Distance MBA in India

Merits and Demerits of pursuing Distance MBA

Holding a regular MBA degree on convocation day is a dream for many students. But everyone is not lucky to see this dream come true. Due to various reasons, some candidates are unable to take up regular MBA programmes. The reasons can be lack of money to invest in education, unable to secure a seat in MBA colleges, working full working schedule and many more.
But if you are determined, then nothing can stop you from getting an MBA degree. There are various types of MBAs – regular MBA, Distance MBA, Online MBA, Executive MBA, etc. If you are not able to take up the full-time regular MBA programme, then you can opt to pursue Distance MBA or an Online MBA.
There is a big line of difference between Full-time Regular MBA and Distance MBA. The two have completely different teaching modules. Acceptability of the programmes in business world is also widely different.
However, Distance MBA is no more a distance or correspondence programme since the availability of online courses. Through the facility of virtual classes, students and teachers can interact easily from anywhere, allowing conduction of smooth discussions. In other words, distance MBA is now evolving into various online, satellite, part-time and executive MBA programmes, specifically designed for a certain professionals.
After speaking to various management students and hiring professionals, Shiksha.com found that maximum students prefer to go for a regular MBA degree over Distance MBA.
Distance MBA too has its set of merits and demerits. Here’s a detailed look:
Merits
1. Flexible Study
What can be better than managing your studies and classes as per your own convenience? Although classes at distance MBA are prefixed and takes place to a specific schedule, you reschedule any class you have missed. Also, taking exams for the semesters is totally upto your convenience. You are given choices of date, time and centre. You can register for whichever date suits you. You can also opt to skip the exam in a particular year and take it next year. Most distance MBA programmes
2. Saves Time & Energy
Going to college daily along with full-time work can become too tiring and hectic. It consumes a lot of time and energy. And if it’s exam day, then half of the time and energy is wasted in travelling to the college. But the case is totally opposite in case of a distance MBA programme. Your time of travelling to the college is dedicated to you studies or something fruitful.
3. Tech-friendly Studying
You have no option to take a virtual class in a regular college. But as discussed earlier, in a distance MBA you have to study online in any case. Also, you need not to worry to buy heavy books. The institute will provide you with reading material and online notes which you can access easily. With the availability of modern technology, various trends in distance MBA has made it easy for students.
4. Study while you earn
Sometimes situations doesn’t match our desires. Therefore, compromises have to be made. Many students drop out of studies to support their family or earn money. But distance MBA offers you the option of earning while studying. The classes are mostly held during weekends or evening hours or in online mode, so that one can attend the office in the weekdays and study in weekends. Thus, earn while you can fulfil your dream of doing MBA.
5. Low cost
The fees of regular MBA programmes is high. Not everyone can afford such high fees. Thus, many students are left out to pursue MBA programme because of unavailability of funds to invest. But distance MBA takes care of this problem also. However, distance MBA fees is low and affordable for everyone.

Demerits
1. Less exposure: Network and Market trends
One of the major drawback of pursuing a distance MBA is that you are left out of the MBA networking and market trends. Unlike regular MBA students you don’t go for networking with various kind of people. You do not get opportunity to mix up with your classmates. In a distance MBA you are limited to your virtual classes or projects. Also, learning market trends from live experiences and case studies in not possible in distance MBA.
2. No recognition from recruiters
Although, many good institutes offer distance MBA but still it still lacks recognition from employers. Recruiters still prefer a regular MBA candidate over distance MBA. Also, as such no hike in salaries are paid to distance MBA candidates. The programme is not considered as a valuable degree by the employers.
3. No direct contact with faculty
Many a times we need mentors to explain a concept or help in solving questions. Distance MBA lacks direct contact with the faculty. The only way to contact the faculty is through mails or if the teacher agrees to come on video call. Thus, then you have to solve your own problems or take tuitions to study.
4. Lack of Discipline
As such there are no hard bound rules and regulations in a distance programme. Unlike regular MBA students, there’s no compulsion in attending virtual classes. Attendance is not an issue to appear for the exam. One can re-appear for the exams if failed. You will be not asked to give the exams compulsorily. Nothing is forced here. In short, there is as such no discipline in this programme. One has to be self-disciplined to complete this course. You have to motivate yourself to attend classes and give exams.