Distance MBA vs Full Time MBA

Nidhi Mishra updated on : 24 Jan, 2020 69

Distance MBA vs Full-time MBA-In the present business scenario, it is attractive and beneficial to hold a management degree, especially an MBA degree. No matter whether it is a student with good graduation scores or a working executive looking to scale up in the company hierarchy, all want to avail the benefits that an MBA degree brings with it. An MBA qualification not only helps employees in seeking higher salaries and leadership positions but also helps them in exploring opportunities to become entrepreneurs.

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Distance Learning Universities in India

MBA Colleges in India

As an MBA aspirant, you may have come across several advertisements from management institutions that claim to fulfil your dreams through varied full time and distance MBA programs. However, it remains confusing to opt for the right programme according to your expectations, priorities, and future career goals. While some graduates target to clear CAT exam and enter a full-time course in management, some others may not do so because of several reasons. Let us clear your confusion on different aspects of full time and distance MBA programs that can help you in judging which one you should opt for.

The Basic Distinction between Distance MBA and Full-Time MBA;

When it is about distinguishing among several types of MBA programs, it can be said that the full-time courses are those that require your physical presence throughout the programme and that cannot be pursued while doing a job or another program. On the other hand, distance MBA gives you that leverage to go for a job or other activities while pursuing your MBA course. While it is also possible with some part time courses, distance MBA mostly does not require you to attend classes mandatorily.

However, you should be careful when opting for a distance MBA course, as some institutions categorise their part time programmes as distance or online MBA. Do not go for a blended MBA program if you do not have time to attend mandatory classes. Even a distance learning course designed only for working executives may not suit you if you are a graduate student or you do not have the necessary experience for such a programme. It is critical to study the admission requirements and course specifications before you enrol for a full time or distance MBA program.

How to Identify the Right Distance MBA Programme:

While a distance MBA is done on a part-time basis, it is not a part time course to study in evenings or weekends. It follows an entirely different structure.
A distance MBA programme is usually pursued online or through correspondence. You majorly contact the guiding professors and interact with fellow students via an assigned Web application or an online community that offers forums for discussions.
In a distance MBA programme, you are given an opportunity to contact guiding professors and upload assignments on the given app. You also receive feedback via the same online platform.
Further, you can take up a distance MBA course while doing your job or handling your household chores. If a programme requires you to attend classes from time to time or needs you to come for a residential period, then it is not called distance MBA. Still, a distance MBA programme may require you to attend a residential period when it is for a kick-off meet or for examinations.

Make a proper choice after checking on the above conditions.

Which Programme to Pursue – Full-Time MBA or Distance MBA:

We give you a comparative analysis of a full-time MBA and a distance MBA course. Check out and compare both types of programmes on varied factors so you can evaluate and determine the right option per your personal priorities and educational requirements.

Factor	Full Time MBA	Distance MBA
Feasibility	If you have sufficient time and financial resources to support your education, then you must go for full-time MBA. Especially for fresh graduates who are looking for great career prospects after doing MBA, the full-time MBA is the best option to develop management skills.	Distance MBA is good for students or working individuals who have personal and family responsibilities or who cannot afford expensive full-time MBA programmes. Those who cannot devote time to full time, the on-campus study should also prefer distance MBA.
Duration	2 years in most cases	2-3 years (may vary by institution)
Work Experience Requirement	A full-time MBA programme does not have the requirement of possessing work experience unless it is specifically designed for working executives.	A distance MBA programme may or may not demand prior work experience. If you are a fresh graduate, check with an institution to know about the eligibility criteria for its programme. Check the same if you were or you are a working executive. If a distance MBA programme is offered only for working executives, then you should also check the years of experience and the kind of work experience demanded.
Course Availability	Available at every management institute in India, except those that are fully devoted to distance learning, such as SCDL	Available at several leading management institutes, including IIMs, Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning (SCDL), IGNOU, ICFAI University, and IMT Ghaziabad
Course Delivery	On campus via direct interaction and classroom study	Via online modes, videos, emails, or posts
Exposure	Ranging from industry/field visits to extensive class participation, brainstorming activities and team games, a full-time MBA programme offers it all. It is a comprehensive programme with wide learning avenues.	A distance MBA programme may not offer field visits or other interactive activities. Thus, the exposure is limited to a defined course curriculum.
Flexibility	Stringent and tight schedule for assignment submission, classroom teaching, and examinations	Flexible in terms of exam schedule, assignment submission deadlines, and exam venue selection
Fees	May range up to Rupees 25-30 Lakhs, depending on the institution; it is the most expensive option	Usually, under 1 Lakh, it is the cheapest option if financial resources are a problem
Admission Procedure	A complex procedure in which aspirants have to take an entrance exam like CAT and then face the rounds of personal interviews and group discussions	A simpler procedure that may finish at the entrance exam level in most cases
Scope	Very wide scope with high consideration by recruiters; placement assistance available at institutions	Not highly considered by recruiters; no placement assistance available at institutions

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