Overview

What is a Part-Time MBA?

Although there are hundreds of institutes providing full-time regular MBA or PGDM programs, it is difficult for everyone to pursue full-time management programs in the classroom learning mode with a duration of 2 years.

A part-time MBA is a viable option for them to fulfil their dream of pursuing an MBA. Several Indian MBA colleges have begun offering part-time MBA. Through the Part-time MBA regime, career growth in India is rapidly rising.

Part-Time MBA Course Duration

The duration of a Part-time MBA or PGDM ranges from 2 years to 3 years with evening classes on weekend at the campus.

It happens often that people confuse an Executive MBA with a 1-year MBA, however, both are substantially different. Read Executive MBA in India

Is Part-Time MBA in India Worth It?

MBA is considered to give you a great start in the corporate career, but one needs to keep in mind that MBA from every source will not yield the same result. Everything has pros and cons both included, same goes with a part-time MBA. Part-time MBA is flexible, enhances career growth, learning-intensive, and demands a low fee to provide you with an edge in the management field. Comparing the low fee structure and equal learning to a full-time MBA, a part-time program is a brilliant option if you are seeking managerial education without sacrificing your present full-time job.

Let’s peek at the Benefits and drawbacks of pursuing a part-time MBA in India:

Benefits of Part-Time MBA

For working professionals with the desire to gain more knowledge in less time, seeking career growth within the organization, the part-time MBA is a sorted alternative:

Also Read – 7 Books Business Professors Think You Should Read

Learning: Part-time MBA’s curriculum is the same as that of a full-time MBA.

Flexible:  The part-time MBA is more flexible as classes are held on weekends and outside business hours on weekdays.

Low Fee:  The fees for a part-time MBA is low in comparison to a full-time MBA. Also, you will continue earning if you’re pursuing an MBA along with a Job.

Learning: The faculty for part-time MBA and full-time MBA is usually the same, providing you with the same learning experience.

Exposure:  When you do a part-time MBA with a job, you get to apply the skills and polish them along with the program.

Career Growth: A part-time MBA helps you in determining whether the career growth expected by you is in line with the demand of the industry, along with supporting you to develop the essential skills, all while you work a job.

High ROI: Several professionals might not find the full-time MBA program course as affordable, hence the part-time program is much economical.

Networking: Networking is a key element in the MBA programs and great networking opportunities are offered by a part-time MBA, for connecting with people both in your organization and with other professionals enrolled in your program.

Tuition Fee Funding by Company: Mostly, employees are encouraged by the companies to take up a part-time MBA course to level up their qualifications and skills. Companies, in these cases, fund the course fees with some conditions. It reduces the financial stress of the candidates.

Faster Promotions and Incentives: An MBA is a worthy addition to a person’s resume to give it an edge. Part-time MBAs are often pursued by working professionals for the incentive of promotion. Moreover, in most IT companies, MBA is almost necessary for career growth, after a certain level of promotion.

Low Fees and Minimal Competition for Admission: The fees for a part-time MBA is comparatively lower than a full-time MBA. Also, there is a lot more competition to get into a full-time MBA course compared to a part-time MBA’s simple and clear admission process.

Disadvantages of Part-Time MBA

Apart from the many benefits offered by a part-time MBA, like accelerating career growth and letting you connect with professionals, you, at times, may find the duration of part-time MBA tiring. This would make you lose interest, you will miss out on the benefits of peer learning and the major drawback is the corporate may not give enough weightage to the part-time MBA. The points below may go against the part-time MBA, considering you can do a full-time course

Longer Duration: The duration of a part-time MBA is usually of 3 years, which is longer than a 2-year full-time MBA and a one year Executive MBA

Exhausting: You might face difficulties balancing both work and studies, leading to a tiresome experience.

Lack of On-Campus Experience:  The part-time MBA could make you miss out on many significant experiences like healthy classroom sessions and interactive peer discussions.

Reputation within Corporates: In most cases, a full-time MBA is given more preference than a part-time MBA when recruitment is done for similar roles.

Higher Dropouts:  A large number of dropouts have been recorded during part-time MBA programs by the institutes. Surprisingly, not everyone is capable to commit and adapt to the distance learning concept.

FAQs Regarding Part-Time MBA Course

After completing a part-time MBA course, will I get placement?

No, the part-time MBA students are not provided with placement assistance after completion of the course by the college. It is because most of the candidates are working professionals amongst whom many students are sponsored by their recruiting company.

Is a part-time MBA better than Distance MBA?

There are various factors dependable such as convenience, style of study, and personal preference of a candidate. A student does not need to visit campus often as the course is imparted through online mode, whereas in a part-time MBA, significant classroom sessions are involved, which is highly preferred by most students.

Is it advantageous to do a part-time MBA in India?

Yes, a part-time MBA carries high worth in the corporate world. It provides you with an opportunity to get an MBA degree without having a break from your professional life. So, part-time MBA degree holders are accepted as well as appreciated by private companies.

Is a part-time MBA course easier than a full-time MBA course?

Although both part-time and full-time course comprises similar course curriculum, the curriculum of part-time MBA is considered to be comparatively easier than that of full-time MBA course.

What is the time period of a part-time MBA course?

Part-time MBA courses usually range from 2 to 3 years. In many cases, the maximum duration to complete a part-time MBA goes up to 5 years.

Q: Who is the Part-time MBA best suited for?

A: Working professionals who are unable to invest the time and funds required for a full-time MBA course of 2 years or 1 year, are the best candidates for a part-time MBA. They can attend evening weekend classes to continue with their jobs simultaneously with improving their skills and earning the tag of an ‘MBA’ in their CV.

Q: What makes a Part-time MBA better compared to the full-time MBA/Executive MBA or Distance MBA programs?

A: Most of the full-time MBA programs demand 100 percent involvement and happens to be residential programs. Whereas, Distance MBA programs are imparted via online mode along with maintaining direct communication between the faculty and the students. The part-time MBA is a mix of both. It is affordable and allows students to intake knowledge from a classroom learning that is a combination of traditional and modern methods. This mode lets the students interact with the faculty and industry experts, and classmates during or after the class.

Q: What is the duration of a Part-time MBA?

A: The part-time MBA offers a flexible duration. Students are free to complete the program according to their convenience and abilities within a time range of 3 to 5 years. Different institutes may have a different specific duration and some also permit students to pick an extension to complete the course. This is liberty granted to the part-time MBA students since they study along with work.

Q: Is the curriculum of a Part-time MBA as rigorous as a full-time MBA?

A: The rigour of a part-time MBA is much less compared to a full-time program. The curriculum is more flexible to provide a balance between work and studies. The classes are scheduled on weekends so that students can complete their assignments during weekends without disturbing their professional job.

Q: What should I choose, a specialized Part-time MBA or a generic one?

A: It primarily depends on your future goals. If you want to establish yourself in a particular industry, you may go for a specialization, whereas if you want to continue working in your current organization and gain overall managerial skills like leadership, a generic one will suit you well. Also, there are several options among the elective in a part-time MBA program, you can choose the one that interests you.

Q: Does a part-time MBA lays down any age limit criteria?

A: Even though there is not compulsory age limitation for an MBA, some institutions do maintain an age limit ranging from 27 years to 50 years.

Q: What kind of industry exposure can a student expect from Part-time MBA courses?

A: Considering the course structure, there is no probability of industry training or visits. Moreover, students are mostly aware of the industry functionalities as the majority are working professionals. But, B-schools often arrange for a guest lecture from industry leaders to deliver fresh insights on the trending management practices. Also, there remains plenty of scopes to learn from peers belonging from distinct backgrounds in the context of sectors and functions.

Q: Are there placement programs held after completion of degree?

A: As the students in a part-time MBA are working professionals pursuing the course to accelerate their career, the institutes do not provide any placement assistance.

Q: Since there is no placement offered by the institutes, what is the scope for a student after completing the program?

A: Students seeking to achieve higher posts can benefit greatly by completing a part-time MBA, while those who want a career change might find the course as a roadmap for the future without leaving their present job. Students may also opt for entrepreneurial aspects after the course completion.

Q: Is a Part-time MBA accounted suitable by the industry?

A: There should be no doubt about the fact that both full time and part-time MBA courses are equally accepted and respected. It gets even better when you complete it from any of the top b-schools. More than the degree, companies look for skills and experience, leadership sense, and the ability to face challenges and convert them to opportunities.

Q:Is a part-time MBA residential in character?

A: As the classes are conducted on weekends in a part-time MBA course as students are working professionals, there isn’t any scope of it being a residential program. Students visit the campus to attend classes as per time table and stay back to spend time in the common area or library when they need to complete assignments, or sometimes in the cafeteria or computer labs.

1. Does a part-time MBA have value?

89% of alumni say that the program is professionally rewarding while 70% consider it to be financially rewarding. Fewer students change their careers entirely as career goals and aspirations for pursuing the course is varied, compared to the full-time students.

1. Can I do an MBA part-time?

Yes, many b-schools are offering a part-time MBA course. This course is of less burden to students as they can pursue it while still working and earning.

1. Is a part-time MBA from IIM worth it?

It is a great choice to pursue a part-time MBA from IIM as you’ll be exposed to significant learning opportunities, networking opportunities, getting the best faculty, without compromising with your job.

1. Can you work full time while doing an MBA?

Yes, if you pursue a part-time MBA. As a full-time MBA requires great focus, working part-time or full-time is not an option. If you wish to continue working while you study, go for an online or part-time MBA, the ones that are structured to serve working professionals like yourself.

Is a part-time MBA worth it in India?

Although the course curriculum for both full-time and part-time MBA is similar, the part-time program is considered to be easier comparatively. Is it beneficial to do a part–time MBA in India? Yes, part-time courses have great significance in the corporate sector.

Top Colleges for Part-Time MBA in India

Notable names that are part of the top ten part-time MBA colleges in India are top PGDM colleges like SIBM Pune, NMIMS Mumbai, MDI Gurgaon, IMT Ghaziabad, K J Somaiya, and many others.

Read More About Top Colleges For Part Time MBA

Top Part-Time MBA In India

Part-Time MBA from IIM

IIMs in India are reputed institutes to pursue your part-time MBA programme. These institutes are popular among millions of students because of the high turnover rate. Working professionals who have completed their part-time MBAs from IIMs, stand to garner high salary increments and job promotions.

Few notable names among the top-ranked IIMs in India for part-time MBA include IIM Indore, IIM Bangalore, IIM Kozhikode, IIM Lucknow, and others that are listed below:

Read More About Top Part Time MBA in India

Part Time MBA Placements & Career Growth

Do part-time MBA courses come with placements? This is a burning question for most potential candidates. Though placements are not part of the curriculum, graduates can immensely enhance their career prospects.

It depends on the institute or university you have completed your part-time MBA course. Reputed universities and business schools provide considerable weightage to your resume. You can witness salary increments and job promotions after completing your course.

There is no denying that working professionals find these part-time MBA courses as a shot in the arm. Besides working, many professionals have gained confidence and overcome their inner fears to become entrepreneurs, which commendable.

If you are keen on developing and refining your entrepreneurship skills, the best way to do it would be to join a part-time MBA course. The main criteria of the part-time MBA course are to provide you with the flexibility to completing your course in a few years without affecting your personal and professional commitments.

This makes it a win-win situation. Since you already have a job and are employed, your main aim now is to enhance your skills and managerial capabilities. As a working professional, you do not feel safe leaving your job, joining a part-time course is the best option.

Read More About Part Time MBA Placements

Part Time MBA Course Curriculum

The part-time MBA course is flexible, ensuring students who mainly comprise working professionals can finish the programme in 2-3 years. Each year consists of 2 semesters. The syllabus is quite similar to a full-time MBA course.

The part-time course comes with its own core subjects and elective MBA courses. Students can choose the specializations that they want to excel in their careers.

Below are subjects that form the part-time MBA/PGDM syllabus.

Read More About Part Time MBA Curriculum

Eligibility Criteria for Part Time MBA

To join the part-time MBA course, students must qualify the eligibility criteria:

• They must have completed their graduation in any discipline with 50% marks or equivalent CGPA. The university graduated from should be recognized by the government of India.
• Students must have 3-4 years of work experience.
• Few institutes have an age limit for students applying for part-time MBA courses. Some institutes are particular on the age limit, and students above 27 years can only apply. Likewise, students must be less than 50 years of age while applying for the course.
• Students will be selected depending on the rank or score obtained in entrance exams, including CAT, MAT, XAT, GMAT, CMAT, SNAP, ATMA, NMAT, EMAT. The group discussion, personal interview performance also counts. Most universities, colleges, and institutes provide instant admission based on the rank or marks scored in the national-level entrance exams. But they can conduct their interview or group discussions in the final qualifying round.

Fee for Part Time MBA courses in India

The part-time MBA course fee is much lesser than what is charged for a full-time MBA course. It comes to almost less than half the amount that is paid for a regular course.

Fee of the Part-time MBA courses at IIM’s

Read More About Part Time MBA Fees