IGNOU or Symbiosis: Which Online MBA Is Better?
IGNOU’s online MBA costs less at Rs 66,000, compared to Symbiosis Online (SSODL) at Rs 370,000. This lower fee does not include multiple specialisations, as IGNOU offers only a General MBA. This page helps you decide which online MBA fits your career goals and budget.
Both universities hold UGC approval for their online programmes. Symbiosis Online (SSODL) is approved by UGC for the July 2026 session, AY 2026-27, and by UGC-DEB under the UGC (ODL and Online) Regulations 2020. IGNOU holds an A++ NAAC grade and AICTE approval.
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) vs Symbiosis International (Deemed University) Online (SSODL) — compared on published total fee, specialisation count and recorded approvals.
| Measure | IGNOU | Symbiosis Online (SSODL) | On this measure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lowest published total fee | Rs 66,000 | Rs 370,000 | IGNOU |
| Specialisations | 1 | not published | not comparable |
| Duration | 24 months | 24 months | level |
| NAAC grade | A++ | not listed | IGNOU |
| Approval bodies on record | 3 | 3 | level |
Decided only by published data. Where a university does not publish a figure the row says so. FindMyCollege does not rank universities.
IGNOU vs Symbiosis Online (SSODL) MBA fees: the actual difference
The total programme fee for an online MBA at Symbiosis Online (SSODL) is Rs 370,000. IGNOU publishes a total programme fee of Rs 66,000 for its online MBA. The difference in total programme fees between the two universities is Rs 304,000.
Symbiosis Online (SSODL) publishes a scholarship of Rs 55,000 for applicants with two years of work experience. This reduces the programme fee to Rs 315,000 for eligible students. IGNOU does not publish any scholarships for its online MBA programme.
IGNOU publishes its MBA fee as a total programme fee of Rs 66,000. Symbiosis Online (SSODL) publishes its MBA fee as a total programme fee of Rs 370,000. Neither university publishes details on payment plans or instalment options for their online MBA programmes.
What each MBA fee covers, and what it leaves out
The total programme fee for an online MBA differs significantly between IGNOU and Symbiosis Online (SSODL). IGNOU publishes a total programme fee of Rs 66,000 for its online MBA. Symbiosis Online (SSODL) publishes a total programme fee of Rs 370,000 for its online MBA.
The table below details the published fees for both universities. Neither university publishes a detailed breakdown of what the total programme fee covers. Students must ask the university directly about specific inclusions like tuition, examination fees, study materials, or any other administrative charges before making a payment.
Symbiosis Online (SSODL) offers a scholarship of Rs 55,000 for applicants with two years of work experience, reducing the fee to Rs 3,15,000. IGNOU does not publish information on scholarships for its online MBA programme. Neither university publishes details on placement rates, average salaries, or NIRF rankings specifically for their online MBA programmes.
| Degree | IGNOU total fee | Symbiosis Online (SSODL) total fee | IGNOU specialisations | Symbiosis Online (SSODL) specialisations | Lower fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BCA | Rs 49,800 | Rs 157,500 | 1 | — | IGNOU |
| MA | Rs 16,400 – Rs 21,000 | Rs 100,000 | 9 | — | IGNOU |
| MBA | Rs 66,000 | Rs 370,000 | 1 | — | IGNOU |
| B.A | Rs 5,000 | not offered | — | — | — |
| B.Com | Rs 15,000 | not offered | 1 | — | — |
| B.Lib | not published | not offered | 1 | — | — |
| B.Sc | not offered | Rs 150,000 | — | — | — |
| BBA | not offered | Rs 165,000 | — | — | — |
| BFTTM | not published | not offered | 1 | — | — |
| BSW | not published | not offered | 1 | — | — |
| BTS | not published | not offered | 1 | — | — |
| M.Com | Rs 20,400 | not offered | 1 | — | — |
| M.Sc | not offered | Rs 140,000 – Rs 154,000 | — | — | — |
| MCA | Rs 52,000 | not offered | 1 | — | — |
| MSW | not published | not offered | 1 | — | — |
Total programme fee for Indian students as published by each university. Semester, annual and EMI amounts are not shown. Verify the current fee with the university before you pay. Figures for IGNOU and Symbiosis Online (SSODL) are quoted from the university’s own published page, listed under “Where these figures come from” below.
Approvals: is each MBA accepted for jobs and higher study?
Both IGNOU and Symbiosis Online (SSODL) hold approvals that ensure their online MBA programmes are accepted for jobs and higher study. The table below details the specific approvals for each university.
IGNOU publishes that it is approved by the AICTE and the UGC. It also holds an A++ grade from NAAC. This grade was recorded in 2026. These approvals mean that an online MBA from IGNOU is recognised across India for both employment and further academic pursuits.
Symbiosis Online (SSODL) publishes that its online MBA is approved by the UGC for the July 2026 session, AY 2026-27. It also holds approval from UGC-DEB to run online UG and PG degree programmes under the UGC (ODL and Online) Regulations 2020. Additionally, the AICTE has approved its MBA for AY 2026-27. These approvals confirm the programme’s validity for career progression and higher education.
| Body | IGNOU | Symbiosis Online (SSODL) |
|---|---|---|
| UGC | Approved | Approved |
| UGC-DEB | not listed | Approved |
| NAAC | A++ | not listed |
| AICTE | Approved | Approved |
Recorded approvals. A body that is not listed for a university means no record here, not a refusal — check the current UGC-DEB list before you apply.
Specialisations: where the two MBA programmes diverge
The two online MBA programmes diverge significantly in their specialisations. IGNOU publishes one specialisation for its MBA programme, while Symbiosis Online (SSODL) publishes none for its MBA. This means students seeking a specific area of focus may find IGNOU’s offering more suitable.
IGNOU’s MBA specialisation is General. This provides a broad foundation in business administration. Symbiosis Online (SSODL) does not publish any specialisations for its online MBA, as shown in the table below. Students considering Symbiosis Online (SSODL) should note this lack of published specialisation options.
For students prioritising a specialised MBA, IGNOU offers a clear choice with its General MBA. Symbiosis Online (SSODL) focuses on a single, undifferentiated MBA programme. The choice between the two depends on whether a student prefers a general business education or a programme with a published specialisation.
| Specialisations | Count | Named |
|---|---|---|
| Offered by both | 0 | — |
| Only IGNOU | 1 | General |
| Only Symbiosis Online (SSODL) | 0 | — |
MBA specialisations as published by each university.
Duration, credits and how the exams run
24 months is the published duration for an online MBA at both IGNOU and Symbiosis Online (SSODL). Both universities offer a two-year program. The table below provides a full list of program durations.
IGNOU publishes a 24-month duration for its online MBA. This is consistent across several postgraduate programs, including M.Com, MA, MCA, and MSW, all listed with a 24-month duration. For undergraduate programs, IGNOU publishes a 36-month duration for courses such as BA, B.Com, and BCA.
Symbiosis Online (SSODL) also publishes a 24-month duration for its online MBA. Other postgraduate programs like M.Sc and MA are also listed with a 24-month duration. Undergraduate programs at Symbiosis Online (SSODL), including BBA, BCA, and B.Sc, are published with a 36-month duration.
| Degree | IGNOU duration | Symbiosis Online (SSODL) duration |
|---|---|---|
| B.A | 36 months | not offered |
| B.Com | 36 months | not offered |
| B.Lib | 12 months | not offered |
| B.Sc | not offered | 36 months |
| BBA | not offered | 36 months |
| BCA | 36 months | 36 months |
| BFTTM | 36 months | not offered |
| BSW | 36 months | not offered |
| BTS | 36 months | not offered |
| M.Com | 24 months | not offered |
| M.Sc | not offered | 24 months |
| MA | 24 months | 24 months |
| MBA | 24 months | 24 months |
| MCA | 24 months | not offered |
| MSW | 24 months | not offered |
Minimum published duration. Both universities run online programmes under the UGC (ODL and Online) Regulations 2020.
Eligibility: who each university admits
A bachelor’s degree from a UGC-approved university is the primary eligibility requirement for both IGNOU and Symbiosis Online (SSODL) MBA programs. However, Symbiosis Online (SSODL) also requires a minimum of 50% marks in the qualifying examination for general category students, with a 5% relaxation for SC/ST candidates. IGNOU does not publish a minimum percentage requirement for its MBA program.
IGNOU publishes that candidates must pass the OPENMAT entrance examination, conducted by the university itself. Symbiosis Online (SSODL) states that candidates must appear for the Symbiosis National Aptitude (SNAP) Test or a university-conducted entrance exam. The table below details these specific requirements.
For those with work experience, Symbiosis Online (SSODL) does not publish any specific work experience requirements for its online MBA. IGNOU also does not publish any work experience criteria for admission to its online MBA program.
Which MBA suits a working professional
Choosing between an IGNOU MBA and a Symbiosis Online (SSODL) MBA depends on budget and specialisation needs. Symbiosis Online (SSODL) publishes an MBA total programme fee of Rs 370,000, while IGNOU publishes its MBA total programme fee at Rs 66,000. This makes the IGNOU MBA significantly more affordable.
For working professionals, the choice hinges on the depth of specialisation. IGNOU offers one specialisation for its MBA: General. Symbiosis Online (SSODL) does not publish any specialisations for its MBA programme. Both universities are UGC approved, with Symbiosis Online (SSODL) specifically approved for the July 2026 session, AY 2026-27, and IGNOU holding an A++ NAAC grade.
A working professional prioritising a lower fee and a general management focus may find the IGNOU MBA suitable. Those with two years of work experience can also benefit from a Rs 55,000 scholarship at Symbiosis Online (SSODL), reducing their fee to Rs 3,15,000. Symbiosis Online (SSODL) is AICTE approved for its MBA for AY 2026-27.
What neither university publishes
Neither IGNOU nor Symbiosis Online (SSODL) publishes an average salary for their online MBA graduates. Similarly, neither university publishes placement rates, the highest package offered, or the number of recruiters. This information is not available on their official websites.
Students considering an online MBA from either institution cannot compare them based on these metrics. Instead, applicants can review the total programme fees. IGNOU publishes a total programme fee of Rs 66,000 for its MBA. Symbiosis Online (SSODL) publishes a total programme fee of Rs 370,000 for its MBA, which includes a Rs 55,000 scholarship for applicants with two years of work experience.
Applicants can also check the approvals and accreditations. IGNOU holds an NAAC A++ grade, recorded in an unspecified year, and is AICTE and UGC approved. Symbiosis Online (SSODL) is UGC approved for the July 2026 session, AY 2026-27, and UGC-DEB approved to run online UG and PG degree programmes under the UGC (ODL and Online) Regulations 2020. AICTE has approved Symbiosis Online (SSODL) for MBA, BBA, and BCA for AY 2026-27.
Frequently asked questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Which online MBA is better, Symbiosis or IGNOU? | IGNOU's online MBA has a total programme fee of Rs 66,000. Symbiosis Online's MBA has a total programme fee of Rs 370,000. |
| What is the online MBA at Symbiosis Pune? | Symbiosis Online (SSODL) offers an online MBA programme. The total programme fee is Rs 370,000 over 24 months. |
| Is an online MBA from Symbiosis approved in India? | Yes, Symbiosis Online's MBA is approved by AICTE for AY 2026-27. UGC-DEB also approves Symbiosis to run online UG and PG degree programmes under the UGC (ODL and Online) Regulations 2020. |
| What is the fee for an online MBA from Symbiosis? | The total programme fee for an online MBA from Symbiosis Online is Rs 370,000. This programme runs for 24 months. |
Where these figures come from
| University | Published by | Source | Read on |
|---|---|---|---|
| IGNOU | Indira Gandhi National Open University | https://www.ignou.ac.in/schools/programme/<programme> | 2026-09-22 |
| Symbiosis Online (SSODL) | Symbiosis School for Online and Digital Learning | https://ssodl.edu.in/ug-pg-fees | 2026-09-22 |
Figures for these universities are not held in the FindMyCollege database and are quoted from the university’s own published page on the date shown. Fees change – check the source before you pay.
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