Top Distance MBA Colleges in Surat 2025: Surat, known as the Diamond City of India, is rapidly emerging as a significant educational and professional hub in Western India. The city’s growing infrastructure, robust industrial base, and thriving commercial sectors make it an ideal destination for students and working professionals seeking flexibility through Distance MBA programs. With several recognised institutions and distance education centres, Surat provides high-quality management education that caters to the needs of modern professionals.
Distance MBA programs in Surat are designed to offer flexibility for individuals pursuing career advancement while managing existing job commitments. The University Grants Commission recognises these programs – Distance Education Bureau (UGC-DEB) and often feature AICTE-approved curricula, ensuring that the education provided is credible, industry-relevant, and aligned with current market demands. Students can explore various specialisations such as Finance, Marketing, Human Resource Management, Operations Management, International Business, and Information Technology.
In this article, we will explore the top distance education institutions in Surat, discussing the course structures, eligibility criteria, admission procedures, and specialisation options that make these programs highly appealing to management aspirants in and around Gujarat.
Top Distance MBA Colleges in Surat 2025
Several prestigious and well-recognised institutions in Surat offer Distance Learning programs for a Master of Business Administration (MBA). These programs are specifically designed for working professionals, entrepreneurs, and students who require flexibility in their education while continuing their work or other commitments. Some of the top distance MBA colleges in Surat include:
- Parul University
- Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University
- Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad
- Indira Gandhi National Open University
- Indian School of Business Management and Administration
Why Choose A Distance MBA College in Surat?
Choosing distance education in Surat offers a range of advantages, especially for students and working professionals who seek flexible, affordable, and industry-relevant learning opportunities. Here are some compelling reasons to pursue distance education in Surat:
- Growing Educational Hub: Surat is fast becoming an emerging educational and industrial centre in Gujarat. With the presence of top institutions like IIMA (via satellite centres), BAOU, IGNOU, and Parul University, the city offers a rich academic environment with expanding infrastructure to support distance learners.
- Affordable and Flexible Learning: Distance education in Surat is significantly more affordable than in metro cities like Mumbai or Delhi. Programs are cost-effective, often with instalment options, and allow learners to study at their own pace without compromising work or personal responsibilities.
- UGC-DEB Approved Institutions: Surat hosts several UGC-DEB-approved universities and institutions offering recognised and valid distance education degrees. This ensures academic credibility and wide acceptance of your qualifications across sectors.
- Career-Oriented Specialisations: Distance MBA and other management programs in Surat offer industry-aligned specialisations such as Digital Marketing, Finance, Human Resources, Supply Chain, and IT Management, catering to real-world business needs and helping you stay competitive in the job market.
- Technology-Enabled Learning: Most universities in Surat provide advanced digital learning infrastructure, including e-books, video lectures, online assessments, student dashboards, and mobile learning apps, making education accessible from anywhere.
- Local Study & Exam Centres: With a growing number of regional study centres and exam hubs in and around Surat, students have convenient access to support services, exams, and optional contact classes without needing to travel far.
- Supportive Industry Ecosystem: As one of India’s fastest-growing cities with a strong presence in textiles, diamonds, and startups, Surat offers a vibrant professional landscape. Distance learners can apply their academic knowledge directly in the workplace or explore local internship and job opportunities.
Top 5 Distance MBA Colleges in Surat With Fees
1. Parul University
Parul University is a private institution. It is located in Vadodara, Gujarat. The university was founded in 2015 with the Gujrat Private Universities Act 2009. The university is also accredited with an “A++” grade by NAAC. The university is also recognised as a Category-1 University by the UGC-DEB in 2024. The university offers a Distance MBA program with over 20 specialisations, designed to be completed in 2 years.
Admissions for the July academic session begin in April each year and are conducted on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to merit. To be eligible for admission, candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university with a minimum of 50% marks for the General category and 45% for Reserved category candidates. The total course fee is INR 90,000, which can be paid in flexible instalments.
Also Read About: Parul University Distance Education
2. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University
The Centre for Online Education (COE) at Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University (BAOU) was established in accordance with the University Grants Commission (UGC) Regulations, 2020. Located in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, BAOU is a public university committed to providing affordable and accessible quality education through a flexible online learning environment, enabling learners to study anytime, anywhere. BAOU offers a Distance MBA program, one of its most sought-after postgraduate courses. This two-year master’s program in Business Administration is available in specialisations such as Finance, Human Resources, and Marketing. The medium of instruction for the course is English.
Admissions for the MBA program begin in April each academic year and are conducted on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to merit. To be eligible for this course candidate must have passed any Bachelor’s Degree of a Minimum 3 years duration with at least 50% mark or have any other professional degree from a university that is recognised by DEB. The fee for the Distance MBA is INR 7,500 per semester, payable at the beginning of each semester.
Also Read About: BAOU Admission 2025
3. Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad
Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIM Ahmedabad), established in 1961, is one of India’s most prestigious business schools and is consistently ranked among the top management institutes nationally and globally. While IIM Ahmedabad does not offer a traditional distance MBA, it provides a variety of executive education and hybrid online programs tailored to meet the needs of working professionals. Notable among these is the e-Post Graduate Programme (ePGP), which combines online instruction with periodic on-campus modules. These programs cover essential domains such as finance, marketing, leadership, business analytics, and strategy.
Admission criteria for these programs typically include competitive exams such as the GMAT, CAT, or the IIMA Admission Test (IAT), followed by a personal interview. Candidates are generally required to have a bachelor’s degree along with a minimum of three years of professional experience. Course fees vary depending on the program, ranging from approximately ₹45,000 for short-term executive certificate programs to around ₹13,50,000 for comprehensive programs like the ePGP.
4. Indira Gandhi National Open University
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is a leading public institution dedicated to open and distance learning (ODL) in India. Established in 1985 through the enactment of the IGNOU Act, 1985 by the Parliament of India, the university was founded with an initial budget of ₹20 million. IGNOU provides a highly regarded distance MBA program, which is approved by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). The MBA program at IGNOU is available in multiple specialisations, catering to diverse professional interests and industry demands. Some of the popular specialisation areas include – Banking, HR, Logistics and supply chain, marketing and several others.
Admissions to the MBA program typically open during the February and March cycle of every academic year. Selection is based on the merit of the applicant’s undergraduate academic performance, as evaluated by the university. To be eligible you must have a bachelor’s degree from a university that is recognised. It must be noted that admission to the university is based on an entrance examination, but on merit. The total course fee is structured at ₹15,500 per semester.
5. Indian School of Business Management and Administration
The Indian School of Business Management and Administration (ISBM) was established in 1992 by the Aeren Foundation and has since grown into a prominent institution known for offering flexible, correspondence-based management education. It is recognised as top 10 business schools all over the world for providing distance MBA in over 100 specialisations. The course duration varies from 6 months to 2 years.
Admissions are open throughout the year, allowing prospective students the flexibility to apply at their convenience. Admission is granted on a merit basis, ensuring that candidates with the right educational background and motivation can enrol. To be eligible for admission into ISBM’s distance MBA program, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from any university recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC). The tuition fees for ISBM’s distance MBA program vary depending on the chosen specialisation, typically ranging from INR 29,900 to INR 49,900, making it an affordable option for many working professionals.
List Of Top Distance MBA Colleges in Surat
| State of the University | Type of University | Name of University | Recognition of the University |
| Surat | Private university | Parul University | Category 1 of UGC, “A++” grade accredited by NAAC. |
| Surat | State Open University | BAOU | Approved by UGC and AICTE, accredited by NAAC with “A++” |
| Surat | Deemed to be a university | IIMA | Accredited by EQUIS |
| Surat | Open University | IGNOU | ODL – DEB Approved |
| Surat | Private university | ISBM | Approved by BSI, CODL, ISTE, BMA |