Compare IGNOU Online and NMIMS Online: Fees, Recognition, Exams and Degrees
The primary difference between IGNOU Online and NMIMS Online is the fee structure, with IGNOU’s MBA (Online) costing Rs. 66,000 and NMIMS Online’s MBA (Online) costing Rs. 2,20,000. Students seeking an affordable, central government university degree should consider IGNOU, while those prioritising a private university with more specialisation options may prefer NMIMS Online.
IGNOU Online vs NMIMS Online: what each one is and how they differ
IGNOU Online is a National Open University, established by an Act of Parliament in 1985. NMIMS Online is the online education centre of SVKM’s NMIMS, a Deemed-to-be University since 2003.
IGNOU was founded under Act No. 50 of 1985 and is described as a Central University. Its Centre for Online Education (COE) was established on 7 June 2019. NMIMS CDOE, the distance and online education arm of SVKM’s NMIMS, was founded in 1994. It began its online path in 2013, delivering programmes on a learning management system.
IGNOU Online identifies its online learners by a programme code with an OL suffix, such as BCA_NEWOL. It publishes a separate chapter in its Common Prospectus for online mode programmes. NMIMS CDOE states that its degree programmes are in online mode, with programme pages confirming “Degree In Online Mode.” It offers both live and recorded lectures, accessible at any time. The headquarters for IGNOU’s COE is in Maidan Garhi, New Delhi, while NMIMS CDOE’s headquarters is in Vile Parle (West), Mumbai.
| Point | IGNOU Online | NMIMS Online |
|---|---|---|
| Institution type and founding | National Open University established by an Act of Parliament in 1985 Act No. 50 of 1985; described as a Central University |
The distance and online education centre of SVKM’s NMIMS (Deemed-to-be University), Mumbai SVKM’s Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, founded 1981, Deemed-to-be University since 2003 Deemed-to-be University under Section 3 of the UGC Act 1956 (declared 2003) Recognised under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956 (as stated in its 2024 UGC-DEB application) |
| Online education unit | Centre for Online Education (COE), established on 7 June 2019 by renaming the Inter University Consortium | Founded in 1994 as the distance education arm of SVKM’s NMIMS Began as the School of Distance Learning (1994); later NGASCE; renamed NMIMS CDOE (NCDOE) in 2024 |
| Headquarters address | Centre for Online Education, Block-17, IGNOU, Maidan Garhi, New Delhi – 110068 | 2nd Floor, NMIMS New Building, Opp. Mithibai College, V.L. Mehta Road, Vile Parle (West), Mumbai 400056 |
| Online mode offering | The Common Prospectus has a separate chapter 13 listing programmes on offer through Online mode, with a separate admission portal | Online mode (programme pages say “Degree In Online Mode”) |
IGNOU Online only
NMIMS Online only
IGNOU Online vs NMIMS Online recognition and validity
IGNOU Online is exempted from the applicability of the UGC (ODL Programme and Online Programme) Regulations, as stated in UGC letters dated 9 August 2019 and 17 March 2020. NMIMS CDOE states its programmes are entitled and recognised by UGC and UGC-DEB.
IGNOU states its programmes are at par with those approved by the UGC-Distance Education Bureau. The university’s online MBA is described as an AICTE recognized/approved programme. NMIMS was granted Category-I autonomy by UGC in 2018. Its official FAQ states the online MBA is recognised by UGC.
Degrees, diplomas, and certificates awarded by IGNOU are recognised by all member institutions of the Association of Indian Universities. The UGC Regulations clause 22, as quoted by IGNOU, states that UG/PG degrees and PG diplomas awarded through ODL and/or Online mode are equivalent to those offered through conventional mode. NMIMS CDOE issues an official certificate upon programme completion.
IGNOU holds an A++ NAAC grade and was ranked No. 1 among Open Universities in NIRF 2024 and 2025. NMIMS University has an A++ NAAC grade with a CGPA of 3.67, valid up to 27 June 2032, based on its 4th cycle accreditation certificate dated 28 June 2025.
The UGC-DEB list for the 2026-27 July session includes 16 IGNOU programmes with “Online(OL)” mode, such as BCA, MBA, and MCA. For the same session, NMIMS has BBA, B.Com, MBA, and MBA (Working Executive) listed as Online (OL) programmes.
| Point | IGNOU Online | NMIMS Online |
|---|---|---|
| NAAC grade | A++ | A++ with CGPA 3.67, valid up to 27 June 2032 (certificate dated 28 June 2025, 4th cycle) |
| Parity with UGC-DEB | IGNOU states its programmes are at par with programmes approved by the UGC-Distance Education Bureau | NMIMS CDOE states its programmes are entitled and recognised by UGC and UGC-DEB |
| UGC-DEB listed programmes | 16 IGNOU programmes are listed with mode “Online(OL)” for 2026-27 (July): BCA, B.Com, BLIS, MA Distance Education, MA Journalism and Digital Media, MA Journalism and Mass Communication, MA Rural Development, MA Sustainability Science, MA Translation Studies, MBA, MCA, M.Com, MA English, MA Gandhi and Peace Studies, MA Hindi, MA Sanskrit | Bachelor of Business Administration listed as Online (OL) for 2026-27 July Bachelor of Commerce listed as Online (OL) for 2026-27 July MBA (Working Executive) listed as Online (OL) for 2026-27 July Master of Business Administration listed as Online (OL) for 2026-27 July |
| UGC recognition | IGNOU degrees/diplomas/certificates are stated to be at par with those of all Indian universities/institutions (July 2026) | Official FAQ, asked about AICTE/UGC, answers only that the online MBA is recognised by UGC |
IGNOU Online only
NMIMS Online only
- MBA award: MBA degree
More on the IGNOU degree: whether an IGNOU degree is valid and IGNOU degree certificate, migration and convocation.
IGNOU Online vs NMIMS Online eligibility: who can enrol
IGNOU Online and NMIMS Online have different enrolment conditions. IGNOU Online requires applicants to have computer and internet access and be comfortable with online learning. NMIMS Online does not require work experience for its online MBA programme.
Indian nationals in India apply to IGNOU Online programmes via ignouiop.samarth.edu.in. Foreign students residing in other countries can also join IGNOU online programmes, applying at ignouforeigniop.samarth.edu.in. This portal covers overseas students from SAARC, Non-SAARC, FSRI, and NRI categories for the July 2026 session. A one-time application processing fee of INR 2,000 for SAARC and USD 100 for Non-SAARC applicants applies to international students. However, not all online programmes are open to international students; for example, the BCA (Online) is not offered to them. Applicants to IGNOU Online must provide a valid APAAR ID.
For the MBA Working Executive programme, selection involves a personal interview after document review, with no written assessment.
IGNOU Online only
- Admission portals: ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in for ODL programmes and ignouiop.samarth.edu.in for Online programmes
- APAAR ID requirement: Applicants have to provide a valid APAAR ID
- International application fee: INR 2,000 for SAARC and USD 100 for Non-SAARC applicants (as shown on the online programmes portal)
- Simultaneous program pursuit: A student may pursue two academic programmes simultaneously through ODL / Online mode, subject to the combinations IGNOU specifies
NMIMS Online only
- MBA work experience: Not required for the online MBA
- Eligibility for dropouts: Those who dropped out of a degree can apply if they meet eligibility
IGNOU entry rules: IGNOU eligibility criteria and IGNOU at a glance.
IGNOU student services
IGNOU Online vs NMIMS Online courses offered
IGNOU Online offers 46 programmes for the July 2026 session, including 5 Bachelor’s degrees and 14 Master’s degrees. NMIMS Online groups its offerings into Bachelor’s Programs, Online MBA, and Executive MBA. IGNOU’s online MBA has a total fee of Rs. 66,000, while NMIMS Online’s MBA programmes cost Rs. 2,20,000.
NMIMS Online provides seven specialisations for its Online MBA, such as Marketing, Finance, and Business Analytics. The MBA Working Executive programme has five specialisations, including Leadership & Strategy and Digital Marketing. IGNOU’s online Master of Computer Applications has a total fee of Rs. 52,000 for a minimum duration of two years.
For undergraduate studies, IGNOU Online lists Bachelor of Computer Applications with a total fee of Rs. 49,800. NMIMS Online offers a Bachelor in Business Administration (BBA) with electives in marketing, finance, or business analytics, for a total fee of Rs. 1,50,000. NMIMS Online also states that students can pursue a maximum of two programmes simultaneously, provided they are not from the same programme group.
The eligibility for IGNOU’s online Bachelor of Commerce is 10+2 or equivalent, with a total fee of Rs. 15,000. NMIMS Online requires a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50% marks for its MBA programmes.
IGNOU Online only
NMIMS Online only
Minimum and maximum duration
| Programme | IGNOU Online duration | NMIMS Online duration |
|---|---|---|
| B.Com | 3 years | 3 years (6 semesters) to 6 years (programme validity) |
| MBA | 2 years to 4 years | 2 years (4 semesters) to 4 years (programme validity) |
Eligibility as published
| Programme | IGNOU Online eligibility | NMIMS Online eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| B.Com | 10+2 passed or equivalent from a recognized institution | HSC (10+2) in any discipline, min 50% (45% SC/ST/OBC/PwD) |
| MBA | Passed Bachelor Degree of Minimum 3 years duration with at least 50% marks (45% in case of candidates belonging to reserved category). | Bachelor’s degree (10+2+3), min 50% (45% SC/ST/OBC/PwD) |
IGNOU course guides: IGNOU BA; IGNOU MBA; IGNOU MA; IGNOU MCA and IGNOU syllabus.
IGNOU Online vs NMIMS Online fees, course by course
IGNOU Online’s refund policy for the July 2026 session states that the fee is refunded before admission confirmation. After confirmation, 15% of the programme fee, up to Rs. 2,000, is deducted. NMIMS Online’s Cancellation and Refund Policy for January 2027 states the Rs. 1,200 registration fee is non-refundable. A 100% refund is available if withdrawal occurs 15 or more days before the last admission date, minus a 5% processing fee, capped at Rs. 5,000. NMIMS Online also offers a 20% discount on the programme fee for Armed, Paramilitary, and other forces personnel and their dependents for the January 2027 session.
IGNOU Online only
NMIMS Online only
- Refund rules basis: Refund rules in line with UGC fee refund policy (100% / 90% / 80% / 50% / 0% by withdrawal date) (January 2027)
Fees of the programmes both run, as each publishes them
| Programme | IGNOU Online fee | NMIMS Online fee |
|---|---|---|
| B.Com | Rs.5000/- per year Plus Registration Fee & Development Fee as applicable (July 2026) | Rs. 18,000 per semester (semester option); or Rs. 33,000 per year (annual option) (January 2027 session (admissions open 24 Sep 2026); page read 27 Oct 2026) |
| MBA | Rs.16,000/- per semester for 1st, 2nd and 4th semester Rs.18,000/- for 3rd semester (3rd semester has an 8-credit project) Plus Registration Fee & Development Fee as applicable (July 2026) | Rs. 55,000 per semester (semester-wise option); or Rs. 1,05,000 per year (annual option) (January 2027 session (admissions open 24 Sep 2026); page read 27 Oct 2026) |
IGNOU fees in full: IGNOU fee structure.
IGNOU Online vs NMIMS Online admission: sessions, last dates and portals
Applying to IGNOU Online or NMIMS Online involves different cycles and portals. IGNOU Online offers two admission cycles annually, in January and July. The last date for fresh admissions for the January 2026 cycle was 31 January 2026. For the current July 2026 session, the last date to apply is 13 October 2026, with an exception for certificate and semester-based programmes. Overseas students also have a last date of 13 October 2026 for the July 2026 cycle.
NMIMS Online’s admissions for the January 2027 session open on 24 September 2026. The last date for admission without a late fee for MBA, BBA, and B.Com programmes is 14 February 2027. A late fee of Rs. 500 applies from 15-28 February 2027, and Rs. 1,000 from 1-16 March 2027. The final admission deadline for these programmes is 16 March 2027. For the MBA Working Executive programme, applications are accepted from 19 October 2026 to 31 December 2026, with lectures starting on 25 January 2027.
Applicants to IGNOU Online must register on ignouiop.samarth.edu.in. Required documents include soft copies of a photograph, signature, educational qualifications, and category certificates if applicable. Gazette-attested copies of academic documents, photo identity, and a passport-size photograph are necessary. Both an ABC ID and DEB ID are mandatory for NMIMS Online applications.
| Point | IGNOU Online | NMIMS Online |
|---|---|---|
| Admission last date | 13 October 2026 (except for certificate and semester-based programmes) (July 2026) 13 October 2026 (except for certificate and semester-based programmes), July 2026 cycle |
24 Sep 2026 to 14 Feb 2027 (January 2027 session (admissions open 24 Sep 2026); page read 27 Oct 2026) 16 March 2027 (January 2027 session (admissions open 24 Sep 2026); page read 27 Oct 2026) |
| Application portal | ignouiop.samarth.edu.in ; registration on the portal is compulsory before submitting the form | Register online at online.nmims.edu, fill the form and pay the admission processing fee |
| Required documents | Photograph and signature (under 100 KB, JPEG); educational qualification, experience certificate if any, category certificate if SC/ST/OBC (under 200 KB, JPEG/PDF) | Gazette-attested copies of academic documents, photo identity and passport-size photograph Admission application cannot be submitted without ABC ID and DEB ID Applicants who graduated by distance/online mode must submit date-of-admission or DEB approval document |
| Fee payment methods | Credit card (Master/Visa), debit card (Master/Visa/Rupay), net banking, UPI (July 2026) | Online, or Demand Draft in favour of SVKM’s NMIMS payable at Mumbai; finance options available |
| Admission processing fee | Rs. 300, non-refundable, paid at admission in addition to the programme fee (Common Prospectus July 2026) Rs. 400, paid at admission in addition to the programme fee (Common Prospectus July 2026) |
Rs. 1,200 for all admissions (MBA, BBA, B.Com); Rs. 1,500 for MBA Working Executive (January 2027 session (admissions open 24 Sep 2026); page read 27 Oct 2026) |
IGNOU Online only
- Current session: July 2026 session
- Admission cycles: Two cycles a year: January and July (Common Prospectus July 2026)
- Previous cycle last date: January 2026 cycle (online mode): last date for fresh admissions 31 January 2026
- Re-registration: Learners must re-register for each semester from the second semester onwards
- Application cancellation: Done from the applicant login; cancellation is irreversible
NMIMS Online only
- Late fees: Rs. 500 late fee 15-28 Feb 2027; Rs. 1,000 late fee 1-16 Mar 2027 (January 2027 session (admissions open 24 Sep 2026); page read 27 Oct 2026)
- MBA Working Executive dates: Applications 19.10.2026 to 31.12.2026; lectures start 25.1.2027 (January 2027 batch); Lecture start date 25.1.2027 (page also shows “BATCH STARTS : 26th Oct 2026”) (January 2027 batch)
- Initial payment: Rs. 10,000 of the programme fee collected at registration (Rs. 20,000 for MBA WX) (January 2027 session (admissions open 24 Sep 2026); page read 27 Oct 2026)
- Admission confirmation: Admission confirmed after document, payment and student verification; a student number is issued
- Registration opens: 24 September 2026 (January 2027 session (admissions open 24 Sep 2026); page read 27 Oct 2026)
IGNOU admission this session: IGNOU admission 2026; how to apply to IGNOU online; IGNOU admission last date and IGNOU admission status.
IGNOU Online vs NMIMS Online study material, classes and study centres
IGNOU Online does not provide printed study material for its online programmes. IGNOU Online delivers self-instructional material in PDF or other electronic form, uploaded on its LMS and eGyankosh.
IGNOU Online does not provide hardware or software facilities to online students. NMIMS Online states that its learning materials are prepared according to the UGC four-quadrant approach, which includes videos, recordings, digital material, forums, and quizzes.
| Point | IGNOU Online | NMIMS Online |
|---|---|---|
| Study material format | No printed study material is provided to students enrolled in the online programmes No provision of hard copy of self-instructional material for online students Self-instructional material in PDF or other electronic form, uploaded on the LMS; also on eGyankosh |
Semester-wise Self-Learning Material, online digital library, presentations and recordings E-books, journals, lecture transcripts and 24×7 recorded lectures Learning materials prepared per UGC four-quadrant approach (videos, recordings, digital material, forums, quizzes) |
| LMS access after admission | After admission is confirmed the learner receives LMS credentials by email | Study kit dispatch, portal activation and lectures only after admission is confirmed |
| Counselling sessions | Online counselling sessions for all theory and practical courses (BCA Online) Counselling sessions are for clearing doubts; counsellors do not deliver lectures as in conventional teaching Virtual classroom is used for online counselling |
800+ hours of live interactive lectures delivered online |
| Attendance requirement | 70% attendance compulsory for each lab course Minimum 75% attendance in practical counselling sessions to be eligible for term-end practical examinations |
Attendance at live lectures not mandatory but recommended A 75% student engagement criterion must be met to register and appear for the TEE of a subject |
IGNOU Online only
- Learning Management System: IGNOU has created an LMS for online learners; online programmes are delivered on the university LMS (lms.ignouonline.ac.in); The LMS is a centralised portal for accessing all online programmes
- Counselling session length: Theory session 2 hours; practical session 3 hours
- Practical sessions: Held only in online mode; learners use the required software at their own end; IGNOU provides no hardware or software facility to online students
- Counselling schedules: Regional Centres post counselling schedules for online programmes on the LMS (example dated 12 October 2026)
- Nodal Regional Centre: RC Delhi-3 is the nodal Regional Centre for BCA_NEWOL students; RC Delhi-1 is the nodal Regional Centre for MCAOL students; Confined to holding academic counselling sessions; it also gets LMS-submitted assignments evaluated
NMIMS Online only
- Lecture recordings: Session recordings made available within 24 working hours
- On-campus immersion: MBA WX includes on-campus programme immersion at the NMIMS CDOE campus in Term 6
IGNOU books and centres: IGNOU study material and IGNOU regional and study centres.
IGNOU Online vs NMIMS Online assignments and exams
A learner cannot appear in the term-end examination without submitting the assignment for that course.
IGNOU Online examinations are held twice a year, in June and December. The June 2026 TEE notification covers both ODL and Online programmes, offering Pen & Paper and CBT modes. Students choose their preferred mode and an exam centre when filling the examination form. For BCA Online, examinations are taken at an allotted examination centre. The examination fee is Rs. 200 per course. The examination fee for MBA, BBA, and B.Com programmes at NMIMS is Rs. 800 per subject per attempt.
IGNOU Online requires an overall C grade (50% to 59.9%) to qualify a course in the MBA Online programme. Re-evaluation costs Rs. 750 per course and must be requested within 40 days of result declaration. Assignments, project reports, and practical answer scripts are not eligible for re-evaluation. NMIMS Online publishes a re-exam fee of Rs. 2,500 per subject for its MBA Working Executive programme.
| Point | IGNOU Online | NMIMS Online |
|---|---|---|
| Exam mode | The June 2026 TEE notification covers ODL and Online programmes together, in Pen & Paper and CBT (computer-based test) modes Students choose Pen & Paper mode or CBT mode, the courses and an exam centre in the examination form (June 2026 TEE) |
Exams are conducted online with remote proctoring Lecture-based internal assessments and an online-proctored term-end examination |
| Exam fee per course | Rs. 200 per course (theory / practical / lab) (BCA_NEWOL Programme Guide, July 2025) | Rs. 800 per subject per attempt; project fee Rs. 800 per attempt (January 2027 session (admissions open 24 Sep 2026); page read 27 Oct 2026) |
IGNOU Online only
- Assignment submission method: Assignments are submitted on the LMS portal only, as PDF files (BCA_NEWOL Programme Guide, July 2025); Assignments are uploaded on the IGNOU LMS portal only (MBAOL Student Handbook and Prospectus, January 2026)
- Hard copy assignments: Hard copies submitted at a study centre / Regional Centre / SED are not considered for evaluation (MBAOL Student Handbook and Prospectus, January 2026)
- Assignment weightage: Assignments 30%, term-end examination 70% (MBAOL Student Handbook and Prospectus, January 2026); Continuous evaluation 25%, term-end examination 75% (BCA_NEWOL Programme Guide, July 2025)
- Assignment exam precondition: A learner cannot appear in the term-end examination of a course without submitting its assignment (MBAOL Student Handbook and Prospectus, January 2026)
- Current assignment deadline: Last date for assignments for the December 2026 TEE extended to 31 October 2026
- Exam frequency: Twice a year, in June and December (MBAOL Student Handbook and Prospectus, January 2026)
- Exam location: At an examination centre: the learner prints the hall ticket and reports at the examination centre with the identity card (BCA_NEWOL Programme Guide, July 2025)
- Exam centre selection: The learner enters an Examination Centre Code in the online exam form; if that centre is not activated an alternative centre is allotted (BCA_NEWOL Programme Guide, July 2025)
- Allotted exam centre: Learners may appear only at the examination centre allotted to them (BCA_NEWOL Programme Guide, July 2025)
- Exam centre change: No request for change of examination centre is entertained after the form is filled (June 2026 TEE)
- Exam form submission: Submitted through the student portal on the Samarth platform (ignou.samarth.edu.in) (June 2026 TEE)
- Exam form dates: 10.03.2026 to 10.04.2026 without late fee; 11.04.2026 to 24.04.2026 with late fee of Rs.1,100 (June 2026 TEE)
- Exam fee inclusion: Exam fee is not included in the fee structure
NMIMS Online only
- Exam evaluation scheme: Internal Assessments and Term End Examinations
- Re-exam fee: Rs. 2,500 per subject (January 2027 session (admissions open 24 Sep 2026); page read 27 Oct 2026)
- Project completion: Not submitting or failing the project by end of validity means the programme is not completed
IGNOU exam cycle: IGNOU assignments; IGNOU date sheet; IGNOU hall ticket and IGNOU result and grade card.
IGNOU Online vs NMIMS Online credit transfer, migration and re-admission
IGNOU Online publishes an exit option for its MBA Online programme.
Learners can exit after the first and second semesters, upon completing 56 credits, to receive a Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDIM). IGNOU Online also states that credit transfer is available under the Academic Bank of Credits. Students can request a migration certificate from the Regional Director by paying a fee of Rs. 500.
IGNOU Online only
- Exit options: Exit after the 1st and 2nd semesters (56 credits) at the learner’s request, with a Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDIM)
- Migration certificate: Requested from the Regional Director with a fee of Rs. 500
- Credit transfer: Available
For enrolled IGNOU students: IGNOU re-registration.
IGNOU Online vs NMIMS Online student support and helpline
IGNOU Online provides support through its Centre for Online Education, accessible via coe@ignou.ac.in and iopsupport@ignouonline.ac.in. NMIMS Online offers a ticketing tool, callback, or chat support, available Monday to Saturday from 9 AM to 7 PM. For admissions, IGNOU Online has a Centralised Student Registration Cell, reachable at 011-29571301, 011-29571528, and csrc@ignou.ac.in for the July 2026 session.
IGNOU Online addresses grievances through its iGRAM portal, located at igram.ignou.ac.in/. NMIMS Online lists regional offices in locations like Indore, Kolkata, and Delhi, which serve as local points of contact and conduct NMAT and NPAT exams.
IGNOU has a Campus Placement Cell (CPC) where learners can send their resumes to campusplacement@ignou.ac.in. NMIMS Online states that its Career Services provides placement assistance, interview opportunities, and mentorship for MBA students, though this comes with an “*Additional fee as applicable”. NMIMS Online does not offer placements or internships for bachelor’s programmes like BBA or B.Com. The university claims over 500 hiring partners for its MBA programme.
| Point | IGNOU Online | NMIMS Online |
|---|---|---|
| Support hours | Monday to Friday, 9:30 am to 6 pm | Ticketing tool, callback or chat, Mon-Sat 9 AM to 7 PM |
| Placement cell | IGNOU has a Campus Placement Cell (CPC); learners send their resume to campusplacement@ignou.ac.in | Career Services provides placement assistance, interview opportunities, mentorship |
IGNOU Online only
- Online support contact: Centre for Online Education: coe@ignou.ac.in and iopsupport@ignouonline.ac.in
- Admission contact: Centralised Student Registration Cell: 011-29571301, 011-29571528, csrc@ignou.ac.in (July 2026)
- Grievance portal: iGRAM, igram.ignou.ac.in/
- Device requirements: A computer system with the necessary software for practical courses (BCA Online)
- Eligibility for MA JMC: Access to computers and the Internet and basic knowledge of word processing are part of the eligibility
NMIMS Online only
- Regional offices: Locate Us page lists offices by region (Central, East, North, South, West): Indore, Kolkata, Delhi, Lucknow, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai (head office and zonal office), Navi Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh; Regional offices are the local point of contact and also conduct NMAT and NPAT
- Career services fee: Career Services marked “*Additional fee as applicable” in MBA brochure
- Bachelor’s placements: University does not offer placements for BBA/B.Com; alumni portal access
- Bachelor’s internships: No internship offered in bachelor’s programmes
- Hiring partners: 500+ hiring partners (MBA brochure)
IGNOU portals: IGNOU Samarth portal; IGNOU grievance portal (iGRAM) and IGNOU ID card.
IGNOU Online or NMIMS Online: which is better for you
For students prioritising the lowest fee, IGNOU Online is the better choice. Its Master of Business Administration (Online) costs Rs. 66,000, while NMIMS Online’s MBA (Online) costs Rs. 2,20,000. For undergraduate studies, IGNOU’s Bachelor of Commerce (Online) is Rs. 15,000, compared to NMIMS Online’s B.Com at Rs. 1,08,000.
Working professionals seeking an MBA with specific specialisations may prefer NMIMS Online. It offers seven MBA (Online) specialisations, including Marketing, Finance, and Business Analytics. NMIMS also offers an MBA Working Executive programme for Rs. 4,50,000, which includes on-campus immersion at its Mumbai campus in Term 6.
Students who need examinations near their home or prefer computer-based tests find IGNOU Online more flexible. IGNOU Online’s term-end examinations are held twice a year, in June and December, and students choose between Pen & Paper and CBT modes at an examination centre.
For those requiring strong recognition, both universities hold high standing. IGNOU is a National Open University established by an Act of Parliament in 1985 and holds an A++ NAAC grade. NMIMS is a Deemed-to-be University since 2003, also with an A++ NAAC grade, valid up to 27 June 2032. Both universities publish that their online MBA programmes are recognised by UGC.
Notices and Documents from IGNOU
- IGNOU BCA Newol Programme Guide
- IGNOU Common Prospectus Admission Session July 2026
- IGNOU Mbaol Student Handbook
- IGNOU TEE June 2026 Notification
- IGNOU Mcaol Programme Guide
- IGNOU Samarth Portal Online Programmes Home
- IGNOU Online Programmes About
- IGNOU Samarth Portal Foreign Online Programmes Home
- IGNOU LMS Home
- NMIMS MBA Brochure Flow
- NMIMS brochure (19 Oct 2026)
- NMIMS Bachelors Brochure Flow
- NMIMS NAAC Certificate 2025
- NMIMS Mbawx Brochure Flow
- NMIMS Ugc Deb Application 2024
- NMIMS MBA Online Hub
- NMIMS MBA Wx Hub
- NMIMS Bachelor in Business Administration Bba
Common IGNOU Questions
IGNOU Online vs NMIMS Online: which university is better for an online MBA for a working professional in terms of cost?
IGNOU Online’s MBA costs Rs. 66,000 for the full programme, while NMIMS Online’s MBA costs Rs. 2,20,000. For a working professional seeking an online MBA, IGNOU Online offers a significantly lower total fee. NMIMS also offers an MBA Working Executive programme for Rs. 4,50,000, which includes an on-campus immersion.
What are the total fees for an online B.Com degree at IGNOU and NMIMS?
The total fee for a B.Com (Online) at IGNOU Online is Rs. 15,000, excluding registration, development, and examination fees. At NMIMS Online, the total fee for a B.Com is Rs. 1,08,000, which can be paid semester-wise or annually. IGNOU Online offers a much more affordable option for a Bachelor of Commerce degree.
How do the recognition and degree value of IGNOU Online and NMIMS Online compare for distance MBA programmes?
IGNOU Online states its degrees are at par with those of all Indian universities and are recognised by all member institutions of the Association of Indian Universities. NMIMS CDOE states its programmes are recognised by UGC and UGC-DEB, and the online MBA is recognised by UGC. Both institutions offer UGC-recognised online MBA degrees, ensuring their value for employment and further studies.
What are the eligibility criteria for an online MBA at IGNOU and NMIMS?
For an online MBA at IGNOU Online, candidates need a Bachelor’s Degree of minimum 3 years duration with at least 50% marks (45% for reserved categories). NMIMS Online requires a Bachelor’s degree (10+2+3) with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/OBC/PwD). Neither institution requires prior work experience for their standard online MBA programmes.
When are the admission dates for online MBA programmes at IGNOU and NMIMS?
For IGNOU Online, the last date for admissions for the July 2026 session was 13 October 2026. NMIMS Online’s admissions for the January 2027 session are open from 24 September 2026 to 14 February 2027 without a late fee, extending to 16 March 2027 with late fees. NMIMS Online offers a longer admission window for its upcoming session compared to IGNOU Online’s past deadline.
How do IGNOU Online and NMIMS Online provide study materials and conduct classes for their online programmes?
IGNOU Online provides self-instructional material in PDF or other electronic forms on its LMS and eGyankosh, with no printed study material. NMIMS Online offers e-books, journals, lecture transcripts, and 24×7 recorded lectures, with live interactive lectures also available. Both universities use digital platforms for study materials and recorded sessions, with NMIMS also offering live classes.
What are the assignment submission and examination weightage rules for online MBA programmes at IGNOU and NMIMS?
At IGNOU Online, assignments for the MBA are uploaded on the LMS portal only and carry a 30% weightage, with term-end examinations accounting for 70%. Both require assignments as a precondition for examinations.
Where are the term-end examinations held for online programmes at IGNOU and NMIMS?
IGNOU Online conducts term-end examinations at designated examination centres, where students choose a centre code and appear in Pen & Paper or CBT mode. NMIMS Online conducts exams online with remote proctoring for its bachelor’s programmes and MBA Working Executive. IGNOU requires physical presence at an exam centre, while NMIMS offers a remote proctored online examination format.
What is the medium of instruction for online MBA programmes at IGNOU and NMIMS?
The medium of instruction for the online MBA at IGNOU Online is English. All seven online MBA specialisations at NMIMS Online are also delivered in English.
Can students pursue two academic programmes simultaneously at IGNOU Online and NMIMS Online?
Yes, IGNOU Online allows a student to pursue two academic programmes simultaneously through ODL / Online mode, subject to specific combinations. NMIMS Online also allows a maximum of two programmes at a time, provided they are not from the same group. Both institutions offer flexibility for students wishing to pursue multiple qualifications concurrently.
What kind of support services do IGNOU Online and NMIMS Online provide to their students?
IGNOU Online offers a Centre for Online Education helpdesk via email and a centralised Student Registration Cell helpline. NMIMS Online provides a ticketing tool, callback, or chat support from Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 7 PM. Both universities offer dedicated support channels to assist online learners with their queries.
Does IGNOU Online or NMIMS Online offer placement assistance for their online MBA graduates?
IGNOU Online has a Campus Placement Cell (CPC) where learners can send their resumes for placement assistance. NMIMS Online’s MBA brochure states Career Services provides placement assistance, interview opportunities, and mentorship, but marks it as an “Additional fee as applicable”. Both institutions claim to offer career support, but NMIMS indicates a potential extra charge for its career services.