Is an online MBA valid in India?

Business management skills are becoming increasingly important in today’s world. As a result, there is a growing demand for management professionals in India, which is being met by MBA programs. Today, almost every domain necessitates a master’s degree in business administration (MBA). However, one recurring question is – ‘is an online MBA worth it?‘. This post will address some of the critical elements to consider while evaluating the authenticity of online MBA courses in India.

Is online MBA UGC approved?

Online MBA courses are UGC and AICTE-approved. This means that they are on par with regular classroom MBA programs. They are the ideal option for those who can’t attend traditional MBA classes. The UGC regulates the quality of online learning and has worked hard to improve it. The online MBA program at Manipal University Jaipur is well recognized and a good option since it is UGC-approved and NAAC-accredited. The online MBA program is easily accessible, and simple to apply to. Consequently, you will get an MBA degree comparable to a postgraduate program obtained via traditional means.

Manipal University Jaipur has achieved its position as the premier education provider in India, and it is a UGC-approved and NAAC A+ accredited university. Students must hold a graduation certificate from a recognised institution to be eligible for this postgraduate degree. The online MBA programme costs INR 1,50,000, though you can also pay INR 32,500 per semester.

The online MBA is a computerised version of learning and its curriculum is at par with that of a regular MBA. Because of its flexibility and convenience, the UGC-approved online MBA is an ideal choice for working professionals. 

The universities curate the curriculum under the guidance of industry experts and experienced faculty. This approach ensures that you get the perfect blend of theoretical and practical knowledge. You can also expect online classes, customised mentorship, webinars, quizzes, and regular career assistance.     

Manipal University Jaipur’s online MBA programme through Online Manipal is a two-year postgraduate degree programme with four semesters. The programme covers fundamental management subjects such as strategic management, human resources, financial management, marketing, and so on. The programme also includes business law and research methodology. In addition, the MBA programme offers industry-relevant electives such as finance, HRM, Marketing, Analytics & Data Science, BFSI, IT & FinTech, Operations Management, and Retail Management.

You can choose from a variety of electives based on your area of interest. There are several advantages to obtaining an MBA from Manipal University Jaipur. You will get a global perspective, more career prospects, and a higher salary. This MBA program requires a bachelor’s degree with at least 50% or equivalent, and it is available to students of all countries.

Is an online MBA worth in India?

By completing an MBA, you may broaden your business knowledge, hone your leadership abilities, and connect with a varied community of like-minded peers. But still, the question arises, is an online MBA worth it? Your professional and personal goals and the outcome of your financial situation, spending, and other variables play a part.

There are several advantages to pursuing an MBA degree online. Let’s examine these merits more closely:

• Flexible timings: Online MBA programs in India provide a handy option for working folks who do not have the luxury of taking time off from their employment to attend sessions regularly.
• Budget-friendly: The majority of online MBA programmes are inexpensive. Enrolling in an online MBA programme in India helps you save your hard-earned money.
• Segmented: Because there are no physical boundaries, an online MBA school attracts students from all over the globe, resulting in a truly global classroom.
• Globally acclaimed: Many online MBA programmes now provide satellite campuses in various locations and countries. Several organisations offer international immersion programmes.
• Specialised options: Many colleges offer specialised online MBA degrees, most of them are not provided in full-time programmes.
• Accredited well: Over the past several years, online MBA programmes have grown in popularity and acceptance, resulting in a growth in the number of accredited schools.

Read More – How to do MBA without CAT exam

How is an online MBA different from a regular MBA program?

There are certain points to consider if you choose to pursue an online MBA rather than a traditional MBA. An important question arises: ‘‘Is an online MBA valid in India in terms of clarity and depth?‘ And how does an online MBA differ from a traditional MBA?

Does online MBA compete with regular MBA sessions? Let’s find out.

Difference between online MBA and regular MBA

Features	Online MBA	Regular MBA
Distribution of the programme	Online MBA is delivered through a digital learning management system (LMS). Students can access course materials, announcements and notifications, and course progression on the LMS. Live lectures will be scheduled, but attendance is not compulsory, and students can revisit the recordings of live sessions on the LMS.	In a regular MBA program, programme delivery is a traditional classroom study with a predetermined calendar and itinerary of courses.
The element of instruction	There is flexibility of study timing, location selection, and online tasks and projects.	Coursework submissions, test deadlines, and school attendance are all scheduled according to a defined timetable.
Time frame	The duration of an online MBA is two years (24 months), though candidates may take up to four years to complete the course.	A regular MBA program also lasts 24 months. Depending on institutions, candidates may take up to four years to complete the program.
Fees	The charges start from ~ INR 1.5 lac, which is significantly less than the cost of a full-time MBA program.	The regular MBA program is costlier, with tuition costs ranging from INR 2-3 lakh to INR 10 lakh depending on the institute.
Enrolment process	Entirely online process to take admission	Students need to appear in person to write exams

Is an online MBA degree equivalent to a regular degree in India?

There are several differences between an online MBA and a traditional MBA program. Both require students to take courses at a higher education institution.

When choosing an online MBA degree in India, you should ask yourself a few things. Are the theoretical possibilities of an online MBA in India the same as those of a regular degree? Is the curriculum and educational quality comparable? How can I know which is superior? These are crucial considerations while choosing an online MBA program over a conventional one. 

Let us begin by looking at the advantages of online MBA programs that are equal to a traditional MBA degree in India.

• Online MBA degree’s theoretical possibilities

An online MBA degree in India opens up a plethora of professional opportunities. It enables you to take up leadership responsibilities, manage subordinates, and maintain regulatory compliance. It also offers you the theoretical knowledge and skills required to deal with ethical and legal challenges. The best part is that you learn at your speed. Manipal University Jaipur’s online MBA program provides exceptional academic and administrative assistance to guarantee you finish your degree on time and with the best possible outcomes.

An MBA degree is designed to be a stepping stone to greater professional prospects. India has always been a magnet for business school graduates, and the country’s 1.3 billion population has propelled its rise as an economic powerhouse. An MBA degree is now regarded as a must for managing and expanding enterprises. With one of the world’s biggest consumer marketplaces, a robust service sector, and a thriving technology industry, an MBA in India is a highly coveted certification for job prospects.

• Same curriculum of online MBA and traditional one

The curriculum of online MBA courses and conventional MBA courses is comparable. The primary distinction is in the medium of instruction. While both require students to spend some time in class, online courses often consist of a mix of learning material and tasks. These are given as text, multimedia, and video files. Students connect with lecturers and peers online using discussion boards. Online exams enable students to take their term-end exams from their convenient place. 

• Timetable

A regular MBA program usually has a set schedule. Working people may find it challenging to fit their lessons around their usual job hours. For example, they may need to take time off from their job to attend classes and take part in examinations. Other students may have to give up their weekends due to crucial employment or family obligations. In contrast, you decide your learning schedule for an online MBA.   

• Education quality of online MBA & regular MBA 

Understanding the difference between an online MBA program and a regular MBA program is significant when deciding on an educational institution. In addition to a typical MBA curriculum, MBA colleges enable students to pick from various subjects. An online MBA education will provide you with the skills to manage cross-functional teams and subordinates, build organizational culture, and ensure project regulatory compliance. This helps you make the most of your school experience while still finding work in an area you like.

The most significant distinction between an online MBA program and a regular MBA is the emphasis on the individual student’s professional aspirations. An online MBA is usually a viable alternative if the student expects to grow within the same sector. Most students manage both their learning and work, and it is the individual learner’s responsibility to maintain the learning streak.

• Online MBA for similar academic backgrounds

Instructional designers have created the online MBA program’s curriculum with expertise in remote education. The program is adaptable and skill-focused for graduates who must manage their personal and professional lives. The online format enables students to absorb course information whenever convenient for them. Furthermore, many instructors now provide video conference sessions and online video libraries, allowing students to access course materials at any time.

Are online MBAs recognized by employers?

Many businesses recognize the advantages of an online MBA, but are they willing to consider them? According to Kristen Zierau, executive recruiting manager at Clarke Caniff Strategic Search, the answer depends on the sort of programs you’re interested in. When contemplating the MBA degree, potential employers should be aware of the program area you choose and its accreditation. 

The most notable employers of MBA graduates are financial services and consulting organizations, which continue to be among major recruiters. However, FMCG and industrial conglomerates have boosted their employment for general management jobs and leadership development programs. Manipal University Jaipur’s online MBA program provides a convenient way to advance their education and profession for students with similar academic backgrounds.

Choose an online MBA specialization

For your MBA program, you may choose a specialized area. While many employers have no preference, having one is a smart idea. Employers may learn about a particular area of interest through various methods. Ensure the MBA specialization in your CV so that your potential employers will be aware of the same. 

• Your program’s reputation matters

Employers may have already employed applicants who graduated from your program. While it is not required to include it on your resume, prospective employers will know where you studied and your area of emphasis. Make sure the online MBA school you pick is nationally and internationally recognized. As a result, if you choose Manipal University Jaipur’s online MBA program, you will have a greater chance of landing a job. The online MBA is recognized by UGC with NAAC A+ accreditation.

• MBA degree accreditation by potential employers

We cannot emphasize the value of an MBA degree to future employers. As a manager, you want to ensure that your potential workers are educated, problem solvers, critical thinkers, and leaders. A resume cannot determine these characteristics, but prospective employers will search for certification from a renowned MBA institution, such as Manipal University Jaipur’s online MBA program. Potential employers will see this positively when recruiting applicants.

• Potential employers are open to remote work

Many prominent MBA recruiters have made work-from-home rules permanent. Some businesses, such as Uber, Salesforce, Facebook, Spotify, and Nationwide Insurance, have begun to enable workers to work from home permanently. Google, Facebook, and Microsoft are among the corporations that have started to accept remote workers. You may also look at foreign firms to see whether they take remote workers.

Furthermore, there are several advantages to working from home. It may help businesses save money on office space while allowing working business professionals to continue learning and improve their abilities with a top-tier degree.

What is the future scope after pursuing an online MBA?

While the career prospects available after obtaining an MBA are still expanding, the demand for MBA graduates will inevitably remain high. Pursue an online MBA at Manipal University Jaipur. You will be able to find work in Operations Management, Finance, Marketing, Human Resources, IT & FinTech, BFSI, Retail, and Analytics. 

If you are already employed, you can put your education to use by becoming an entrepreneur or switching domains or professions.

• Marketing

An MBA degree will provide you with the expertise required to succeed in a managerial role and also assist you in developing your consulting credentials and demonstrating your business skills. An MBA in marketing will prepare you for management positions in various industries, including finance, consulting, and healthcare. The ROI of an MBA marketing degree goes beyond salary.

Furthermore, you’ll have the opportunity to work on new projects and meet new people. You can also volunteer to teach young professionals your skills and knowledge or start a career in academics. Volunteering is an excellent way to broaden your network. 

• Operations Management

Operations management is a thriving career field. Every manufacturing industry is looking for people who can streamline operations and boost overall efficiency. An MBA in operations necessitates a mix of analytical and decision-making abilities. As more companies and industries seek professionals who can successfully lead diverse business functions, the scope of this career is expanding. 

Following are some job opportunities available after completing an online MBA in operations management.

• An MBA in operations will prepare you for industry and interdepartmental opportunities.
• An MBA in operations can help you meet these challenges while developing a rewarding career. For example, e-commerce is India’s fastest-growing industry, and it necessitates the services of logistics experts.

• Human Resource Management

Human resources (HR) professionals are in high demand as the demand for qualified talents rises. These professionals assist businesses in attracting and retaining top-tier employees. Every company has a budget for attracting and retaining top talent. Furthermore, many companies have become more indiscriminate and are hiring leaders with diverse experience. 

After completing an MBA programme, one of the fastest-growing job opportunities is in human resource management (HR). In the early 2000s, the scope of HR after an MBA in India skyrocketed. More companies are looking for experienced professionals with strong management skills as they focus on building an efficient HR team. Salary ranges for entry-level positions are from INR 3.19 lakhs to INR 11.7 lakhs. Furthermore, the salary for HR Managers can reach upto INR 40 lakhs.

• Analytics

Data analytics is one area that is becoming increasingly important. They are skilled at mining data from various sources, analysing the data, and providing actionable insights. These skills are in high demand across industries, and the job opportunities in this field are promising. After completing your MBA programme, you may be able to find work as a data scientist, a role that has grown in popularity in recent years.

Prestigious universities usually accredit MBA programmes. The GMAC website categorises hiring rates by industry. In general, technology firms hire more MBA graduates than other industries. According to a recent GMAC survey, Amazon hired nearly 1,000 Bay Area MBA graduates between 2016 and 2017.

Online MBA course details

Interested students may pick an MBA specialization field of their choice from a variety of disciplines available in the following subjects:

Semester – 1	Semester – 2
Management (Concepts & Theories)	Marketing-Management
Organisational-Behaviour	Human-Resource (Management)
Business Government & Policy	Corporate-Finance
Managerial-Communication	Quantitative-Methods
Management-Accounting	Legal aspects (Business)
Managerial-Economics	Operations-Management
Statistics (Management)	Management (Information Systems)

Semester – 3	Semester – 4
Project Management	Strategic Management
Entrepreneurship	Project Report submission
Project-Work related diary	Electives (Misc.)
Internship project (Summer)
Electives (Misc.)
Project Management
Entrepreneurship
Project-Work related diary

Read – MBA Course Details

Pursuing an online MBA from Manipal University Jaipur

An applicant must achieve the relevant qualifying standards before applying for MBA online admissions. The following are the prerequisites for applying to online MBA programs.

Eligibility criteria for an online MBA at Manipal University Jaipur

Characteristics	Eligibility criteria for online MBA
Academic degree	A 10+2+3 year education from a reputable institution is necessary. They may also accept a degree equivalent from an establishment or organisation approved by the Association of Indian Universities or another competent body.
Marks (in %)	The applicant must have a bachelor’s degree with at least 50 percentile points. A minimum average of 45 per cent is necessary for reserved categories.
Valid score	Applicants must additionally have passed one of the preceding exams –  CAT\MAT\XAT\GMAT\CMAT
Admission Tests	If an applicant does not have these scores, they must take an online MBA admission test.
Required documents	A candidate must also compile a collection of supporting documents to enroll in an online MBA program. The following is a list of the documents that must be submitted to be considered for admission. Proof of identity – Aadhaar card, passport, voter’s ID, PAN card with photograph, any other Govt.-issued photo identity card, Proof of address – Aadhaar card, passport, voter’s ID, gas bill, bank statement, post-paid mobile statement, Class 10 marksheet, Class 12 marksheet, Graduation marksheet (for MBA and MCA students)  Non-mandatory documents: CAT / GMAT / MAT valid score for MBA, Work experience certificate, Graduation degree certificate, Scholarship documents, Defense Service certificate, Divyaang scholarship, Reserved Category certificate

The online MBA course offered by Manipal University Jaipur, which is rated A+ by the NAAC, is a two-year postgraduate professional degree program. This program is divided into four semesters. This online MBA program offers a thorough understanding of business, management, administrative, and marketing skills. 

The course provides different specialisations in various business fields. The following are the eligibility requirement to get admission to an online MBA from Manipal University Jaipur:

Eligibility requirements to get admission in online MBA at Manipal University Jaipur

• Applicants should have a 10+2+3-year bachelor’s degree in any field from a reputed educational or a related discipline recognised by the Association of Indian Universities or any other competent organisations
• Candidates must have a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate in graduation (45% for reserved categories)
• Candidates need to clear the online aptitude test conducted by Manipal University Jaipur as per admission norms to the MBA programme (part of the application form)
• Candidates with a valid score (40 percentile) from any aptitude test (CAT/MAT/CMAT/XAT/GMAT) need not appear in the above test

Conclusion

In light of the COVID pandemic, earning an online MBA is a feasible choice for following one’s career ambitions rather than putting them on hold entirely. As a result of the government’s positive stand, various universities started offering online MBA programmes; they are now far more accessible than before. Thus, the question – ‘is an online MBA worth it?’ – gets resolved. Yes, an online MBA is worthwhile since there are many advantages.

Manipal University Jaipur’s online MBA through Online Manipal has incorporated cutting-edge technologies to deliver the programme effectively. Modern management and business administration pedagogy combining the fundamental concepts help you establish a prosperous professional career.