What is part-time MBA?

Part-Time MBA

There are a large number of people who are not able to continue full-time education for various reasons. In such a scenario, a part-time MBA course comes to the rescue.

A part-time MBA course provides the same skills-set and knowledge as a full time course but at a much lower cost and with more flexibility.

Till a few years ago, part time MBA programs were not given too much importance in the job-market, but the scenario is changing now. Companies’ attitude towards a professional with a part-time degree is not of disdain anymore.

Many leading management institutes in India like IIM Bangalore, IIM Lucknow, XLRI, Jamshedpur, IIFT, Delhi, IMT, Ghaziabad, etc. offer part-time MBA courses, that benefit working professionals in their career.

Let’s take a look at what part-time MBA is all about:

What is part-time MBA

Masters of Business Administration or MBA is a program that imparts communication skills, conceptual skills and business and management skills for a career in management. While, a full-time MBA program imparts the said skills in a regular full-time classroom format, part-time MBA provides the same set of skills in part-time format i.e. weekend and evening classes.  Part-time MBA is flexible and cost much less than a full-time course.

Who is a part-time MBA course meant for

Part-time MBA is an apt option for working professionals who cannot quit their jobs and for entrepreneurs who plan to enhance their management skills and equip themselves for business on a global platform. Part-time MBA is also apt for homemakers who wish to join worker force or work from home, self-employed and other professionals.

Benefits of a part-time MBA course

The greatest benefit of a part-time MBA course is flexibility. Since, the program is imparted in part-time mode, one doesn’t have to quit job to attend classes. In most of the institutes, classes are held in evenings or on weekends, which leaves the students with ample time to look after their business or job. The ability to strike a balance between two things (studies and work) is an added skill that a part-time MBA course teaches.

Secondly, there’s no strict eligibility criteria for pursuing part-time MBA. There’s neither a cut-off limit, nor any age limit for most of the part-time MBA programs. The aspirants need not appear for any entrance exam, too.

Thirdly, the cost of a part-time MBA is way less than a full-time MBA program. A part-time MBA is affordable for all. Fee of part-time MBA programs in India range from Rs 60,000-7 lakh as opposed to full-time MBA program that costs up to Rs 20 lakhs.

How part-time MBA is different from full time MBA

Besides, pedagogy and fee structure, the major difference between part-time MBA and full-time MBA is recognition. In India, a part-time MBA degree is still not considered at par with a full-time MBA degree.

Moreover, in a part-time MBA course, the onus of learning is more on the student than in full-time course where the student is more driven to excel in his/her given environment. Faculty assistance in a part-time MBA course is much lesser than a full-time course as classes held are very few in numbers.

There is not placement assistance in part-time MBA as it is assumed that majority of its students are employed and they pursue the course in order to jump a few ladders in the office hierarchy.

Top institutes offering part-time MBA in India

IIM-Lucknow, FMS Delhi, IIFT, Delhi, MDI, Gurgaon, IMT Ghaziabad, Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies, Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies, L.N. Welingkar Institute of Management, Nirma Institute of Management, etc. Click here for the full list of Part-Time MBA colleges in India

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