Is This the Future of Education? The Explosive Growth of Online MBA

A report by Validated Insights Inc. reveals that 58 percent MBA students enrolled online, making a shift from traditional classrooms to digital education. This trend enhances the appeal of an online MBA degree, which offers flexibility, accessibility, and convenience, making the programme a preferred choice for working professionals and students.

There are 75 online MBA colleges in India offer quality education and real-world insights, enabling students to secure top roles in multinational corporations. These UGC-approved colleges provide students with several online MBA specialisations, allowing them to focus on diverse management fields and enhance their expertise for better career opportunities.

While online MBA programmes offer numerous benefits, their long-term impact on employability and skill building remains a question. Success depends on return on investment (ROI), student efforts, and skill development. Popular career options after online MBA include project managers, management consultants, and marketing managers.

The Growing Trend of Online MBA in India

As per UGC data, online education enrolments surged by 170 percent, while open and distance learning saw a 41.7 percent rise in 2022. The data highlights the increasing popularity and acceptance of online MBA programmes in India. Approved by AICTE and UGC, online MBA programmes have gained immense credibility and have become a relevant choice for students and working professionals.

Top b-schools also offer online MBA courses in several disciplines. These programmes cater to students seeking quality management education. For instance, IIM Ahmedabad Online MBA includes 900 hours of classroom sessions and blended learning, enhancing credibility. Enroling in such programmes ensures authenticity, strong ROI, and valuable benefits, making online MBA from top Indian B-schools a smart choice for career growth.

To understand the growth of online MBA courses in India, let us look at the 2023-24 UG and PG enrolments of Amity Online, and SRM University Online:

Amity Online UG and PG enrolment 2023-24

SRM Online UG and PG enrolment insights 2023-24

The rise of online MBA programmes reflects a variation in enrolment trends in academic years 2023-24. Amity University Online saw UG enrolments drop from 10,389 (July 2023) to 5,749 (January 2024), while PG enrolments fell from 15,141 to 10,659. Similarly, SRM University Online UG enrolments declined from 681 to 632 and PG enrolments from 2,295 to 2,198.

Since Indian universities offer admissions to online UG and PG programmes twice a year, this decline can primarily be attributed to the biannual intake cycle, leading to variations between admission cycles rather than a drop in overall demand for online education.

Also Read: Is an Online MBA the Shortcut to Executive Success? Find Out Now!

Are Online MBA Courses Bridging the Skill Gap or Widening It?

As per the Press Information Bureau, India’s unemployment rate fell to 3.2 percent in 2023-24 from 6 percent in 2017-18. This raises a question on whether online MBA bridges or widen the skill gap. Like traditional programmes, online MBA courses equip students with industry-relevant expertise, helping them develop in-demand management skills for career growth.

An online MBA from a top institute in India enhances management skills, but students must actively seek practical experience. Beyond institutional opportunities, they should build their brand, pursue skill-building certifications, and secure internships or placements. Students should focus on proactive efforts that help bridge the skill gap, ensuring real-world expertise and better career prospects.

SRM University, for instance, offers workshops and placement opportunities, helping students secure management roles in top multinational firms. Ultimately, the success of an online MBA in bridging the skill gap depends on both the institution’s curriculum and the student active approach. Choosing a credible institution ensures graduates gain relevant skills and stay competitive in the job market.

With flexibility, affordability, and industry-aligned curriculum, these online MBA programmes provide valuable opportunities to students. The rapid rise of online MBA enrolment programmes in leading Indian institutions highlights the importance and growing popularity of MBA online degree courses.