Top Distance MBA Colleges in Chennai: List, Admission, Fees, Specializations

Top Distance MBA Colleges in Chennai: Chennai, which is one of the main educational centers in South India, has more than 26 institutions providing Distance MBA degrees. Among these 26 institutions, 14 are private institutions and 12 are government colleges. All Distance MBA courses in Chennai are approved and certified by UGC-DEB and AICTE.

Some of the best universities that provide Distance MBA in Chennai are Anna University Centre for Distance Education, Madras University Distance Education, SRM Institute of Science & Technology, Tamil Nadu Open University (TNOU), Alagappa University, and Loyola College. July 2025 admission is open currently, and the majority of universities have already started accepting applications until October 15, 2025. This was following the official intimation of UGC- DEB that numerous universities had extended the last date of application.

NOTE that accepting the entrance exams is solely the university’s choice. While some universities may not require attendance at an entrance exam, others may require it. Some of the entrance examinations include CAT, MAT, TANCET, and more. 

Popular specializations include Finance, Marketing, Human Resource Management, Operations, International Business, Digital Marketing, and Business Analytics. The duration of these programs ranges from 2 to 3 years, depending on the institution. Fee structures range from INR 20,000 and go up to INR 1,20,000 for the entire course. 

Distance MBA Colleges in Chennai Highlights

• Top Distance MBA Colleges in Chennai: Anna University – Centre for Distance Education, University of Madras, Institute of Distance Education, SRM Institute of Science & Technology, Tamil Nadu Open University (TNOU), Alagappa University
• Admission Deadline: 15 October 2025 for most universities offering the July 2025 academic cycle
• Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university with a minimum of 45-50% marks (varies by institution). No entrance exam required for most colleges
• Top Specializations: Human Resource Management, Finance, Marketing Operations, Information Technology, Business Analytics, International Business, Digital Marketing
• Fee Range: INR 20,000 to 50,000 for the complete program (some private universities may charge more)
• Course Duration: Generally 2 Years 
• Recognition: UGC-DEB and AICTE

Top Distance MBA Colleges in Chennai  

Chennai has some of the best and top MBA colleges providing distance education. These programs are quality-oriented and possess the same importance and significance as a regular MBA Program. Approved by UGC-DEB and AICTE, Distance MBA colleges in Chennai provide specializations in Finance, Marketing, HR, Operations, IT, and more. 

The best universities are Anna University, University of Madras, Tamil Nadu Open University, SRM Institute, and Alagappa University, with economical fees and so on.

Anna University – Centre for Distance Education (CDE), Chennai

Anna University’s Centre for Distance Education has a 2-year MBA program by distance mode that is meant for individuals who wish to pursue studies along with other professional and personal commitments. Admission is by way of the Online Education Entrance Test (OEET).

University of Madras – Institute of Distance Education (IDE), Chennai

University of Madras also has a 2-year Distance MBA course offered by its IDE with various specializations and flexible admission schedules. The annual cost of an MBA at the University of Madras is around INR 37,750. 

Tamil Nadu Open University (TNOU), Chennai

TNOU provides a low-cost, flexible Distance MBA with various specializations. It is suited for working professionals and students from distant places.

Top Distance MBA Colleges in Chennai Fee

The fee structure for Distance MBA programs in Chennai varies depending on the university and specialization. At the University of Madras, the total fee is approximately INR 37,750 for the full program. Tamil Nadu Open University offers MBA programs ranging from INR 24,000 to INR 50,8001. Anna University charges around INR 62,300 for General Management and up to INR 1,03,534 for Business Analytics. Most programs are affordable and are cost effective. 

Top Distance MBA Colleges in Chennai Specialisations 

The best Distance MBA colleges in Chennai provide numerous specializations. The common ones are Finance, Marketing, Human Resource Management, Operations, and Information Technology. Colleges like Anna University and the University of Madras even provide specializations like Business Analytics, Digital Marketing, Hospital Management, and Logistics and Supply Chain.

Top UGC-DEB Approved MBA Colleges

FAQs 

Q1. How many institutions offer Distance MBA programs in Chennai?

A1. Chennai has over 26 institutions offering Distance MBA programs, including 14 private and 12 government colleges. 

Q2. What are the eligibility criteria for admission to Distance MBA colleges in Chennai?

A2. Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university with a minimum of 45–50% marks. Some universities may have category-based relaxations.

Q3. Are entrance exams mandatory for Distance MBA admission in Chennai?

A3. Entrance exams are generally not mandatory. However, some universities like Anna University require the OEET, while others may accept scores from CAT, MAT, or TANCET, depending on their admission policy.

Q4. What is the fee range for Distance MBA programs in Chennai?

A4. The fee ranges from INR 20,000 to INR 1,20,000 depending on the university and specialization. 

Q5. What specializations are available in Distance MBA programs in Chennai?

A5. Popular specializations include Finance, Marketing, Human Resource Management, Operations, Information Technology, and more

Last modified: September 3, 2025