Hello Guys,
So after undergoing a lot of confusion and trauma regarding which distance learning course to join, I have finalised on taking up the 2-year PGDBM from NMIMS distance education. There were various reasons for it:
1.) NMIMS is a very good brand name
2.) The fees for the whole program would come close to 30K (fairly cheap)
3.) They are planning to come up with a 1-year course which can be done after completing a 2-year PGDBM, and after successful completion they will award an MBA degree (This thing is however yet in the pipeline..so let it be)
4.) It is approved by the Distance Education Council (DEC). For more info check:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/a...how/408551.cms
5.) Admission through NMAT (Rs.1100), so better quality of students (hopefully

)
Whats not so attractive about NMIMS:
1.) More theoratical course-content.
2.) Study Centres only in Maharashtra.
Why I did not choose ICFAI Flexible Education MBA:
1.) The MAIN thing was the Legal issues and speculations (about its status revocation) with the only other course I was thinking of. (Especially with me being a Maharashtra Candidate..). I have written to them seeking more clarification, but yet to get a reply. Students are advised to read their disclosure properly (at
http://www.icfai.org/icfe/) before taking any steps.
2.) Very expensive. In installment mode, without the coaching classes, the course would set you back by a handsome 80K (68.5 K fees+ 8K for Exams (group C onwards) + 4K for E-Learning package (group C onwards) + 1K (Icfai Alumni) + 1.5K per year after first two years.)
Whats good about ICFAI Flexible Education MBA:
1.) A very decent course content.
2.) Exams centres spread across India.
3.) E-Learning packages.
4.) Placement Assistance (Incase...), but at a price (Rs.4.5K)
What about SCDL?:
Check out the course contents of NM and SCDL at their respective websites
www.nmimsonline.org and
www.scdl.net . Check out how they will map to your profile. They can be of help if you have workexperience and are not looking very much for placements after the course is over. Comparatively, I found NM to be better than SCDL. I have already addressed the issues with ICFAI in my earlier post.
But you are late for NM this spring. They have another round of admission in nov-dec.
SCDL has:
1.) Simple course content (Do read the thread at
http://in.rediff.com/getahead/2006/may/30msg.htm)
2.) Fully objective-online examinations.
3.) Very cheap at Rs.25K for two years (to be paid in installments

)
4.) Recognized by DEC, Delhi.
5.) The Symbi brand name, ofcourse.
6.) No Entrance. But still need to purchase the prospecuts for RS.900
7.) Option to choose specialization even later in the course, unlike NM.
It could be a good course in the Distance Learning domain.
Please check out the thread at
http://www.pagalguy.com/forum/career...-distance.html (Learning from a DISTANCE!)
So after consciously evaluating the above I have decided this. Do post your queries/suggestions if any.
Regards,
Rohit.