As per the 2023 Corporate Recruiters Survey Report by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), employers in Asia hold online and in-person programmes in equal regard. While perceptions about online MBA programmes are evolving, aspiring students should be aware of certain unexpected aspects before enroling in an online MBA course.
An Online MBA is a two-year postgraduate programme that covers business and management fundamentals. Although these courses offer flexibility and convenience, they may not always be as simple as they seem. Graduates can explore diverse career roles such as digital marketing manager, brand manager, management consultant, and business analyst.
Several top online MBA colleges in India promise quality education to students. These institutions offer quality education along with virtual programme delivery, interactive student support, and placement assistance. Students should be aware of certain hidden truths about online MBA programmes to make informed and stable career decisions for their future.
Choosing to pursue an online MBA depends on individual preferences, career goals, and the desire to gain management knowledge. However, aspects such as networking efforts and financial concerns are often overlooked. Here are five important yet rarely discussed factors that students should consider before enroling in an online MBA programme:
Extra Effort Than Traditional MBA: Unlike common perception, online MBA programmes often require greater effort than traditional courses. While networking and peer learning occur naturally in full-time programmes, building connections in virtual forums and support groups demands extra effort. Regular faculty interaction, initiating conversations in study groups, and attending webinars make the online MBA experience both interactive and essential.
Practical Learning Gap: Online MBA programmes often emphasise theoretical learning, leaving practical gaps in management education. While case studies and projects address this, they rarely highlight real-world situations and applications. Top B-schools for online MBA courses in India combine theory with practical methods such as role-playing and brainstorming to enhance leadership readiness, ensuring students gain hands-on experience alongside academic learning.
Institute’s Brand Reputation: Several Indian B-schools offer online MBA programmes designed for students and professionals. While a reputed institute enhances career credibility, success is not guaranteed by the brand alone. Several other institutions, such as Amity Online and Amrita Online, offer quality education, yet lesser-known colleges offer limited practical opportunities. Thus, checking NIRF rankings, UGC, AICTE, and NAAC accreditations is crucial for making informed decisions.
Credibility in Job Markets: Although online MBA courses are gaining acceptance, concerns arise about their credibility. The 2023 GMAC Corporate Recruiters Survey revealed that 82% of South Asian employers believe in-person MBA graduates excel in leadership and communication. Therefore, online MBA students should pursue internships and build portfolios to demonstrate their skills effectively in competitive job markets.
Question of Affordability: Online MBA programmes are often considered affordable. However, pursuing one from top B-schools and other prestigious institutes can cost between Rs 50,000 to Rs 20 lakh. Government institutes such as Jamia Hamdard Online offer budget-friendly options. Additionally, universities such as Manipal University Online provide scholarships for PwD students, defence personnel, and meritorious candidates to ease financial burdens.
Also Read: Why Business Professionals Choose Online MBA Programs: Benefits & Challenges
According to the Ministry of Labour and Employment, India's unemployment rate decreased to 3.2% in 2023-24 from 6% in 2017-18. This data highlights the country’s evolving job market and expanding employment opportunities across various sectors. However, relying solely on the degree without improving skills may prevent students from securing desired career opportunities.
While no degree guarantees unemployment, career success depends on individual preferences, skills, and academic learning. Online MBA graduates should actively develop practical skills, participate in internships, pursue freelance work, and utilise platforms such as LinkedIn to enhance their resumes. This approach will significantly boost their chances of securing roles at leading management firms.
Moreover, Big 4 firms offer lucrative career prospects. According to the Deloitte India Talent Outlook 2024, India’s average salary hike was 9% in 2024. Candidates should focus on skill development and job readiness rather than solely relying on institutional placements. Achieving success largely depends on individual choices, preferences, and a driven approach to learning.
An online MBA can be a valuable investment when pursued with a clear strategy. While challenges exist, students should focus on maximising their learning experience. Prioritising consistent efforts can significantly boost success in an online MBA programme.
Yes, an online MBA holds value in 2025 if pursued from a UGC-approved and recognised institution.
Yes, an online MBA can improve job prospects, especially when supported by internships, skill development, and active participation in industry-related projects.
Online MBA from IIMs, Amity Online, and Symbiosis Online offer strong ROI due to their industry connections, curriculum quality, and placement support.
Yes, an online MBA is equivalent to a regular MBA, with the primary difference being that the curriculum is delivered online and placement support is provided virtually.
Online MBA provided by IIM Ahmedabad and IIM Bangalore offer some of India's most prestigious programmes, known for their rigorous curriculum and industry recognition.
Hello student,
The MBA management quota fees in India vary widely, depending on the college and its category (private or government).
Generally, private institutions have higher fees than government colleges.
You can read the article above to understand more about management quota admissions
Thank you!!
If you scored 54 marks in the Karnataka PGCET MBA exam, your expected rank will be around 800 to 1200. This is based on the marks vs rank trend seen in previous years.
Some sources say that if your marks are between 50 and 70, your rank can be between 2500 to 7500. But for the MBA stream, 54 marks usually give you a rank between 800 and 1200. This can change a little depending on the number of students, difficulty of the exam, and category.
Hello,
Doing an MBA certification while working in a private job can be helpful for many reasons:
Better career growth – It can help you get promotions or leadership roles.
Higher salary – Many companies offer better pay to MBA-certified employees.
Skill improvement – You learn about management, finance, marketing, etc.
More job options – It opens doors to better jobs in other companies too.
Networking – You meet professionals from different fields, which can help in future.
So, even if you are working, an MBA certification can give you a big career boost.
Hope it helps !
SB Patil Institute of Management, Pune is a decent choice if you missed DY Patil or Neville Wadia. Fees are around 2.5 lakhs for MBA. Placements are improving, with average packages around 4.5–5 LPA and top offers up to 12 LPA. Hostel with food costs about 1.5 L per year. It’s a good backup option with decent ROI and facilities.
Doing an MBA from Indraprastha University (IPU) can be a good option if you're looking for affordable education, government affiliation, and decent faculty. However, placements vary by college under IPU — top colleges like USMS or BFS offer better opportunities than others. Evaluate based on ROI, specialization, and your career goals before deciding.
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