CAT Admit Card Date:12 Nov' 25 - 30 Nov' 25
All three management programs i.e. part-time vs online vs EMBA have their unique advantages and disadvantages. All three programs are suited for candidates with different priorities and career goals. Candidates can choose the one that is best applicable to them after considering factors such as personal preference, work experience, long-term career goals, etc. The three are distinct yet unique in their way of curriculum and program focus. This article provides an in-depth comparison of the three management programs based on different aspects along with the pros and cons of each MBA program.
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Part-time MBA is designed primarily for working professionals who want to take up an MBA without having to leave their regular job. Online MBA focuses mainly on candidates that can somehow not take up the regular MBA program due to one or the other reason. Meanwhile, the executive MBA program is specifically for candidates with significant work experience (at least three to five years) within a particular work domain.
The key differences between part-time vs online vs EMBA are listed in the table given below.
Aspect | Part-Time MBA | Online MBA | Executive MBA |
Target Audience | Typically for early to mid-career professionals seeking to advance their skills and | For candidates unable to take up the regular MBA program. | Designed for mid to senior-level executives with substantial work experience. |
Curriculum Focus | The program curriculum mainly focuses on a broad range of core business management topics. Includes foundational courses. | The program focuses on core management concepts along with building leadership skills. | Focuses on strategic leadership, advanced management skills, and real-world applications. |
Class Schedule | Classes are usually held during weekends. Some have the alternative of evening classes. | Classes are held via the online medium like Zoom classes, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, etc. | The program is regular but the frequency of classes remains low. |
Duration | 18-24 Months | 18-24 Months | 18-24 Months |
Cost | They generally have a lower program fee compared to an executive MBA. The average fee for a part-time MBA is approximately Rs. 6 Lakhs. | An online MBA costs generally less than a part-time and executive MBA. | Higher program fee. The average program fee for an executive MBA is approximately Rs. 8-10 Lakhs. |
Peer Group | Peers may have different levels of experience and backgrounds. | The opportunity and access to the core peer group might not be available. | Peer group typically consists of experienced professionals from respective domains. |
Networking Opportunities | Offers networking opportunities with a diverse group of peers. | Low networking opportunities. | Provides strong networking opportunities with other executives. |
Learning Environment | May have a more traditional classroom experience with varied teaching methods. | Online learning environments might not be as effective as other alternatives. | Often emphasizes collaborative learning, case studies, and peer-to-peer interaction. |
The pros and cons of part-time vs online vs EMBA are mentioned below.
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Choosing between the three will eventually boil down to two things i.e. work experience and availability. If a candidate has enough work experience and availability they can go for EMBA. If a candidate has little work experience and wants to continue working while pursuing an MBA they can go for a part-time MBA. For candidates not being able to pursue a regular MBA or want to do an MBA from the comfort of their home can go for online MBA.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The value of a part-time MBA depends on factors like college, specialization, schedule, program curriculum, etc. Overall a part-time MBA can be of significant value to working professionals who want to pursue an MBA without having to leave their regular jobs.
The cost for an executive MBA can vary from Rs. 2 lakhs to as high as Rs. 30 lakhs depending on the college and the program structure. There are a variety of colleges that offer the executive MBA program for a low price.
Both online MBA and executive MBA have their unique features. If a candidate has enough work experience and availability they can go for an Executive MBA. Candidates not being able to pursue a regular MBA or want to do an MBA from the comfort of their home can go for an online MBA.
The value of a part-time MBA depends on factors like college, specialization, schedule, program curriculum, etc. Overall a part-time MBA can be of significant value to working professionals who want to pursue an MBA without having to leave their regular jobs.
Executive MBA and part-time MBA programs cater to professionals balancing full-time with their current education. However, whereas Executive MBA programs are designed for professionals with 10 to 15 years of experience, part-time management programs tend for students with less experience.
On Question asked by student community
Hi there,
You have to apply separately for each symbiosis college, like SIBM Pune, as they as not automatically included. The CAT form automatically includes many IIMs, but the SNAP exam is a separate test that is given for admission to Symbiosis Institute, which requires its own separate application and fee.
Hope it helps!!!
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Hello,
To get admitted to the Institute of Management Studies (IMS), BHU, for an MBA in 2026, you must clear the CAT entrance exam. For that you need to fill out the application form of the CAT in August 2026, which you can get on the Official CAT website
I hope it will clear your query!!
Hello
You can get all the papers on the Careers360 website. To access the paper and download it for practice, just visit here:
https://design.careers360.com/articles/nift-cat-2024-question-paper-with-solutions
Hope it will help you!!
Hello dear candidate,
Yes, you have a very good chance of getting a BPT seat with 488 out of 600 and TS EAMCET rank of 14,000 under the ST category.
As the cut off of BPT for ST category students are generally between 25,000 to 45,000 ranks, depending upon the college and you have TS EAMCET rank of 14,000.
Thank you.
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