Top 5 Things No One Reveals About Pursuing An Online MBA

Top 5 Things No One Reveals About Pursuing An Online MBA

Edited By Arushi Pandita | Updated on Mar 21, 2025 10:08 AM IST | #MBA

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.

Top 5 Things No One Reveals About Pursuing An Online MBA
Top 5 Things No One Reveals About Pursuing An Online MBA

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.

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What Are the 5 Hidden Truths About Earning an Online MBA?

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:

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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

Would Pursuing an Online MBA Leave You Jobless in 2025?

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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does an online MBA hold any value in 2025?

Yes, an online MBA holds value in 2025 if pursued from a UGC-approved and recognised institution.

2. Can an online MBA help me get a job?

Yes, an online MBA can improve job prospects, especially when supported by internships, skill development, and active participation in industry-related projects.

3. Which online MBA has the best ROI?

Online MBA from IIMs, Amity Online, and Symbiosis Online offer strong ROI due to their industry connections, curriculum quality, and placement support.

4. Is an online MBA equal to a full-time MBA?

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.

5. What is the most prestigious online MBA?

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.

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Questions related to MBA

Have a question related to MBA ?

Eligibility : Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university with at least 50% aggregate marks for Non-Sponsored category (45–50% for Sponsored). Final-year students can apply provisionally, submitting degree proof by October 31. Specialized MBA programs (e.g., Data Science, IT) may require relevant degrees like Engineering or Statistics with 50% marks.

Entrance Exams : Valid scores from CAT (85 percentile), MAT (650 for Non-Sponsored, 600 for Sponsored), XAT (85 percentile), CMAT (200), GMAT (550), or NMAT (250 for Non-Sponsored) are required. Alternatively, candidates can take the Amity Written Test.

Selection Process : Shortlisted candidates undergo Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI). Some campuses may include essay writing to assess communication and analytical skills.

NPAT is divided into three major sections.

- Quantitative Reasoning: Here, you will take questions that involve numbers and different problems are included.

Percentages, computing profit and loss, discounts as well as their differences, time or work needed to complete a job, distances, dealing with ratios and proportions, figures on simple and compound interest, and annuities.

- Algebra: identifying important algebraic identities, equations, sequence, and series

- Geometry looks at shapes, their areas and their volumes in two and three dimensions.

Subjects such as Statistics and Probability include mean, median, mode, and measures of dispersion.

It looks at your critical thinking and data analysis skills in verbal-logical reasoning and topics like:

It is important to look at problems and come to decisions with critical thinking.

A study of figure analogy, figure series, and figure matching/classification is important for spatial reasoning.

- Use of graphs, charts, and tables to look at your data

Using logical ideas to conclude outcomes

Verbal Reasoning is meant to assess your English skills by testing areas like vocabulary and meaning.

- Gaining knowledge of the meanings of keywords

It includes the ability to spot grammatical mistakes.

Combining separate sentences into a logical order

- Reading Comprehension: looking at passages, finding connections between text, and examining the mood of the author


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.


some government colleges in Gujarat offering MBA in HR along with their fees and placements:

IIM Ahmedabad

  • Fees: RS.20–26.5 Lakhs (total course fee)
  • Average Placement Package: RS.35–36 Lakhs per annum
  • Placement Rate: Around 100%
  • ROI: Excellent, due to top placements and industry reputation.

Gujarat University, Ahmedabad

  • Fees: RS.15,000–24,000 (total course fee)
  • Placement: Good placement record with many companies visiting campus
  • ROI: Very good, considering the low fees and decent placements.

Maharaja Sayajirao University (MSU), Baroda

  • Fees: RS.1.5–2 Lakhs (total course fee)
  • Placement: Good placements with a variety of recruiters

  • ROI: Good, due to affordable fees and reasonable placement opportunities.

IN CONCLUSION:
IIM Ahmedabad leads with the highest packages and reputation, but Gujarat University and MSU Baroda offer quality MBA programs in HR with much lower fees, making them great affordable options.

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.
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