Jagpreet
28 July, 2025
Table of Contents
“Whenever you see a successful business, someone once made a courageous decision”– Peter Drucker
Undoubtedly, 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 towards remote learning is the flexibility to work while pursuing the distance programmes offered to candidates. And the pandemic-induced online learning methodology further accelerated its growth.
There are various top colleges for MBA in Tamil Nadu that offer both regular and distance learning programmes. Earlier, candidates were concerned about the credibility and acceptance of online and online MBA degrees in the market. However, with the latest advancements in the country’s higher education system, online and offline learning are on the same page regarding quality standards. Many working professionals prefer MBA correspondence courses to balance their job and studies. Let’s take a look at the top MBA colleges in Tamil Nadu offering distance/online management programmmes.
Tamil Nadu is the 10th largest state of India and home to many multinational corporations. Many highly ranked colleges offer online/distance MBA programmes in Tamil Nadu. Therefore, in this article, we will discuss some of the top UGC-accredited colleges in Tamil Nadu. Below is the list of the best MBA colleges in Tamil Nadu with high academic standards.
College/University | NIRF Rank 2024 | Fee (INR) |
---|---|---|
Tamil Nadu Open University | – | ₹ 25,900 (full course) |
Bharathidasan University | 55 | ₹ 91,000 (full course) |
SRM Institute of Science and Technology | 21 | ₹ 47,250 per semester |
Pondicherry University | – | ₹ 40,000 – ₹ 75,500 (full course) |
University of Madras | 64 | ₹ 37,750 – ₹ 3,81,500 (full course) |
Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education | 50 | ₹ 35,000 per year |
Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology | 85 | ₹ 45,000 per year |
B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology | – | ₹ 40,000 per semester |
Alagappa University (Online MBA) | 76 | ₹ 80,600 (full course) |
Alagappa University (Distance MBA) | 76 | ₹ 13,200 (full course) |
Periyar University (Distance MBA) | 100 | ₹ 29,650 (full course) |
Periyar University (Online MBA) | 100 | ₹ 74,500 (full course) |
Let’s discuss these universities one by one in detail:
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.
A correspondence course for an MBA is ideal for those with prior commitments. 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.
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. Enrolling in a distance course in MBA helps students upskill without any limitations. 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.
Since 1985, SRM Institute has built its stature for providing world-class programmes and is counted among the top-ranking universities in India. Counted as one of the top MBA colleges in Tamil Nadu, 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.
Pondicherry University is a well-established central university that was 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. A distance learning course MBA is a smart and cost-effective choice for students or professionals who want to study and work at the same time.
Formally established in 1857, the University of Madras has the motto of ‘learning promotes one’s innate talent.’ At the time of its inception, it was organised based on the model of the University of London. The university developed its distance education arm in the year 1981, which has now been completed for over 40 years. Currently, the Institute of Distance Education offers 22 postgraduate courses, 16 undergraduate courses, 16 certificate courses, and 19 diploma courses. Admission for all distance education programmes is open throughout the year. There are two academic sessions: July to June and January to December. Its MBA degree from distance learning offers flexibility with the top-tier educational perks.
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 compromising, the candidates can benefit from campus placement and the alumni network. Having industry collaborations, its curriculum is constantly upgraded and aligns with corporate standards.
With the objective to provide students high-quality learning experiences 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 online and distance learning, 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.
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.
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. 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.
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).
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. Take admission into MBA top colleges in Tamil Nadu and excel in the field of management.
Yes, distance education is recognised in India and is valid as it is approved by the UGC-DEB (University Grants Commission – Distance Education Bureau).
Several reputed universities offer online and distance MBA programmes. The best one depends on your preferences, budget, and specialisation. Always ensure the university is UGC-DEB approved.
Yes, working professionals can pursue an MBA through distance education, as it allows them to continue working while studying. This flexible mode helps them manage both their job and academics effectively.
Depending upon the institution you enrol in, the average cost of pursuing a distance or online MBA in India ranges from INR 30,000 to INR 3 lakh.
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