Top 10 Institutes in India Offering Distance Learning MBA Program There has been a significant increase in the number of distance learning MBA programs in India. As per the report of a brokerage firm India’s distance learning market is expected to increase from the current US$27 million to US$280 million by 2012. India’s online MBA programs have witnessed a growth in the number of domestic as well as international participants. It is a good option for those who do not want to quit their job or want to earn a degree without attending classes. Though a degree from an open university does not carry the same weightage as a regular full time course degree but still it can be beneficial to you. Let us go through the top universities and institutes in India providing MBA degrees through distance education. ICFAI Centre for Distance Education The institute offers career oriented certification programs to students and working executives. Graduates from any discipline can apply for the program. Duration of the program is 2 years. Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) The institute offers MBA programs approved by Distance Education Council, New Delhi (DEC) such as PGDBM and PGDM etc. Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) Currently, IGNOU is the largest Open University in India offering distance learning programs and certification courses. It provides Distance MBA education programs such as DIM (Diploma in Management) and PGDIM. IGNOU conducts a Management Aptitude Test known as OPENMAT for admissions. The MBA course is of 2 years duration and is AICTE approved. Xaviers Labour Resource Institute (XLRI), Jamshedpur XLRI MBA distance education institutes provide good study materials, regular assignments and practice tests. Distance Education is a three-year programme offered by XLRI providing management education through correspondence to people located at far off places in various parts of the country. Annamalai University In Annamalai University all the distance courses are offered by Directorate of Distance Education and are approved by DEC. Osmania University Osmania University has emerged as a pioneer institute in providing distance education. Candidates all over India can apply for the courses without age and area restriction. Sikkim Manipal University Sikkim Manipal University offers distance learning courses in Master degree programs, Bachelor degree programs, Diploma and Post Graduate diploma programs. Nalanda Open University (NOU) Nalanda Open University is the only university in Bihar to offer distance education programs. Tamil Nadu Open University The university offers correspondence MBA in shipping and logistics management. Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning (SCDL) It offers courses in PGDBA, PGDHRM, PGDIT and PGDIB. It is a leading centre of excellence and imparts quality education. Pondicherry University Directorate of Distance Education imparts distance learning programs in 4 semesters. Indian Institute of Commerce and Trade (IICT) It offers autonomous 2 year distance learning MBA (Finance), MBA (Foreign Trade), MBA (HRD), MBA (Marketing), MBA (Tourism), MBA (Pharma Marketing), MBA (Hospital Management), MBA (Software Marketing), MBA (IT), MBA (Banking), MBA(Insurance management), MBA (Operations management), 1 year Post Graduate Diploma, 6 month advance diploma and 4 month diploma courses. There are other institutes offering degree and diploma programs in management courses such as Anna University, Karnataka State Open University, Indian Institute of Finance, ASCI (Administrative Staff Colleges of India) and IMT Distance and Open Learning Institute etc. One must check the authenticity and recognition of these universities and educational institutes before taking admission.