Online MBA vs Distance MBA: Which is Right for You?
Nowadays, the demand for management professionals in every industry and business domain has increased exponentially. Businesses, regardless of type and size, are looking to gain every competitive edge in the marketplace and that is why they are in need of highly skilled professionals who can effectively manage organizations. An MBA degree here can help meet the requirement of such demands. Having a management degree paves way for individuals who are looking for a top position in a company. With greater penetration of technology, students now have options to pursue an MBA degree online, offline, distance, or online executive MBA.
Many students might get confused about Online MBA vs Distance MBA. To help you with this, we have brought you this article to understand Online MBA vs Distance MBA which is better for you. Before diving deeper into difference between online and distance MBA debate or finding the difference between Online MBA and Distance MBA, let’s understand the fundamentals of an MBA (Master of Business Administration), its eligibility criteria, and the admission process. Read on to know what is the difference between online MBA and distance MBA.
Online MBA vs Distance MBA: Eligibility Criteria
A Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a sought-after master's degree in business management. An MBA program is significantly designed for fresh graduates who want to build their careers in the commerce and management fields as well as working professionals who seek to climb up the corporate ladder. Any graduate - BA, BBA, B.Com, B.Tech, and B.Sc - with a minimum passing score in aggregate can enrol in an MBA degree online or offline or choose a Distance MBA. Many universities take admission to their Online MBA and Distance MBA programs based on merit while some conduct their own entrance exams or take admission based on scores obtained in MBA entrance exams like CAT, MAT, XAT, NMAT, SNAP, and others.
Resource Links for Online MBA
Online MBA Specialisations
Let's get started with Online MBA vs Distance MBA
Distance MBA vs Online MBA: Which is Better?
Whether a student chooses an Online MBA or goes with a Distance MBA, he/she must understand the difference between Online MBA and Distance MBA programs. Similar to a traditional full-time MBA, an Online MBA is a master’s degree in business management delivered completely in online mode. Online MBA courses allow learners to complete their courses at their own pace. Online MBA courses are extremely flexible in nature giving students the option to study, schedule and appear in exams at their convenience.
Distance MBA, on the other hand, is a self-study MBA degree programme where students can study through self-study materials which are usually available in the form of soft copy and hard copy. Under a Distance MBA, students are not required to visit the college similar to an Online MBA. But this learning method does not involve teachers as it is more inclined towards self-study.
In certain terms, the difference between Online MBA and Distance MBA gets faded. Both MBA programs are designed for those who are working or have a busy schedule. However, you may miss out on the exposure with a Distance MBA that an Online MBA offers. A Distance MBA course can be pursued by any graduate based on merit and entrance exams like MAT, CAT, XAT, SNAP, and CMAT. There are many Distance MBA colleges in India including IGNOU, NMIMS, School of Open Learning, Delhi University, and others.
Also read: Distance MBA Admission in Top Colleges - Eligibility, Admission Process, Fees
When deciding whether a Distance MBA is good or should you opt for an Online MBA, you must consider certain things - time commitment, accreditation, fees, and course outcomes.
You must have time to dedicate to your Online MBA vs Distance MBA course on a periodic basis. To pursue a regular MBA, you are required your full dedication and commitment to the course. Unlike regular MBA courses, institutes conduct online MBA classes on weekends or after business hours.
You must pursue your Distance MBA course from a valid and authentic institute like ISBM. On the other side, Online MBA in India is approved by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and only UGC-recognized institutions have the right to offer Online MBA courses. There are many UGC approved colleges in India that offer Online MBAs.
The cost factor is also indispensable when deciding distance vs online MBA is better. Full-time MBA course fees are usually higher than part-time MBA courses.
Some other factors you must consider while understanding difference between distance MBA and online MBA are physical presence, attendance, assessments, and flexibility.
Online MBA vs Distance MBA: Admission Process
To help students enrol in their desired MBA programs, we have listed important steps to apply for admission.
Online MBA admission process:
Aspiring candidates may apply to their preferred college based on their academic performance and work experience.
They need to first visit the official website of their chosen institute and meet the online MBA eligibility criteria.
After that, they need to complete the admission process by filling in an application form online.
Post submission, the college will contact them and may ask them to appear for an interview.
Further, they will be asked to submit the required documents and complete the fees within the given time duration.
Also read: 7 Reasons to Pursue an Online MBA Degree
Distance MBA admission process:
Admission to the Distance MBA programme is based on the candidates' performance in the entrance examinations and their graduation.
After satisfying the eligibility criteria, aspirants will have to submit the application form within the stipulated period of time otherwise their application form will not be taken into consideration or will be cancelled.
Candidates are also required to pay the requisite application fee.
Once shortlisted, candidates will be called for an interview (if any) or will be given direct admission.
Also read: Best Distance MBA Programs (Distance MBA): Courses, Top Colleges and Fee
Distance MBA vs Online MBA: Career Opportunities
There are a variety of opportunities available after successfully completing both modes of MBA courses. Students will explore job opportunities in diverse industries in different career paths.
Career options after online MBA and distance MBA courses:
- Sales Manager
- Marketing Manager
- Human Resource Manager
- Brand Manager
- Financial Advisor
- Financial Analyst
- Business Analyst
Online MBA vs Distance MBA: The Final Thought
So, we now learn about Online MBA vs Distance MBA and how both modes of MBA courses are important and beneficial to you. However, it is important for you to find answers to online vs distance MBA which is better for you based on your pace, suitability and convenience.
Top Distance MBA Colleges in India
Top Online MBA Colleges in India
Also read:
- Top Free Online MBA Courses with Certificates in India
- Distance MBA Admission in Top Colleges - Eligibility, Admission Process, Fees
Frequently Asked Question (FAQs) - Online MBA vs Distance MBA: Which is Right for You?
Question: What are the specialisations offered in Distance MBA?
Answer:
Mentioned below are some popular Distance MBA specializations:
Finance
Material, Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Business Administration
Question: Where can I go after completing online MBA courses?
Answer:
Upon successful completion of online MBA courses, you can find opportunities in Finance, Accounting, Entrepreneurship, Human Resources, Healthcare, International Business, and other sectors.
Question: Who can all choose Distance vs Online MBA courses?
Answer:
Candidates who have completed a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university can decide on an Online MBA vs Distance MBA, which is better for them.
Question: What are the popular online MBA entrance exams?
Answer:
Some popular online MBA entrance examinations are CAT, XAT, MAT, CMAT, GMAT, and SNAP.
Question: How long does it take to complete a Distance MBA course?
Answer:
The Distance MBA course duration is two years.
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