A news headline in the Times of India reports that enrolments in distance learning courses like a distance/online MBA have increased by 42% and for online education, the number has seen a rise of 170% in India. The demand and credibility of distance and online programmes have increased immensely over the past few years. As per UGC, the maximum number of enrolments is seen for MBA courses at the postgraduate level. The primary reason for this major shift to remote learning is the flexibility to work while pursuing these distance programmes offered to candidates. And the pandemic-induced online learning methodology further accelerated its growth.

Earlier, candidates were concerned about the credibility and acceptance of online and online MBA degrees in the market. But with the latest advancements in the higher education system of the country, online and offline learning are on the same page in terms of quality standards. As most MBA aspirants aim for higher packages and better job opportunities, the self-paced and flexible online learning pattern is an advantage.

Talking specifically about Tamil Nadu, the 10th largest state of India that houses many multinational corporations of the country. There are many highly ranked colleges for online/distance MBA in Tamil Nadu. Therefore, in this article, we will discuss some of the top UGC-accredited colleges in Tamil Nadu providing online/distance MBA programmes.

Top 10 Distance/Online MBA Colleges in Tamil Nadu

Let’s discuss these universities one by one in detail:

1. Tamil Nadu Open University

The Tamil Nadu Open University began its operations in 2003-2004. The university was the first in the state to introduce credit-based learning materials in print in 2003. In the past 20 years, the university has effectively enhanced access to higher education and improved academic quality with the help of ICT tools.

The university has always focused on providing education to every section of the society. Owing to this, the fee structure of Tamil Nadu Open University is very economical. Its distance MBA programme is spread over four semesters with the option to choose a specialisation of your choice.

Specialisations: 

• Finance
• Operations
• Marketing
• Human Resource
• Information Technology

2. Bharathidasan University

Bharathidasan University was founded in 1982 with the objective to instil the need of academic innovation for social change in the region. The university has 4 faculties consisting of 16 schools and 39 departments providing a broad range of courses. Apart from the upgraded on-campus programmes, the university has 15 UG and 26 PG programmes in distance mode as well.

The Centre for Distance and Online Education at Bharathidasan University became fully functional in 1992. All its distance and online courses are as credible as the regular programmes. To facilitate learners with the best academic experience, the university has several learning resources like study guides, practice tests, discussion forums, e-books, recorded videos, live interactive sessions and many others.

Specialisations:

• Marketing
• Finance
• Human Resource
• Systems Management
• Operations

3. SRM Institute of Science and Technology

Since 1985, SRM Institute has built its stature for providing world-class programmes and is counted among the top-ranking universities in India. Its curriculum is upgraded timely in accordance with the latest industry standards. To cater to the academic needs of a wider area, the university started a UGC-accredited Directorate of Distance and Online Education.

The online and distance education courses incorporate a flexible micro-learning methodology and provide full career guidance as well. More than 1,100 companies visited SRM to recruit deserving candidates in the previous year.

Specialisations:

• Marketing
• Finance
• Human Resource Management
• Business Analytics

4. Pondicherry University

Pondicherry University is a well-established central university established in 1985. It is an affiliated university spread over the UT of Puducherry, Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar Islands. To provide global academic standards in the region, the university has collaborated with various international institutions. As the need and demand for flexible learning increased, Pondicherry University entered this side as well with the Directorate of Distance Education (DDE) in 1995 – 1996.

In the past 25 years, DDE has offered numerous job-oriented programmes and started its own placement cell. So, even in distance learning courses, students are provided with proper career guidance and job opportunities.

Specialisations: 

• Marketing
• Finance
• International Business
• Human Resource Management
• General Tourism
• Operations & Supply Chain Management
• Hospital Management

5. University of Madras

Formally established in 1857, the University of Madras has the motto of ‘learning promotes one’s innate talent’. At the time of inception, it was organised on the model of the University of London. The university developed its distance education arm in the year 1981, which has now completed over 40 years. Currently, the Institute of Distance Education offers 22 postgraduate courses, 16 undergraduate courses, 16 certificate courses, and 19 diploma courses.

The admission for all distance education programmes is open throughout the year. There are two academic sessions from July to June and January to December.

Specialisations:

• Human Resource Management
• Financial Management
• Hospital Management
• Logistics & Supply Chain Management
• Marketing Management
• Systems Management
• Business Data Analytics

6. Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education

The Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education is a top-ranked NAAC-accredited Deemed to be University established in 1984. Its campus is located in Krishnankoil and offers regular UG, PG and PhD programmes along with online and distance learning programmes. The courses in Online Learning (OL) and Open and Distance Learning (ODL) are at par with regular on-campus programmes.

While studying at their own pace without having to compromise, the candidates can take the benefit of campus placement and alumni network. Having industry collaborations, its curriculum is constantly upgraded and aligns with corporate standards.

Specialisations:

• General MBA

7. Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology

With the objective to provide students high-quality learning experience without any barriers, the Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology has built its name in the region. It started the Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE) in 2020 to expand the scope of higher education. This centre covers both Online Learning (OL) and Online and Distance Learning (ODL) along the lines of UGC regulations.

Through the online and distance learning modes, the institute offers programmes covering areas of humanities, management, and science. Students enrolled in distance and online degree programmes are assisted with placement services. The dedicated placement cell of the institute invites top recruiters to hire online learning students. Some prominent recruiters at Sathyabama Institute include Wipro, Amazon, HCL, ZOHO, IBM, Infosys, Cognizant, TCS and many others.

Specialisations: 

• Finance
• Marketing
• Human Resources
• Systems
• Operations

8. B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology

The Crescent Institute of Science and Technology has 39 years of legacy for imparting quality education and laying a wide array of academic opportunities for learners. The university has not just crossed a benchmark in world-class academics but has also assisted students with exciting placement opportunities. Every year top multinational corporations, including Amazon, Capgemini, IBM, Cognizant, Zoho, Mindtree, Virtusa, and many more, recruit Crescent students.

This institution offers MBA programmes in both distance and online learning mode. So a learner can choose as per his/her needs. The Centre of Distance and Online Education (CDOE) has an efficient learning management system and seasoned faculty members to provide uninterrupted learning experience.

Specialisations: 

• Human Resources Management
• Financial Management
• Marketing Management
• Operations Management
• Logistics and Supply Chain Management
• Management Information System

9. Alagappa University

The Alagappa University came into existence in 1985 with the aim of fostering research, development and dissemination of knowledge. The university offers a wide range of programmes through regular, online, weekend, and collaborative modes. All these modes collectively house a community of 1.12 lakh students.

Over the decades, the university has achieved several recognitions and accreditations, which ensures the credibility of all its programmes. As an important member of the prestigious Commonwealth Universities and Association of Indian Universities, Alagappa University has fostered strategic partnerships with various national and international institutions. The online MBA at this university is aligned with the current demands of the industry and provides a chance to choose an elective of your choice in order to expand your expertise.

Specialisations:

• Human Resource
• Marketing
• Finance

10. Periyar University

Named after a distinguished social reformer E.V. Ramasamy, popularly known as ‘Thanthai Periyar’, Periyar University was established in 1997 in the Salem region. The university provides higher education through three different modes including; the affiliated colleges, the Department of Study and Research and the Periyar Institute of Distance Education (PRIDE).

Under the umbrella of the Centre for Distance and Online Education, the university offers various online programmes such as B. Com., B.A. (English), M.A. (History), MBA, M.Sc. (Mathematics), Master of Commerce, and M.A. (English).

Specialisations: 

• The institute offers electives basket but no specialisations.

Eligibility for Online/Distance MBA Programmes

• Graduation – A candidate must be a graduate from a recognised university with a minimum of 50% score in any discipline (minimum score requirement may vary as per university).
• Entrance Test – For admission in online/distance MBA, most of universities do not have entrance exam criteria. Some institutions may require a valid CAT/MAT/XAT/CMAT score or conduct their own exam.
• Work Experience – While most of the universities do not ask for previous work experience, few institutions require 3-5 years of work experience for admission in Executive MBA programmes.
• Age Limit – A candidate should be at least 21 years old to be eligible to apply, and there is no upper age limit to pursue an online/distance MBA in India.

Admission Process for these courses

• Registration – To apply, register and fill out the online application form at the official website.
• Submit Documents – After registering, submit the required documents, including ID proof, previous year’s academic mark sheet, passport-size photo, entrance score and work experience proof (if required).
• Fee Submission – Pay the required programme fee for seat confirmation. You can choose the payment of your choice, i.e. either by EMI, semester-wise, annually or complete course.
• Confirmation – Once all the documentation is done and the candidature is verified, you will receive an official confirmation letter and other necessary details.

Takeaway 

Whether you are a fresh graduate or a working professional, pursuing an online/distance MBA degree is advantageous for all. From economical fee structure and flexible learning hours to self-paced learning, the benefits you get in remote courses are numerous. And, in today’s time, recruiters consider online degrees the same as regular ones. Therefore, it depends on your personal interest and goal, whether an online/distance MBA programme is worth it or not.

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