final year students are also eligible in some institutes |
| Entrance Exams | GMAT, CAT, MAT, ATMA, NMAT, XAT, and CMAT). | MAT, CAT, CMAT, XAT, SNAP, GMAT |
| Top Colleges | Symbiosis University, IGNOU, Anna University, Madras University, NMIMS etc. | IIM Ahmedabad, XLRI, IIM Bangalore, Christ University, ISB Hyderabad etc. |
| Fees | INR 2-20 LPA | INR 4-40 LPA |
| Job Opportunities | HR Manager, Business Analyst, Marketing Manager, Finance Advisor, Investment Banker, etc. | Project Manager, Data Scientist, Auditor, Tax Specialist, Consultant, etc. |
Read More: MBA
Preparation Tips for Distance MBA Course
A student who wishes to pursue this career path should be well prepared for it. Students of any type of study preference can take this course, but they must understand exam topics before taking the exam. Students should follow these tips to get into the Distance MBA course:
Knowledge of the course: Research and understand the course curriculum, syllabus, and subjects. When students have a basic understanding of the curriculum of a course, choosing a career path will be easier.
Improving the Skills: when applying to this program, ensure that students possess the skills that will assist them in getting in. This course will help students to improve their management and business skills. Learn how to improve your communication skills and understanding of the course.
Scope For Higher Education
The business profession highly respects and recognizes the value of Distance MBA colleges. There are some of the options for higher education available to students:
Distance MBA Courses Salary in India
The salary package for a Distance MBA degree in India ranges from INR 6-8 LPA (Source: PayScale). Students receive different salaries depending on their skill set and experience in the business administration sector, as well as their progress in their courses.
Read More: Distance MBA Salary
Career Options After Distance MBA Course
Best distance learning MBA colleges in India offer graduates a wide range of career options. These Distance MBAs are designed to provide students with the necessary practical and theoretical skills to advance their careers. Students who complete this program will be prepared for any top business administration job and to hold a successful career. Graduates of the Distance MBA can apply for the following positions:
- Marketing Manager
- Business Development Manager
- Financial Analyst
- Finance Manager
- Pharmaceutical Manager
- Medical Practice Manager
- Human Resources Manager
Skills That Make You The Best Distance MBA Graduate
Top MBA distance learning colleges in India suggest graduates develop business and communication skills. Developing skills based on a student’s interests can also contribute to career development. Developing certain skills without interest in learning is necessary to advance in their careers. The following skills should be possessed by graduates of the Distance MBA:
- Appreciation of Cultural Differences
- Communicating With Different Audiences
- Critical Thinking
- Planning and Management
- Problem Solving
- Research and Analysis
- Teamwork
