Is Online MBA Worth It?
As early as 2017, even when offline courses were still in vogue, Nicole Cox, chief recruitment officer at Decision Toolbox, a national recruitment firm commented, "Schools got better at the delivery models, and hiring managers, particularly in the technology industries, became much more comfortable with it”.
She was referring to the acceptance of online degrees by employers as the universities grow with their online offerings. So, is an online MBA course worth it? A question that is asked by many. Here are some of the answers.
One of the end goals while pursuing any course is accepted by employers. While offline MBA is popular and is pursued by many, a big question is whether an online MBA is worth it or not. Are these online MBA courses accepted by prospective employers? Are they considered on par with the offline regular MBA courses? Some of the many questions when it comes to checking online MBA courses are answered below.
So, if you are wondering to yourself, is an online MBA worth it? What is the value of online MBA in India? Will an online MBA help my career? then you are at the right place. Keep reading this article to find out the answers to your questions.
As you read this article, you fill find the various pros and cons of online MBA that are supposed to help you decide, is online MBA worth it in India. By the end of this article, you will be able to decide if online MBA is good or bad for your preferences.
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Is Online MBA Worth it - Pros
Now we shall dive into the pros and cons of online MBA. Some good reasons to pursue an online MBA course are summarised below. By reading this article, you will be able to understand, does online MBA have value?
1. Industry recognition: Early last year, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that the top 100 educational institutions in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) will be offering full-fledged online degree programmes. While the announcement was followed by the opening of the online degree programmes, the big question remained of industry recognition for these.
Amity Online MBA programme comes with career assistance. JagSoM’s PGDM(Executive) program has Corporate Mentors and Industry leaders handholding the students through their journey. An online MBA presented within your home comforts is worth every bit of your time. This is one reason why an online MBA is worth it. Like these, there are many online MBA programs that offer various benefits to the participants, enhancing the value of online MBA in India.
Resource Links for Online MBA
2. Growth in Diversity: An online MBA can be a game changer as it allows people from all walks of life to broaden their horizons through the course. For working executives and their companies, online learning is cost-effective, student-centered, and convenient. Interacting with a diverse group from across the globe makes the enrollers culturally adaptive and respectful of diversity.
The opportunities to connect with individuals sometimes on a global level, is also another reason value of an online MBA is high.
3. Technological awareness: Online MBA introduces you to learning on a variety of platforms both for classes and examinations. For example, SIBM Pune has leveraged technology to bring innovation to its exam process. Using Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, each student is given a unique set of questions. Then, NMIMS uses the Lite-App, a mobile application for students.
Since most new-age employers look for students who are ready to learn and adapt to growing technologies, this is one more answer to whether is MBA online worth it.
4. Becoming a Self-manager: Do you see yourself struggling to manage your time? Well, one advantage of an online MBA is that it inherently puts a schedule in place, forcing you to plan your time for each day – for your sessions, assignments, and submissions. This you will do without depending on a classroom or a class teacher.
To be able to manage oneself and one’s time is one of the keys to employability. Studying online will help you develop this skill systematically. This advantage gives a 'yes' to the question of whether an online MBA is worth or not.
So, if you are still wondering, is online MBA good? You can go through some online MBA programs offered by the top universities in India and decide for yourself. Getting a detailed look into the top universities offering online MBA programs will help you answer the question, is online MBA degree worth it?
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Advantages of online MBA - Some statistics:
Now that you have gone through the list of advantages of an online MBA, here is some statistical data to help you further answer: is online MBA good?
- According to KPMG, India has also become the second largest market for E-learning after the US.
- The India Online Education Market will be US$ 8.6 Billion by 2026 as per a report by Renub Research.
- The online education market in India is poised to grow by USD 2.28 billion during 2021-2025, progressing at a CAGR of 20% during the forecast period, according to Technavio.
- Nearly 48% of the population in India between the 15–40 age groups with high aspirations but lower income is a good target market for online education. And, the acceptability of online channels is high in the younger demographic as per eduxpert.in/online-education-india
With your online MBA, you join a group of enthusiasts who are preparing for the next generation of companies that are looking beyond plain vanilla MBA.
As technology advances, online higher education is becoming more accessible and embraced by tech-savvy students and businesses. These groups value the ability to study on demand because it gives them new development opportunities and mobility, boosting their success as learners and earners in an ever-changing global society.
An online MBA is a perfect channel for your self-discipline, career growth, and time optimisation. So, is it worth doing online MBA? Let's explore the disadvantages of online MBA to help you make that decision. Now while the good of an online MBA has been discussed, it is also necessary to discuss some disadvantages of an online MBA. These can be summed up below.
The disadvantages of online MBA do not hamper the value of online MBA in India, but they are just shortcomings in comparison to the benefits. If you want to know, is doing online MBA worth it? then you must consider both sides of the coin.
Popular Online MBA Specializations
There are various specialisations available in an online MBA. Students can choose from different online MBA specializations based on their area of interest. Mentioned below is the list of online MBA specializations one can opt for and accomplish their career goals.
- Online MBA in Banking and Finance
- Online MBA in Construction Management
- Online MBA in International Business
- Online MBA in Information Technology
- Online MBA in Aviation Management
- Online MBA in Entrepreneurship
- Online MBA in Healthcare Management
- Online MBA in Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Is Online MBA worth it - Cons
1. Self-Management: While this can be a good thing if one is inclined to properly manage, in many cases, it becomes a disadvantage for students who procrastinate or are unable to manage various things at one time. For individuals who cannot work with self-management, this is something that must be considered while deciding is it worth doing online MBA.
2. Lack of teamwork and networking: One of the disadvantages of an online MBA is the lack of a peer group, group work, networking, and the usual camaraderie that is present in a physical class. Exchange of work experiences, social networking and such are generally not at the level of a regular MBA. This can make an online MBA not worthy.
3. Too much screen time: Since an online MBA requires a dedicated amount of screen time, it can be a bit of a problem health-wise. Eye problems, obesity, and other health problems may crop up to become a con to whether an online MBA is worth it. However, this is something that can be tackled with proper rest, exercise, and diet. Aspirants who cannot handle too much screen time should consider this factor while deciding if an online MBA is good or bad for them.
4. Sense of Isolation: Unlike a classroom, an online MBA is in a virtual classroom and hence the camaraderie that comes in a physical classroom will be missing. Since most students in the online classes would be virtual, reaching out or mingling on account of classwork may not work as in a physical classroom. Sometimes, it leads to a sense of isolation and disconnect; this can be termed one of the disadvantages of an online MBA.
However, the disadvantages are not that huge that they would make a big difference in the quality of studying an online MBA. In fact, most of them can be overcome with a bit of effort. So, although the cons of online MBA while deciding the value of online MBA in India, they are not a brick wall to your education. If you are still wondering, is online MBA degree worth it? Then you must know that the credibility of an online degree versus offline degree does not vary.
Popular Colleges Offering Online MBA
Several colleges and universities in India offer online MBA courses in different specialisations. Students must visit the official website of their chosen college and enrol in the best to fulfil their personal and professional goals. Below, we have listed some of the top online MBA colleges in India.
- LPU Online MBA
- UPES Online MBA
- Amity Online MBA
- Jain University Online MBA
- IFHE Hyderabad Online MBA
- Manipal University Online MBA
- Galgotias University Online MBA
- Chandigarh University Online MBA
The COVID pandemic has brought home the fact that an online MBA is one more avenue to pursue one’s dreams rather than put a halt to them. Given the fact that the government has also endorsed this with the approval of many universities for online MBA degrees, it is now much easier to sit and pursue an online MBA at one’s comfort and convenience. There are more advantages than disadvantages and that is why the answer is yes, if you are still wondering if an online MBA is worth it or not.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The value of an MBA degree is the same whether it has been obtained online or offline. It opens room for a variety of job roles in diverse industries.
Both online MBA and regular MBA have their own advantages and disadvantages. Neither of them is better or worse than the other, it depends on the individual what is suitable for their preferences.
Online MBA has some shortcomings, such as no campus experience, lack of in-person connection, and lack of social life, among others. But these are all shortcomings that can be overcome with a little effort.
The online MBA fees are mostly cost-effective, varying from institution to institution. The price may vary anywhere between Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 5,00,000.
Some online MBA programs may require the aspirants to appear for entrance exams such as CAT, XAT, MAT, SNAP, and the like. Meanwhile, some other programs take admission directly on the basis of merit.
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Whether an MBA or MCA is better nobody tells you both have their own merits its totally depends on your interests, career goals, and strengths.however,there are certain factors that you should know before going ahead in MBA yhe curriculum is made to develop managerial skills and business acumen, which can prepare you for leadership roles in many industries. MBA graduates are often preferred for leadership positions where as if you prefer management over technology you should go for MCA it can earn a rewarding salary and have the opportunity to explore a variety of job profiles but its limited.
The Raja Bahadur Venkata Rama Reddy Women's College in Hyderabad, India has an active Placement and Training Cell to help MBA students prepare for and get placed in companies, banks, hospitals, telecom companies, etc.it has average package of 2.5 lakh per year.its not good as top mba colleges don't expect too much but it gives you degree at the end.
Also if you don't get job You can look for job fairs in your city, and upload your resume to job portals. You can also visit company websites and recruitment platforms to find off-campus job openings.
IIIT Allahabad (IIIT A) offers an MBA program with a focus on IT and management, making it a good choice for those interested in the intersection of technology and business. The institute is well-regarded for its technical programs, and the MBA program benefits from its strong industry connections and academic reputation.
However, placements for the MBA program may not be as strong as those for its engineering courses. The average package in recent years has been around 5-6 LPA, with higher packages for top performers. Companies in IT, consulting, and management often participate in the placements, but the number of core management companies might be fewer compared to traditional business schools.
If you are looking for an MBA with a strong focus on IT management and are comfortable with these placement statistics, IIIT A can be a good option. Otherwise, exploring other institutes with a broader range of placement opportunities may
Hope it helps. Good luck!
UPES (University of Petroleum and Energy Studies) offers an online MBA program with various specializations. Heres an overview of what you can expect regarding the fee structure, courses offered, and placement opportunities:
1. Fee Structure: The fees for the UPES online MBA program generally range between INR 1.5 to 3 lakh, depending on the specialization and duration of the program. There might be flexibility in fee payment, such as installment options. Additional costs could include study materials, exam fees, etc. Always verify with the official website or admissions department for exact details.
2. Specializations Offered: UPES online MBA offers a variety of specializations, including:
MBA in Marketing Management
MBA in Human Resource Management
MBA in Financial Management
MBA in Operations Management
MBA in Business Analytics
MBA in Energy Management
MBA in International Business
These courses are designed to equip students with industry-relevant skills, and the curriculum may include case studies, live projects, and interaction with industry professionals .
3. Placement Opportunities: UPES provides placement assistance, but the placement opportunities for online courses may vary compared to their full-time, on-campus programs. UPES has a strong industry network, and many of its graduates are placed in reputed companies. The placement cell helps in resume building, interview preparation, and job placement. However, placements for online programs may rely more on students' initiative, prior experience, and active participation in networking opportunities.
4. Job Opportunities: After completing an online MBA from UPES, job opportunities depend on your specialization, work experience, and networking.
Graduates from UPES have been employed in companies like Infosys, Deloitte, Accenture, Reliance Industries, and Schlumberger, among others.The online nature of the course means that some recruiters might value work experience and skills more than just the degree, so it's essential to continue gaining practical experience while studying.
Hope it helps. Good Luck!
With a 97 percentile in CAT mocks, you have a strong chance of getting into a top MBA college, especially if you can maintain or improve this percentile in the actual exam. However, admission to top IIMs or other premier institutes (like IIM A, B, C, FMS, etc.) also considers factors like:
1. Academic Profile: Your 10th and 12th marks are somewhat below the typical benchmarks set by the top IIMs, but your B.Tech CGPA is strong.
2. Work Experience (if applicable): Relevant work experience can significantly boost your profile.
3. Diversity Factor: Some colleges give weightage to academic diversity or gender diversity, which could benefit you depending on your profile.
4. Interview and GD/PI Performance: Performing well in the group discussions, written ability test, and personal interviews is critical.
For Tier-1 MBA colleges, if your CAT score remains at or above 97 percentile, you have a fair chance, but your slightly lower 10th and 12th scores may be a minor disadvantage at top IIMs. However, you should still be competitive for other top institutes like MDI, SPJIMR, IITs (for MBA), and others. Keep focusing on your CAT preparation to secure the best percentile possible.
Hope it helps Thankyou!
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