Online MBA vs Executive MBA: Choose the Better

Online MBA vs Executive MBA: Choose the Better

Edited By Vivek Kumar | Updated on Apr 16, 2025 12:33 PM IST | #MBA

Master of Business Administration (MBA) is one of the popular management programmes among graduates and working professionals. With the demand for candidates with business and management skills, both Online MBA and Executive MBA emerge as popular choices, catering to working professionals. However, these programmes differ significantly in terms of their focus, delivery, and value proposition.

This Story also Contains
  1. Online MBA vs Executive MBA - Explained
  2. Online MBA V/s Executive MBA: Differences
  3. Online MBA vs Executive MBA: Which One To Choose?
  4. Top Executive MBA Colleges in India
  5. Top Online MBA Colleges in India
Online MBA vs Executive MBA: Choose the Better
Online MBA vs Executive MBA: Choose the Better

While an Online MBA allows individuals to earn their degrees without quitting their jobs, an Executive MBA is designed for seasoned professionals with management experience. Both programmes have their distinct advantages for career advancement and understanding their differences is crucial to choose the right programme.

Online MBA vs Executive MBA - Explained

Online MBA and Executive MBA programmes are ideal for professionals aiming to advance their careers without putting their jobs on a halt. An Online MBA is a two-year programme primarily through digital platforms, with asynchronous learning where students engage with course materials at their own pace and schedule.

DES University MBA Admissions 2025

Deadline: 30th May'25 | MBA @ DES Pune University | Top Ranked B-School | 100% Placement Assistance

UPES | BBA Admissions 2025

#41 in NIRF, NAAC ‘A’ Grade | 100% Placement, up to 30% meritorious scholarships | Last Date to Apply: 23rd June

An Executive MBA is a two-year management programme delivered in hybrid mode with major focus on on-campus modules. The programme is often held on weekends, supplemented by online coursework. Admission to online MBA courses is done based previous academic performance with some college require candidates to have a minimum of 1-3 years of experience. To enrol in Executive MBA courses, candidates must have a certain year of work experience in a relevant industry.

Top UGC Approved Colleges for Online MBA
Download this ebook and get all details related to the top UGC approved colleges for Online MBA.
Download List Here

Also Read: 10 Myths and Facts About an Online MBA

Online MBA V/s Executive MBA: Differences

Here are the key differences between an Online MBA and an Executive MBA to help students make an informed decision on the programme that best fit their career goals.

_-%20visual%20selection

Online MBA Eligibility Criteria

Candidates are required to meet the online MBA eligibility criteria before enrolling. The table highlights the common online MBA qualification that students must confirm before enrolling for the programme:

ParticularsValue
Executive MBA eligibility criteria

A bachelor's degree with a minimum 50% marks (45% for reserved categories) in aggregate from a recognised university

Some universities ask for the management entrance exams such as CAT, XAT, MAT, CMAT, and SNAP while others take direct admission

JSS University Mysore BBA Admissions 2025

NAAC A++ Accredited| Ranked #24 in University Category by NIRF

Indus Business Academy (IBA), Bangalore PGDM Admissions 2025

Triple Accreditation (NBA, IACBE & SAQS) | Dual Specialisation | Merit-Based Scholarships Available

Executive MBA Eligibility Criteria

Students are required to have a graduation degree in any discipline from a recognised university. The table below highlights the online executive MBA eligibility criteria:

ParticularsValue
Executive MBA eligibility criteria

Candidates aspiring to take Executive MBA courses must have graduated in any discipline

Candidates are required to take an entrance exam specified by the university
They also must have three to five years of work experience in a relevant field

Shortlisted candidates are required to participate in group discussions and personal interviews


Also Read: Top Online Executive MBA Colleges in India [2025]

Online MBA vs Executive MBA: Which One To Choose?

Both online MBA and Executive MBA programmes are strategic career investment, but choosing the right one must be aligned with your professional trajectory. If you are looking to advance your career while maintaining work responsibilities, an online MBA programme is for you.

Conversely, if you look for refining your strategic thinking and leadership capabilities to pursue senior leadership roles, an Executive MBA is for you. Choosing the right programme to pursue also depends on your geographic mobility, learning effort, and functional expertise.

An Online MBA emerged as a flexible alternative to traditional in-person programme, making it ideal for professionals in earlier career stages seeking to build foundational business acumen while working full time. An Executive MBA provides transformative leadership and strategic thinking capabilities for seasoned managers looking for senior executive roles.

Resource Links for Online MBA

Top Executive MBA Colleges in India

Several top universities in India offer Executive MBA courses. These courses can be pursued by professionals without disrupting their jobs or other commitments. The fee of an Executive MBA varies from one institute to another, ranging from Rs 30,000 to Rs 31 lakhs. The table below lists the top Executive MBA colleges in India.


Also Read: Top Online MBA Specialisations to Pursue in 2025

Top Online MBA Colleges in India

Several private and government colleges in India offer online MBA courses. The fees of an online MBA in government colleges are slightly lower than the private colleges. Students can enrol in a college based on their affordability and convenience. The table below lists some of the top online MBA colleges in India.

Online MBA Colleges

Total Online MBA Fees

Amity Online

Rs 1,99,000

Manipal Online

Rs 1,75,000

Mangalayatan University Online

Rs 67,000

Shoolini University Online

Rs 1,50,000

Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham Online

Rs 1,70,000

ICFAI University Online

Rs 2,00,000

Chandigarh University Online

Rs 2,10,668

Lovely Professional University

Rs 2,00,000

KL University Online

Rs 65,500 - Rs 85,500

NMIMS OnlineRs 1,96,000


Also Read: 10 Reasons Why You Should Get an Online Executive MBA in 2025

As professionals increasingly look to upgrade their skills, an MBA degree, whether it is online MBA or an Executive MBA, is a viable career investment. By understanding your professional trajectory, learning preferences, and personal circumstances, you can make an informed decision whether to choose an online MBA or an Executive MBA and excel in your career.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is an Executive MBA worth the investment?

Executive MBA is a professional programme, creating numerous career opportunities in the management field.

2. Who can apply for online MBA courses?

The minimum online MBA qualification is a bachelor’s degree in a relevant stream with minimum passing marks from a recognised university.

3. Is an online Executive MBA equivalent to a master's degree?

An executive MBA is equivalent to a master’s degree. It is particularly beneficial for working professionals, business executives and entrepreneurs.

4. What can I do after online MBA and Executive MBA courses?

After completing your MBA programme, you can pursue a career as a financial manager, financial advisor, business manager, project manager, sales manager, senior business analyst and others.

5. What are the top recruiters for Executive MBA and online MBA courses?

Some of the top recruiters are TCS, Wipro, Flipkart, Amazon, Reliance, KPMG, and Capgemini.

Explore Top Universities Across Globe

University of Essex, Colchester
 Wivenhoe Park Colchester CO4 3SQ
University College London, London
 Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT
The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh
 Old College, South Bridge, Edinburgh, Post Code EH8 9YL
University of Bristol, Bristol
 Beacon House, Queens Road, Bristol, BS8 1QU
University of Nottingham, Nottingham
 University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD

Questions related to MBA

Have a question related to MBA ?

With 6580 AP ICET rank and BC-E category, getting MBA at Andhra University main campus is unlikely (cutoff usually below 2000).

But you have good chances in AU-affiliated or self-financed colleges.

Attend counseling and list both main and affiliated colleges.


Hey there!

To apply for the MBA program at Dayalbagh Educational Institute (DEI) in Agra for the 2-25-26 academic session, you can follow the following steps below;

DEI offers both online and offline application modes:

Online Application:

  • Visit the offiical website: Navigate to www.dei.ac.in (//www.dei.ac.in)
  • Access the Admission portal : Click on the "apply online" link available on the homepage
  • Register and Fill the Application form: Create an account, fill in the required details, and upload necessary documents.
  • Pay the application Fee: The application fee is 1,200/- payable online through debit/credit card or net banking.
  • Submit the application : Review all information and submit the form. It's advisable to keep a copy of the submitted application for future reference,

Offline Application :

  • Obtain the application form: Collect the paper-based prospectus along with the application form from the DEI Institute counter.
  • Fill and Submit : Complete the form manually and submit it at the institute counter before the specified deadline.

Eligibility Criteria :

  • Educational Qualification: Bachelor's degree in any discipline with a minimum of 50% marks.
  • Entrance Exam: Valid score in CUET-PG or other accepted entrance examinations.

Documents required:

  • Class 10th and 12th marks sheets
  • Graduation mark sheet
  • Transfer and Character certificates
  • Passport- size photographs
  • Valid entrance exam scorecard.

Hi, first of all, take a deep breath—it’s completely normal to feel stressed in such situations, but there’s still a way forward.

If you missed the NMIMS CET exam because you couldn’t download the admit card, the first thing you should do is immediately contact the NMIMS admissions helpdesk . Explain your situation clearly—mention your application ID, registered email ID, and the exact issue you faced (like not receiving the admit card or not being able to access it on the portal). Sometimes, if it was a technical issue and you have a valid reason, they might allow you to reschedule the exam, especially if multiple test slots are available.

However, if all CET test windows have closed, you may not be able to appear this year. Still, don’t lose hope. NMIMS offers admissions through other routes like NPAT for UG management and commerce programs , or direct admission based on board scores for certain courses (depending on the stream you were aiming for—like BBA, BTech, etc.).

Also, look out for spot admissions or management quota seats , if your family is comfortable with that option financially. And if NMIMS is your top choice, remember—you can always aim again next year with better preparation and awareness of the timelines.

Lastly, don’t let one missed exam define your future. There are plenty of great colleges and entrance exams still open this year depending on your stream

After completing an MBA, you have good chances to join the banking sector in jobs like bank manager, credit analyst, financial advisor, or operations manager. Many banks recruit MBA graduates through exams like IBPS PO, SBI PO, or through campus placements. Your MBA skills in finance, marketing, or HR will help you grow faster. You can work in public sector banks, private banks, or financial institutions. It’s a stable job with good salary and growth opportunities. Preparing well for banking exams is important.



Hello there,

If you're continuously receiving calls from universities after sharing your details, here’s what you should do immediately to stop them:

To stop university calls:

  • Send START 0 to 1909 to activate DND.

  • Report spam by SMS to 1909 with the number, date, and time.

  • Block the numbers on your phone.

  • Unsubscribe or request data deletion on the website where you shared your details.

  • If calls continue, file a complaint on cybercrime.gov.in .

I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries, feel free to share your questions with us, and we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you, and I wish you all the best in your bright future.

View All
Back to top