Distance MBA – 14 Crucial Tips for Beginners (and more)

MBA Distance Education – What does it even mean?

• Introduction
• Is it Right For Me?
• Is it Worth it?
• Scenario-based decision making
• MBA in India
• MBA Value aka Worth and Scope
• Is MBA  Distance education for me?
• Distance Learning MBA Scholarships
• Which is the Best Institution for a Distance Learning in India?
• What Determines A Good College?
• Fee Structure
• Average Distance Education Duration
• Admission
• Eligibility
• Specializations
• Types of Colleges
• Disadvantages of Distance Education MBA
• Average Salary
• Distance Learning from IIM
• Distance vs. Regular MBA vs. Executive MBA
• FAQs
• Distance Education MBA – Free Guidance Available!

Introduction

It can be a tricky road to travel. Let’s get started!

Distance MBA is a mode of education wherein you can complete your MBA or equivalent course without actually visiting the college.

It is flexible, cheap, and easy to clear, unlike a full-time MBA course.

It does not matter whether you are a homemaker or a busy working professional, all you have to do is find a good distance learning college and get started.

Is It Right For Me?

At the end of the day, only you can tell that. However, we can help you find the answer.

Once you have done that, here’s a checklist of how you figure out if distance learning is right for you:

Define what you want?

• Are you looking for a promotion?
• Do you want to start your own business?
• Do you want to learn about how to run a business and general understanding of different things like marketing, finance, and others such functions
• Do you want a job or perhaps change your job?

Is it Worth it?

Now that you have defined what you are expecting from your distance education, will it be able to provide that to you? Let’s see:

Scenario-based decision making

Every person is unique and so is their situation. Let’s analyze a few scenarios:

• Let’s say you are a government employee who wants to move to a management position.

The opening requires that you hold an MBA degree.

Now, does it make sense for you to do a correspondence MBA from any private college – probably not!. A government college – yup, why not? You can definitely choose the latter option.

• Let’s say you are a homemaker who wants to gain knowledge about running a business

Probably a private MBA suits you best as compared to a government MBA.

The reason is that you don’t care about the degree on paper and you don’t want to spend that much time in all the paperwork and assignments that are required by government colleges.

Consider reading some management books too.

• Let’s say you are a fresher with zero work-ex and hoping that an MBA will get you a job

This is not the right thing for you.

There is hardly any MBA college that provides placement guarantee. You are better suited to trying a skill-based course instead.

We hope you get the point!

Distance education for an MBA is an enabler to getting an edge but that edge can only be found under some circumstances. It is nowhere like a regular MBA wherein even freshers can find jobs.

Distance Learning in India

It is fast becoming one of the most popular choices for prospective students in India and abroad.

Individuals who don’t want to stop their careers and quit their jobs consider it a very viable alternative to the full-time programs because it provides greater flexibility for a student.

In this article, we will discuss distance education in India in a more thought out, in-depth way, to enable you to consider your options and make a more informed decision.

It’s Value – Worth and Scope

The distance program in India offers the same benefits as a campus-based course in that it offers the same curriculum.

Often, people enroll in the program to improve their chances of getting a job after college.

In addition, it makes it easier for students to balance studies, work, and family, as they get to manage their own schedule and complete the coursework around both personal and professional commitments.

Another catch for most students applying to the program is that tuition and fees for MBA can be lower than that for a regular full-time program.

As with full-time study, the experience you’ll have with MBA depends largely on the institution you’re applying to. Many Indian universities offer quality, comprehensive curricula that can help propel your career forward by equipping you with the skills you need to effectively manage the professional scenarios that you may face in the future.

The value that employers attach to your degree depends on the institution issuing it. While employers do not yet give as much value to degrees earned through the distance mode as traditional degrees, they often accord more recognition to those obtained from reputable schools.

The scope of the distance education program is measured in credits. Courses earn credits according to the workload required.

One credit represents approximately 10 hours of work. A typical MBA requires 60 credits of graduate work. This means 600 class hours of work throughout the program.

However, some programs may require more or fewer credits for completion, depending on the institution involved.

All applicants must meet the minimum admission requirements of the relevant school of distance education to be considered eligible for admission.

Is Distance Learning for Me?

Choosing between a distance and a regular MBA is a big decision. Much like regular MBAs, distance education is delivered by universities.

However, they are cut from a different cloth than traditional, on-campus MBAs. As a result, prospective MBA students often wonder whether it makes more sense to earn their degree via distance mode or on-campus.

Whether or not an MBA is ideal for you depends on your career goals.

If you’re already working and are looking to advance within your industry, such as transition into management roles at your current company, then you will benefit significantly from a distance program.

One of the most significant benefits of a distance degree is its flexibility. MBA allows you to juggle your job with education. For instance, if you’re a busy working professional, you can choose when school fits into your busy schedule. You can do your classwork and assignments from anywhere.

However, if you’re considering switching careers, such as a move to an area that’s different from your current role, then you’d do well to consider an on-ground MBA.

Also, if you’re currently out of a job and have enough time on your hands, an in-residence program will suit you best. In other words, distance MVA is more suitable for individuals who desire flexibility, whereas the on-campus study is best suited for students who prefer in-person experience.

It is worth pointing out that the quality of a distance program is then an on-campus one, even if you’re enrolling in a respected, accredited school.

The curriculum and types of assignments could be the same. They are just delivered differently. In India, the accreditation body for MBA or related programs is the All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE) and the Distance Education Bureau (DEB) for distance programs.

Note: Please join a government-approved college for Distance learning MBA. This is especially true if you want to apply for jobs in the public sector

The flexibility, coupled with improvements in learning technology, greater access to career services, as well as alumni networks have made distance study a rapidly growing segment of the management education market.

So if you’re looking for a concise curriculum delivered in a format that complements your active schedules, a distance education based MBA course will be the right fit for you.

If, on the other hand, you think you have the ability to both works as a full-time professional and complete all coursework promptly, then you can enroll for an on-ground MBA.

With that being said, potential students are encouraged to do their due diligence in researching to find the right fit for graduate business education before they make a decision.

In conclusion, you should consider earning your MBA via distance mode if:

• You have a family, job, or other commitments that require a more flexible schedule.
• You prefer to attend a program located far from where you live.
• You’re self-motivated and have a lot of self-discipline.
• You have unlimited access to reliable technology.

Consider earning your MBA on campus if:

• You prefer to learn better in a structured environment.
• You want to build a strong professional network.
• You appreciate in-person discussions.
• Want more comfortable access to traditional student services.

Distance Management Scholarships

Considering that an MBA is a professional degree, most of the universities and colleges in India do not offer scholarships to the students. Instead, the scholarships are provided to those studying Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math courses.

Such a scholarship program is intended to inspire and incentivize STEM students to commit to their studies, as well as to attract more people to these fields of study.

However, there are many scholarship opportunities provided through the generosity of some schools, individuals, and corporations. As part of their commitment to the success of students, some schools offer scholarships for students who are not able to afford tuition fees for the program.

Institutions such as the Amity Business School, Noida offer performance-based scholarships up to 100% of the program fee.

Other available MBA related scholarships include the Aditya Birla Scholarship Program, Global Business Scholarship, Forte Fellows Program, Nirankari Rajmata Scholarship Scheme, and the Sitaram Jindal Foundation Scholarship.

Which is the Best Institution for a Distance Learning in India?

With distance learning fast becoming a viable alternative to an on-campus program, students are often left with one other major decision to make – what school to attend.

While working professionals can earn a highly revered degree from virtually anywhere in the world, not all MBAs are the same. Those from more reputable institutions offer the most value as they are more recognized than those from less known schools.

What Determines A Good College?

When deciding what school to enroll in, there are several things you need to take into consideration. First, you should consider whether the school is accredited. School accreditation is a good place to start because it enables you to establish whether the program is reputable. Besides, accreditation is an incredibly critical facet of your education. An accredited MBA has had its curriculum thoroughly assessed to ensure it meets the highest levels of academic standards.

This doesn’t necessarily mean that an unaccredited program lacks educational merit. An MBA from an unaccredited school raises red flags and may leave you with a degree that employers do not respect.

If your MBA is from a school that has questionable accreditation or one that is unaccredited, employers will question the credibility of your degree – and even your potential as a good job candidate.

So before choosing a college, it is essential that you have a clear picture of exactly who accredits the Institution.

Another important factor to consider is whether the school offers opportunities for you to specialize in a core business area. Choosing a subject for specialization allows you to analyze real-world business cases, become proficient with the latest technological developments as well as work on in-depth projects. This enables you to become an authority figure in a certain subject rather than a jack of all trades.

That said, it is important that you pick a suited specialization course for MBA as per your interest, as it will help ensure that you have a fulfilling career.

It is also important that you find a school that is flexible enough to accommodate your schedule. Other critical factors to consider include student support, career coaching, and leadership development, among others.

Given these, we consider these institutions to be the best options for distance learning in India. These schools deliver an MBA that is identical to their on-campus program, making it possible for students to experience the same rigor and faculty as on-ground students without having to live on campus.

With technology quickly closing the gap between distance education and their in-class counterparts, we expect MBA to further improve in terms of quality and versatility in these schools.

But as always, we encourage prospective students to do their homework to find a program that’s the best fit for their lifestyle and career goals.

Also, it is essential to bear in mind that you’ll need to work incredibly hard to balance the intensity of the  program with working full time.

Note: The schools identified in the list above work with very few of the necessary resources to support students as they should. So students often complain about poor support.

Distance Learning Focused Colleges Fee Structure

Regarding fees, it is worth pointing out that the costs of the  program vary significantly. Many factors are responsible for this. The more respected a school or program is, the more expensive it is to earn a degree there.

The cost also varies depending on the type of institution you’re attending. For instance, private schools charge students higher fees than public ones.

The total cost of a  program comprises more than tuition. You also need to pay for textbooks and supplies, etc. However, it generally cost less than on-campus programs since students do not utilize on-campus resources. Some of the fees students are exempt from are facility and library fees.

The table below provides an overview of the fee across some accredited universities in India.

As you can see, funding an MBA can be expensive and a major cause for concern depending on the institution you’re applying to. University prestige and type are the main reasons why some Indian universities can charge much higher fees than others.

Hence, a university’s reputation is often considered as an investment. For instance, Panjab University is one of India’s oldest institutions and is often seen as one of the universities that inspired generations. In addition, it is renowned for its quality curriculum.

As a result, it charges higher fees than other schools based on this, and students have no problem paying because they believe acquiring an MBA from there gives them a degree that potential employers have heard of and felt is of high quality.

In this instance, Panjab University’s prestige serves as an indicator suggesting that graduates have attributes and skills employers are looking for, and this can help them get a good job.

With the opportunities generated by studying at private or prestigious institutions, it’s easy to see why return on investment (ROI) is often used as a justification for the high price of the degree.

However, for some, the high cost of a degree usually acts as a barrier to graduate business education. To assist, we did the legwork on your behalf to help you identify quality schools you can attend without any financial pressures.

If you’re planning to enroll in a distance program in India and are on a tighter budget than most, we’ve compiled a list of the cheapest MBA programs you might want to consider.

Average Distance Course Duration

As mentioned, an MBA program is typically designed for busy individuals who need greater flexibility in scheduling, such as full-time employees or people who run their own businesses.

If you want to earn a higher business degree but lack the time to attend classes on campus, then an MBA can help you achieve your goals.

The duration of the program can vary. How long it takes to complete the course depends on the type of degree that you want to earn and the institution you wish to attend.

The program could take anywhere between 1-3 years to complete the course, depending on the course and institution you’re applying to.

The minimum duration of the program is usually two years, so you should expect to spend about two years at least to complete the course.

Some schools offer streamlined programs that often focus on core business classes only. These courses usually target people who already have significant experience working in a specific industry and typically require extra time to earn a degree.

Admission to Colleges

Admissions to the program in India are open to all qualified candidates across India. While the eligibility requirement varies from one school to another, applicants are generally required to have a degree from an accredited institution or have at least 50% aggregate marks in a degree to qualify.

To apply for the program, you’ll need to:

Step One: Check the Eligibility and Requirements

As mentioned, different schools have different eligibility requirements for admission. So you need to check with the institution you’re applying to know what they need before you proceed to register.

Step Two: Obtain the Prospectus

If you meet the full eligibility requirements for the program you’re enrolling in; you can proceed to obtain the prospectus either by downloading it from the concerned school’s MBA-related website or its regional center or study center.

Some institutions also allow you to obtain a prospectus by post.

Step Three: Complete and Submit the Online Application Form

Visit the website of the college you’re interested in to start your application. Register an account and provide the necessary details, upload the application materials directly to your online application and then submit to complete the application process.

Step Four: Take an Entrance Test (if needed)

Some schools require applicants to take a standardized admission test to enable them to measure their (the students’) aptitude in various areas so that they can assess their potential to perform well in the future.

To make your application as competitive as possible and improve your chances of being admitted, it’s imperative that you prepare ahead of time.

It is recommended always to check to see whether your preferred institution requires you to take a test or tests so that you know what steps to take.

Your admissions decision will be determined by your performance in the test as well as other parameters which the school might want to consider.

Sikkim Manipal University, for example, requires you to complete the online application form. After which the institution’s counselor will contact you for more information. You’re expected to fill the form by following the link sent by the counselor.

You’re also required to upload your application document and pay online before submitting back the form. Upon submission, SMU will verify your details, then proceed to process your application, after which you will receive a notification of your application status.

Lovely Professional University (LPU) has a different approach. It requires you to either obtain the application form from its campus or download it from the website.

After that, you’re expected to submit the completed form along with Rs. 250 as application fee. LPU also requires that you provide documents that prove your identity. These include birth certificate, photos, proof of residence, and evidence of graduation.

If you are looking for admission, you can fill a form here

Colleges General Eligibility

Indian universities have different ways of evaluating profiles of prospective students seeking to engage in their education program.

They do this in order to attract the highest quality of prospective students to the program and to ensure that it is competitive.

Generally, schools require applicants to meet the following minimum criteria for enrollment:

From the above, it is evident that the eligibility requirements for MBA are not strict, especially when you consider that enrolling in an MBA broadens your business career prospects. Completing your MBA enables you to find various opportunities in sectors like Finance, Accounting, Insurance, Marketing, Risk Management, Human Resources, etc.

Also, MBA students who enroll in a UGC-approved degree program can apply for the UGC National Entrance Test (NET) exam for subjects like Commerce, Economics, Management, and Labour Welfare. In other words, doing your distance MBA in an institution approved by the UGC makes you eligible for the NET exam which qualifies you for the Junior Research Fellowship or Assistant Professorship. Doing your MBA in a UGC-approved institution also makes you eligible for the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Grade B exam.

Stream Specialisations

The first year of your  program is dedicated towards completion of the core courses which are designed to give you a strong foundation of the basic concepts across the various management subjects.

However, you can decide to specialize in a particular area during the latter period of your study. Several factors may influence your decision to concentrate in any area of business.

These may be the market demand for students specializing in that course (job availability), your preferred job profiles, the compensation package, or your interest.

Regardless of what your drive is, some of the specializations available via the distance mode include:

• Financial Management
• Marketing Management
• Human Resource Management
• Operations Management
• Financial Markets Practice
• Information systems
• Finance Leadership
• Marketing
• Strategic Finance
• Risk Management
• Global Markets
• Investment Management
• Innovation Management
• Entrepreneurship
• International Business
• Healthcare Management
• Hospital Administration
• Pharma Management
• Consulting
• Telecom Management
• IT or Technology Management
• Retail Management
• IT & Systems

Types of Distance Education Colleges

Things can get confusing if you’re not familiar with the Indian university system, especially when it comes to deciding which institution to attend.

To make things easier for you, we provide a quick overview of the different types of colleges you can expect to encounter in India.

Public (state) Universities

• Public universities (often called state universities) are institutions that were founded by state governments to give residents the opportunity to receive a public college education.
• Public institutions receive some level of public-sector, as state governments pay for most of their cost of operation and also run the schools. In India, state universities are usually established by a local legislative assembly act.
• Tuition tends to be lower in public schools mainly because the universities receive funding from state governments. And as a result, the cost of attendance is subsidized. An example of a public university is Panjab University.

Private Universities

• As the name implies, private universities are established by private individuals and as such rely heavily on tuition and private contributions for funding – which is why tuition tends to be higher than in public schools. An excellent example of a private college is the Balaji Institute of Modern Management.

Central Universities

• Central Universities are those that are directly funded by the central government through the University Grants Commission (UGC).
• Central universities are set up through an Act of Parliament and are within the purview of the Department of Higher Education (DHE), which itself, is under the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD). An example of a central university is Pondicherry University.

Deemed to Be Universities

• A deemed-to-be-university is an autonomous institution of higher education that enjoys the academic status and privileges of a university due to its high standard in a specific area of study.
• The status of deemed-to-be-university is awarded to these schools in line with Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956.
• Institutions that are conferred with that status demonstrate the features of a university through their quality and diverse curricula, research, and contribution to teaching.
• Much like full-fledged universities, Deemed-to-be universities decide their courses, syllabus, admissions, and fees. Some even have the power to grant degrees on their own. A deemed-to-be university can transition into a full-fledged university if it consistently performs well.

Disadvantages of Distance Learning

The growing demand for distance study today, its flexibility, easier accessibility, lower cost, swelling recognition, as well as the opportunity for students to stay engaged at work and earn their degree means that the correspondence MBA is increasingly rising in importance.

In spite of these numerous merits, however, the program is not without some disadvantages.

• Less Networking Opportunity

One of the major benefits of on-campus MBA programs is that they enable students to network with their fellow classmates, professors, and even recruiters who come to campus to scout candidates.

There’s less possibility of this occurring with distance education. This translates in fewer opportunities for internships and recruiting for correspondence candidates than their resident counterparts.

• Limited Face-to-face interaction with Fellow Students

While technology allows distance learning students to communicate with fellow students easily and even have discussions, the experience is not quite like that of resident students.

For instance, distance education based students cannot participate in campus clubs and interact with their fellow learners during study sessions and off-campus activities. This makes it challenging to build interpersonal connections.

• Some Employers May Not Respect Your Degree

While most employers are receptive to reputable distance degrees, those who are yet to learn the advantages of distance degrees may consider them less valid than traditional MBAs. Such concerns over the value of your degree can limit your chances of being hired.

To get around this, it is advisable that you earn your degree in a respected institution like IGNOU, ICFAI, Sikkim Manipal University, or any of the institutions within our top ten esteemed MBA list. https://www.mbaglue.com/top-10-distance-mba-colleges-india/.

The benefit here is that the reputation of these colleges make it less likely that employers will question the legitimacy of your degree.

• Lack of a Strong Support System

From career placement assistance to mentoring and team advisors, many resources are available to help you succeed from the moment you are admitted as an on-campus MBA student.

The same cannot be said for a program where you set your own structure and create your own schedules.

As an MBA student, you do not have as much luxury of options to turn to for assistance as you become acquainted with life as a student.

Unless you’re disciplined and are willing to work harder than your full-time counterparts, this limitation can affect your overall performance in the program.

Also, in India, some programs don’t offer as many courses as they do in the classroom yet.

Despite the seeming disadvantages, the distance learning MBA is still a great course to pursue. As more and more employers and recruiters learn about the benefits of distance degrees, it will make little difference to them whether your MBA is distance or campus-based.

Even today, most recruiters are more concerned about the content of your degree, the reputation of the degree-granting institution, as well as graduates’ work experience and personalities than they are about the medium through which the degrees were acquired.

Average Salary After the Program

MBAs, whether acquired on-campus or via the distance mode, often lead to career progression as well as higher salaries. Besides, one of the definite reasons why many people enroll in distance program is to raise their potential pay. But just by how much do they manage to accomplish this goal?

The average income you can earn upon graduation hovers between 3 and 20 lacs as starting salary per annum, depending on your experience and the institution you received your degree from — the more respect your institution commands, the higher your pay and vice versa. Similarly, the more skill you demonstrate, the higher your salary will be.

Note that the degree in itself will not get you a job. A lot of other things also play a part.

IIM Distance Learning

IIM (Indian Institute of Management) is among the oldest and most respected business schools in India. Its rich legacy, unparalleled student experiences, and enduring dedication to the pursuit of excellence makes it one of the go-to options for students seeking an advanced degree in management.

Working professionals seeking to advance their studies should note, however, that IIM doesn’t offer an MBA degree, as it is not a university.

IIM is autonomous and not affiliated to any university. As a result, students can only enroll in a postgraduate diploma program or post a graduate certificate.

However, the Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) courses offered by IIM is equivalent to an MBA. The PGDM follows the same structure as the correspondence MBA, differing only in name.

That being said, for a PGDM to be considered equal to an MBA degree, the institution awarding the course must have accreditation from the Association of Indian Universities (AIU). An example of an autonomous business school whose PGDM program is equivalent to an MBA is the Indian Institute of Management Tiruchirappalli (IIM Trichy), which received AIU accreditation.

Other IIMs offering PGDM programs that are equivalent to an MBA include IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Indore, IIM Bangalore, IIM Lucknow, IIM Calcutta, and IIM Kozhikode.

Distance vs. Regular vs. Executive MBA

A Master of Business Administration (MBA) is one of the most sought after post-graduate degree for students looking for a course that prepares them for new career opportunities.

However, individuals who are interested in earning a graduate-level business degree often have difficulty figuring out which program environment is best for them. If this is you, worry not – we have taken time to compare the different MBA formats to help you decide whether or not these programs are right for you.

Overall, distance program, traditional MBA, and executive MBA programs are similar in terms of curriculums but different in regarding the learning format.

Distance and executive programs offer the same content and coursework as a traditional course. Regarding the quality of education, curriculum, and the credibility of the degree which is earned, both the distance education and executive MBA programs compare quite favorably with full-time MBA programs.

Concerning flexibility, and affordability, distance education programs tend to outweigh both on-campus and executive programs – and this trend is likely to intensify as people become more tech-savvy.

So in terms of what to look forward to, you can expect your distance program to follow the same curricula as both the full-time and executive programs – and even have the same instructors.

In the end, the choice you make comes down to personal preference, professional circumstances, as well as career ambitions. I hope everything goes well for you in your attempts to advance your career.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Question 1: Does distance MBA provide placements?

• Ans: No, most institutions offering distance MBA do not offer placement assistance to students after completing their programme. This is because most of the students are working professionals who completed the programme without leaving their jobs. As such, these graduates continue with their roles or get promotions. Additionally, some of the graduates establish individual businesses for consultancy services. 
• However, a few institutions, such as IGNOU distance MBA provide placements and help graduates to climb up the leadership/corporate ladder. These placement cells help to connect the graduates with partner organisations and alumni. It trains them on how to behave when undertaking interviews for corporate leadership positions. 

Question 2: Are online MBA degrees respectable?

• Ans: Yes, online MBA degrees have the same curriculum as regular MBAs. The only difference between the two is the delivery model. So, are online MBA degrees respectable regardless of the institution? Well, not all online degrees are accredited! Before enrolling for an online MBA, you should ensure that the institution has Distance Education Bureau (DEB)- UGC accreditation. 
• Additionally, students should check the infrastructure of their institution of interest. Online MBA is characterised by virtual lectures, group discussions, and recorded lectures. As such, they should ensure that the institution has an effective Learning Management System (LMS). This way, students will have unlimited access to digital learning materials, journals, and a fully-equipped digital library. 

Question 3: Which is the best distance management college in India?

Ans: There are many top tier institutions where you can earn a respected degree in India. Here is a list – Link.

In this article, we provide a list of some of the colleges that may prove to be a good option for students. The recommended institutions are adequately accredited and well-positioned to meet your academic needs and career goals.

Question 4: What can I expect to learn in a distance program?

Ans: Like any graduate business degree, the distance MBA program is designed to prepare you for career advancements and more adequately. The program curriculum covers the core of a business, such as accounting, people management, finance, marketing, etc.

The program will also help shape you up to think critically, improve your communication abilities, hone your leadership and presentation skills, as well as enable you to develop the excellent problem-solving skills needed to succeed in a complex and vigorous work environment.

Question 5: Is the distance program valuable?

Ans: Sometimes, distance education can be valuable. In most cases, distance programs follow the same curricula as residential programs and offer the same benefits.

As a result, they are widely considered as being just as valuable as their on-campus counterparts. Recruiters and employers don’t tend to care about the medium through which your degree is earned. So don’t let anything hold you back from pursuing your degree via the distance mode if you think that’s the right thing to do.

Question 6: Is a CAT or MAT required?

Ans: Since most institutions conduct their admission individually, you do not have to appear for CAT or MAT to enroll for a distance MBA. That being said, passing the CAT or MAT will earn you a place in the regular MBA program. But it is not necessary.

Question 7: What salary can I expect after my program?

Ans: You can expect to earn between 3 lacs and 20 lacs or more depending on the employer, your experience and perceived value you’ll bring to the table, as well as the institution you graduated from. There is also a chance that you may not find any job. Please choose wisely.

Question 8: What specialization is best for me?

Ans: As always, we recommend that you specialize in an area that aligns with your business interests. This way, you can enjoy your studies and subsequently the experience that comes with working in such an area.

Question 9: What are the eligibility requirements for the education program?

Ans: The eligibility requirement varies from school to school. However, all institutions generally require a graduate degree, but there are exceptions. For e.g., if you have a lot of work ex, the graduation requirement can be overlooked. You would have to look into each college’s requirements.

Question 10: Can I do a Ph.D. after completing the program?

Ans: Yes, you can enroll in a Ph.D. program after earning an MBA, as the degree is the business equivalent of an MSc. Note, however, that receiving a PGDM does not make you eligible for a Ph.D. Hence, make sure that you go for an accredited college.

Question 11: Is a PGDM program the same as an MBA?

Ans: No. However, the PGDM curriculum is the same as the MBA one.

Question 12: How long does it take to earn a degree?

Ans: It can take anywhere between 1 and 3 years to earn an MBA via the distance mode.

Question 13: Can I secure a job after distance MBA?

Ans: Unlikely. Earning an MBA enhances your career. It is reasonable to expect your degree to increase your chances of finding a job.

Question 14: Can I enrol in a distance MBA if I do not have a background in business?

Ans: Yes. You can enrol in the the program if you do not have an accounting, economics, management, finance, or statistics background. Some schools offer foundation courses designed to bring you up to speed with the business world.

Question 15: Is accreditation all that important?

Ans: Yes. Very important. The relevance and quality of your degree depend primarily on whether or not it is accredited. Employers tend to prefer MBA graduates from accredited and well-respected schools as compared to their counterparts who might have earned their degrees from diploma mills.

Question 16:  Will I earn a full MBA or does the distance courses confer a different degree?

Ans: As mentioned, distance courses confers the same Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree as the on-campus course. Neither your degree nor transcripts will read “distance.” However, this varies from different colleges.

Question 17: Can I attend graduation?

Ans: Yes. You can attend graduation your graduation ceremony the same way an on-campus student would. This again varies by the college you join.

Question 18: How do I choose an institution to pursue a distance MBA in India?

Ans: When choosing a college you should check its UGC-DEB accreditation status. It’s recommended that you enrol in an accredited institution.

Question 19: How do I check whether an institution is registered by UGC-DEB to offer a distance MBA?

Ans: To know the accreditation status of any university, you should visit the UGC official website (https://www.ugc.ac.in/) and access the PDF file of the registered institutions in India.

Question 20: What is the difference between distance MBA and correspondence MBA?

Ans: Distance and correspondence MBA use the same concept of learning where students can learn from locations of their choice. However, distance education tries to incorporate modern technology in imparting knowledge to the students.

On the contrary, correspondence MBA concentrates more on sending hard copy materials to students while offering very minimal classroom support.

Question 21: Does distance MBA cost the same as a regular MBA?

Ans: No, distance MBA is relatively cheaper compared to the regular MBA. Besides the online study material, distance MBA students rarely use the institution infrastructural facilities making it relatively cheaper.

Question 22: Is there an entrance exam required before joining an institution for distance MBA?

Ans: Admission requirements for a distance MBA depend on the institution you choose. However, a majority of distance MBA institutions require valid score sheets for a specified entrance exam.

Question 23: Is there any time that I’ll be required to physically attend lessons at the university?

Ans: Yes, most universities hold personal contact programs where the students interact with professionals and tutors. In some institutions, however, the PCPs are optional.

Question 24: Does the course allow students to specialise in their areas of interest?

Ans: Yes, students can pursue their areas of interest. However, there are foundational courses that are compulsory for all students.

Question 25: Where do distance learning students go when they need counselling services?

Ans: A majority of the institutions offering these courses have study centers where the students can get counseling services. If an institution lacks the centers, students have to go to the Directorate of Distance Education in the institution.

Question 26: Are students allowed to attend the convocation ceremony together with regular students?

Ans: Sometimes and it depends on the college.

Question 27: How do MBA students undertake their exams?

Ans: All students are required to undertake a pen and paper exam. They must report at the examination hall in time to undertake the exams.

Question 28: Will I be required to physically submit my application papers to the university?

Ans: No, the majority of universities offering distance courses allow candidates to apply online or send their application forms by post. Always confirm with the university of interest on which method works best for them.

Question 29: How do the candidates /students pay their application/course fees?

Ans: Different universities have different payment methods. However, the popular ones are demand draft and online payment (Net Banking, Credit Note, or Debit Note).

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