Considering an MBA in HR from ICFAI University? Seeking Advice and Alternatives!

Hi,

I am planning to pursue an MBA in HR from ICFAI University through correspondence. Could anyone help me in this regard? How good is an MBA in HR degree from ICFAI University? Could you also help me by suggesting some other alternative universities for an MBA in HR?

Regards,
Sowmya

Hi Sowmya,

Can you tell me from which background you are from? If you are from a science background, then you have to think twice about joining ICFAI... it's damn tough. If you are planning to work while you study, then I would suggest you join Symbiosis.

Sari

Hi Sari,

I would like to know 2 things here:

1. Your perception about how tough MBA is (in general) and how ICFAI is different from other universities. In other words, what makes you perceive ICFAI as tougher than others? Don't you think IGNOU is tough? Don't you think MBA on a university campus is tough? Don't you think MBA from any B-school is equally tough? Why is ICFAI alone considered tough?

2. What is meant by "tough"? Any fresher feels it tough to pursue a professional degree if he/she doesn't come with some industrial background. I am really interested to know the difference of ICFAI from that of others.

Regards,
Srinivaskvmk

Hi Srinivas, Gaurav,

Sowmya raised a question about distance learning from ICFAI.

I questioned her if she is from a science background (BPC, pharma, microbiology, etc.)?

I said ICFAI because I only know about ICFAI as I have joined last year (I am from a science background).

Now why tough...

It's tough if from a science background because you have to start from scratch. The module is designed in such a way that Group A consists of Business Communications & Management, which is theory and you would understand. But unfortunately, the very next Group B is finance and economics, and you have only two and a half months for the exams. For finance, one has to learn from journal entries, and it took almost a month for me to understand the concept about balance sheet, trial balance, errors in the trial balance, BRS, all these are just in chapter one. You have 15 chapters with core finance. I almost went mad trying to understand all these in just two and a half months with no assistance.

ONE MORE THING IS ICFAI IS COSTLY (ACC TO ME) WHICH 54 THOUSAND IS THE INITIAL FEES AND FOR CONTACT CLASSES YOU HAVE TO PAY 5000/- PER GROUP (TWO SUBJECTS). YOU HAVE 8 GROUPS, CLASSES ARE ONLY TWICE A WEEK. FOR THE PEOPLE WHO WORK AND TRY TO TAKE SOME TIME, IT IS TOUGH. EVEN AFTER ATTENDING THE CLASSES, I COULD ONLY COVER THREE CHAPTERS. SO THE RESULT OBVIOUSLY IS KNOWN. AND EVERY TIME TO WRITE AN EXAM YOU HAVE TO PAY ALMOST 1000/- PER SUBJECT. THIS WAY YOU WILL ONLY BE PAYING FEES.

One of my friends joined Symbiosis. She said it's damn easy. She could clear it in one attempt (also is from a science background). She referred to ICFAI material and said comparatively it's damn easy. I cannot explain how easy now as I don't know much about Symbiosis.

I didn't comment on any other university because they are not as costly as ICFAI.

I NEVER TRIED TO DEMOTIVATE ANYBODY BUT DEFINITELY WANTED TO WARN THEM ABOUT JOINING ICFAI DISTANCE LEARNING (ESPECIALLY FROM A SCIENCE BACKGROUND).

What I have been discussing is only my assumption, yes, but in case if you have any suggestions for people like me who have developed phobias towards subjects joining costly universities, I REQUEST FRIENDS TO PLEASE ADVISE.

Sari

Hi,

Thanks to all. I am from a B.Tech (Chemical) background. Some of my close friends are doing an MBA from ICFAI. As Sari has mentioned, the second group has more Finance subjects. That's the reason I was in a dilemma and thought I would check with someone on this.

Another reason why I opted for ICFAI is that most other universities like Symbiosis have closed their admissions for this academic year. Moreover, I would like to pursue my career in HR-Payroll. For that, an MBA in HR from ICFAI is useful, I suppose. If you are aware of other universities offering MBA in HR with admissions still open, please help out.

Regards,
Sowmya

Hi Sari & Soumya,

I really commend both of you for your clarity on the concept of pursuing an MBA. Both of you should consider the debatable issue we raised as enlightening for other CiteHR members. I wholeheartedly support Sari for your reasonable justification of your statement, and I empathize with the challenges you faced in the initial stages of your MBA, where you had to work hard to grasp the subjects. A subject is truly learned when one struggles to understand its concepts. Please do not take offense if your friends on CiteHR are critiquing your opinion.

Now, Soumya must carefully weigh her decision to pursue this course. Furthermore, an MBA from ICFAI is also within your reach, and I encourage you to strive for it, especially if it offers assured career progression.

In our field of career counseling and HR, we have long encouraged students to voice their opinions on important matters, as freshers are well-versed with the rapidly changing curriculum to meet industry needs.

I once again commend both of you for mutually benefiting from sharing information through CiteHR. Keep up the good work, and I am confident that this will propel you both towards rapid progress in your career paths.

Wishing you good luck.

Srinivaskvmk

To be very frank and straightforward, any correspondence course will never get the value that of a regular course, at least in India and to a private player. Instead of spending so much money, you can actually buy these books from ICFAI or borrow them from your friends in ICFAI. I think that will be more cost-effective and will provide the same value addition! If you want to get recognized in the job market today, then go for a regular course as it might also offer placement assistance or an active placement cell to help you secure a job with an HR profile. Otherwise, you might end up in a generic profile in the so-called HR department.

All the best

Hi all,

Please treat as very urgent. Is there any university where we can attend weekday classes and still get the advantage of a regular MBA?

Regards,
Aziz

Hi All,

This is Raj from Hyderabad. I need some information regarding the ICFAI MBA exams (correspondence). We have another month before the exams start. So, at this point in time, I would like to know how to prepare for the exams (what to read - study guide, workbook, or other materials). Also, I would like some information from you guys. Currently, I am working in an MNC as a Team Lead and I enrolled in this MBA program in April 2008. It will take at least 2 years to complete the course. By that time, my salary will have also increased. After I complete the course, if I opt for the placement scheme of ICFAI, will I be considered a fresher? Or will there be a hike in my salary (I am planning to specialize in HR or operations)? Please suggest. Thanks in advance.

Regards, Raj

Dear all,

Could someone please provide a suggestion for the above question I asked? Your input is greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
Raj.

Hi,

I am from a commerce background and would like to pursue an MBA from ICFAI. Can anyone tell me if the admissions are still ongoing? Also, I would like to know how many subjects are there in MBA, the duration period, and the list of subjects. I have already gone through all the feedback given so far and before applying for MBA in HR, I would like to start my studies to perform well.

Please help me out with the fees and the subjects. I have to make a decision quickly, and if I am applying for this course, I will also need to apply for a loan.

Hi all,

There is nothing like tough or easy. It is all with the perception of the mind. The mindset that comes in after psychological and attemptive measures to understand a difficult thing makes you think so. What is 'easy' to you may appear to be 'tough' to others. "One man's food is another man's poison."

Go ahead with studies and be sure you can do it, Sowmya and others.

Besides being an HR head, I am a writer, administrator, trainer, consultant, artist, journalist, counselor, orator, composer, face reader, psychologist, palmist, and a poet. Had I found it tough, I wouldn't have added these knowledge faculties in me. I still take up the endless learning curve.

Interestingly, I am a contributing author selected by the ICFAI University. My copyrighted articles published by the ICFAI Press will surely help the MBA HR students in research and case studies.

Going by the standard, I rate the ICFAI syllabus to be good.

Regards,
Chandrasekar
Chennai

Hi,

I have a query regarding a career-related issue. Right now, I am working as an Admin Executive in a reputed IT company. All my qualifications are in the HR field. Is there any option to get a job in the HR profession?

Please advise.

Rajpal

Hi All,

I completed my graduation in 2008 with a background in Commerce. I have been working as an HR since then. Now, I want to pursue my MBA while continuing my job. I have already wasted one year of my studies. Now, I am eager to join an MBA program this year. Please guide me on the best institutes for part-time MBA programs.

Please help me, it's really urgent.

Hi all,

Somya's question is 'How good is an MBA HR Degree from ICFAI University'? It's about the course and not the university. Please suggest accordingly. As far as the science background is concerned, I am also a science student and I passed on my first attempt. So, it's all about your ability.

Hi friends, I am an MBA from ICFAI University with a specialization in HR. I feel that HR is not as good as it should be. I had to do many additional readings to enhance my knowledge. Moreover, the course is tough. I have personally seen the level of questions from IGNOU and can comment that they are challenging. One specific area neglected by ICFAI is the Industrial Relations section and any reference to the ILO.

I am open to receiving comments on my observations from anyone who has already completed the MBA course from any university.

Sidd.

Dear Mr. Sunil,

I am an MBA graduate from ICFAI University with a specialization in HR. I believe that you should focus on your textbooks for your exams and avoid any additional reading. ICFAI's answers are based on the content provided in its own study materials. It is essential to thoroughly go through all the material as exam questions can be drawn from any section of the textbooks.

Sidd.

Hi All,

Hi Raj, don't think so much in advance, first complete your course which is damn tough. Moreover, as far as I know, you will be given a placement offer according to your qualification and experience. Regarding salary, it depends on the organization. If you are already being paid higher than the industry average (your company might be in a good financial position), then it would be of no use. And lastly, it depends on your power of negotiation.

Sidd.

If you are from a science background, ICFAI is damn tough. I am going through the pain for the last three years. The pass-out percentage is very low. Think more before you make the decision.

Regards,
Satish.

Hi all,

First of all, treat correspondence courses as a value addition to your present job or future job prospects. Don't compare them with real-time courses that lead to campus placements at entry level, especially when you already have experience in the industry. It's fine to compare fees and other financial investments required for different university programs, but focus more on understanding the subject matter and the potential outcomes. Even if it is challenging, work hard to gain a deeper understanding beyond just passing the course. This will provide you with a broader vision of the industry in which you plan to work.

Please, for God's sake, don't join Icfai. It's worse than any other university. In short, it is just a money digger. Every term, we have to pay 1000 Rs, and the result is very tough, often leading to failure. Please, please save yourself from this vicious circle. If you want, go ahead.

I also joined Icfai, but to date, I have not been able to clear my B group. If you ask me, I have joined MPM (HR) from Pune University, which holds more validity than Icfai University.

Leena

Hi Leena,

Thanks for your message and advice. Can we know something about the MPM University? Which part of Pune is it located in? Are you still pursuing the ICFAI course or have you quit?

I am also pursuing ICFAI. I registered for my MBA years back in 2003 and was working abroad. I appeared for 3 groups of exams together but failed and decided to quit the course as I didn't find time to study.

Later, when I came back to India in late 2008, I decided to pursue my MBA again. I appeared for my first exam in April 2009 and have since cleared Groups A to H without any trouble. In April 2010, I appeared for Group I & J exams and flunked. I am in the process of re-appearing for those two groups in July and hope to get through.

I am just asking for info so I can pass this info on to others who are also seeking to do their MBA. There are many people who seek help, so I can suggest this.

Please do let me have the info. Thanks.

Best Wishes,
Raja

Hi Raja,

Good morning! I am pursuing MPM (Masters in Personnel Management) from Pune University through IBMR College in Chinchwad. There are various colleges in Pune that are affiliated with Pune University, and the total fee structure is just Rs. 37,000 for two years. If you are continuing with your job, you can complete your course through the evening batch, which runs from 6 to 8 PM and holds the same importance as the regular batch.

If I find the time, I will update the list of colleges affiliated with Pune University, or you can check online.

Best Regards,
Leena.

Hi Wayne,

I am a Canadian currently considering pursuing an MBA or Masters in Human Resource Management. My preference at this moment is to accomplish this via distance learning from a reputable university in India. I would sincerely appreciate advice in this regard.

Wayne Wheeler
Calgary

Hi,

Please tell me, if I am pursuing an MBA (HR) through distance education, will I receive a diploma or a degree if I do it from ICFAI University? I know Symbiosis offers a diploma. Is the degree equivalent to an MBA degree?

Also, could you suggest any other distance education universities that are reputable and provide a degree rather than a diploma?

Your help with this would be greatly appreciated.

Check the post by a420b in this forum titled "AICTE NOT APPROVED INSTITUTE (includes ICFAI's few centres)." ICFAI was not approved to confer MBAs according to recent news. Please check thoroughly before making a decision.

Thanks,
Murali

If you are looking to pursue an MBA in HR from ICFAI University, kindly take note of the Chennai contact number: [Phone Number Removed For Privacy Reasons].