Updated: 2nd November 2026. Verified via official IGNOU pages and admission portals, 1st November 2026.
This guide is independent from Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). You can find their official site here: ignou.ac.in.
The short answer: You can choose between two types of MBA courses at IGNOU. The Online MBA (code: MBAOL) course can only be studied online. There is no printed material and everything is in English. The ODL MBA (code: MBA) course includes study materials and can be done in English or Hindi. Both courses include the same number of courses, credits and course codes (28 courses in total, 116 credits). Both courses cost the same to do (programme fee of ₹66,000). Choose the Online MBA if you’re confident with using a laptop and studying in English. Choose the ODL course if you want printed books, to study in Hindi or you want an ODL course with a fixed specialisation.
Comparison
| MBA (Online) (Code: MBAOL) | MBA (ODL) (Code: MBA) | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Online Only | Open and Distance Learning |
| Language | English | English & Hindi |
| Study Materials | Online only | Self study printed material OR soft copy (15% programme fee discount). |
| Length | Minimum 2 years, maximum 4 years | Minimum 24 months, maximum 48 months |
| Courses | 28 courses (116 credits) 20 core courses (MMPC-001 to MMPC-020), 7 specialisation courses & 1 project (MMPP-001 = 8 credits). | Same as above |
| Specialisation | 1 specialisation (choose 4 courses in Semester 3 & 3 courses in Semester 4). | Choose electives OR specialised ODL MBA. |
| Programme Fee (Indian students) | ₹16,000 per semester. ₹18,000 in semester 3. Total = ₹66,000. | ₹16,000 per semester. ₹18,000 in semester 3. Total = ₹66,000. |
| Admissions Portal | ignouiop.samarth.edu.in | ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in |
| Early Exit | PGDIM after 1st and 2nd semesters (56 credits) by request. | PGDIM after 1st and 2nd semesters (56 credits) by request. |
Sources: IGNOU Online MBA course page | ODL MBA course page | MBA course page (ignou.ac.in) | MBAOL Student Handbook (Jan 2026) | Common Prospectus (July 2026).
Study method
MBA (Online)
The IGNOU online admissions portal makes it clear that if you do not have access to a computer/laptop with internet then you should only do online courses. This means there is no study materials provided. Assignments must be uploaded onto the IGNOU learning portal. Learners must upload assignments onto the IGNOU LMS (lms.ignouonline.ac.in). Hard copies of assignments will not be marked. This course will be in English.
MBA (ODL)
The ODL course is traditional distance learning from IGNOU. Study materials will be provided and courses can be done in English or Hindi. If you prefer to study digitally you can do so by selecting the soft copy option on the admission form. This will give you a 15% discount on your programme fee. Learners will be assigned to a learner support centre. Assignments must be submitted via your learner support centre.
Specialisations and specialised ODL MBAs
Both courses allow you to choose 1 specialisation area. You’ll complete courses relating to your chosen specialisation in your second year. IGNOU list the following specialisation areas:
- Financial Management
- Marketing Management
- Human Resource Management
- Operations Management
- Services Management
However, if you know what specialisation you want to do you can choose a specialised MBA course. These will be fixed from the start:
| Course | Code | Language |
|---|---|---|
| MBA (General – choose specialisation later) | MBA | English & Hindi |
| MBA – Human Resource Management | MBAHM | English & Hindi |
| MBA – Financial Management | MBAFM | English & Hindi |
| MBA – Operations Management | MBAOM | English & Hindi |
| MBA – Marketing Management | MBAMM | English & Hindi |
| MBA (Banking & Finance) | MBF | English |
All 6 courses have the same fees listed in the Common Prospectus. ₹16,000 for semesters 1, 2 & 4. ₹18,000 for semester 3. IGNOU state that if you choose to do a specialised MBA (MBAHM, MBAFM, MBAMM or MBAOM) you cannot change your specialisation. The MBF course is run in partnership with the Institute of Banking and Finance.
There are no specialised versions of the MBA (Online). You’ll choose your specialisation within the 1 course.
See our Elective Guides: Financial Management | Human Resource Management | Marketing Management | Operations Management
Fees
| Indian Students | SAARC Students | Non-SAARC Students | |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBA (ODL) | ₹66,000 (3 x ₹16,000 + ₹18,000) | ₹72,500 (3 x ₹17,500 + ₹20,000) | US$6,000 (3 x US$1,400 + US$1,800) |
| MBA (Online) | ₹66,000 (3 x ₹16,000 + ₹18,000) | Use IGNOU’s international portal to apply. Fee shown on the portal. | Use IGNOU’s international portal to apply. Fee shown on the portal. |
Registration & Development Fees. As applicable. Exam fees.
Which is cheapest?
Both courses have the same programme fees (₹66,000). However, if you choose to do the ODL course with soft copy materials you’ll get 15% off (that’s ₹9,900 off the ₹66,000). This means the ODL course can be cheaper than Online. See our guide to IGNOU Online MBA Fees for details of all charges and why some pages still show old fees.
Exams
Both courses have exams like this:
- Assignments (30%). 1 assignment to be marked per course.
- Term End Exams (TEE) (70%) 2 exams per year (June & December). New exam form must be filled in online via the Samarth portal.
- Exam fee: ₹200 per theory course (MBA (Online)). As per University policy (Jan 2026 handbook). Check current fee when filling in exam form. Project (MMPP-001) has a ₹500 evaluation fee.
- Hall tickets can be downloaded from the IGNOU website 7-10 days prior to your TEE. Attend your exam centre with your IGNOU student ID card.
Applying
The most common mistake made is applying to the wrong portal.
MBA (Online)
If you want to do:
MBA (Online) (MBAOL) from India then apply via:
ignouiop.samarth.edu.in (Online Programmes).
MBA (ODL)
MBA (ODL) or specialised ODL MBA then apply via:
ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in (ODL).
If you’re applying from outside of India then apply via the international link on the IGNOU website.
It clearly states on the IGNOU MBAOL page: “MBAOL shall be delivered in Online Mode only. If you wish to study in Open Distance Learning (ODL) Mode, please opt for MBA” via the ODL portal.
As of 1st November 2026 both portals state that registrations for the July 2026 session have closed. IGNOU have not announced any dates for the January 2027 cycle. Both courses require the same entry requirements. A bachelor’s degree (minimum 3 years) with 50% (45% for reserved categories). No entrance exam.
Is the degree different?
Both courses are listed as AICTE recognised postgraduate degrees. The IGNOU MBAOL handbook also mentions that “According to clause 22 of UGC Notification dated 4th September 2020, degrees obtained through open and distance learning mode/online mode shall be considered equivalent to the corresponding degrees obtained through conventional mode.” IGNOU are a central university established by an act of parliament in 1985.
The difference between the courses is how you study. IGNOU do not publish examples of degree certificates for both courses. If this is an issue for you then contact your Regional Centre for more information.
Which should I choose?
Choose the Online MBA if…
- You’re comfortable studying on a laptop.
- Happy studying in English.
- Don’t need printed materials.
- Want to choose your specialisation.
Choose the ODL MBA if…
- Prefer printed books.
- Want to study in Hindi.
- Want to get the 15% discount for soft copy.
- You’ve already decided on a specialisation.
- Want to do an MBA with a fixed specialisation (MBAHM, MBAFM, MBAOM, MBAMM).
- Want to do an MBA (Banking & Finance).
If you’re unsure then choose the general MBA. You can choose your specialisation later. Just ensure you apply to the correct portal.
FAQs
What is the difference between the IGNOU Online MBA and Distance MBA?
The Online MBA (MBAOL) can only be studied online. It has no printed materials and everything is in English. The ODL MBA has printed study materials. It can be studied in English or Hindi and has specialised options. Both courses have the same number of courses, credits and fees (₹66,000).
Are the IGNOU Online MBA and Distance MBA the same degree?
Both courses are recognised as AICTE recognised IGNOU MBA courses. According to a UGC notification dated 4th Sep 2020, ODL and online degrees are equivalent to conventional degrees. The difference between the courses is how you study.
Does IGNOU provide printed books for the Online MBA?
No. IGNOU state that there is no study materials provided for online courses.
Can I do the IGNOU MBA in Hindi?
Yes, but only for the ODL course. The Online MBA is only available in English.
Which is cheapest, the Online or Distance MBA?
Both courses have the same fees (₹66,000). If you choose to do the ODL course with soft copy you’ll get a 15% discount.
Can I choose a specialisation for the Online MBA?
Yes. You’ll complete 4 courses from 1 specialisation in semester 3 and 3 courses in semester 4. Finance, Marketing, HR, Operations or Services Management.
What are the MBAFM, MBAHM, MBAMM, MBAOM & MBF courses?
These are specialised ODL MBAs. Financial, Human Resource, Marketing & Operations Management. Once you’ve enrolled onto one of the specialised courses (MBAHM, MBAFM, MBAMM, MBAOM) you cannot change your specialisation.
Where do I apply for these courses?
MBA (Online) – ignouiop.samarth.edu.in. ODL MBAs – ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in.
Are the exams online for the IGNOU Online MBA?
The exams are at the end of the term (June & December). According to the January 2026 handbook you’ll download your hall ticket. Attend your exam centre with your ID card. You’ll need to go to an exam centre.
When’s the next admissions?
Both portals state that the July 2026 admissions have now closed. The January 2027 dates have not been announced (as of 1st November 2026).
Want to know all the details about the Online course?
Read our guide to the IGNOU MBA (Online). When the January 2027 cycle opens apply via the official portal.
This guide is independent from IGNOU. Fees, dates & policies may change. Always double check with ignou.ac.in & the Samarth portals before paying.