Top 10 Distance MBA institutes in India

Distance MBA is ideal for working professionals or those who wish to pursue MBA and learn latest skills for career enhancement but cannot pursue regular courses due to lack ot time. Looking at the increasing number queries related to distance MBA and online MBA on Shiksha, we have compiled a list of top 10 Institutes for Distance/Correspondence MBA.

Distance MBA or Correspondence MBA is a popular option among working professionals, because they provide them the flexibility of studying while working. In today's competitive world, an MBA degree is a necessity not only for fresh graduates to kickstart a career but also for working professionals to enhance their skills to keep up with the ever-changing business environment. While a regular MBA programme is of two years and is taught in a daily classroom mode, distance/correspondence and online MBA programmes do not require candidates to attend classes on a regular basis, which makes it a desirable option for a large number of working professionals. After pursuing an MBA programme, individuals can look for upward movement within their company or opt for better job roles outside. 

There are many institutes in India that offer Correspondence or Distance MBA. If you are planning to pursue an MBA programme in distance mode, you should first understand what is it about, what is the eligibility criteria, what are the benefits and which are the top colleges for Distance MBA. Read this article to know all about it.

What is Correspondence MBA or Distance MBA?

As the name suggests, Distance MBA programme is pursued via correspondence, i.e., remote communication between two parties. Education in this format focuses on imparting lessons to students, who are not physically present in a classroom.

Also Read: Top Online MBA Courses in India

Who Should Pursue Distance MBA?

Correspondence MBA or Distance MBA is mainly meant for people with limited time and resources. A working professional, fresh graduate, specially abled or stay-at-home mother – anyone interested in pursuing an MBA course can opt for it. All that one requires is a bachelor’s degree. The cost of a Distance MBA is much less than a regular MBA programme, so it is a good option for individuals from financially weak background to upskill themselves.

MBA is now necessary to climb the ladder of corporate success or become an entrepreneur. But, it is difficult to juggle work, family and study. Hence, an effective hassle-free but quality management degree becomes essential. “Qualitative education is crucial. Correspondence courses are convenient for working executives. There is no financial instability for the candidate or the requirement for geographical relocation,” says Anuradha Manjul, public relations officer, IIM Lucknow.

However, Distance MBA requires dedication and disciple. The absence of regular classes can lead to distraction and students not taking up lessons properly.

What is the Eligibility Criteria for Distance MBA?

The eligibility criteria for Distance MBA or Correspondence MBA varies from institute to institute. Normally, a Distance MBA is for two years and can be completed in four years. Here are the Distance MBA eligibility criteria:

• The candidate must have completed Graduation from a recognised university
• Work Experience is desired but not an essential requirement
• Some institutes offer admission to Distance MBA on the basis of MBA entrance exam scores such as CAT, MAT, CMAT, ATMA, XAT, etc.
• Some institutes conduct their own entrance test for admission

Study Material in Distance MBA

In Correspondence MBA or Distance MBA, students are provided with study material (manually or online) and assignments, which need to be submitted within a specified time period. This is followed by semester-wise, bi-annual or annual exams.

“Distance-learning business education is a resounding success story. In America, specialist universities, such as the University of Phoenix, have hundreds of thousands of postgraduate business students enrolled. In India the total is probably in the millions,” states a leading world magazine The Economist.

Also Read: Online MBA from IIMs

Benefits of Distance MBA

• Anyone can pursue Distance MBA: Unlike regular MBA, distance MBA can be pursued by anyone, whether they are students, working professionals or stay at home mothers.
• Skill enhancement: As mentioned earlier, an MBA degree has become a necessity in today’s competitive world, distance MBA can equip you with the latest tools, technology, methods etc. for present and future. 
• Time management: Distance MBA allows a candidate to study without having to let go of their other important responsibilities. Since there is no classroom teaching, this mode of education is flexible allows the participant to use their time for studying according to their needs and convenience. 
• Cost-effective: Distance MBA or Correspondence MBA is much cheaper as it does not involve classroom teaching. This mode of MBA is suitable for candidates from all strata of society.
• Industry-relevant curriculum: Distance MBA courses offered by recognised colleges and universities offer course curriculum the same as that of regular MBA and are modified according to the industry need.
• Recognised by regulatory body: Distance MBA courses of all recognized MBA institutes are approved by UGC’s Distance Education Bureau (DEB). Check for UGC recognition before taking up a Distance MBA course.
• No loss of employment: Distance MBA courses are often taken up by working professionals because it allows them to improve their managerial skills, acquire a degree while continuing their jobs.

Also Read: How to choose a Distance MBA college 

Top 10 Colleges for Distance/Correspondence MBA

Distance MBA is a popular choice among working professionals as well as freshers. Let us take a look at some of the leading management institutes offering Correspondence MBA or Distance MBA. 

*Subject to change

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