Is Pursuing a Degree Based on Work Experience Worth It Without UGC/AICTE Recognition?

Dear Members, I discontinued my studies in the 2nd year of Inter long back and started working with various companies. Now, I would like to pursue further studies. I have heard that some institutes are offering DBA, MBA, PG Diplomas, etc., based on work experience and with minimal educational qualifications. However, these institutes are not recognized by UGC/AICTE. Is this the best way to proceed with my studies? Will this certificate be valid? Please suggest to me...

Thank you.

They are not considered for large organizations. However, those degrees will be considered in small and medium organizations. Instead of having no degree, it is better to have the same, at least from non-recognized institutions.

If you are pursuing further studies through distance education, make sure you are doing it at reputable universities. It is true that something is better than nothing, as Mr. Jeevarathnam said, but when you are doing it, it's good to choose the best, which has value. Ultimately, it's up to you to decide what you want to gain and achieve. Our advice is always free, and whether you take it or leave it is up to you.

All the best!

Regards,
Bharghavi

Thank you for your suggestion, Jeevaratnam Bharghavi. I too wish to continue my studies through recognized universities or institutes, but they require a minimum of a degree certificate. Completing a degree typically takes 3 years, followed by an additional 2 years for an MBA or any postgraduate diploma. Could you please suggest something that would be suitable for me?

Even I guessed that there is no eligibility criteria. That is the reason I suggested accordingly. If you feel that you will get into any good institutions, even if they are non-recognized, that is fine because there is no other option.

There is no age for learning and studying. There are universities that offer courses for individuals who are not even minimally qualified. If you have completed your intermediate studies, you can join a degree course offered by any university right away without wasting time. Your future depends solely on your education. There are also some private institutions that offer diploma programs in business management (some even affiliated with universities) that you can enroll in to get qualified. Don't delay, join now and reap the benefits.

Dear Radhi, I suggest you take up DBM (Diploma in Business Management) at the Indian School of Management, Mumbai. It is a 1-year course that is equivalent to a degree course, if I'm not mistaken. It is not a very well-recognized university, but you can earn a degree from it. Make sure you pursue your post-graduation at a recognized university thereafter.

Regards, Bharghavi

You should study only a recognized course. Otherwise, it will be a mere waste of time, money, and energy. A minimum graduation qualification is necessary to get any good job in the market. Do not lose your confidence due to your inability to complete it in the past. There is no age bar to education. I would advise you to try again.

Additionally, if you join a diploma course in computers from NIIT, that will be a valuable qualification in the market. First, join NIIT, followed by your admission to a graduation course. For graduation, it will be better if you try for B.Com.

Hi Bharghavi, thanks for your suggestion. Please clarify whether the Indian School of Management, Mumbai is a recognized institution. If I complete my DBM from ISM, Mumbai, can I pursue my PG from a recognized university? If so, please let me know the details.

Recognition of Institutes and Degrees

Any institute, university, or degree unrecognized by UGC/AICTE is technically not a degree at all, and you will be at a serious disadvantage.

Several programs are offered by bona fide institutes and universities. Search for them and enroll in one of those which works for you.

Importance of Qualifications in Career Progression

Qualifications you have on paper matter in the long run because they determine how high you can go in your career. You might be a postgraduate, yet if no one takes your qualifications seriously enough to offer you significant jobs as you gain experience, it can lead to frustration. A good bachelor's degree is essential. You cannot be a postgraduate without first being a graduate. Many programs are available online or as distance education on the UGC website. The university should be registered with the UGC.

Not all of these programs have very stringent exam curricula and are not difficult to pass. There are many private organizations that allow you to fast-track these degrees from smaller but recognized universities. Any 'university' offering you a postgraduate diploma or degree without a bachelor's is misleading you. Select a subject from your comfort zone and experience, and then pursue a bachelor's degree first. As you are working, time should not be a constraint. Alternatively, focus on skills that are recognized as equivalent to bachelor's degrees in your field, such as SAP, CA, etc.

Regards,

Caution on Course Enrollment

At present, kindly do not enroll in any courses offered by autonomous bodies or even unknown institutes that claim to be affiliated with Pune University. The job market is currently at a low point for such courses, and you may end up paying fees for nothing.

Instead, opt for courses that align with your future career goals.

Regards,
M. Ganeshan

You may check out IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University). You might find useful information suitable for you. Good luck.

Hi, it is good that you are maintaining your learning attitude. I am not sure about your stream of study, i.e., 11+1 or 10+2. My suggestion is to join Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). For further information, visit the IGNOU website www.ignou.ac.in.

Degree Programs and Recognition

More universities are now offering basic courses that are considered equivalent to a degree program by them. Ensure you earn your degree from a recognized university. There are no shortcuts, as they may lead you into trouble in the future.

All the best

Thank you for the appreciation and quick reply! I am in the 10+2 Science stream. Do you think it would not be a good idea to pursue a one-year DBM and then an MBA as suggested by some university counselors? I agree with you on not following shortcuts!!!

Regards,
AD

As an academic who teaches around the world, my advice is to NEVER waste your time and/or money doing ANY course that is not accredited by the country of origin. This issue has had massive repercussions and ramifications in South Africa, where many students continue to do courses without first checking if they are accredited—and then find themselves in possession of useless certificates and no job prospects.

The fact is that these fly-by-night institutions prey on the poor and disadvantaged to make their filthy lucre. It is inevitable that accredited courses will be more difficult, having more stringent educational requirements. But, at the end of the day, you will avoid much disappointment by doing such courses.