Is an Online MBA from IIMs Difficult? Check Evaluation, ROI & More

Is an Online MBA from IIMs Difficult? Check Evaluation, ROI & More

#MBA
Atul AdeUpdated on 05 Apr 2025, 03:26 PM IST

Pursuing an online MBA from IIMs can be difficult, but with strategic planning and dedication, you can address this difficulty. The Common Aptitude Test (CAT) is a gateway for admission to top business schools such as IIMs, Symbiosis, and NMIMS. IIMs have limited seats for PGDM and MBA programmes, which means only a few candidates secure seats at IIM.

This Story also Contains

  1. Online MBA From IIMs
  2. IIM Online MBA Eligibility Criteria
  3. IIM Online MBA Admission Process
  4. Curriculum
  5. Evaluation and Grading System
  6. Learning Format, Technology Adaption, ROI
Is an Online MBA from IIMs Difficult? Check Evaluation, ROI & More
Is an Online MBA From IIMs Difficult

However, students now have the opportunity to get into IIMs without CAT. IIMs are now offering online MBA programmes that allow working professionals to manage their jobs and study at their own pace. Several IIMs allow students to enrol in an online Executive MBA without CAT.

An online MBA from IIMs opens the door for a variety of career opportunities with salary hikes. According to the India Skill Report 2024, MBA graduates easily get employment, and they are most employable across states. Their employability was more than 71 per cent, which is higher than other fields. Investing in an online MBA is the most rewarding decision in 2025.

This article explores is getting an online MBA from IIMs difficult? The top online MBA programmes from IIMs. It also provides details about the admission process, curriculum, evaluation method, and more.

Online MBA From IIMs

Several IIMs allow professionals to pursue an Online Executive MBA to advance their careers. The following table lists online MBA courses offered by IIMs.

IIM

Programme NameFees

IIM Mumbai

Executive MBA

Rs 15 lakhs

IIM Ahmedabad

Blended Post Graduate Programme in Management

Rs 20 lakhs

IIM Kashipur

Executive MBA

Rs 12 lakhs

IIM Indore

EPM - MMS

Rs 14 lakhs

IIM Vishakhapatnam

Executive MBA

Rs 11.90 lakhs

IIM Ranchi

Executive MBA

Rs 12.70 lakhs

IIM Udaipur

EMBA

Rs 14.20 lakhs

IIM Raipur

Executive MBA

Rs 14.95 lakhs

IIM Sirmaur

EMBA

Rs 8 lakhs

IIM Shillong

PGPWE

Rs 12.45 lakhs

IIM Amritsar

EMBA

Rs 10.74 lakhs

IIM Bodh Gaya

EMBA

Rs 10 lakhs

IIM Jammu

EMBA

Rs 9.45 lakhs

IIM Sambalpur

EMBA

Rs 12 lakhs

IIM Online MBA Eligibility Criteria

The admission process for an Online MBA from IIMs is competitive, depending on the institutes.

IIM Online MBA Eligibility Criteria

IIM Online MBA Admission Process

Admission to an online MBA at IIMs follows an online process. Students are advised to follow the admissions process carefully.

IIM Online MBA Admission Process

Also Check- How an Online MBA Helps Develop Your Professional Brand?

Curriculum

The curriculum of IIM Online MBA programmes enhances participants’ knowledge about marketing, finance, business management, strategy, and operations. These programmes provide the same quality of education as a traditional EMBA programme, with greater flexibility and accessibility. Students can learn from anywhere with live lectures, recorded sessions, live discussions, and faculty mentorship.

IIM offers industry-relevant and practical knowledge through a case-based learning approach, where students analyse real-world business problems. The graduates must complete quizzes, assignments, projects, and exams to fulfil the academic requirements. The graduates will get in-demand skills such as leadership, analytical thinking, and strategic decision-making.

Evaluation and Grading System

IIMs follow a grading system and provide grades based on the student’s performance. The evaluation of credits is based on the core subjects, projects, elective courses and internships. The students’ academic performance will be evaluated through case studies, presentations, assignments, projects, and exams.

Students need to stay active and put in consistent effort, actively engaged in learning to enhance their skills and knowledge. They should also submit all the required academic requirements, like assignments and projects, prior the deadline

Also Read: Online MBA Placements 2025: Top Recruiters, Salary

Learning Format, Technology Adaption, ROI

Although an online MBA from IIM provides the flexibility to learn at your own pace, it also needs strong discipline to manage study with job and personal commitments. Participants need to give dedicated time for study; they should give at least 10-15 hours weekly. They should make a study plan and implement it effectively.

Students will learn from world-class faculty through live lectures, which make their learning more engaging and interactive. As IIM Online MBA programmes are conducted virtually, participants must be tech-savvy. They should adapt the required technological skills to study effectively.

An online MBA from IIM equips learners with in-demand skills and knowledge to enhance their career. They will gain a leadership position with a high salary package and thrive in the competitive job market. This course provides a good return on investment (ROI).

Resource Links for Online MBA

SDA Bocconi IMB Admissions 2026

Applications Deadline - 22nd January 2026 | Offers full-time PGP in International Master in business (IMB) Equivalent to MBA under following specializations Marketing, HR, Operations, and many more

IFMR Graduate School of Business MBA Admissions 2026

Application Deadline 15th Jan’26 | UGC Approved Programs | Near 100% Placement Record | Up to 100% Scholarships | Highest CTC 21.32 LPA

The journey of an online MBA from IIMs is challenging because of various factors like curriculum, competitive environment, discipline, and time commitment. However, if you are dedicated to enhancing your career prospects in management sectors, the programme gives you rewarding career opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is there any entrance examination for an IIM Online MBA?
A:

Yes, IIMs consider scores of entrance exams like CAT, GMAT, GRE or institute-specific tests, along with work experience and academic background for selection.

Q: How difficult is an online MBA from IIMs?
A:

IIMs are known for their high-quality management education in India. You have to put efforts to earn an online MBA from IIMs and pursue a rewarding career.

Q: How budget-friendly is an IIM Online MBA?
A:

The fee of Online MBA at IIMs ranges from Rs 10 lakhs to Rs 20 lakhs. To make the programme more accessible to every category of students, IIMs provide financial assistance. Students can also apply for education loans.

Q: Is an online MBA from IIM as difficult as a traditional MBA programme?
A:

An online MBA from IIM is difficult, just like a traditional MBA programme. The curriculum, faculty, and assessments provide high-quality education, enabling candidates for future readiness.

Q: Is there any age limit to pursue an online MBA in IIMs?
A:

No, there is no age restriction to pursue an online MBA from IIMs. Students must have work experience a minimum of three years.

Upcoming Exams
Ongoing Dates
ACAT Application Date

7 Oct'25 - 26 Jan'26 (Online)

Ongoing Dates
VITBEE Application Date

31 Oct'25 - 12 Apr'26 (Online)

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Questions related to MBA

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to MBA ?

Hello,

Both Bengal Institute of Business Studies (BIBS) and United World School of Business (UWSB) have strong placement records in Kolkata. with specific data suggesting BIBS has a slightly higher potential higher salary package. While the UWSB provides a higher placement rate.

I hope it will clear your query!!

Hello

With an NMAT score of 205, you have decent chances in good mid-tier MBA colleges.
You may get calls from NMIMS Hyderabad or Indore, but the Mumbai core is usually slightly higher.
Colleges like SDA Bocconi Asia Centre, BML Munjal, and IBS Hyderabad are realistic options.
Some reputed private B-schools may also consider you if sectional cutoffs are clear. Overall, 205 is a fair score that can lead to a solid MBA college with good planning.

You can refer to the link I am attaching for more details: CLICK HERE

CAT does not restrict eligibility based on stream. Candidates from commerce, arts, science, engineering or any other background can appear for CAT and apply to MBA programmes offered by IIMs and other top B-schools.

The basic eligibility criteria for CAT are:
You must hold a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognised university with at least 50 percent marks (45 percent for SC, ST and PwD categories). Final-year graduation students are also eligible to apply.

Being a commerce graduate can actually be an advantage in areas such as accounting, finance, economics and business studies, especially during MBA coursework in finance, marketing and operations.

After qualifying CAT, admission depends on multiple factors including CAT percentile, academic background, work experience (if any), performance in GD, WAT and personal interview rounds. Many IIMs and B-schools follow a diverse academic background policy, which means non-engineering candidates, including commerce graduates, often receive additional weightage.

Apart from IIMs, several reputed institutes such as FMS Delhi, SPJIMR Mumbai, MDI Gurgaon, IMT Ghaziabad, and many state and private universities also accept CAT scores for MBA admissions.

So, as a commerce graduate, you are fully eligible to appear for CAT and pursue an MBA, provided you meet the minimum academic requirements and perform well in the selection process.

If you want, I can also help you with realistic CAT percentile targets based on your academic profile or suggest suitable MBA colleges.


Hello aspirant,

First-year MBA fees in India vary greatly, ranging from less than rupees one lakh for government/distance programs to rupees ten to twenty-five lakhs or more for elite private B-schools (such as ISB, IIMs, and XLRI). The majority of elite private institutions charge between rupees eight and twenty-five lakh for the entire two-year program, indicating that first-year expenses are substantial.

For more information, you can visit our site through following link:

https://bschool.careers360.com/articles/mba-fee-know-how-much-your-mba-will-cost-in-top-b-schools

Thank you

Hello,

Transferring mid-stream from an online MBA to an offline MBA is generally very difficult and rare, requiring a fresh application and usually withdrawal from your current program. You can apply for a new offline MBA after completing your online MBA or even while pursuing it (with caution), provided your current university is recognized.

I hope it will clear your query!!