In India, the advent of Online MBA programs has changed the way business professionals pursue their degrees, making quality education more accessible and flexible.
This transformation is not just a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, but a reflection of the growing demand for continuous learning and skill development in a changing job market.
The traditional MBA – often called the Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP) in India – has long been a solid qualification for those aiming to climb the corporate ladder.
However, the high cost, geographic constraints and need to balance work and study have often made it difficult for many to pursue this dream.
Enter Online MBAs. These programs offer a viable alternative, providing the same rigorous curriculum and qualification as their on-campus counterparts, but with added flexibility and often at a lower cost.
Institutions such as the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad offer well-regarded Online MBA courses.
“Covid showed us that there are people wanting to do an MBA from their current location, without having to move or give up their jobs,” says Ramabhadran Thirumalai, a professor at the Indian School of Business in Hyderabad. ISB runs a part-time PGP delivered in a “hybrid” format–partly online and partly on campus.
Factors driving the growth
Several factors have contributed to the rise of online MBA programs in India at schools including the Management Development Institute of Gurgaon and the Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai.
The proliferation of high-speed internet and affordable smartphones has made online learning accessible to a broader audience. Platforms equipped with advanced learning management systems and interactive tools have enhanced the quality of online education.
“India has been experiencing robust economic growth for the past three decades, fueled particularly by significant advancements in technology,” says Nishit Jain, a special advisor for EFMD Global, which accredits business schools.
“The country’s ability to leverage digital transformation has played a key role, making education a natural sector for applying these technological advantages.”
He adds that both public and private institutions are now offering Online MBAs, with platforms like Upgrade, Great Learning and Coursera seeing India as a significant market.
These digital programs allow students to learn at their own pace, balancing their studies with professional and personal commitments. This flexibility is particularly appealing to working professionals who cannot afford to take a career break.
It also means that online programs often come at a fraction of the cost of traditional MBAs. And students save on commuting, accommodation and other expenses associated with on-campus education, too.
“This ability significantly reduces opportunity costs, offering students the convenience of earning a degree from prestigious institutions without leaving their house, which was unimaginable a decade ago,” notes Jain.
Moreover, several prestigious business schools in India have started offering Online MBA programs, ensuring that the degrees are recognized and respected by employers worldwide.
“Traditional MBA programs, such as those offered by the top IIMs, are highly competitive, with acceptance rates below 1 percent,” adds Jain. “Online MBA programs represent a crucial development, making quality education more accessible and affordable.”
Challenges and Opportunities
While the growth of Online MBA programs in India is promising, it is not without challenges. Ensuring the quality and credibility of online education remains a significant concern.
“The studying-at-one’s-own-pace idea of Online MBA programs could actually be a double-edged sword. It could lead to a lack of focus and commitment,” suggests Thirumalai at ISB. “In traditional MBA programmes, there is a regular schedule of classes, assignments and exams, which helps the students stay committed and focused.”
Additionally, there is a need to bridge the gap between traditional and online education in terms of employer perception.
“There is a prevailing bias among some recruiters who favor graduates from traditional, full-time MBA programs over Online MBAs, which can make the degrees less appealing,” says Jain.
Lily Bi, president and CEO of AACSB International, which accredits schools, says: “Though Indian educational regulations have improved and provided better guidance on assuring quality in online programs, many still have a stigma of lower quality education in the country.”
But despite these challenges, the opportunities are immense. Online MBA programs can democratize education, making it accessible to a larger and more diverse population.
ISB’s Thirumalai says: “Students in far-flung and remote villages have the same access to Online MBA programmes as students in tier-one cities. All it requires is a reliable internet connection, which is easily available in India these days at one of the lowest costs globally.”
As technology continues to evolve, and as more institutions embrace online education, the quality and acceptance of these programs are expected to grow.
