Over 60 pc MBA colleges likely to open and offer only offline classes by February 2022: Survey

This survey was conducted in the first week of December 2021.

Over 45 percent of respondents said that their colleges are fully offline when asked whether MBA institutions had reopened or not, the report said.

Online classes are offered by about 22 percent of MBA colleges, whereas 18 percent of MBA colleges have partially reopened, offering both online and offline sessions. Approximately 14 percent of MBA colleges have remained closed.

MBA colleges in India started reopening in July 2021, with November seeing a spike with 18 percent of colleges reopening compared to previous months, the report noted.

Over 50 percent of students were aware of the dates of their college reopening (from those still closed or partially open).

As per the students, in December and January, 59 percent of MBA colleges are scheduled to reopen, whereas 6 percent of the colleges are scheduled to open in February 2022. 

"We find that 66 percent of MBA students prefer classroom learning when asked about students’ preferred mode of education," the report said.

The remaining MBA students continue to favor online or hybrid learning.

In our view, the student's preference for classroom and offline teaching reflects the inherently experiential nature of learning in the MBA programs.

Lack of interpersonal interaction with lecturers and networking chances with peers is one of the top reasons why offline class delivery is preferred.

Change of routine, lack of focused studies, and missing college life are all important factors for offline class preference.

Vivek Jain, Chief Business Officer, Shiksha.com asserted, “MBA as a post-graduate programme is one of the most sought-after career choices among young Indian students. The availability of quality institutions, as well as the diversity of specializations and expanding demand for developed management jobs, have all contributed to its continued appeal among students. The fact that the majority of the students prefer offline classes and the majority of the Bschools have reopened or started reopening is a positive sign. The pandemic, on the other hand, made us realise how a hybrid method may be included in future learning systems.”

MBA students who preferred hybrid mode, when asked about the most sought reason, responded that a partially open-college or a hybrid-class mode is flexible and convenient. In addition, a partially open college aids students in time management and stress reduction.

Extracurricular activities in colleges allow students to follow their passion and interests.

Among students who opted for hybrid mode of education, 81 percent of the students preferred online classes.

More than 61 percent of students, who choose online classes, considered the online mode to be flexible and easy.

Other important factors contributing the preference of online classes are saving cost on hostel and lodging, saving travel time and expenses, and convenience to pursue other courses side by side.

Not all MBA programmes have switched to an offline format.

Aside from the benefits of online education, students are also concerned about the third wave of COVID-19. While weighing the advantages of offline classes, one cannot neglect the issue of safety in the face of the COVID-19 epidemic.

The COVID-19 virus is constantly changing, and a cure is still yet to be developed. Students still choose the offline class approach for MBA education, notwithstanding the COVID-19 issue.

Any increase in spread of infection because the new variant may result in further delay in reopening of colleges.