JaroEducation, Online MBA

May 5, 2025

IGNOU MBA Vs Symbiosis MBA: Key Differences, Fees, And Benefits

Stepping into an MBA program for career growth is the ultimate transformation; varied choices pose the right institutional challenge. Open universities that rank the highest for distance learning programs include IGNOU’s MBA and Symbiosis MBA programs. While one could favor both universities in different aspects, the right one for you will depend on your career aspiration, financial condition, and mode of learning preference.

This elaborate comparison considers various aspects of the IGNOU MBA course and the Symbiosis MBA program in detail, including course structure and organization, eligibility, admission procedure, fees, etc.

Table Of Content

IGNOU MBA vs Symbiosis MBA: A Detailed Comparison for Aspiring MBA Students

What is IGNOU MBA?

What is Symbiosis MBA?

Key Factors in Comparing IGNOU MBA and Symbiosis MBA

Conclusion: Which One is Right for You?

How Jaro Elevate Your Career?

Frequently Asked Questions

IGNOU MBA vs Symbiosis MBA: A Detailed Comparison for Aspiring MBA Students

- Hoping to take your career beyond with an MBA, but lost amid the choices?
- Are you torn between opting for an IGNOU MBA or a Symbiosis MBA?

Well, you need not fear! Both the universities offer good MBA programs which act as a launching pad to many opportunities in their particular fashion.

*MBA GLUE

This interactive guide will provide a detailed one-to-one comparison of all the important terms for you: course structure, fee structure, admission process, placement opportunities, etc. Whether you are a working professional searching for flexibility or an aspiring business leader longing for a coveted program, this comparison will help you make an informed decision.

So what suits your career aspirations and learning style?

– Affordable and flexible options?

– Programs that offer international exposure and good industry connections?

– At least, the survival of a prestigious brand name?

As we take you through the process of finding answers to these questions, you’ll understand what each program has in store for you and how to find the best one for your future. Get ready; let’s have an evaluation of these two programs!

What is IGNOU MBA?

*Distance MBA

The IGNOU MBA course (Master of Business Administration) is a prestigious and reasonable option for students who want to study management education through distance learning. Considering that it is a program by the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), it was primarily designed for working professionals and students who prefer the facility of online or distance modes of learning.

The IGNOU MBA course is two years long and offers various specializations such as marketing, finance, human resources, and operations management so that students may follow a path that matches their career aspirations.

What is Symbiosis MBA?

Symbiosis MBA is the most sought-after and most popular MBA program in India, which is a part of Symbiosis International University (SIU). In addition to this, the quality of the program will be judged by its high academic standards and global exposure. It offers full-time and part-time MBAs, which give great importance to practical learning, corporate internships, and a solid industry network.

Key Factors in Comparing IGNOU MBA and Symbiosis MBA

Let’s go with a comparative discussion concerning the IGNOU MBA course and Symbiosis MBA based on different parameters.

1. Accreditation and Reputation

IGNOU MBA	Being fully funded by the Government of India and duly accredited by the University Grants Commission, all its degrees are thus valid in India and abroad. The university is also affiliated with different industry bodies and offers programs that meet international standards.
MBA in Symbiosis	Symbiosis International University is one of the most reputed private universities having a reputation for rigorous academic standards and world-class faculty. Founded under the aegis of the Symbiosis Society in 1971, it is accredited by NAAC with an ‘A’ grade and is considered one of the top MBA choices in India.

2. Mode of Learning

IGNOU MBA	One of the most significant advantages of pursuing the online MBA from IGNOU is the flexible learning format. The students may register either for a completely online program or for a hybrid one in which online classes are complemented by offline tutorials.
MBA in Symbiosis	Symbiosis has designed MBA programs available in full-time and part-time formats. While the full-time program may consist of face-to-face classroom sessions, group discussions, projects, and internships, the Symbiosis Distance MBA is also open to working professionals and offers an equivalent of IGNOU in terms of its flexibility.

3. Specializations Offered

IGNOU MBA

IGNOU has the biggest field of specialization; therefore, students can freely mold and direct their studies to their career objectives. Popular courses include;

Marketing
Finance
Human Resource Management
Operations Management
International Business
Information Technology

MBA in Symbiosis

Symbiosis also provides different specialized MBA programs like:

MBA in Marketing
MBA in Finance
MBA in Human Resources
MBA in International Business

So many others have been doing fairly well in their respective spheres: agri-business, supply chain management, and entrepreneurship. This set of programs caters to certain industries and emerging sectors and gives the students an edge in highly competing labor markets.

4. Eligibility Criteria

IGNOU MBA

The following are the eligibility criteria for enrolling in an MBA at IGNOU:

A Bachelor’s Degree in any field from a recognized university.
50% marks in graduation or a minimum of 45% in aggregate for SC/ST candidates.
Management work experience is preferred but not essential.
Candidates should have to qualify for OPENMAT which is the test conducted for admission to the MBA program of IGNOU.

MBA in Symbiosis

Eligibility criteria for Symbiosis MBA:

These are the criteria that applicants need to fulfill before entry into Symbiosis.
Any candidate should have a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
Minimum 50% aggregate marks (it will be 45% for SC/ST). Candidates must appear for the SNAP (Symbiosis National Aptitude Test) exam as a prerequisite for admission to the Symbiosis MBA program.

5. Admission Process

IGNOU MBA

MBA Admission at IGNOU:

Admission for the MBA program at IGNOU is done through the OPENMAT entrance exam.
Candidates who qualify in the examination are then offered admission according to their performance.
OPENMAT is an objective-type examination with coverage in areas such as General Awareness, English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning. The process is straightforward and has been simplified for the working professional.

MBA in Symbiosis

Symbiosis MBA Admissions:

Entry to Symbiosis MBA is provided through the SNAP exam. SNAP is a competitive exam with a high-scoring requirement for admission. Other than this, it also involves personal interviews (PI) and group discussions (GD) to test the candidate’s leadership potential and communication skills within the team dynamics.
Symbiosis is quite famous for its rigorous selection procedure that makes it comparatively much more competitive and tougher to deal with as against IGNOU

6. Fee Structure

IGNOU MBA

While very much in the affordable range when compared to most other MBA programs, the IGNOU MBA fee structure is split into various components like registration, examination, and course materials.

Depending on the specialization chosen, IGNOU MBA fees per semester are usually between INR 10,000 to INR 20,000, making it an economical option for many students.
The total fee for the whole tenure of the IGNOU MBA course is INR 30,000 to INR 40,000 approximately.

MBA in Symbiosis

Symbiosis MBA Fees

Symbiosis MBA fees are on the higher side. For the full-time MBA program, the fee structure for the entire course varies between INR 8 lakhs to INR 12 lakhs, depending on the specialization.
The fee structure for distance learning programs is less than that: between INR 1.5 lakhs to INR 3 lakhs, depending on the program selected.

7. Global Exposure

IGNOU MBA	The MBA program at IGNOU is focused mainly on India with not so many opportunities for international exposure. Yet, the students can participate in tours of studies abroad or get to exchange programs as part of the university’s collaboration with foreign universities.
MBA in Symbiosis	Symbiosis says that it is not limited to international exchange programs or tie-ups with foreign universities; it has an assortment of other courses that include global internships. International guest lecturers regularly visit the university and talk about global issues that create an edge for its students equal to that of others or even better in the global job market.

Conclusion: Which One is Right for You?

So, IGNOU MBA course versus Symbiosis both have their pros and individual preferences, priorities, and financial aspects matter a lot regarding such a decision.

IGNOU MBA course is best if you are a working professional in need of a flexible, cheaper, and accessible MBA program for education. The online MBA from India’s National Open University offers ample support-flexibility at an affordable price for busy professionals wanting to juggle education and work.

If it is elite, serious, and has rigorous academic programs, outstanding placement opportunities, and various specializations, then Symbiosis MBA may be a better choice to go for. Fees may be higher, but this is where the long-term dividends come in, enhancing the preparation through global exposure and significant industry contacts.

The fact that you are within the ambit of the obstacle overcoming both IGNOU MBA course and Symbiosis MBA have on offer in furthering an individual’s career, but you must decide on what kind of learning experience you would prefer, and the affordability of your financial and professional goals.

How Jaro Elevate Your Career?

Jaro Education has redefined the careers of over 350,000 professionals with its strong domain expertise and insight into executive education in over 15 years with its more than 23 learning centers present across India, Singapore & USA. Jaro Education aims to be there for the careers of every entrepreneur & working professional from entry to C-Suite level in any field or industry by offering executive education programs that cater to their requirements. Known to transform the landscape of online education in India, Jaro has more than 150+ programs on management, technology, and techno-functional domains with the top reputed institutes.

The IGNOU MBA course typically takes 2 years to complete. However, students are allowed to complete it within a maximum of 4 years depending on their pace and schedule.

To be eligible for the IGNOU course, candidates must:

Hold a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
Have at least 50% marks in the qualifying exam (45% for reserved categories).
Candidates must also clear the OPENMAT exam, which is the entrance test for the MBA program

To apply for the IGNOU MBA course, you must:

Register and apply for the OPENMAT exam.
Appear for the entrance exam.
Based on your exam performance, you will be selected for admission to the MBA program. The application process is conducted online through the official IGNOU website.

Yes, OPENMAT is the entrance exam required for admission to the IGNOU MBA. It tests candidates’ knowledge in areas such as General Awareness, English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning.

Yes, the MBA program offered by SSODL is recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and is awarded by Symbiosis International (Deemed University). The degree is valid and recognized across India and internationally.

The MBA program at SSODL is delivered through a blend of online learning and self-paced study materials. Students have access to: