Distance MBA from ICFAI vs Distance MBA from Sikkim Manipal University

The article provides a comparison of various factors on which the Distance MBA education imparted by the universities differ. Factors on which the analysis is made include course curriculum, ranking, admission process, pedagogy, placements, recognition, fees.

The past five years have seen a massive development in the distance learning sector. The MBA program was beyond the reach of the working managers and individuals until a few years ago. Many working professionals could not afford the high fees of the full-time MBA from recognized institutes due to monetary and time constraints. However, they can now attend MBA classes in their free time from the comfort of their homes due to various Distance MBA courses offered by the recognized universities and institutes.

Not only working professionals but budding entrepreneurs, housewives, fresh graduates can now fulfill their dreams of pursuing management studies through the distance learning MBA courses from well-known b-schools in the country. These distance learning MBA courses allow them to study and complete their degrees in their own time without any added pressure of attending daily classes or lectures in a college or institute.

MBA is one of the most sought after postgraduate program in India as it seamlessly blends in with any graduation degrees completed by the students earlier. As per recent statistics, more than 500,000 students complete their MBA degree in India every year. There are many colleges that provide Distance MBA degree in various specializations. However, students are advised to pick top distance learning management colleges that offer good campus placements after completion.

Prior to the introduction of Distance MBA programs, it was not possible for any individual working professional to gain a professional qualification in managing businesses or aim for top management executive positions. This article is based on two of the best universities in India which provide distance MBA education in a vast number of specializations.

The article provides a comparison of various factors on which the Distance MBA education imparted by the universities differ. Factors on which the analysis is made include course curriculum, ranking, admission process, pedagogy, placements, recognition, fees. Both the courses — Distance MBA Sikkim Manipal University and Distance MBA ICFAI — are excellent options for students seeking a postgraduate degree in Management. Read on to know further details about the program structure and other factors that can help in making a choice among these two colleges.

Brief introduction of ICFAI and Sikkim Manipal University

 ICFAI

Established in 2004 through the state legislature Act 8, ICFAI been approved by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and is among the most recognised management universities in India.

Known for delivering quality education, ICFAI has campuses at Hyderabad, Uttarakhand and Tripura. The university status is granted to Tripura and Sikkim campus only.

The ICFAI group offers programs through three branches — Flexible Learning Program (Distance Mode), ICFAI University Tripura (IU) and ICFAI Business School. The Distance MBA is delivered in the two-year Flexible Learning programme mode with different specialisations. The Tripura campus offers the Distance MBA ICFAI programme.

Sikkim Manipal University

Sikkim Manipal University (SMU) was established by the Sikkim and Manipal education government in 1995. The University aims to provide world-class education to students and has been approved by the UGC.

The distance education programme, also known as the Sikkim Manipal University Distance Education (SMU-DE) offers a number of specialisation in the MBA programme. The course duration is two years that can be extended maximum up to four years.

Table of Comparison between the ICFAI and Sikkim Manipal University

Some of the major factors considered while comparing the distance MBA programs of these universities are tabulated below:

Selection and Admission process at ICFAI and Sikkim Manipal University

There are certain eligibility criteria and guidelines for admission to Distance MBA ICFAI and Distance MBA Sikkim Manipal University listed below. Applicants must carefully go through them before applying for admission.

ICFAI

• The minimum eligibility criteria for admission in the course of Distance MBA ICFAI is a graduate degree in any program. No entrance examination score is required.
• Students can enroll quarterly every year in the months of October, January, April, and July.
• Applications can be submitted at the Tripura campus of the ICFAI.
• All the study material is provided after admission and payment of fees.
• Optional training classes can be taken at an additional cost of Rs 12,000.
• Tests are conducted in CBT (computer-based tests) mode at the ICFAI test centers.
• Maximum time allotted to complete the course is not more than 4 years.
• Sikkim Manipal University requires applicants to complete graduation of minimum three years duration from a recognized institute.
• Candidates must also pass SMU-DDE Management aptitude test or score minimum 40 per cent marks in CAT, MAT or GMAT.
• Basic details must be filled on the University website.
• A counselor will contact directly and send the application form via mail.
• Fill up the application form and upload authentic documents along with online payment to submit the form on the university website.
• Admission process is finalised only after verification of documents, fee payment and application form.

Sikkim Manipal University

• Sikkim Manipal University requires applicants to complete graduation of minimum three years duration from a recognized institute.
• Candidates must also pass SMU-DDE Management aptitude test or score minimum 40 per cent marks in CAT, MAT or GMAT.
• Basic details must be filled on the University website.
• A counselor will contact directly and send the application form via mail.
• Fill up the application form and upload authentic documents along with online payment to submit the form on the university website.
• Admission process is finalised only after verification of documents, fee payment and application form.