Executive MBA Vs Distance MBA: Which One Is Better and Why?

Executive MBA Vs Distance MBA: Executive MBA is an advanced level MBA degree program designed for working professionals, while Distance MBA is a master's in business management degree that is intended to be pursued remotely. In between Executive MBA and Distance MBA, Executive MBA students learn about the skills required to foster in management roles.

In contrast, students learn about leadership and management skills in distance MBA. Students need at least three years of work experience in a managerial position to study for an executive MBA, while no experience is required for a distance MBA.

Differences Between Executive MBA vs Distance MBA

Between the Executive MBA and the Distance MBA, the Executive MBA is designed for professionals seeking career advancement, while the Distance MBA is designed for young professionals seeking better opportunities. Candidates can go through a brief overview regarding executive MBA vs Distance MBA.

Also Read: MBA For Working Professionals in India - Executive, Online, Distance MBA

As executive MBA and Distance MBA are MBA streams, there is still a wide range of differences between the programs. Candidates can go through the differences among the programs stated below.

Curriculum and Academic Methods

• EMBA program teaches advanced managerial concepts and theories and dives deeper into advanced management tactics to run a business or firm. Students can later utilise these connections and advance in their careers.
• Distance MBAs are more like standard MBA programs and focus on essential management, relations, leadership and teamwork concepts. The core difference is that it is taught online at flexible times compared to standard MBA programs in India.

Networking Opportunities

• As the classes are conducted offline, the learners get good networking opportunities and build real-time connections for better career opportunities.
• Distance MBA is conducted online, so students get ample opportunities to connect and have to put great effort into building better connections.

Time Constraints

• An EMBA is designed to teach in person to the students and doesn't compromise class schedules.
• A Distance MBA requires students to be very disciplined and determined, as there is a lot of flexibility given to the students.

Program Costs Considerations

• Executive MBA is costly, but the return on investment is better as candidates can work in various managerial positions like director, department head, CFO, CTO, etc.
• Distance MBA is a less costly program and doesn't guarantee placement to top companies or job roles.

Eligibility Criteria for Executive MBA vs Distance MBA

Executive MBA vs Distance MBA eligibility criteria vary based on the course, requirement, course curriculum, course purpose and learning outcomes. It also depends on the learning needs of the learners and their career aspirations as a whole. In both programs, students must pass a bachelor's with 50% marks from a recognized university.

Yet, Executive MBA candidates, apart from having 50% in their bachelor's, must have at least three years of experience and straightforward entrance exams like CAT, XAT, NMAT, CMAT, GMAT, etc.

In contrast, Distance MBA students must have a bachelor's degree and qualify for entrance exams for some universities, or they can get admissions based on their scores in bachelor's degrees.

Course Duration for Executive MBA vs Distance MBA

The Executive MBA course is held for one year. It consists of four semesters and one final exam or project work. The subjects taught in executive MBA are management accounting, managerial economics, advanced leadership, marketing management, etc. Candidates usually attend classes part-time while they can work full-time in an organisation.

In contrast, the Distance MBA course duration is two years, but students can extend the course up to 3 or 4 years, depending on their schedule. There is a lot of flexibility in timings, plans, and curricula in the distance MBA program. The subjects taught in Distance MBA are economics, management, human resource management, supply chain and operations management, etc. Students get an opportunity to learn in their own time and at their own pace, while there are no strict rules to finish the curriculum in a definite time.

Admission Process for Executive MBA vs Distance MBA

Candidates wanting to be admitted to an EMBA program must have at least 2 to 5 years of work experience and knowledge of the industry they want a specialisation degree. Applicants must also have two letters of recommendation from their last studied university or employers.

Besides they must qualify management entrance exam and English language test like IELTS, TOEFL etc. They must visit the university's official website and check their eligibility requirements, as the entry requirements may vary every year.

Entrance Exam-Based: In the Entrance-based admission procedure, candidates have to apply for an entrance exam and clear the entrance exams like CAT, XAT, MAT, GMAT, etc., to secure admissions. The university shortlisted the candidates based on their entrance exam scores apart from the other eligibility requirements for the programs. Usually, Executive MBA programs have entrance-based admission procedures, and some universities typically have their entrance exams for admissions.

Candidates wanting to pursue Distance MBA degree must have a bachelor's degree from a recognised university. Usually in Distance MBA programs the admissions are based on the merit. Students are selected based on the bachelors scores and for some universites they have to give the universities admission entrance exam.

Merit-Based: In the Merit-Based admission process, candidates will be selected based on the scores in the last passing examination or bachelor's degree. Candidates will not be required to sit for any entrance exams, as they will be shortlisted based on their scores. Distance MBA programs have such a type of admission process where students are selected based on their merit scores.

Also Check: MBA Entrance Exam Syllabus 2023: Exam Pattern, Preparation Tips

Top Colleges for Executive MBA vs Distance MBA

There is a wide range of MBA colleges in India to pursue Executive MBA as well as Distance MBA colleges. Candidates can go through the list below to check the best Executive MBA colleges as well the top Distance MBA Colleges.

Executive MBA Colleges: 

• IIM, Ahmedabad
• IIM, Bangalore
• IIM, Calcutta
• IIM, Kozhikode
• IIT, Delhi
• IIM, Indore
• IIM, Lucknow
• XLRI, Jamshedpur
• IIT, Kharagpur
• IIT, Bombay

Distance MBA Colleges: 

• All India Institute of Management Studies, Chennai
• Indian Institute of Finance, Greater Noida
• Indian Institute of Knowledge Management, Chennai
• Neville Wadia Institute of Management Studies and Research, Pune
• SRM Institute of Science & Technology, Chennai
• Symbiosis Center for Distance Learning, Pune
• The Delhi School of Communication, Delhi
• Xaviers Institute of Business Management Studies, Hyderabad
• XLRI, Jamshedpur
• Institute of Distance Learning, Chennai

Also Read: Top 10 Online MBA Colleges in India 2023

Executive MBA vs Distance MBA Course Fees

Candidates must know that the fees for admission to these programs differ between private colleges and government colleges. Candidates can go through the fee range for each program for private and government colleges stated below.

• Executive MBA: The executive MBA course fee ranges from INR 15 L to INR 30 L in private colleges. In contrast, the government colleges' prices range from INR 5 L to INR 13 L, respectively.
• Distance MBA: The Distance MBA course fees range from INR 4000 to INR 14 L in private colleges. Similarly, the government college fees range from INR 5000 to INR 1 L, respectively.

Also Check: Top 12 Benefits of Executive MBA Program 2023

Syllabus for Executive MBA vs Distance MBA

Executive MBA vs Distance MBA syllabus varies in terms of curriculum objective, structure and purpose. Candidates can go through the syllabus for each of the programs stated below.

Executive MBA

Executive MBA programmes follow almost the same syllabus as Regular MBA programmes. The subjects are taught in a more focused manner concerning management. Executive MBA consists of core and elective subjects for students besides mandatory issues.

Executive MBA students receive practical and academic training in various topics, such as operations management, financial accounting, strategic leadership, etc. Candidates can go through the table consisting of the Executive MBA syllabus stated below.

Also Check: Executive MBA for Working Professionals in India

Distance MBA

The Distance MBA syllabus consists of topics like management principles, strategic management, Operations management, etc. Students can go through the semester Distance MBA syllabus stated below.

Also Check: Distance MBA vs Part Time MBA: Eligibility, Top Colleges, Career Scope

Job Scope of Executive MBA vs Distance MBA

Amongst Executive MBA vs Distance MBA, students can work as CTO, CXO, CFO or in founding management positions and earn more than INR 30 L per year. The salary structure will depend on the skills, experience and expertise of the learner.

In contrast, after completing a Distance MBA, students will earn up to INR 15 L in roles like manager and head of department based on their expertise, industry knowledge, etc. Candidates can go through the job roles and the average salary after completing these programs, as stated below.

Also Read: Distance MBA Salary, Jobs, Placements, Scope in India

Top Recruiters for Executive MBA vs Distance MBA

There is a wide range of recruiters for executive MBAs and distance MBAs like Amazon, Dell, Infosys, etc. Candidates can find the top recruiters for both the programs in the table below.

Also Read: Executive MBA Salary, Jobs, Scope in India

Executive MBA vs Distance MBA: Which is Better?

Choosing between an Executive MBA and a Distance MBA can be challenging choices as both are slightly different MBA programs. Below are specific pointers that candidates must keep in mind while selecting their preferred MBA program, between Executive MBA and Distance MBA.

• Candidates more inclined towards upper management can go for an executive MBA as it teaches advanced management skills and theories. At the same time, the Distance MBA program can be opted for getting essential to moderate knowledge regarding the management industry.
• Candidates wanting to switch to a founder or higher management position in their career from a manager can opt for an executive MBA, while students wishing to work on an executive MBA and don't want to quit a job for studies can go for a distance MBA.
• Executive MBA is a part-time as well as full-time course without much flexibility, while distance MBA can be done anytime from anywhere online.

Also Read: 15 Commonly Asked MBA Interview Questions