What are the different types of MBA programs you can do in India

Imagine unlocking the door to limitless career opportunities with just one decision. In today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving business landscape, the pursuit of an MBA has become a strategic move for many aspiring leaders. But with the myriad types of MBAs available, how do you choose the right path? Whether you’re considering the traditional full-time MBA, the flexibility of a part-time program, the convenience of an online MBA, or the independence of a distance learning model, each mode offers unique advantages tailored to different professional needs and lifestyles. Let’s delve into these diverse MBA types and discover which one aligns best with your career aspirations.

Types of MBA programs you can choose in India 

Regular or on-campus MBA, distance MBA, executive MBA, and online MBAs are among the various MBA programs available now in India. Let’s take a look at what each of these MBA programs have to offer so you can choose the one that fits you perfectly. 

Regular MBA

This is the most common type of MBA that is offered in India and it can be the right choice for students who are willing to invest in a two-year full-time course. In regular MBA, candidates attend regular classes conducted in a university. Depending upon the university or program that you pick, you will get to choose electives or specializations to focus on a particular aspect of business and management. This MBA is a preferred choice for fresh graduates, as they have the time to attend regular classes, unlike working professionals who cannot attend college everyday. 

Duration: Usual duration of MBA or any master’s degree is 2 years in India. Learners can extend it to up to 4 years to complete in certain cases.

Eligibility: The eligibility criteria for a full-time MBA program is usually 10+2+3 with at least a 50% aggregate in undergraduate level along with high test scores in CAT, MAT, XAT, GMAT, or a similar test. The eligibility criteria varies with the university that offers the program.

Experience: Most regular MBA programs don’t require candidates to have prior work experience. However, it may vary depending on the university or program. 

Pros:

• A regular MBA is traditionally delivered through in-person campus classes that allow learners to have face-to-face interaction with peers and faculty.
• On-campus learning is more interactive where learners can indulge in real-time discussions and can build relationships with faculty, industry leaders, and guest speakers. 

Cons:

• Regular MBA programs have fixed schedules and require physical attendance. This can limit flexibility for students who have work or personal commitments.
• Regular MBA programs could be pricey when compared to online MBA courses or distance MBA depending on the university you are applying for. 

Online MBA

An online MBA program is more or less a virtual replica of an on-campus MBA program. Online MBA programs are UGC-entitled and some universities are also NAAC accredited. Over the last few years, online MBA programs have gained immense popularity, especially among working professionals, who find it convenient to study in the online mode. Online MBA degrees are widely accepted by employers today and are recognized even globally. 

Online MBA programs are more affordable, flexible and convenient. Learners can study at their convenience, progress at their own pace and explore varied career opportunities after completion of the program. From the admission process, live classes, project work, assignments to examinations, the entire program is delivered in the online mode. Students can book convenient slots and write their exams from the comfort of their homes. Online programs today offer a pool of specializations to choose from, allowing learners to pick the domain or area that interests them. 

Online learners can also get assistance in finding jobs. For instance, learners pursuing their online degrees through Online Manipal get placement assistance services. Online Manipal has industry connections with startups and established organizations and helps learners find the right career opportunities. 

Know more about the virtual learning experience at Online Manipal

Duration: Like regular MBA, the duration of online MBAs is also 2 years. The maximum duration to complete an MBA is 4 years.

Eligibility: The eligibility criteria for an online MBA course is usually 10+2+3 with at least a 50% aggregate in undergraduate level along with high test scores in CAT, MAT, XAT, GMAT, or a similar test. The eligibility criteria varies with the university that offers the program. Some universities do not require CAT scores, and conduct an aptitude or entrance test to be eligible for admission. 

However, there are online MBAs without CAT score from some of the prestigious universities.

Experience: Work experience requirement varies by university. While some universities accept both fresh graduates and working professionals, some require candidates to have prior experience in reputed organizations. 

Read more to find out if work experience is required for MBA

Pros:

• Online MBA courses offer greater flexibility as learners can access e-learning materials anytime, learn at their own pace, allowing them to balance their studies with other commitments. It is most suited for working professionals who want to upskill without quitting their jobs.
• Students can engage with peers and faculty, be a part of discussion forums, and network with professionals, all in the virtual mode.
• Online MBA is recognized at par with a regular MBA and recruiters actively hire MBA graduates who have studies in the online mode.

Cons:

• With online MBAs, learners cannot interact face-to-face with their peers and faculty members. 
• Online MBA relies heavily on technology and a stable internet connection. Technical disruption could cause inconvenience at times.

Distance MBA

Distance MBA is a two-year long correspondence master’s program, where candidates can study remotely at a convenient time. In distance MBA, the program is delivered in a hybrid format, where learners may have to attend physical classes during weekends. Study material would be given to them, and they can choose to learn at their own pace. In distance MBA, students will be allotted dedicated centers to appear for examinations. 

Duration: The duration for distance MBA is also 2 years, it can be extended up to 4 years.

Eligibility: The eligibility criteria for distance MBA program is usually 10+2+3 with at least a 50% aggregate in undergraduate level. Some universities require students to have valid test scores in CAT, MAT, XAT, GMAT, or a similar test. 

Pros:

• Distance MBA courses offer flexibility to learners who have work or personal commitments. It allows students to study at their own pace. 
• Distance MBA follows a hybrid format, wherein students get to interact in-person occasionally. This allows learners to engage with peers and mentors once in a while. 

Cons:

• Distance MBA requires greater motivation as students have to study by themselves.
• With distance MBA, students may require to attend physical classes once in a while and the examinations are conducted offline. 

Part-time MBA

In part-time MBAs, candidates take classes outside of business hours, either in the evenings or during weekends. This MBA is a preferred choice for employees working full time and yet don’t hold leadership positions in organizations. Part-times usually have under 8 years of experience, and aim to move up the career ladder after completing the MBA program. The main challenge for part timers is managing to go to the office and attending college. 

Duration: The duration for part-time MBA is 2-3 years depending on the institution and program.

Eligibility: The eligibility criteria for part-time MBA program is usually 10+2+3 with at least a 50% aggregate in undergraduate level. Some universities mandatorily ask for a CAT/ MAT/ GRE/GMAT/ IIMB test scores. Most part-time MBA programs require candidates to have relevant work experience. 

Pros:

• Part-time MBA programs allow learners to balance work, personal commitments, and studies more easily. Learners can build relationships with peers and industry professionals, potentially expanding their professional network.
• Part-time MBA programs allow students to spread out the cost of tuition over a longer period since they are typically paying for courses as they go.

Cons:

• Part-time MBA students may have limited access to campus resources and activities compared to full-time students. 
• Part-time students may face increased pressure to manage their time effectively, maintain work-life-study balance, and avoid burnout.

Executive MBA

An Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) is similar to a regular MBA program, but it is specially tailored to suit the needs of corporate executives and senior managers. Typically, EMBA candidates have more than 3 years of work experience. EMBAs are aimed to enhance domain expertise and fill knowledge gaps. 

Duration: The duration of Executive MBA is usually between 1 year to 2 years.

Eligibility: There is usually no cut off percentage or marks to be eligible for EMBA. However, work experience is mandatory and the number of years varies depending on universities. 

Pros:

• EMBA programs are tailored for executives and senior professionals, providing specialized knowledge and skills relevant to their current roles.
• EMBA programs attract professionals from diverse industries and backgrounds, providing excellent networking opportunities. Learners can share their professional experiences, insights, and challenges, broadening one’s understanding of different industries and leadership styles.

Cons:

• With EMBA programs, balancing work, personal life, and studies can be challenging, especially for busy executives with demanding schedules.
• MBA programs tend to be more expensive compared to traditional MBA programs, as it is meant for professionals with significant work experience. 

You may like to know more about various online MBAs offered on Online Manipal.

Choosing an MBA program that is best for you

Above discussed are the broad kinds of MBA programs available. The ideal option for you will be determined by your interests, work experience (if any), and the kind of career you envision for yourself.

• Fresh graduates usually prefer a regular MBA, since they don’t have work commitments and they can focus fully on their program.
• Working professionals have a pool of options to choose from. They can choose part-time MBAs, distance MBAs or online MBAs, according to their work commitments and convenience. Professionals with over 8-10 years of work experience can choose to pursue executive MBAs to gain leadership positions. 

Read more to find out what the job market looks like for MBA graduates

In-demand MBA degrees

You can pursue MBA degrees in various specializations and electives depending on your chosen career path. Here are some of the most in-demand MBAs to pursue.

• MBA in Data Science
• MBA in Business Analytics
• MBA in Finance
• MBA in IT & FinTech
• MBA in Healthcare Management
• MBA in Project Management
• MBA in Pharmaceutical Management
• MBA in Operations Management

Read more to find out the in-demand MBA specializations

How Online Manipal fits in with your career plan

With Online Manipal, you get access to online MBA courses from premium universities including Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ), Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) and Sikkim Manipal University (SMU). Choose from a pool of in-demand specializations and elective baskets and climb up the career ladders. Our online MBA programs are flexible in nature, and allows students to learn at their own pace, access e-learning material, interact with expert faculty, indulge in a diverse classroom, access over 2,00,000 + e-books, get free access to paid Coursera content and write online proctored exams, all of the comfort of their homes.