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The Online Master of Business Administration (MBA) has become a preferred credential for working professionals who look for career acceleration without leaving their job. With several online MBA colleges in India, two institutes often come on top for Online MBA: Symbiosis International and NMIMS. Both institutes deliver significant brand value in the corporate ecosystem.
Despite their brand name and value, students often ask questions: Which one is better, Symbiosis or NMIMS for online MBA? While both Symbiosis and NMIMS offer UGC-entitled Online MBA, this article discusses an unbiased, data-driven comparison across critical parameters, from accreditation and pedagogy to fees, specialisations and career support, to help prospective students make effective decisions that align with their career goals, budget, and learning style.
When it comes to enrolling in an Online MBA programme, accreditation and recognition of the degree becomes a primary concern for students. A degree without proper accreditation may lack value in the job market. However, both Symbiosis and NMIMS are highly credible.
| Feature | Symbiosis | NMIMS |
|---|---|---|
University Status | Deemed University | Deemed-to-be-University |
Online MBA Approval | UGC-Entitled and AICTE-approved | UGC-Entitled and AICTE-approved |
NAAC Accreditation | NAAC 'A++' | NAAC 'A++' |
AICTE Approval | Yes | Yes |
Autonomy Status | Category 1 University | Category 1 University |
NIRF Ranking 2025 (University Category) | 24 | 52 |
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Both Symbiosis and NMIMS Online MBA programmes are of two years duration and follow a delivery mechanism with flexibility regarding examinations and course completion.
Feature | Symbiosis Online MBA | NMIMS Online MBA |
|---|---|---|
Duration | 2 Years (4 Semesters) | 2 Years (4 Semesters) |
Maximum Duration | 24 Months | 4 Years |
Total Credits | 100 | 102 |
Project | 2 Capstone Projects | 2 Projects (3rd & 4th Semester each) |
Delivery Format | Blend of live classes, recorded content, and e-learning material. | Online Instructor-led, recorded as well as blended |
Classes per week | 16 hours | 5+ hours |
Frequency of live classes | Weekends | Both. Weekdays and Weekends |
Exams | Online assessments as per UGC Guidelines | Online proctored examinations. |
Intake Session | Twice a year | Twice a year |
Also Read: How an Online MBA Helps Empower Women?
Online MBA specialisations aim to tailor your career goals. Choosing the niche specialisation helps you pursue your desired career.
| Feature | Symbiosis Online MBA Specialisations | NMIMS Online MBA Specialisations |
|---|---|---|
Variety | Offers a wide range of contemporary and traditional specialisations. | Offers specialisations in industry-demand areas. |
Number of Specialisations Available | 9 Specialisation | 5 Specialisations |
Specialisations Offered | Marketing, HRM, Finance, Operations, Logistics & Supply Chain Management, Agri Operations Management, International Business, Business Analytics, Hospital and Health Care Management | Business Management, Finance, Marketing, Operations & Data Sciences, Human Resources |
Also Read: 10 Myths and Facts About an Online MBA That Everyone Should Know
The course outcome or the return on investment (ROI) is a major factor when it comes to an online degree. Candidates usually choose Online MBA due to its flexibility, accessibility, and affordability. While fees are subject to change annually, students must compare the tuition fees and other hidden charges of an Online MBA programme.
| Feature | Symbiosis Online MBA | NMIMS Online MBA |
|---|---|---|
Total Programme Fee | Rs 3,15,000 | Rs 1,96,000 |
Payment Options | Semester-wise or annual | Semester-wise, annual, or one-time payment |
Additional Costs | Exam fees per subject/semester | Admission Processing Fee, Exam fee per subject per attempt, Project fee per exam attempt |
Scholarship / Concession | Rs 50,000 | 20% concession on the programme fe |
Explore 10 Questions to Ask Before Enrolling in An Online MBA
Both institutions have their eligibility requirements and admission criteria.
| Feature | Symbiosis Online MBA | NMIMS Online MBA |
|---|---|---|
Academic Requirement | Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for SC/ST). | Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from recognised University or an equivalent degree recognised by Association of Indian Universities (AIU) with minimum 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/OBC/PwD). |
Work Experience | Not mandatory | Not required |
Entrance Test | Direct admission | Not required |
Also Read: How to Apply for Online MBA at Symbiosis International University, Pune
Both Symbiosis and NMIMS distinguish themselves based on the quality of the digital platform and the teaching methodology.
| Features | Symbiosis Online MBA | NMIMS Online MBA |
|---|---|---|
Learning Platform | Utilises an exclusive LMS powered by Infosys | Uses internally developed LMS (Learning Management System) |
Teaching Method | Focuses on academic rigor through a blend of live interactive sessions by faculty and recorded lectures. | Live sessions, recorded videos and digital study material, along with the access to Student Portal |
Faculty | Experienced faculty from Symbiosis International University. | Lecture presentations prepared by experienced faculty |
Interaction | One to One for doubt clearing, One to many for the live class | Live lectures with Q&A, plus academic and student support desks. |
Assessment | 30% internal component and 70% component as external (University) examination. | Case-based and Application-oriented Assessment |
Also Read: NMIMS Online MBA Admission 2026 - Last Date, Application Link, Fees
Unlike regular, on-campus MBA programmes, Online MBA colleges provide substantial placement assistance and career support.
| Feature | Symbiosis Online MBA | NMIMS Online MBA |
|---|---|---|
Placement Assistance | Provides career assistance services, Placement/interview preparation sessions (Twice every month) | Provides career services |
Alumni Network | Access to strong alumni network | Access to global alumni network working in some of the top 8000+ corporate firms, SMBs & start-ups in India & overseas |
Industry Connect | Strong corporate connections | High corporate acceptance, Access to 500+ hiring partners including MNCs, corporations and start-ups |
Student Profile | 90% working professionals | 70% working professionals |
Deciding which is better heavily depends on the learner's affordability and career aspirations. While both Symbiosis Online MBA and NMIMS Online MBA are accredited and hold value, one can choose the best based on budget and specialisations offered. Symbiosis Online MBA offers nine specialisations whereas NMIMS Online MBA offers five specialisations.
There is no better option; the choice solely depends on the individual priorities. If someone is looking for a career in healthcare or agri-business, Symbiosis Online MBA can be the right choice. If someone wants to build professional competency in operations and data sciences, NMIMS Online MBA can be the best fit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Both Symbiosis and NMIMS Online MBA programmes are UGC-entiled and AICTE approved, which makes the degree legally recognised and equivalent to a full-time, on-campus MBA.
Symbiosis Online MBA costs Rs 3,15,000 while NMIMS Online MBA costs Rs 1,96,000 (if paid at one time).
For Symbiosis Online MBA, work experience is usually not mandatory. However, having a certain year of experience may have added advantage.
Both offer career assistance services. However, mostly working professionals pursue an online MBA from these institutes.
No. Migration between two different universities during an ongoing programme is generally not permitted.
On Question asked by student community
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1) FLAME university, Pune
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