CU Online MBA vs NMIMS Online MBA — which should I choose?
As technology advances, there is a rise in the demand for digital learning among working professionals. One of them is a career-driven online MBA degree from Chandigarh University (CU Online) & NMIMS CDOE. Both universities are UGC-approved, NAAC-accredited, and have a good placement record, but they differ in terms of teaching methodologies, program structure, fees, and career support.
In this blog, we have compared these two universities to help you choose the right online MBA program based on your career goals, experience level, and learning preferences.
CU Online MBA Vs. NMIMS Online MBA
University Background & Reputation
Chandigarh University (CU Online)
CU Online is one of the rapidly growing private universities in North India with UGC recognition and NAAC A+ accreditation. The university also ranked among the top 100 universities in the NIRF ranking framework. It is also well-known for innovation and tech-driven learning
NMIMS Online
NMIMS CDOE is a part of NMIMS Deemed-to-be-university with NAAC A+ accreditation. The university enjoys 40 years of academic excellence and is among the most recognised distance and online education platforms. NMIMS also has a strong alumni base in the management and corporate sectors to expand its professional network.
Therefore, if you value legacy and long-term reputation, NMIMS edges ahead. Whereas, if you prefer a modern, tech-innovative university ecosystem, CU Online is the preferred choice.
Mode of Delivery & Learning Experience
CU Online
The program is 100% online with live interactive sessions and recorded lectures to boost your career. Additionally, students get access to a strong LMS including quizzes, discussion boards and projects to elevate the online learning experience. Strong Focus on hands-on learning and interactive academic sessions, just like the regular college experience.
NMIMS Online
Online + ODL style (depending on program and specialization) with live lectures + recorded content for future use. Detailed self-learning material is also provided in the LMS. Weekly live sessions and periodic doubt-clearing. NMIMS CDOE is well-known for smooth student support and a stable pedagogy
CU Online is slightly more interactive, while NMIMS balances structured and self-paced learning.
Curriculum & Specializations
CU Online MBA Specializations
- Human Resource Management (HRM)
- Marketing
- International Business (IB)
- Entrepreneurship
- Finance
- Information Technology (IT)
- Logistics and Supply Chain Management (LSCM)
- Retail Management
- Operation Management
- Banking and Insurance
- Hospital Management
- Event Management
- Media Management
- Travel and Tourism Management
- Airlines & Airport Management
- Digital Marketing
- Data Science & Artificial Intelligence
- International Relations
- FinTech
- General Management
- Business Analytics
- Disaster Management
- Brand Management
NMIMS Online MBA Specializations
- Marketing
- Finance
- HR
- Business Management
- Operations and Data Science Management
CU offers more than 15 online MBA specialisations while NMIMS offer more traditional online MBA specializations.
Duration & Flexibility
| Feature | CU Online MBA | NMIMS Online MBA |
| Duration | 2 Years | 2 years |
| Learning Flexibility | High (Live + Recording sessions) | Very High (Self-paced + Live) |
| Assignment | Periodic | Regular Assessment |
| Exam Modes | Online Proctored Mode | Online Proctored Mode |
NMIMS offers better flexibility for busy professionals, especially those with unpredictable work schedules.
Fees Comparison
| Features | CU Online MBA (in INR) | NMIMS Online MBA (in INR) |
| Full Course Fees | 1,65,000 | 1,96,000 |
| Annual Fees | 82,500 | 1,05,000 |
| Semester Fees | 41,250 | 55,000 |
Accreditation & Validity
CU Online
CU Online is a UGC-recognised and NAAC grade A+ accredited university. It is one of India’s youngest universities who have achieved a fast pace of growth in recent years. The university has international recognition and stands among the top 2% universities by the QS World University Rankings 2026 and is ranked #19 overall in the NIRF 2025 rankings for all universities in India.
NMIMS Online
NMIMS Online, on the other hand, is also a UGC-recognised and NAAC grade A++ accredited university, which is backed by the 40 years of education legacy by NMIMS University. It is one of the well-established universities in India, giving you a world-class education. The university ranks among the top 100 in the NIRF ranking, and the NMIMS online degree is also approved by WES.
NMIMS has a slight advantage due to decades of corporate recognition, whereas CU Online has better recognition.
Placement Support & Career Outcomes
CU Online
Offers placement training, live projects, internships and an opportunity to participate in CU’s virtual placement drive. The highest package for the CU Online MBA program is reported as INR 23 LPA, while the average is around INR 4-6 LPA. In addition, the active global alumni network at the university helps in expanding the professional network and opens the door to new career opportunities.
NMIMS Online
The NMIMS has a dedicated career services department which includes Job fairs, recruitment drives, resume-building, and mock interviews. With a Strong alumni network of 82k+ students in top companies across the globe, it helps in global recruitment. NMIMS online is preferred by mid-level professionals for upskilling and networking expansion.
Conclusion
CU Online and NMIMS Online are both good universities with UGC and NAAC accreditation. But if you are looking for low fees, growing universities with a diverse range of specializations you should opt for CU Online, whereas, if you are looking for a well-established university with a strong alumni network, you should look for NMIMS online.
Still not able to find out which university you should choose for the online MBA program? No worries, connect with the Edulift counsellor and find the best university for your career growth aligned with your future goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are both the CU Online MBA and the NMIMS Online MBA equally valid and recognized?
Answer: Yes. Both are UGC-entitled and provide a valid postgraduate management degree. NMIMS’s online MBA is offered through its online education department with NAAC A++ accreditation and a strong institutional reputation. Whereas CU’s online MBA is also recognized and provides structured support and placement assistance.
Who should choose the NMIMS Online MBA vs the CU Online MBA?
Answer:Choose NMIMS Online MBA if you value flexibility, affordability, a wide set of specialization options, and are balancing work & study. Whereas, choose CU Online MBA if you prefer a structured, supported academic environment with placement-focused guidance and perhaps want more hand-holding in job preparation.
Is CU Online MBA globally recognised?
Answer:Yes, CU Online MBA is recognised by UGC and NAAC. The university stands among the top 2% universities worldwide as per the QS World ranking 2025 and is ranked 19th by the NIRF 2025 ranking.

