Ans.Most distance learning MBA programmes would have an entrance test, including the one at IGNOU. But it is not that difficult to clear them. IMT, IGNOU, ICFAI, SMU  are some of the good choices for a distance learning programme.  Some institutions also have a Group Discussion and interview. But these are very rare. If you have over five years of work experience, some also admit you, based a Personal Interview and Statement of Purpose.

Ques2. I am interested in taking up an MA in Psychology through Ignou distance education . Can you let me know what value I will  have after finishing the course?

Ans. Psychology is still an under-rated course in India. The easiest career you could have after finishing your studies is to become a career counsellor. With awareness on the rise across Indian cities, many schools now seek to appoint counsellors. If you develop a reputation you can make a good living. A range of professional options open up, especially when you go abroad.

Ques3. I am studying in Xth grade. Will it be fine for me to join online course for grade XIth and XIIth and pursue the higher university degree or is it necessary to get   regular schooling?

Ans. A certificate from open schooling is equally valid for most of the higher education programmes conducted in the country. For entry into higher education institutes you need to not only earn qualifying marks, you must also clear their entrance examination.

Ques4. I have just completed BSc (Biotechnology, Microbiology, Chemistry) from a regular college and have enrolled for M.Sc Biotechnology in a distance university. Will you let me know whether it holds equal weight as a regular Master’s and also how it will effect my career and landing a job. Will I suffer a setback because of distance learning?

Ans. Courses like Biotechnology are very lab-intensive as you are aware of, since you graduated in the same domain. So unless you are able to convince your prospective employer that you went through the same rigour in your distance learning programme, they would most probably prefer a full-time student.

Ques5. I am currently doing BBM from Karnataka State Open University, KSOU. I want to go the USA for Master’s in marketing from California University. Will they accept my degree which is from a distance learning university?

Ans. Your degree from KSOU is valid for pursuing a Master’s in any accredited American university. But since the US follows a 4-year programme. You could only apply after you finish one year of a Master’s programme.  And you must ensure that you write the examination and pass. The university would want to ensure that you actually studied for the programme. So do begin your application process only during the second year of your postgraduate programme.

Ques6. I have done BA in Public Administration. Now I have 7 years of experience in International Sales. I am currently working for an Engineering Services company as a Senior Sales Consultant. I just want to know whether it is possible for me to do an MBA from some reputed Institution.

Ans. Of course, since you have an UG degree, you are eligible to do so. Since you have work experience in international business domain, an MBA in IB would be a good choice for you. Many like Symbiosis, ICFAI, offer the same. There is also a very good online programme by IIFT  (EPGDIB) offered along with Hughes .

Ques7. I am planning to do an MBA in HR or Personnel Management and I have around 14+ years of experience. Would it be beneficial for me to do 1-year part-time executive MBA or fast-track MBA which is being marketed by NIM in India. Also how much value is there for fast-track MBAs in the various industries?

Ans. This is a tough call. You are saying you have put in over 14 years. That is quite some experience. At what level are you working currently, and where do you see yourself in the next three to four years are questions which must be answered before you select the course. One year FT full-time programmes, like the ones offered by ISB  are rigorous, and tightly packed and  entry is quite tough. But once completed these courses put you in  a different orbit. While as an executive MBA, especially done in part-time or DL mode enhances your skills, puts you in touch with people with similar capabilities and might open up career opportunities in a similar vertical or function. So decide carefully.

Ques8. After 10+2 I joined clerical cadre of MTNL Delhi in the year 2000 due to family constraints  and I completed degree in Maths and also completed AMIETE (Electrical & Telecommunication) from IETE. Could you please advise me whether I should do an MBA or an M.Tech.

Ans. The ideal pathway for you in case you want to continue in government service is to pursue Civil Services. If that is not your cup of tea, then apply for MBA from a reputed institution. An M.Tech is an equally good option. Considering the fact that you have put in over 10 years you could even get departmental leave to pursue your programme. Unless you are very technically inclined, I would suggest you go for an MBA from a top tier institution. It does open up quite a few doors.

Ques9. I want to pursue an MBA in HR, for which I have bought a form from Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning (SCDL) Pune. In the first place, should I go for a distance learning course? Or would it be better to go for a part-time/regular MBA?

Ans. By their very nature, distance and regular programmes cater to different audiences. If you are a fresher, and want to start a career based on the degree, then a DL degree may not be the way to go about it. A DL programme, especially in a professional field like business and management are meant for people who are already working and want to enhance their career prospects. There are cases, where you do get a job as a fresher after pursuing distance learning MBA. But that is not the norm.

Source: [Career360]