Master of Business Administration (MBA) in India is one of the most demanded postgraduate programmes among graduates and working professionals. As MBA is a professional course, it has different types and is offered in different modes - online MBA, Distance MBA, and Executive MBA. Every programme has a different target audience and provides a special set of advantages.
Both recent graduates and working professionals enrol in online two-year MBA programmes to advance their careers in management and enhance their professional development. Choosing between an Online MBA and an Executive MBA (EMBA) can be challenging for professionals seeking to advance their careers.
This article will help you to know the differences between the Executive and Online MBA programmes so you can decide which one is best for you to pursue your career goals. Read to make an informed decision between Executive MBA VS Online MBA.
Also Read: Distance MBA Careers Options
Online MBA vs Executive MBA - Explained
Online MBA and Executive MBA programs are ideal for professionals aiming to advance their careers without leaving their jobs. With both options gaining popularity, candidates must understand the differences between them. This understanding will help them make informed decisions about which program best suits their career aspirations.
An Online MBA is a two-year program that delivers business education through a digital platform. Unlike traditional MBAs, an MBA offers flexibility with digital resources like videos, e-books, and interactive content. Typically spread over four semesters, Online MBA programs are designed for those balancing work and education.
Conversely, an Executive MBA (EMBA) is a fast-paced 15-24 month program tailored for experienced professionals, executives, and entrepreneurs. EMBA classes are often scheduled on weekends or during business hours, allowing participants to enhance their business skills without disrupting their careers. While EMBA courses focus on strategic leadership, Online MBAs provide a broader business education with diverse assignments and multimedia tools.
Online MBA V/s Executive MBA: Differences
The below table shows the key differences between an Online MBA and an Executive MBA to help you understand which might best fit your career goals.
| Factors | Online MBA | Executive MBA (EMBA) |
|---|---|---|
Target Audience | Working professionals and students seeking flexibility | Senior executives and professionals with significant experience |
Program Duration | Typically 2 years, with flexible learning | Typically 1 to 2 years, with structured schedule |
Delivery Mode | Fully online with occasional hybrid options | Hybrid: weekend classes, online modules, in-person sessions |
Curriculum Focus | Broad business management education | Strategic leadership, advanced management, and global business focus |
Admission Requirements | Bachelor's degree, with or without work experience | Bachelor's degree, extensive work experience (usually 8-10+ years) |
Networking Opportunities | Limited to online interactions, alumni networks | Extensive peer networking, strong alumni connections |
Cost | Generally lower compared to EMBA | Higher cost due to targeted, high-level curriculum |
Career Advancement | Suitable for career switchers or those seeking promotion | Aimed at accelerating career paths to executive-level roles |
Flexibility | High flexibility, self-paced learning | Moderate flexibility, but more structured and time-intensive |
Online MBA Eligibilty:
- A bachelor's degree with a minimum 50% marks (45% for reserved categories) in aggregate from a recognised university.
- Some universities ask for the management entrance exams like CAT, XAT, MAT, CMAT, and SNAP while others take direct admission.
Also Read:
- The Best Free Online MBA Courses From Top Universities
- Top Universities offering Online MBA Courses in India
Popular Online MBA Specialisations
There are various specialisations available in an online MBA. Students can choose from different specialisations based on their area of interest. Mentioned below is the list of online MBA specialisations one can opt for to accomplish their career goals.
- Online MBA in Finance
- Online MBA in Marketing
- Online MBA in Human Resource Management
- Online MBA in Project Management
- Online MBA in Pharmaceutical Management
- Online MBA in Operations Management
- Online MBA in Banking and Finance
- Online MBA in Construction Management
Online Executive MBA Requirements
- Candidates aspiring to take Executive MBA courses must have graduated in any discipline.
- Candidates are required to take an entrance exam specified by the university.
- They also must have three to five years of work experience in a relevant field.
- Shortlisted candidates are required to participate in group discussions and personal interviews.
Online MBA vs Executive MBA: Which is Right?
As you understand the difference between online MBA and executive MBA courses, choosing the right one will depend on you. Every individual has a unique goal, financial circumstances, and career orientation. So, it is up to you to consider your goals and objectives and pick the best fit.
There are several colleges in India that offer online Executive MBA programmes for working professionals and meet the industry requirements of management professionals. Many institutes offer both online MBA and Executive MBA courses to aspiring candidates who wish to develop their careers in the management field.
Resource Links for Online MBA
Online Executive MBA Eligibilty:
- A bachelor's degree from a recognised university.
- Management entrance exam specified by the university.
- A total of three to five years of work experience in a relevant field.
- Shortlisted candidates need to participate in group discussions and personal interviews.
Also Read: Executive MBA Careers Options
Top Executive MBA Colleges in India
Several top universities in India offer Executive MBA courses. These courses can be pursued by professionals without disrupting their jobs or other commitments. The fee of an Executive MBA varies from one institute to another, ranging from Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 31 lakh. The table below lists the top colleges for Executive MBA in India.
Executive MBA Colleges | Total Executive MBA Fees |
|---|---|
Rs. 2,96,000 | |
Rs. 5,25,000 | |
AMC Bangalore | Rs. 2,54,000 |
Rs, 6,93,000 | |
Rs. 1,93,000 | |
Rs. 31,00,000 | |
Rs, 33,00,000 | |
Rs, 1,00,000 | |
Rs. 6,00,000 |
Top Online MBA Colleges in India
Several private and government colleges in India offer online MBA courses. The fees of an online MBA in government colleges are slightly lower than the private colleges. Students can enrol in a college based on their affordability and convenience. The table below lists some of the top colleges offering online MBA courses in India.
Online MBA Colleges | Total Online MBA Fees |
|---|---|
Rs. 1,79,000 | |
Rs. 1,75,000 | |
Rs. 60,000 | |
Rs. 1,50,500 | |
Rs. 76,000 | |
Rs. 1,70,000 | |
Rs. 2,00,000 | |
Chandigarh University | Rs. 2,00,000 |
Rs. 1,62,800 | |
Rs. 65,500 |
Also Read: 10 Most Affordable Online MBA Programs in India
Executive MBA vs Online MBA: Career Opportunities
Understanding the difference between an online MBA and an Executive MBA will make you choose the one that suits you best. After completing any of these MBA courses, you will find numerous career opportunities in a variety of industries. You will be placed in management positions in top companies.
Career options after online MBA and Executive MBA courses are as follows:
Conclusion
An MBA degree, be it online or executive, will enable you to unlock a variety of opportunities in your professional journey. It will also help upgrade the quality of your personal life. So, when understanding an Executive MBA vs online MBA courses, you should consider every aspect of an MBA course and enrol in the best as per your suitability and convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Executive MBA is a professional course and it paves numerous career opportunities in the field of management. It is pursued by working professionals and recognised across industries which defines executive MBA meaning in the modern competitive marketplace.
The minimum online MBA qualification is a bachelor’s degree in any stream with minimum passing marks from a recognized university.
An executive MBA is equivalent to a master’s degree. It is designed mainly for working professionals, business executives and entrepreneurs.
After completing your preferred course, you can become a financial manager, financial advisor, business manager, project manager, sales manager, senior business analyst and others.
Some of the top recruiters are TCS, Wipro, Flipkart, Amazon, Reliance, KPMG, and Capgemini.
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Questions related to MBA
For an MBA specially in IT,you can consider SCIT (Symbiosis Centre for Information Technology) which is generally considered the better choice compared to SICSR (Symbiosis Institute of Computer Studies and Research) as it has a stronger reputation specifically focused on IT business management and offers a more specialized curriculum in the field and has good placement record, making it a more relevant option for aspiring IT professionals seeking an MBA.
The curriculum is good and niche in the field in this college you need to be among top 20 performer in order to get quick and good placement through the college.
https://www.careers360.com/colleges/symbiosis-centre-for-information-technology-pune
https://www.careers360.com/colleges/symbiosis-institute-of-computer-studies-and-research-pune
No, it is not possible to pursue an MBA after your 3rd year of a BA LLB integrated course from a Mumbai University college as you need to complete your full BA LLB degree to be eligible for an MBA program.Since a BA LLB is a 5-year integrated course, completing only your 3rd year does not fulfill the requirement for an MBA.
Not only in this university but you cannot take admission to any master course before completing your b.a llb integrated course however you can take admission to bachelor's degree on the basis of your 12th marks.
I suggest you to continue with your course after completing apply to MBA anywhere in india.if you have time prepare for CAT exam which is accepted by iims and Mumbai University. Remember When choosing an MBA program, you can consider specializations relevant to your legal background, such as "Business Law" or "Intellectual Property Law" to leverage your existing knowledge.
To know about admission in mumbai university refer link
https://www.careers360.com/university/university-of-mumbai-mumbai
Hello
Yes , you are eligible .
Completing a 2 years Agriculture Diploma course makes you eligible for an MBA in Agriculture Business Management , as many programs accept students with backgrounds in agriculture or related fields . You likely need to meet additional requirements like entrance exams like such as CAT , MAT or other . specific institution or universities may have their own eligibility criteria .
For more details check link given below :
https://www.careers360.com/courses/mba-in-agri-business-management
Thank you
Hello,
If you are currently in your final year and have not yet completed your bachelor’s degree, then selecting “appeared for bachelor’s” is the correct option. This option typically indicates that you have not yet graduated but are in the process of completing your degree.
The “bachelor degree” option would be appropriate only if you had already completed and been awarded your degree. Since you are still pursuing your final year, your initial selection of “appeared for bachelor’s” is accurate for your situation.
To get more information related to SNAP exam, visit : https://bschool.careers360.com/articles/snap-2024
Hope it helps !
Hello aspirant,
MBA 1st year subjects are as follows:
- Organizational Behaviour
- Quantitative Methods
- Managerial Economics
- Financial Accounting
- Marketing Management
- Human Resource Management
- Business Communication
- Information Technology Management
- Organization Effectiveness and Change
- Management Science
- Economic Environment of Business
- Financial Management
- Management Accounting
- Production and Operation Management
Thank you
Hope it helps you