As the distance learning from remote locations is increasing, there is a rapid increase in online MBA programs in India. Students want to upskill their careers and want flexibility in learning, especially the working professionals and students with other commitments, hence they prefer online MBA programs. However, they are still confused about which program they must choose, either UGC approved or AICTE-approved programs. Although both the authorities are well-known, their roles are different. Their approvals have a different value in determining the validity, recognition and applicability of a degree in a career.
What are UGC and AICTE?
University Grants Commission (UGC)
UGC comes under the Ministry of Education. It manages standards of higher education in India. It is responsible for granting recognition to the universities. The degrees provided by universities with UGC approval are also recognised and valid. If any university-level institute wants to offer an online MBA degree, then UGC approval is a must.
All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE)
AICTE is another body that looks after technical education in India. It is applicable for domains like management, engineering, pharmacy and other programs which are technical. The AICTE approval is especially required for institutions like private business schools and engineering colleges.
Approval Requirement for Online MBA
UGC Approval for Online MBA
The only authority to give official recognition to the online MBA degrees is the UGC. The UGC approval is mandatory for MBA because it is a PG course, and only central, state or private universities can offer it. There are the UGC’s ODL (Open and Distance Learning) and Online Regulations 2020, which the universities have to follow.
AICTE Approval for Online MBA
The online MBA programs are not directly approved by the AICTE, but if a technical institution or B-school is not a university but wants to offer a postgraduate diploma in Management (PGDM), then they have to get approval from the AICTE.
Thus, the online MBA programs must be UGC-approved, and the online PGDM must be AICTE-approved.
Degree vs Diploma: What’s the Difference?
The universities that have approval from the UGC authority provide MBA degrees. Whereas, the institutions (non-universities) having approval by AICTE, offer PGDM diplomas. Both of these are equally respected in the industry. The MBA is considered a degree and has an edge in government jobs, and even gets recognition internationally.
Recognition in India and Abroad
The UGC-approved universities provide online MBA degrees, which are also recognised. These degrees are valid for government jobs and even for higher studies, like a PhD. The UGC-approved degrees are more recognised when it comes to international recognition. They are even eligible for various competitive exams like NET, UPSC and SSC. If the students have academic goals like competitive or entrance exams, they must choose a UGC-approved MBA.
The AICTE-approved institutions offer PGDM diplomas in online mode. These diplomas are also valid for government jobs. But, they may not be directly eligible for PhD admissions. These diplomas might not be equivalent to UGC-approved degrees for international recognition. The AICTE-approved diplomas are not eligible for the exams like NET or SET.
Curriculum and Pedagogy
The curriculum quality has no major difference in the UGC and AICTE-approved online programs. But, the AICTE approvals encourage that the PGDMs must have industry-relevant and practical content. Whereas the universities having UGC approval have academic content aligned with the university standards that focuses on both theoretical knowledge and practical insights.
However, there are many institutions approved by AICTE which have better collaborations, especially in the case of autonomous B-schools like XLRI, SPJIMR, etc.
Cost Comparison
The UGC-approved online MBA degrees as provided by the universities having UGC approval, like Manipal, Jain and Lovely Professional University (LPU), have a cost ranging between ₹70,000 – ₹1.5 lakh.
The AICTE-approved diplomas like the Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) provided by institutions like NMIMS, IMT CDL and Symbiosis have a cost ranging between ₹1 lakh – ₹2.5 lakh.
The PGDMs in online mode from top universities have a high cost because of top branding and placement support, but both offer good ROI, provided the choice is wise.
Placement and Career Outcomes
The placement support is provided by both the authorities, the UGC and the AICTE, but it depends on the university or institute.
The private B-schools approved by AICTE have better corporate connections, whereas the UGC approved universities focus on academics and certification. However, both the degrees and diplomas are accepted and valued by companies in India on the condition that they must be awarded by a renowned institute.
