As businesses grow in size and stature, the demand for skilled professionals also rises. In 2023, the employability among Indian business administration graduates was 60.1% - an increase from 55.09% in 2022.
When contemplating pursuing an MBA, the first option we consider is attending a regular or traditional MBA course. We often regard online or distance MBA courses as less effective. But the truth is far from it.
Both online and distance MBA courses have their perks. This article will discuss the similarities, differences, and opportunities they offer. It will offer a solution on which type of MBA is best suited for you.
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The traditional MBA has long been the popular option among management aspirants. But, in the last few years, other formats of MBA have garnered popularity. The MBA or Master of Business Administration course is available in different modes.
Regular MBA course
A regular or full-time MBA is of two years. It includes offline classroom along with projects, assessments in the semester and final placements. Usually, the candidates require to be residential in this form.
Distance MBA course
A distance MBA, also known as a correspondence MBA, offers a few flexibility options compared to a regular MBA. People with limited time and resources available often opt for this type of MBA.
Part-time MBA course
The part-time MBA course is similar to the regular MBA. However, unlike regular MBA courses, it doesn't require the student to reside on campus. Also, it doesn't offer any placement opportunities. The course fees range between INR 1 lakh and INR 10 lakh.
Online MBA course
Online MBAs are the most popular form of MBA in recent times. The reason behind this is the flexibility offered in this form.
Executive MBA course
Designed exclusively for working professionals with an experience of more than five years, the format of this course is similar to a regular MBA. However, the course is shorter than a full-time MBA. This type of MBA is quite expensive and is often funded by the organization in which the aspirant is working.
Online MBA vs Distance MBA vs Regular MBA
While all the above-mentioned formats of MBA are there, traditional, online distance and online MBA are some of the most popular ones. As regular or traditional MBAs are always more popular, you may wonder if a distance MBA is worth it or will an online MBA suffice. The table below answers these questions, comparing the three modes of MBA on different parameters.
Feature | Regular MBA | Distance MBA | Online MBA |
Program delivery | Classes are offline with a fixed timetable and offline exams. | Usually, the students receive the course materials via post. However, the exams are offline. | All the critical features, like classes and exams, are entirely online. |
Eligibility | Graduates from a recognized university in any discipline with a minimum score of 50 per cent or above can apply. A good score in the entrance examination is mandatory for admission to Tier 1 and Tier 2 B-schools.
| Graduation from a recognized university, with a good score in the MBA entrance exam, is mandatory. | The aspirants need 50% or more aggregate score in graduation from a recognized university.
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Schedule of teaching | The classes, assignments and projects have a strict schedule, and attendance is mandatory. | Offline exams have a fixed schedule. But you can choose the venue yourself. | Offers extreme flexibility in attending classes, scheduling examinations and submitting projects and assignments. |
Accessibility | Anyone who meets the eligibility criteria can access the course. | This type of MBA is most suitable for students who live in remote places without the advantage or access to online studying. | Anyone who meets the eligibility criteria and has access to a personal computer and a network connection can access this course. |
Curriculum | The curriculum of the regular MBA program includes both theoretical and practical classes. | For distance MBA, the curriculum is primarily dependent on course materials. | The online MBA program also provides virtual or online theoretical and practical classes. |
Duration of course | The duration of a regular MBA course is two years. There is no flexibility on offer in terms of the length of the program. | The period of the course is a minimum of two years, but there is an option to extend it up to five years. | The period of the course is two years, but the universities offer flexibility in terms of extending that further. |
Specializations offered | The regular MBA courses offer its students the widest range of specializations. | The specializations offered in the distance mode are often fewer than regular or online MBA programs. | The online MBA programs by recognized universities offer a plethora of specializations. |
Assignments and projects | The students need to submit the assignments and projects within the given time in their college. | Students receive all their projects and assignments from the regional study center. They need to submit them to that center. | Students can obtain their projects and assignments online. The submission procedure is also online. |
Exposure | Regular MBA has field, factory and industrial visits as an integral part of the curriculum. These provide ample exposure to the students. | MBA distance education does not provide any field work and is a bit restricted in terms of exposure. | In online MBA, universities provide exposure through interactive sessions with industry veterans and experts. |
Admission Procedure | The admission procedure is a complicated one. It requires qualification in a state or national-level entrance examination. Interviews and group discussions are also a mandatory part of the procedure. | For admission, you require filling up the application form and pay the fees to complete the procedure. | The admission procedure is quite simple and entirely online, consisting of filling up the forms and paying the fees. |
Fees | The course fee for private universities ranges from INR 15 to INR 20 lakh. It is INR 3 lakh to INR 7 lakh in government universities. | Usually, the course fees do not go up to INR 1 lakh. | The course fees for an online MBA range from INR 2 lakh to INR 4 lakh. |
Placement | There are placement procedures conducted at the end of each year of the academic calendar. Often, the top companies tied up with the programs hire the students passing out. | In the distance MBA program, there is no proper placement process. Hence, students will need to search for a job on their own. | The universities offer placement assistance. Some universities arrange placement drives. |
Opportunities
The traditional form of MBA is best suited for freshers and has a placement procedure available. The best job positions after completion include Human Resource Manager, Accounting Manager, Employee Relations Manager, System Manager and Supply Chain Coordinator.
The distance MBA is best suited for working professionals who can not attend regular physical classes. Some of the best job positions after completion are Sales Executive, Market Research Analyst, Department Manager and Business Development Executive.
An online MBA suits almost anyone who is aspiring for a management degree. It also offers placement options. The top job opportunities include Project Manager, Management Consultant, Financial Analyst and Digital Marketing Manager.
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If you have found an answer to your question - “is an online MBA worth it?” then you might be looking for an online MBA program. The Masters of Business Administration program by Amity University Online is an excellent option.
A UGC-recognized program, it offers career support after completion. Our hiring partners are top companies working in various business fields. There are multiple specializations available to choose from. The program is affordable, flexible and accessible from anywhere in the world. Visit Amity University Online for more details.
