Is a Distance MBA with UpGrad Worth Your Time? A Hilarious Review and Warning for Prospective Students Who Still Want to Eat and Sleep at Night

In today’s fast-paced world, the greed of pursuing an MBA while continuing a full-time job has made distance education a popular choice for many professionals. The flexibility of online learning, combined with the promise of career advancement, makes it seem like a perfect fit. But what happens when the reality doesn’t align with the promises?

Sanika Sandeep Walavalkar, a current student of the UpGrad x MICA x Deakin University distance MBA program, recently shared a sobering account of her experience—one that resonates with anyone considering a similar path. Here’s a detailed look at what she went through, and why it serves as a cautionary tale for others thinking about distance education, particularly with UpGrad.

The Dream vs. The Reality

In 2023, Walavalkar was motivated by the desire to boost her career and enrolled in the MICA x UpGrad program. While juggling a ₹45,000 salary and the pressure of a ₹40,000 EMI, she found the program to be rewarding, gaining valuable knowledge while simultaneously excelling in her job. However, her experience took a turn for the worse in 2024 when the program shifted to Deakin University, revealing significant flaws.

Key Issues Faced by Walavalkar

1. Disorganized Processes 
   Managing two different platforms—UpGrad and Deakin—proved to be a academic nightmare. Walavalkar described how even essential components like the simpler projects were scattered across various sites, causing confusion and delays. A lack of cohesion between the platforms only made the learning experience more stressful.

2. Unrealistic Assignments
   The academic demands were more than overwhelming. Walavalkar was required to write 12 research papers while working full-time, which she found to be an unrealistic expectation. Even with immense effort, she faced frustrating roadblocks with grading, where scores were at 40%, regardless of the quality of work submitted. For students to pass, 50% was the minimum, yet Walavalkar found that this was never achievable despite her best efforts.

3. Lack of Support
   The support system, which was promised at the time of enrollment, seemed to disappear once Walavalkar faced real challenges. Once the program switched to Deakin, the guidance she had been promised was nowhere to be found. With the partnership between UpGrad and Deakin coming to an end, students were urged to wrap up their pending modules as quickly as possible, leaving many without adequate assistance to succeed.

4. Money-Centric Approach
   One of the most disheartening aspects of Walavalkar’s experience was the overwhelming focus on money. Students were charged ₹16,500 for missed deadlines or attempts at module revisions, making the program feel like a business more than a genuine educational experience. To make matters worse, UpGrad staff were quick to offer referral bonuses, but didn’t address the actual concerns of students struggling with the academic side of the program.

The Dilemma: To Finish or Not to Finish?

After putting in significant effort, Walavalkar is now at a crossroads. She faces a tough decision:

1. Complete the Program and Pay the Price
   Should she continue her pursuit of the MBA by paying ₹66,000 to finish, despite not seeing tangible career growth from the program? With no support from UpGrad and a lack of career guarantees, this option seems less appealing.

2. Climb the Career Ladder with Experience
   Walavalkar is considering focusing on her job, leveraging the experience she’s gained over the last five years. She’s learned far more from her work than she has from the MBA program, and her career might progress better with hands-on expertise rather than a degree that offers little in return.

3. Pursue an Executive MBA from a Top B-School
   The final option is to invest in a more reputable MBA program, one that could provide genuine value in terms of career advancement and knowledge. An executive MBA from a top B-school in India might offer more long-term benefits, even if it’s a more costly and time-consuming investment.

The Bigger Picture: What Should You Do?

Walavalkar’s story serves as a guiding tale for anyone considering distance education, particularly through UpGrad. The promise of flexibility, career advancement, and top-tier education is tempting, but the reality is far from what was expected.

For prospective students, it’s important to ask the right questions:

• Is the program well-organized, with clear structures and processes?
• Are the academic expectations reasonable, given the demands of your full-time job?
• Is there genuine support from the institution throughout the duration of the program?
• Will this MBA actually provide a return on investment in terms of career growth?

For those who are unsure, it may be worth looking into other options, such as reputable executive MBA programs from top Indian B-schools or exploring other online education providers that offer more comprehensive support.

In conclusion, distance education can certainly be a worthwhile path for career advancement, but it’s crucial to carefully consider the pros and cons before making a decision. Walavalkar’s experience reminds us that while online MBAs may appear to be an easy route to career success, the journey can be more complicated than expected.

If you’re considering an MBA or any distance learning program, take a step back and ensure you have all the information you need to make an informed decision. After all, education is an investment in your future—don’t let it be an investment that falls short.

Disclaimer: Information mentioned in this page are explained based on the following LinkedIn post and I do not guarantee any authenticity : https://www.linkedin.com/posts/sanika-walavalkar_not-a-rant-but-an-alert-for-anyone-considering-activity-7284583536659996673-pfeg?utm_source=social_share_send&utm_medium=member_desktop_web