Home » Career Guidance » Online MBA vs Full-time MBA: Which is Better?
Master of Business Administration (MBA) is one of the most sought-after degrees both in India and abroad. MBA provides unmatched insights about the business arena, marketing, HR, finance, or economics. Many people prefer going for an MBA post 2-3 years of work experience to get a career boost.
But, a regular MBA requires a commitment of 2 years. This is giving rise to an online MBA in India that offers more flexibility to the aspirants. Working-class people can balance their education with their work life. But, what exactly are online MBA courses? How is it different from the regular MBA? Let’s find out!
As the name suggests, MBA courses online are the remote education equivalents of the postgraduate degree of an MBA. It is different from an on-campus education program. An online MBA in India is an entirely online educational program. It is offered by various universities and educational platforms. Students can scale up their professional academic records through remote learning facilities.
Following are the major differences between a full-time and online MBA in India:
Parameters | Full-Time MBA | Online MBA |
Cost | The cost depends upon the university in which a student enrols. But a full-time MBA is expensive and can cost Rs. 10 lakhs – Rs. 25 lakhs. | Here also, the cost depends upon the university. But an online MBA course is far more affordable than a full-time MBA. It can be completed for as low as Rs. 3 lakhs. |
Flexibility | A full-time MBA requires a commitment of 2 years at a stretch. Also, the student will have to relocate to the city of the college or university. | Online MBA offers flexibility as there is no on-campus education. The students don’t need to relocate as they are provided access to video lectures. This allows them to learn at their own pace. There can also be live classes. |
Placement | Most MBA institutes offer placement services to their students. It can run into lakhs and sometimes, even crores. | Colleges offering online MBA courses also offer placement opportunities. Candidates can get a decent package through an online MBA. Working professionals can get a good hike in salary and designation after MBA. |
Networking | A full-time MBA offers great networking opportunities. Students can develop meaningful relationships during their MBA program. | Online MBA does not involve on-campus learning. But, it does not mean zero networking. Students can develop relations with people that join them virtually all across the country and globe. |
Suitability | It is ideally suitable for students who just completed their graduation and are looking for post-graduation. | This degree is ideally suitable for working professionals. They gain a great value addition to their professional attainments and degrees. |
Many people are now willing to go for an online MBA in India. They should check these best MBA online courses in India that are in demand:
Marketing is how companies create brand awareness among customers. MBA in marketing management allows learning various marketing strategies, advertising and branding.
The knowledge and technique help in building a narrative around any particular product or service. It can be either through communications, storytelling, management skills or understanding consumer behaviour. As social media reigns, the dynamics of marketing are changing.t
An MBA in finance helps to obtain a deep understanding of various aspects of finance. This normally includes forecasting business trends, minimising financial risks, maximising profitability, managing capital investment, security analysis, international finance etc.
It equips a student with the desired knowledge to perform financial roles in a company. The financial industry is going through rapid change after fintech came. The demand for MBAs in finance is bound to increase.
It is all about managing people. MBA in human resource management helps to learn and focus on hiring the right set of people for the required job roles. It helps in providing them with the necessary direction and guidance and managing them.
MBA in production and operation management helps learn about how to ensure speed, quality and efficiency in the operations and production cells of the company. It consists of two aspects.
Production management provides deep insights into different production techniques. It enables one to produce the largest quantities of goods in the shortest possible time. In contrast, operations management teaches how to handle and make operations more efficient.
Following are some of the key reasons why one should go for an online MBA instead of the regular one:
In India, online MBA is in great demand among students and working-class people. But what are the top colleges offering the best online MBA in India? Let’s check them out:
College & Fees (for the 2-year program)* | Specializations |
Amity University, Noida Fees: Rs. 2,53,000 | Finance & Accounting Marketing and sales management Human Resource Retail Management Hospitality Management HR AnalyticsInsurance Management |
JAIN University, Bengaluru Fees: Rs. 2,00,000 | Human Resource Management Marketing Finance Finance and Marketing General Management Project Management Aviation Management Healthcare Management |
Manipal University, Jaipur Fees: Rs. 1,54,000 | Finance Marketing Retail Management Information Technology Human Resource Management Analytics and Data Science Operations Management |
Institute of Chartered Financial Analyst of India (ICFAI) Fees: Rs. 2,00,000 | Marketing IT and OperationsFinanceHuman Resource Management |
NMIMS University, Mumbai Fees: Rs. 1,44,000 | IT and Systems Management Supply Chain Management Retail Management Marketing Management Financial Management Operations Management Business Management Human Resource Management |
Chandigarh University, Chandigarh Fees: Rs. 2,00,000 | Marketing International Business Management Entrepreneurship Human Resource Management |
Indira Gandhi National Open University Fees: Rs. 62,000 | Marketing Management Operations Management Human Resource Management Services Management Financial Management |
Hindustan University, Chennai Fees: Rs. 1,20,000 | Finance Healthcare Management Human Resource Management Aviation Management Marketing Operations Management Marketing and Finance Sports Management |
Lovely Professional University, Punjab Fees: Rs. 1,56,000 | Marketing Data Science Human Resource Management Finance |
DY Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune Fees: Rs. 1,30,000 | Marketing Management Finance Management Human Resource Management IT Management Operations Management Project Management Block Chain Management |
Online MBA in India provides the flexibility of learning at their own pace. So, people can do their job while pursuing an online MBA at the same time. Following are some of the part-time jobs that one can do along with the online MBA program:
Related read: Distance MBA vs Regular MBA
Online MBA is worth the time and effort because it has widespread recognition. But, it should be noted that an online MBA is more fruitful for the working class who cannot spare enough time to go for a regular MBA. For students who have just completed their under graduation, a regular MBA should still be a preferable option. This is because of the value addition it provides.
If certain students cannot relocate or couldn’t afford a regular MBA, then an online MBA will be a go-to option at any time. Being affordable and flexible is the biggest advantage that an MBA online course holds over a regular MBA.
Till the time you complete your MBA, you can become a Chegg Q&A Expert to network with the best minds while earning at your pace and convenience. Gain global academic exposure and the opportunity to meet experts from diverse fields. This will help you build a strong peer network and chart a great career trajectory.
Yes. Online MBA is legally recognised in India. It is considered by the companies as well as they are approved by University Grants Commission.
Different universities provide quality online MBA education in India. You can refer to the section ‘Top Colleges for Online MBA Courses India’ to know some of the best universities for online MBA.
It varies among different universities. The fees for an online MBA can range anywhere between Rs. 60,000 to as high as Rs. 3 lakhs.
Yes. Today, the dynamics of education are changing and it is not limited to classroom education. Online education mode has been very effective in not only helping students but also working-class people to upskill themselves and achieve their qualifications.
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Chegg India does not ask for money to offer any opportunity with the company. We request you to be vigilant before sharing your personal and financial information with any third party. Beware of fraudulent activities claiming affiliation with our company and promising monetary rewards or benefits. Chegg India shall not be responsible for any losses resulting from such activities.