Best Distance MBA Colleges in India – Rankings, Fees, and Admission Process

Pursuing an MBA program in India via distance learning colleges is rapidly growing into one of the preferred options for several individuals. The increased admission rate into distance MBA colleges is driven by the fact that they allow individuals to achieve an ideal balance between work and life, as well as help secure an opportunity to excel in careers with zero fuss.

Whether you are a working professional, student, or someone who dreams of pursuing an MBA, as long as you have access to the right curriculum, advancing your learning experience through a distance-learning college does not have to come with any adjustments. This blog sets down a thorough guide on the best distance MBA colleges in India that you can opt for along with the process of admission, the curriculum, the characteristics that set them apart from online MBAs with detailed section on distance mba vs online mba, as well as the distinctive pros and cons of it.

What Is a Distance MBA & Who Should Consider It?

Distance education is a convenient way of earning an MBA degree remotely. A distance MBA course aligns you with the options of setting flexible study hours as well as going through study materials, workshops, and lectures at your convenience without the worry of attendance requirements. 

The self-paced MBA programs are of great help to those who have only a certain amount of time to commit to their educational goals but still have the interest to fulfil them.

Distance MBA is best suited for:

• Working Professionals
• Students Looking for Budget MBA Options
• Stay-at-Home Parents/Caregivers
• Individuals With Restricted Movement Due To Medical Conditions
• Students From Rural Areas with Quality Remote Access

In addition, the comparison table that follows makes it easy to see how distance MBA varies from traditional and online MBA:

The distance MBA is unquestionably suitable for everyone to pursue and can be the perfect choice for you too.

Best Distance MBA Colleges in India (UGC-Approved List)

This list of top UGC-approved distance MBA colleges will surely help you shortlist the most appropriate distance MBA colleges for you to pick.

1. IGNOU

Indira Gandhi National Open University, also known as IGNOU, has been referred to as one of the foremost distance-learning universities in India. With its establishment in the year of 1985, it has enabled considerable cost-effective UG and PG programs. Its UGC and DEB-approved Distance MBA is among the best-revered programs made available by IGNOU.

Location – Delhi, New Delhi

Fee Structure – Starting from INR 62000/- (Full Fees)

Approvals – UGC, AICTE, NCTE

MBA Specializations – Financial Management, Operations Management, Marketing Management, HR Management, Business Management, Digital Marketing, and 60+ other specialisations.

Placement Support – N/A

2. NMIMS Global Access

Counted among one of the top-ranked options for getting a distance education in MBA, the NMIMS, with its establishment in 1994, has secured its name among the list of resplendent UGC-approved colleges. With a comprehensive curriculum and incredible placement options, NMIMS has surely set its presence higher for providing the best distance MBA course.

Location – Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Kolkata, Indore, and so on.

Fee Structure – INR 2,10,000 (Full Fees)

Approvals – UGC, DEB

MBA Specializations – Marketing Management, Human Resource Management, Financial Management, Data Science, Business Management, Operations Management.

Placement Support – 500+ Hiring Partners

3. Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning (SCDL)

The Symbiosis Centre of Distance Learning, also referred to as SCDL, brings forth a top-line distance MBA course. From the time of its establishment in the year 2001, it has received wide attention from students due to its well-designed curriculum.

Location – Maharashtra

Fee Structure – Starting from INR 58000 (Full Fees)

Approvals – AICTE

MBA Specializations – Marketing Management, Finance Management, Logistics & Supply Chain Management, etc. 

Placement Support – Available

4. Amity University Online

Amity University has gauged the opportunity to become one of the most celebrated UGC-approved universities. Its ultimate MBA course, along with spectacular placement opportunities, makes it a top choice for any MBA aspirant.

Location – Multiple Locations

Fee Structure – Approx. INR 350000 Lakhs (Full Fees)

Approvals – UGC, DEB

MBA Specializations – Marketing Management, Operations Management, Finance Management, Human Resource Management, etc.

Placement Support – Placement Assistance from 100+ Hiring Partners

5. ICFAI University

The Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts of India University, better known as ICFAI University, is highly regarded for its truly praiseworthy distance education  MBA course. Whether it be working professionals or anyone who wants to get into distance learning to polish their career opportunities, the well-suited distance MBA course design is the answer to all.

Location – Hyderabad

Fee Structure – Approx. INR 200000 Lakhs (Full Fees)

Approvals – UGC, DEB

MBA Specializations – Finance Management, Human Resource Management, Marketing Management, Information Technology

Placement Support – N/A

6. Jain University

Jain University is a well-established UGC-approved university, offering top-notch distance MBA options in India. It has set itself as an ideal preference for students who want to get hold of quality education through its impeccable distance MBA specializations.

Location – Bangalore

Fee Structure – Starting from INR 1,96,000 (Full Fees)

Approvals – UGC, AICTE

MBA Specializations – Marketing, HRM and Finance, Human Resource Management, Systems and Operations Management, Finance, General Management, and 14+ other specialisations.

Placement Support – 100+ Hiring Partners

7. Anna University CDE

Anna University opened its doors to distance education in the year 2007, bringing in viable courses for interested students around the nation. The exceptional curriculum offered by the recognized university for distance MBA places it at the top among other universities.

Location – Chennai

Fee Structure – INR 18,650 (Full Fees)

Approvals – UGC, DEB

MBA Specializations – General Management, Financial Management, Technology Management, Hospitality Services Management, etc.

Placement Support – N/A

8. Lovely Professional University

The distance MBA from Lovely Professional University (LPU) prepares every individual for a career upgrade. Its well-set course materials, prompt faculty and quality education make the journey of each student enrolled in LPU a successful distance MBA completion.

Location – Punjab

Fee Structure – INR 58000 (Full Fees)

Approvals – University Grants Commission

MBA Specializations – Human Resource Management, Finance, Marketing Management, Data Science, Operations Management, Business Analytics, International Business, Information Technology, etc.

Placement Support – 100+ Hiring Partners

9. Sikkim Manipal University

One of the most aced universities in offering distance education courses, the Sikkim Manipal University is looked upon as the topmost choice for distance MBA. The specialisations it offers, along with the detailed course structure, place it as a favourable MBA distance education university in India.

Location – Jaipur

Fee Structure – INR 80,000 (Full Fees)

Approvals – UGC, AICTE

MBA Specializations – Finance Management, Marketing, Analytics and Data Science, Operations Management, IT & FinTech, Information System Management, International Business, Supply Chain Management, Project Management, etc.

Placement Support – 100+ Hiring Partners.

10. Jamia Milia Islamia University

UGC-recognised and well-revered, the Jamia Millia Islamia University is one of the top-picked distance MBA-recognised university. The easy and straightforward program structure with opportunities to dig into multiple skills makes this university the choicest option for a distance MBA.

Location – Delhi

Fee Structure – INR 1,00,000 (Full Fees)

Approvals – UGC

MBA Specializations – Marketing Management, Data Science, Financial Management, Business Management, etc.

Placement Support –  Placement Assistance from 100+ Hiring Partners

Admission Process & Eligibility for Distance MBA Programs

Like every other traditional and online MBA program, there are also eligibility criteria and an admission process for the distance MBA degree program. This section is dedicated to unfolding a step-by-step admission process along with the required eligibility criteria to pursue a distance MBA course.

Common Eligibility Points to Enrol in Distance MBA Colleges In India-

•       UG degree from any recognised university.
•       Optional entrance exams are conducted by a few distance colleges for admission.
•       The minimum percentage, e.g. 50% marks set by the university for eligibility to take admission.
•       Optional Work Experience Requirement.
•       Fluency in the English Language.

Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Common Admission Process to the Best Distance MBA Colleges in India –

Selection of College

As can be seen in the above list, there are several colleges that offer the best of the best distance education MBA programs in India. Therefore, it is important for you to go through the details and shortlist your options for colleges to select the ultimate one for you.

Online Registration through the Official Portal

Once you have made your final decision on which college to go to, the next step that you will come across is filling out an application form or registering yourself by filling out your details on the registration page of the college.

Documents Upload

Once you are done with the registration process, the most common next step for admission is the uploading of official documents. From a passport-size soft copy of your ID photo and birth certificate to 10th and 12th mark sheets, along with your verified government ID and more. Make sure each of your documents is uploaded in the right size and order as asked by the college.

Payment of Program Fees

Followed by the successful documentation process, a fee payment gateway will open. Make sure to double-check and pay the program fee in full or in half as per the fee payment options set by the college.

Admission Confirmation Received Via Email

After the successful payment, as the last and final step of your admission process, you will receive an email confirming your admission to your selected distance MBA college.

It is important to note that the admission cycle takes place in two sessions yearly. The first admission session is in January, whereas the second one is in July. So, plan accordingly and take admission to your preferred distance MBA college seamlessly.

Top 5 Documents You’ll Need-

1. Government-Issued ID Proof
2. Academic Marksheets (10th, 12th, Bachelor’s Degree).
3. SOP/LOR
4. Resume/Work Experience Letter (Optional)
5. Entrance Examination Result (Optional)

Is Distance MBA Worth It? Pros, Cons & Career Impact

Even after looking through considerable details about taking admission to the top-most colleges for distance MBA, it can still be confusing to make up your mind as to whether distance education is really worth pursuing. So, this segment answers the question is distance MBA worth it? -through a detailed analysis, underlining the pros, cons, and career impact.

Let us together find the answer to your confusion about taking admission to distance MBA colleges by looking in detail at the:

Pros

Affordable Fee – Pursuing an MBA degree in a distance mode can help you save a significant amount. The majority of the distance colleges have set a fee structure that varies from anywhere between INR 50K to INR 1.5 Lakhs, making it a considerably lower fee than that charged in regular MBA degrees.

Flexible and Convenient Learning – The best part about distance learning is for sure the kind of convenience that you get to manage your study timings according to your flexibility.

Recognition of Authenticity – You do not have to enrol in just any other college online, as many top MBA colleges have opened options for pursuing an MBA from a distance mode, keeping the authenticity of the degree intact.

Advancement in Skills – No matter where you are in life, if you have a graduation degree in your hand and you are looking forward to getting into learning skills that will be beneficial, then the distance MBA is for you.

Career Growth Opportunities – Apart from upgrading your skills, a distance MBA degree will also open doors for you to switch your career path or align your opportunities with better professional roles that completely change your career fate.

Cons

Lessened Practical Exposure – As the name suggests, a distance education MBA program, along with its pros, has a share of cons too. With everything available on the online platform, you will be subjected to fewer real-life practical experiences.

Restricted Communication with Peers – A regular college life comes with one of the most beautiful perks, which is a peer group. However, with distance learning, you might have restricted communication with your batchmates.

Lack of Routine Management – Although an MBA distance education will provide you with the ultimate luxury of self-paced study, it might sometimes result in a deviation from set academic routines.

Career Impact

•       Professionals who are looking to advance their managerial positions within the same organisation.
•       Entrepreneurs who are interested in gaining an understanding of the principles of formal management.
•       Students who are interested in pursuing a career in marketing as a profession.

Similar to every other thing in life, there are visible pros and cons in pursuing an MBA from a distance college as well. However, by looking into the list above, you can easily decide if a distance MBA is worth it for you.

Distance MBA vs Online MBA – What’s the Real Difference?

While deciding on whether to get yourself into a distance MBA program, the thought of learning about the exact differences between a distance MBA and an online MBA might have surely crossed your mind. The best way to find it is by carrying out a detailed comparison of both of them through a table. As a result of this, the table below shows an appropriate comparison between Distance MBA and Online MBA to help you figure out what exactly differs in both options.

Online MBA	Distance MBA
Availability of printed and recorded study materials.	Live lectures and online learning materials.
Selection of a convenient time to carry out learning.	Attending Fixed live classes and webinars.
Minimal use of online systems to submit projects or give exams.	Maximum use of digital tools and software to submit projects and participate in examinations.
Low program fees.	Higher program fees.
Lesser faculty assistance, along with limited peer interaction.	Better options to connect with online batchmates, with dedicated assistance from faculty for online learning.

Although there are multiple similarities and dissimilarities between distance MBA and online MBA, each point has its own advantages and disadvantages marked based on personal preferences. With the thorough comparison provided in the above distance MBA vs online MBA table, every individual will receive assistance in gaining a clear understanding of both options.

Top Career Paths After Completing a Distance MBA

An ultimate career path is the goal of the majority of individuals post to completion of their distance MBA. So, where exactly does the MBA degree take you? With the plethora of career paths distance education MBA can take you, it can be overwhelming to select which one to go with.

The choices below help you get into details and look for the foremost career paths that you will come across after completing a distance MBA:

Digital Marketing Executive

The opportunities that come in the career path of a digital marketing executive are truly immeasurable. Along with the distance education MBA program and the upskilling in digital roles will surely increase the chances for individuals to have a fruitful career as a digital marketing executive.

Industry: E-commerce, Manufacturing, Real Estate, Finance

Average Salary: 4.5LPA to 5.5LPA

Skills Needed: Data Analytics, Content Creation, SEO, Project Management Skills, Communication Skills.

Operations Manager

One of the most sought-after career paths that you can go after is the operations manager job role. With the skills you will learn from a distance MBA, you will easily be able to understand the specifics of the role in an organisation and get hired for it.

Industry: Retail, Supply Chain, Logistics, Healthcare

Average Salary: 7.5LPA to 17LPA

Skills Needed: Communication Skills, Technical Skills, Strategic Planning Skills, Leadership Skills, Risk Analysis skills.

HR Executive

It is among the most in-demand professions currently that one can get hold of after completing a distance master of business administration program. This high-paying job allows you to lead a fortunate career that you have always dreamed of.

Industry: Finance, Healthcare, Entertainment, Retail

Average Salary: 1.6LPA to 6LPA

Skills Needed: Organisational Skills, Communication Skills, Project Management Skills, Conflict Resolution Skills.

Business Development Manager

The strong knowledge gathered from the distance MBA program can help you rise in the career path of a successful business development manager. Your strategic mindset will get you diverse chances to excel in your career.

Industry: Retail, Finance, Technology, Manufacturing

Average Salary: 2.4LPA to 16LPA

Skills Needed: Sales, Market Research, Negotiation, Strategic Planning.

Project Coordinator

The leader in you can have an immensely successful career as a project coordinator. The distance education MBA program will get you closer to your most preferred job role with your dream salary.

Industry: Legal, Healthcare, Construction, Engineering

Average Salary: 2LPA to 10LPA

Skills Needed: Project Management, Budgeting, Organisational, Critical-Thinking

The above list is a few of the best-mentioned career paths for you to opt for post your completing a distance MBA. So, set yourself up for a new journey to paint your career the way you want with the ultimate choice of distance MBA colleges.

Want Job-Ready Skills With Flexibility? Explore Kraftshala’s Launchpad

Want to speed up the polishing of your ultimate job-ready skills? Then, along with the distance MBA colleges, you can also have a look at the expertly designed  Marketing Launchpad Program, where you can gain:

• Industry-ready skills
• Live mentorship from experts working for renowned brands
• 4.5 LPA+ high potential digital marketing roles in top companies
• Live projects on real brand campaigns to gain practical experience
• 60% fee refund if job placement is of less than 4.5LPA

The Launchpad is ideal for you:

• If you are a fresher and want to get into high-paying, high-potential marketing roles in top companies.
• If you are looking to switch your career into marketing.
• If you want to work for bigger and better brands.
• If you want a better salary hike.

The options for career growth are infinite with the distance MBA degree on one hand and the Launchpad certificate on the other. So, gear up to master the standing of your professional life by getting yourself suited to the right career track now.

FAQs

1. Is distance MBA valid for jobs?

Distance MBA programs are being carried out by a considerable number of UGC recognised colleges in India, with several opportunities for students to excel in their career paths, making it a valid choice for jobs.

2. Which college is best for distance MBA in India?

Not one, but there are several top-known distance MBA colleges that have proven themselves as best for distance MBA based on their recognition, fee structure, curriculum and more.

3. What is the difference between distance MBA and online MBA?

You have fewer live interactions with more access to printed study materials in a distance MBA, while an online MBA requires you to attend live classes with limited access to course materials.

4. Can I get placement after distance MBA?

After completing your course and examination with the recognised distance MBA degree you will receive, you will be eligible for placements.

5. Is distance MBA good for freshers?

Distance MBA is beneficial for any individual, whether they are a fresher, a working professional, or so on.