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Introduction
Both Indian and international universities offer online Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs, providing students with the flexibility and convenience of studying remotely. This includes top names like IIM Mumbai, universities under the Manipal Group, Paris Business School, and the University of London. This blog will discuss the top colleges and universities in India that offer online MBA courses, as well as international universities offering online MBA programs. It will also discuss all the important details of these programs and highlight the careers that students can pursue after graduation.
Rising Demand for Online MBAs in India
Online MBA programs have become increasingly popular in India due to their flexibility and affordability. It also helps that more employers and educational institutions are accepting online education, especially as UGC/AICTE approval has enhanced credibility. They have become especially more popular among working professionals who seek convenient and industry-relevant upskilling opportunities.
Benefits of Pursuing an Online MBA
In India, an online MBA program offers various benefits. The primary benefits of such programs are acceptability in professional and academic progression, enhanced career prospects, and cost-effectiveness because of zero relocation and commuting costs. These programs offer students a better work-life balance as they can keep on studying without interrupting their careers
Why Choose an Online MBA?
Students, especially working professionals, opt for online MBA programs. This is because they are flexible, offer ample opportunities for career advancement, and are also cost-effective. This way, they can balance their studies and work the best. These programs also provide them with an easy way to obtain a reputable business degree without disrupting their ongoing careers.
Apart from these benefits, the best online MBA courses also provide students with numerous networking opportunities. They also gain a global perspective from these programs and chances to apply their knowledge practically through volunteer work, internships, and projects.
Ranking Criteria Used by Our Experts to Select the Best Online MBA Courses
There are subtle differences between an online MBA and a regular MBA. Thus, to choose the best online MBA program, our experts considered the following criteria:
1. Accreditation and Recognition: The program must be recognized and accredited by competent authorities. Otherwise, it will not offer quality education, and employers will not consider it for recruitment and/or promotion.
2. Specializations Offered: The program must offer specializations that are in demand and/or align with the student’s preferences.
3. Fees and Duration: The program must be affordable. It also must be of the right duration so that students can complete their studies comfortably and adequately.
4. Placement Support: The institution must offer candidates placement support, such as mock interviews, guaranteed placements, and networking opportunities.
5. Institutional Support: The institution must also provide students with access to learning platforms and high-quality academic materials. It must also offer them the best faculty members.
Also Read: How to earn an MBA while working full-time
Top Domestic Online MBA Courses
The best domestic online MBA courses are offered by universities with accreditation from the top ranking bodies like UGC, AICTE, NAAC, and NIRF. They also offer students the best business administration education with the most in-demand specializations, career support, and internships and projects to help them gain invaluable work experience.
1. Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ)
MUJ is a NAAC A+ accredited university that prepares students for the future workplace with its University Grants Commission (UGC)-enabled online MBA degree, which has also received a Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) ranking.
Parameter | Details |
Program Name | Master of Business Administration (MBA) |
UGC Approved | Yes |
Accreditation | NAAC A+ |
Eligibility | Candidates with a 10+2+3-year bachelor’s degree with a minimum 50% marks from a recognized institution or university or an equivalent qualification recognized by the AIU. |
Duration | 24 months divided into four semesters |
Mode of Learning | Online |
Specializations | Digital Marketing Marketing Analytics and Data Science Information Technology (IT) and Financial Technology (FinTech) International Business Finance HR Management Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) Operations Management Information System Management Students can either opt for super specialization to focus on a single field of study or choose any two to specialize in two domains. |
Program Fee | INR 1.75L (INR 43.75K per semester) |
Scholarships | Maximum exclusive scholarships of 20% for various categories. |
Ideal For | Fresh graduates looking for a managerial career. Working professionals aspiring to climb up leadership roles. Those who are planning to switch their domain from IT/Tech to management roles. |
2. Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE)
An institution of eminence, MAHE has been ranked as one of the top five universities of India by the National Institution Ranking Framework (NIRF) – the premier HEI ranking authority in India, especially for MBA programs.
Parameter | Details |
Program Name | Master of Business Administration (MBA) |
UGC Approved | Yes |
Accreditation | National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) A++ |
Eligibility | Candidates with a 10+2+3-year bachelor’s degree with a minimum 50% marks from a recognized institution or university or an equivalent qualification recognized by the AIU. |
Duration | 24 months divided into four semesters |
Mode of Learning | Online |
Specializations | Healthcare Management Finance Marketing Operations Management Pharmaceutical Management Business Analytics Data Science Human Resource (HR) Management |
Program Fee | 2.92L Indian Rupees (INR 73K per semester) |
Scholarships | Maximum scholarship of 20% for different categories. |
Ideal For | Working professionals with at least one-year experience |
3. Sikkim Manipal University (SMU)
SMU is a NAAC A+ accredited institution that has designed its online MBA with dual specialization program to prepare professionals with the core business management skills necessary to excel in today’s competitive environment.
Parameter | Details |
Program Name | Master of Business Administration (MBA) |
UGC Approved | Yes |
Accreditation | NAAC A+ |
Eligibility | Candidates with a 10+2+3-year bachelor’s degree with a minimum 50% marks from a recognized institution or university or an equivalent qualification recognized by the AIU. |
Duration | 24 months divided into four semesters |
Mode of Learning | Online |
Specializations | Marketing Finance HR Systems Operations and Supply Chain Management Healthcare Students can choose any two specializations. |
Program Fee | INR 1.1L (INR 27.5K per semester) |
Scholarships | Exclusive scholarships for defense personnel, SMU alums, differently-abled individuals, and students from Sikkim and other northeastern states. |
4. Bharathidasan University
Bharathidasan University has received an A+ grade from NAAC and is recognized by UGC. NIRF has ranked it at the 36th position, and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has also approved it.
Parameter | Details |
Program Name | Master of Business Administration (MBA) |
UGC Approved | Yes |
Accreditation | NAAC A+ |
Eligibility | Candidates must hold an undergraduate (UG) degree from the same university or possess an equivalent certification. Students with a Bachelor of Engineering (BE) or Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) degree are also eligible to apply for the program. They also must have scored at least 50% in their Part III exams. |
Duration | 24 months divided into four semesters |
Mode of Learning | Online |
Specializations | Finance HR Marketing Operations Systems |
Program Fee | INR 91K (INR 22.5K per semester). Additional fees also apply; kindly check the program website for the latest information. |
Ideal For | Working Professionals and Management Aspirants |
5. Indian Institute of Mumbai (IIM) Mumbai
IIM Mumbai is one of the top educational institutions in India for management education, boasting a 60-year legacy. In 2024, the NIRF ranked it in the sixth position among management schools in the country.
Parameter | Details |
Program Name | Blended Post Graduate Programme in Management (MBA-BPGP) |
UGC Approved | Yes |
Accreditation | The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD) |
Eligibility | Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree with minimum 50% marks in aggregate in graduation; 45% marks for candidates from the reserved category. Work Experience – Minimum three years Examinations – Candidates must have cleared The Common Admission Test (CAT) The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) or The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or IIM Mumbai Admission Test (IMAT). |
Duration | Two years, but can be extended up to five years if candidates encounter issues in completing the program within the initial two-year timeframe. |
Mode of Learning | Online |
Program Fee | INR 15L for students who choose the annual fee payment structure and INR 16L for students who select the module-wise fee payment structure. |
6. Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts of India (ICFAI)
Ever since its establishment in 1984, the ICFAI Group has made a mark for itself in the Indian educational landscape with its pan-Indian presence and extensive network. The group has established nine business schools (B-schools) and 11 universities nationwide to date.
Parameter | Details |
Program Name | Master of Business Administration (MBA) |
UGC Approved | Yes |
Accreditation | A++ accreditation from NAAC, AACSB, and the South Asian Quality Standards (SAQS) |
Eligibility | Graduates with at least 50% marks from a recognized university with English as the medium of instruction. Candidates from other media of instruction need to submit their Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), National English Language Test (NELT), or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores. The final decision regarding selection rests with the Selection Committee. |
Duration | Two to Four Years |
Mode of Learning | Online |
Specializations | Finance Marketing HR Management IT Operations |
Program Fee | INR 2L |
Ideal For | Working professionals, freshers, and entrepreneurs. |
Top International Universities Offering Online MBA in India
One of the biggest benefits of studying in the online MBA programs offered by international universities is the international perspective and exposure they offer. In these programs, students get the opportunity to learn from international stalwarts, which further enriches them as prospective professionals. However, it is imperative that you choose an online MBA program wisely, as it is an investment in your career.
7. Paris School of Business
The Paris School of Business was established in 2015, and it is a globally recognized business school. It is also a member of the Conference des Grandes Écoles (CGE). The school stands out for its unique teaching approach that combines multicultural experiences and interdisciplinary skills.
Parameter | Details |
Program Name | Master of Business Administration (MBA) |
UGC Approved | No |
Accreditation | AACSB, Association of MBAs (AMBA), and European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD). |
Eligibility | A four-year bachelor’s or master’s degree with at least three years’ work experience or a three-year bachelor’s degree with at least five years’ work experience. |
Duration | Two to Four Years |
Mode of Learning | Online |
Specializations | Strategy Marketing Accounting Management Finance |
Program Fee | 18.87K euros (EUR) |
Ideal For | Mid-career professionals, freshers, and entrepreneurs. |
8. University of Liverpool
The CEO Magazine has ranked the University of Liverpool’s online MBA program in the top position in its Global MBA Rankings 2025. This is a renowned program designed to help students enhance their existing skills and develop strategic leadership capabilities.
Parameter | Details |
Program Name | Master of Business Administration (MBA) |
UGC Approved | No |
Accreditation | AACSB, AMBA, and the EFMD Quality Improvement System (EQUIS) |
Eligibility | A minimum of a 2:1 degree in a subject equal to a bachelor’s degree in the United Kingdom (UK), or an equivalent professional qualification from a similar non-UK institution. At least three years’ substantial postgraduate experience in any sector – public or private – especially in managing budgets, projects, and people. |
Duration | 30 months |
Mode of Learning | Online and part-time |
Specializations | Analytics and Data Strategy for Managers Project Management Global Leadership Corporate Citizenship |
Program Fee | 23,824 Great Britain pounds (GBP) |
Scholarships | 20% UK scholarships and 15% executive scholarships |
Ideal For | Students with management or executive-level experience. |
9. University of Massachusetts
The University of Massachusetts offers its online MBA program through the Isenberg School of Management. This highly ranked online program has been designed to help its students achieve their career and life goals to the best of their ability.
Parameter | Details |
Program Name | Online MBA |
UGC Approved | No |
Accreditation | AACSB |
Eligibility | A bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a regionally accredited university or college. At least three years’ professional work experience. Graduate Record Examinations (GRE)/GMAT score IELTS/TOEFL score for international applicants |
Duration | 2 years |
Mode of Learning | Online and hybrid |
Specializations | Business Analytics Healthcare Administration Entrepreneurship Marketing Finance Sport Management |
Program Fee | USD 36,075 at the most |
Scholarships | Student loans that require meeting specific eligibility criteria. |
Ideal For | Professionals looking for leadership positions. |
10. University of London
The University of London has designed its online Global MBA program for ambitious professionals seeking to gain a quicker entry into the world of business by selecting a specialized pathway and achieving chartered status through the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA).
Parameter | Details |
Program Name | Global MBA |
UGC Approved | No |
Accreditation | CIMA and CMI |
Eligibility | A bachelor’s degree equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in the UK with either upper or lower second-class honors. 50%-60% marks GPA 6-7 in 10 Point System GPA 4-5 in 7 Point System |
Duration | 1-5 years, depending on module availability |
Mode of Learning | Online |
Specializations | Accountancy Health Innovation and Entrepreneurship Law Finance Leadership |
Program Fee | GBP 20.88K at the most, depending on various factors such as student location, etc. |
Scholarships | 20% fee bursary for UK and European Union residents as well as alums of Queen Mary, University of London |
Ideal For | Professionals looking to fast-track careers in business. |
11. HULT International Business School
The HULT International Business School offers its students a world-class MBA program that can be accessed anywhere across the world. This is a top-ranked program that gives students an immersive, hands-on learning experience along with ultimate flexibility.
Parameter | Details |
Program Name | Global Online MBA |
UGC Approved | No |
Accreditation | EQUIS, AMBA, AACSB |
Eligibility | A bachelor’s degree or equivalent. At least three years’ work experience. IELTS/TOEFL scores to demonstrate proficiency in English. |
Duration | 2 years |
Mode of Learning | Online (Part-time) |
Specializations | Business Analytics Entrepreneurship Finance Marketing Management Innovation Operations and Project Management |
Program Fee | USD 42K |
Ideal For | Working professionals. |
12. University of Western Australia (UWA)
UWA offers its Global MBA program in association with IIM Kozhikode. UWA is the top business school in Australia, and the IIM has been ranked as the third-best institution for management studies by the NIRF in 2024.
Parameter | Details |
Program Name | Global MBA |
UGC Approved | No |
Accreditation | EQUIS, AACSB, and the Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) |
Eligibility | Graduates with a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university and a 50 Weighted Average Mark (WAM) At least two years’ work experience in a registered organization. |
Duration | 2 years |
Mode of Learning | Online |
Program Fee | INR 5.95L |
Ideal For | Mid-to-senior level working professionals. |
Conclusion
With the increasing popularity of online MBAs among employers and working professionals, choosing the best program from multiple options available can be rather tough. This is where the Online Manipal platform stands out. The platform provides students worldwide easy and convenient access to the best MBA programs by top universities – Sikkim Manipal University (SMU), Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ), and Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE).
Each university on the Online Manipal platform offers numerous benefits to students – flexibility, numerous career advancement opportunities, and development of practical skills, to name a few. Additionally, MBA programs by SMU, MUJ, and MAHE prepare students to become job-ready, thereby enhancing their earning potential. All three MBA programs are entitled by the UGC and the degrees recognized globally. Make the best choice to study MBA online; take the first step with Online Manipal!
FAQs
1. Which are the top-ranked Indian institutions for online MBA in 2025?
The following are some of the top Indian institutions that offer the best online MBA courses in India:
- MAHE
- MUJ
- SMU
- IIM Mumbai
- Bharathidasan University
- VIT
- ICFAI
2. How do online MBA programs in 2025 compare to on-campus MBAs?
In 2025, the best online MBAs will be equally valuable as on-campus programs in terms of career advancement opportunities. Due to a tech-driven and flexible learning approach, online programs are more suited for working professionals.
3. What factors determine the cost of an online MBA in India in 2025?
The best MBA courses usually cost more than others. However, by and large, factors such as the type of institution, specialization, duration of the program, and additional services like placement assistance determine the cost of online MBA programs in India in 2025.
4. Are online MBAs valid in India?
Yes, online MBAs offered by UGC-recognized universities with AICTE approval are valid degrees in India, especially when delivered through top platforms like Online Manipal, offering some of the best online MBA programs.
5. What specializations are trending in online MBAs in India in 2025?
In 2025, the best online MBA programs will offer the following specializations:
- Business Analytics
- Data Science
- Digital Marketing
- Finance
- Marketing
- HR
- Healthcare Management
6. Can I do an online MBA in India while working full-time in 2025?
Yes, in 2025, interested candidates can pursue an online MBA in India while working full-time. Many institutions and universities now offer MBA courses specifically designed for working professionals.
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