What is the best distance learning MBA Program: Symbiosis Pune, IMT Ghaziabad, NMIMS, or IGNOU?

There are certain facts to keep in mind during the selection of a distance learning MBA/PGDM program.

Affiliation:

• IMT Ghaziabad: It does not have any affiliation to any university. It neither needs nor has UGC-DEB accreditation. It has AICTE accreditation. It is not NAAC accredited.
• NMIMS: The NGA-SCE is a deemed university (A-grade autonomy) and has been affiliated with NMIMS University. NMIMS is well recognized and has many accreditations such as UGC-DEB accreditation, NGA-SCE has AICTE accreditation, NAAC accreditation, AIU accreditation.
• Symbiosis, Pune: It is deemed to be a university and not affiliated with Symbiosis International University or any other universities. It is important to note that none of its distance PGDM programs are accredited by AIU and thus its programs are not equivalent to an MBA degree.
• IGNOU: It is a deemed university and has UGC-DEB accreditation and AICTE accreditation as well as AIU accreditation.

Program:

• IMT Ghaziabad: The flagship distance management programs offered by the institute, i.e. PGDM, Executive PGDM, and one-year Certificate course are all valid as they are AICTE accredited. But these three programs are not equivalent to an MBA degree. This factor is important when the degree evaluation agencies such as WES and IQAS reject the Visa after evaluation. 
• NMIMS: All the flagship PGDM programs are equivalent to an MBA degree. And thus it is easy to get the degree evaluated for equivalence to foreign degrees. The program is well recognized.
• Symbiosis Pune: This institute also does not have AIU accreditation thus its programs are not MBA equivalent making it hard to apply for a Visa to foreign countries. The programs are good.
• IGNOU: IGNOU AIU makes its programs equivalent to an MBA making it easy to complete Ph.D. and apply for a visa or residency in foreign countries. The distance PGDM programs offered by IGNOU are pretty good. It is even recognized abroad.

These are a few of the things that you should consider, before deciding on an institute.