How to apply for Distance MBA programme in IGNOU

Distance MBA programme from IGNOU is most appropriate for working professionals who wish to hone their business and managerial skills without taking a career break.

The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) was founded in 1985 and is acknowledged by the University Grants Commission (UGC) to offer quality higher education to all the sections of the society. Also known as The People’s University, IGNOU is especially known for its Masters in Business Administration (MBA) degree, has gradually become the most preferred higher education for students and working individuals, too. To cater to the latter, most institutions and universities have come up with courses that allow them to complete an MBA degree through distance learning. IGNOU provides academic programs in a range of disciplines and the ease of access makes it a preferred choice distance university for Indian and foreign students.

OPENMAT: IGNOU MBA entrance test 

The Open Management Aptitude Test (OPENMAT) is held twice in a year, February and August, for aspirants who want take admission to management programmes offered by IGNOU.

IGNOU correspondence MBA course details

The IGNOU Distance Learning MBA comprises of a total of 21 papers/courses, which can be completed over the minimum time frame of two and a half years and a maximum duration of eight years. The freedom of completing the course over eight years of admission, adds variability to the program and a sense of ease for the student.  

This has been possible because of the advancements in the communication technologies – IGNOU uses a range of modern technology aids such as interactive radio counseling, audiovisual aids, TV broadcast, printed material, etc., to deliver study materials to the students.

Fee structure for correspondence MBA

The fee for IGNOU MBA is can cost a student around Rs 31,500.

Distance MBA admission in IGNOU

Eligibility

There is no age restriction for an aspirant to pursue IGNOU’s MBA by correspondence. Clearance of OPENMAT MBA Entrance Test Conducted by IGNOU. Apart from these common eligibility criteria, here are some specific qualifications:

• They need to be a graduate with an aggregate of 50 per cent marks in any discipline for general category and for the reserved category it is 45 per cent. Three years managerial/supervisory/professional experience after qualification is also needed.

                                                               OR 

• A professional degree in any of the following streams with 50 per cent marks in Medicine/Engineering/Law/Chartered Accountancy (ICAI)/Cost and Works Accountancy (ICWAI)/Chartered Secretaryship (ICSI).

Process

To have a comprehensive idea of the management programs and MBA offered by IGNOU and also to get the application forms you should obtain the prospectus. You can get the prospectus through multiple ways:

• Download it from the IGNOU official website. If you think to take this route then you will have to pay the application fee when you apply with the Form from the downloaded prospectus.
• The fee is Rs 1,050 and should be drawn as a demand draft in favor of IGNOU payable at New Delhi. It should be attached along with the completed Application Form.
• You can also obtain the prospectus from regional centers or study centers or IGNOU Head Quarters on payment of Rs 1,000.
• The candidates can also get the prospectus by post, by requesting for the prospectus along with a Demand Draft drawn in favor of IGNOU payable at New Delhi.
• You can apply for OPENMAT exam online via the IGNOU website.
• Previously this was done by an offline application form. Now applications to OPENMAT can be done online only.
• The link for applying online is: https://onlineadmission.ignou.ac.in/entranceopenmat
• Apply online for OPENMAT.

Fill up and submit the form online before the last date of submitting the OPENMAT form.

Scope after completing IGNOU MBA

The value of an IGNOU MBA degree depends on the student. While some can make the best use of their degree through their hard work, others are not able to cope with the pressure. Given below are the reasons why you should study an IGNOU MBA program:

• Cost-effective: Distance MBA from IGNOU does not burn a hole in candidates’ pockets as compared to a regular MBA program. The course fee of a distance MBA course from IGNOU is low and reasonably priced for most candidates.
• Flexibility: Flexibility is one of the best parts of pursuing IGNOU MBA, particularly for working professionals. By pursuing MBA from IGNOU, candidates can study at their own pace and can earn as well as learn at the same time.
• Comprehensive study material: IGNOU MBA offers one of the best study materials to candidates prepared by professors from top institutions such as IIMs and IITs. Thus with IGNOU MBA, candidates get to learn a lot within a limited time frame.   

Job opportunities after IGNOU MBA

After completing a distance MBA course from IGNOU candidates can find job opportunities in both the private and public sectors. Such candidates can apply for government jobs in railways, banks, PSUs, airports, etc. Apart from this, candidates can also search for private jobs in sectors for instance Marketing, Finance, Accounting, Human Resources, Risk Management, and so on. Jobs for distance MBA passouts range from the typical finance and marketing executive roles to financial analysts, corporate managers, sales managers, HR managers, etc.

Thus, it can be said that the distance MBA program from IGNOU is most appropriate for working professionals who wish to hone business and managerial skills without taking a career break. Flexibility in studies, assignments submission and exams assist them to sail through work effortlessly while learning the latest skills to move ahead in the fast-changing job market.