Executive MBA in India: Eligibility, Admission, Fees & Top Colleges

Vaishali Pandey
July 27, 2024
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Shivam Bhardwaj
March 15th 2022

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An Executive MBA (EMBA) is a postgraduate degree designed for working professionals aiming to enhance their management skills and advance their careers without interrupting their work. 

Executive MBA in India focuses on developing strategic thinking, leadership abilities, and comprehensive business knowledge, making it suitable for those already in managerial roles or aspiring to move up the corporate ladder.

Executive MBA in India: Key highlights

An Executive MBA in India is a specialised program for experienced professionals, typically requiring a bachelor’s degree and relevant work experience. Here is an overview: 

Aspect Details
Executive MBA Eligibility
  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Relevant work experience
  • Entrance exam scores (GMAT/GRE).
Executive MBA Duration 1-2 years
Average Fees for Executive MBA in India INR 6 lakhs to INR 20 lakhs
Entrance Exams 2024
  • GMAT
  • GRE
  • CAT
  • Specific university exams
Modes of Program
  • Full-Time
  • Part-Time
  • Online
  • Distance Learning
Top Colleges
Average Salary INR 20 LPA to INR 30 LPA*
Top Recruiters
  • Goldman Sachs
  • JP Morgan
  • HSBC
  • Deloitte
  • KPMG

*Please Note: LPA refers to lakhs per annum.

How Will an Executive MBA in India Benefit You?

An Executive MBA in India offers valuable advantages like advanced leadership skills, strategic insights, and extensive networking opportunities to help you achieve your professional goals.

Let’s read about all the benefits of this course in detail.

1. Career Advancement

Enhances leadership and strategic skills, paving the way for senior management roles. According to the Executive MBA Council, 39% of EMBA graduates received a promotion post-graduation.

2. Networking Opportunities

Provides access to a network of professionals and industry leaders, essential for career growth and business opportunities.

3. Practical Learning

Combines academic theories with real-world applications, enabling immediate implementation of new strategies and concepts.

4. Increased Earning Potential

Often leads to higher salaries and better job positions. The average salary increase for EMBA graduates is 14.1%, according to a survey by the Executive MBA Council.

Who Should Pursue an Executive MBA in India?

This programme is designed for experienced professionals aiming to advance their careers, enhance their managerial skills, and achieve leadership roles. Ideal candidates include the following.

  • Mid to senior-level professionals aiming for higher leadership roles.
  • Entrepreneurs seeking to expand their strategic knowledge and business acumen.
  • Professionals in specific fields looking to gain management expertise and transition into broader roles.

Now, to find out if you are eligible to pursue an EMBA, read on! 

Executive MBA Eligibility

To qualify for an Executive MBA, candidates need to meet certain criteria, including relevant work experience and educational qualifications. Check in the table below:

Aspect Details
Work Experience 2-3 years of relevant work experience is often preferred for eligibility in an Executive MBA program.
Educational Background A bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognized institution is required.
Entrance Exams Some programs require GMAT/GRE scores, while others may conduct their entrance tests.

Executive MBA in India Entrance Exams 2024

Curious about how to gain admission to a top Executive MBA programme? Performing well in the required entrance exams is key, as they gauge your readiness for advanced management studies. 

Exam Name Accepted By Score Validity Average Score Required
GMAT Global Business Schools 5 years 600+
GRE Global Business Schools 5 years 300+
CAT Indian Institutes 1 year 90+ percentile
EMAT Specific Indian Universities Varies Varies

Dive into the detailed breakdown of the CAT Exam Syllabus for MBA 2024 and understand the section-wise weightage to strategize your preparation effectively. Read Now!

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Executive MBA Admission Process

To ensure a smooth and successful application process, it is essential to understand each stage of the process. 

Here are the key details mentioned below.

Aspect Details
Work Experience 2-3 years of relevant work experience is often preferred for eligibility in an Executive MBA program.
Educational Background A bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognized institution is required.
Entrance Exams Some programs require GMAT/GRE scores, while others may conduct their entrance tests.
Check Eligibility Ensure you meet criteria such as a bachelor’s degree, work experience, and entrance exam scores.
Prepare for Exams Study for required exams like GMAT, CAT, or XAT.
Gather Documents Collect academic transcripts, proof of work experience, recommendation letters, and a current CV.
Complete Applications Fill out the application form from the college website accurately and pay attention to deadlines.
Write SOP Craft a compelling Statement of Purpose outlining your career objectives and reasons for choosing the programme.
Obtain Recommendations Secure letters of recommendation from employers or professional associates.
Submit Fees Pay application fees as instructed by each institution.
Attend Interviews Prepare for and attend personal interviews or group discussions if shortlisted.
Await Decisions Wait for admission decisions and follow enrollment procedures if accepted.
Prepare Finances Arrange funds for tuition fees and expenses, considering loans or financial aid if needed.

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Now that you’ve understood the eligibility and admission process, it’s time you move on to the main thing: different types of Executive MBA courses that you can pursue for a bright future.

Types of Executive MBA Courses

Choosing the right Executive MBA (EMBA) course can significantly impact your career path. With various types available, each tailored to different professional needs and schedules, it's crucial to understand the unique features of each programme.

1. Full-Time Executive MBA In India

A Full-Time Executive MBA is an intensive programme where students take a break from their jobs to focus solely on their studies. It typically lasts for one year and includes immersive learning experiences, global study trips, and extensive networking opportunities.

Some of the top colleges which provide Executive MBAs are presented below.

Name of College / Programme & Duration Exams Accepted Overall Executive MBA Fees
IIM, Ahmedabad / PGPX - 1 Year Duration GMAT INR 33L
IIM, Bangalore / E-PGP - 1 Year Duration GMAT INR 31L
IIM, Calcutta / MBA Ex - 1 Year Duration GMAT, Personal Interview INR 31L
XLRI, Jamshedpur / EMBA - 3 Years Duration XAT, GMAT INR 23L
MIT College of Management, Pune / EMBA - 2 Years Duration N/A INR 82,000

2. Part-Time/Weekend Executive MBA In India

Part-Time or Weekend Executive MBAs allow students to continue working while attending classes on weekends or evenings. This type of EMBA usually spans over two years, offering flexibility for working professionals.

Here are top colleges which provide part time Executive MBA.

Name of College / Programme & Duration Exams Accepted Overall Executive MBA Fees
IIM, Ahmedabad / PGPX - 1 Year Duration GMAT INR 33L
IIM, Bangalore / E-PGP - 1 Year Duration GMAT INR 31L
IIM, Calcutta / MBA Ex - 1 Year Duration GMAT, Personal Interview INR 31L
XLRI, Jamshedpur / EMBA - 3 Years Duration XAT, GMAT INR 23L
MIT College of Management, Pune / EMBA - 2 Years Duration N/A INR 82,000
IIM, Lucknow / PGPWE - 2 Years Duration GMAT, CAT INR 92,000
IIM, Bangalore / EPGPM - 1 Year Duration CAT, MAT INR 31L
IIM, Indore / PGPMX - 2 Years Duration Aptitude Test, Interview from Institute INR 3.41L
IIM, Kozhikode / EPGP - 2 Years Duration CAT, GMAT, MEAT INR 22L
IIM, Shillong / MBA Working Executives - 2-3 Years Duration CAT, GMAT INR 12L

3. Distance Executive MBA In India

Distance Executive MBAs are primarily online, providing flexibility for students to learn at their own pace without geographical constraints. 

These programmes can vary in duration from one to three years and often include online lectures, virtual discussions, and periodic on-campus sessions.

There are top colleges for Distance Executive MBA as well.

Name of College / Programme & Duration Exams Accepted Overall Executive MBA Fees
IIM, Ahmedabad / PGPX - 1 Year Duration GMAT INR 33L
IIM, Bangalore / E-PGP - 1 Year Duration GMAT INR 31L
IIM, Calcutta / MBA Ex - 1 Year Duration GMAT, Personal Interview INR 31L
XLRI, Jamshedpur / EMBA - 3 Years Duration XAT, GMAT INR 23L
MIT College of Management, Pune / EMBA - 2 Years Duration N/A INR 82,000
IIM, Lucknow / PGPWE - 2 Years Duration GMAT, CAT INR 92,000
IIM, Bangalore / EPGPM - 1 Year Duration CAT, MAT INR 31L
IIM, Indore / PGPMX - 2 Years Duration Aptitude Test, Interview from Institute INR 3.41L
IIM, Kozhikode / EPGP - 2 Years Duration CAT, GMAT, MEAT INR 22L
IIM, Shillong / MBA Working Executives - 2-3 Years Duration CAT, GMAT INR 12L
SIES College of Management Studies, Mumbai / Corporate Executive PGP-BM - 18 Months Duration CAT, MAT, XAT, CMAT INR 5.2L
NMIMS, Mumbai / MBA (Executive) Business Analytics - 18 Months Duration Merit-based Admission INR 4.5L
All India Institute of Management Studies, Chennai / Post Graduate Diploma in Total Quality Management - 1 Year Duration Merit-based Admission INR 10,200
Indian School of Business Management and Administration, Hyderabad / PGD-BM - 2 Years Duration Direct Application INR 34,000
Indian School of Business Management and Administration, Kolkata / EMBA - 18 Months Duration N/A INR 49,000

Further, let us read about the syllabus of EMBA.

Executive MBA Syllabus

As per GMAC, 19% of candidates in India prefer an Executive MBA as compared to a regular MBA programme. 

The syllabus of an Executive MBA includes a mix of core courses, electives, and capstone projects. Here is a detailed look at the subjects covered. 

Core Courses In EMBA

Subject Description
Leadership Strategies for effective leadership and management.
Strategic Management Frameworks for business strategy development and implementation.
Marketing Principles and practices of modern marketing.
Financial Management Financial analysis, planning, and control.
Operations Management Techniques for efficient business operations.
Organisational Behaviour Study of human behaviour in organisational settings.
Business Ethics Ethical decision-making in business contexts.
Global Business Understanding international business dynamics.

Electives Courses in EMBA

Electives in an Executive MBA programme enable students to tailor their education to specific career goals and interests. These courses offer the opportunity to gain deeper insights into specialised fields and enhance professional expertise.

Common electives include the following.

  1. Digital Marketing
  2. Financial Engineering
  3. Entrepreneurship
  4. Supply Chain Management
  5. Data Analytics

Capstone Projects in EMBA

Capstone projects in an Executive MBA programme provide a practical, hands-on experience to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world business challenges.

Examples of Capstone Projects include the following.

  1. Strategic Business Plan: Developing a comprehensive business strategy.
  2. Consulting Project: Working with a company to solve a specific challenge.
  3. New Venture Creation: Creating and planning a new business venture.
  4. Global Immersion Programme: International study trips and projects.

What is the Difference Between a Part-Time MBA and an Executive MBA in India?

Each programme caters to different professional stages and offers distinct advantages. Here is a detailed difference between a part-time and a full-time MBA.

Aspect Part-Time MBA in India Executive MBA in India
Target Audience Early to mid-career professionals Senior professionals with 5-10+ years of experience
Programme Duration 2-3 years 1-2 years
Focus Academic theory Practical application and leadership
Work-Life Balance Moderate High

Executive MBA Specialisations

Executive MBA specialisations allow professionals to focus on specific industries or functional areas, enhancing their expertise and career prospects. These targeted programmes offer advanced knowledge and skills tailored to particular business domains. 

Popular specialisations include the following.

  1. Finance
  2. Marketing
  3. Human Resources
  4. Operations
  5. Information Technology
  6. Healthcare Management
  7. International Business

Executive MBA vs MBA: Which is better?

Comparing an Executive MBA (EMBA) to a traditional MBA reveals key differences in structure, target audience, and career outcomes. Understanding these distinctions can help you choose the programme that best aligns with your professional goals.

Criteria MBA Executive MBA
Work Experience 0-5 years 2-3+ years
Programme Duration 2 years 1-2 years
Teaching Method Academic focus Practical
Experience-based learning

Get insights into the MBA Salary in India with Specialization-wise Breakup for 2024 to help you choose the best path forward. Learn More!

Top Colleges for Executive MBA in India 

India is home to some of the world's most esteemed business schools, offering Executive MBA programmes that cater to professionals like you seeking to elevate your careers. Let’s take a look at the best colleges in the upcoming sections.

Location-Wise Top Colleges For Executive MBA

Here is a list of the top 5 Executive MBA Colleges in India.

Name City Average Annual Fee
Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad INR 25L
Indian Institute of Management Lucknow INR 21L
Symbiosis Center for Management and HRD Pune INR 2L
Symbiosis Institute of Business Management Bangalore INR 2.6L
IIM Trichy - Indian Institute of Management Chennai INR 11L

Top Private Colleges For Executive MBA

Here are some top private colleges for Executive MBAs.

College Name Annual Executive MBA Fees
SOIL (SOIL Institute of Management) INR 14.5L - INR 15.3L
Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Pune / MBA Executive - 30 Months Duration INR 4L
Management Development Institute, Gurgaon / PGDM - 3 Years Duration INR 4.8L
Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, Delhi / EPGDIB - 18 Months Duration INR 4.5L
Indian School of Business / PGP Pro - 18 Months Duration INR 5L

Top Government Colleges For Executive MBA

Here is a list of top government colleges for Executive MBA in India alongside their tuition fees.

College Name Overall Executive MBA Fees
IIT Kharagpur INR 4.62L
IIT Kashipur INR 17.5L
DTU INR 1.5L
Vinod Gupta School Of Management INR 2.4L
Pioneer Sanitary Inspector College Virpur INR 2.4L

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Top NIRF Ranked Colleges For Executive MBA

Here are the top 5 NIRF-ranked colleges in India.

NIRF Ranking Name of College Overall Executive MBA Fees
1 IIM, Ahmedabad INR 31L
2 IIM, Bangalore INR 23L
3 IIM, Calcutta INR 31L
4 IIM, Kozhikode INR 12L
5 IIT, Delhi INR 7.4L

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Executive MBA in India Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salary and Top Recruiters

An Executive MBA in India opens doors to advanced career opportunities, higher salary prospects, and positions in top companies. Here’s an overview of the job profiles, salary expectations, and leading recruiters for EMBA graduates.

Top Recruiters after Executive MBA in India

Top recruiters in India actively seek Executive MBA graduates for their advanced skills and leadership potential. Here’s a look at some of the leading companies that regularly hire EMBA talent.

  1. Consulting Firms: McKinsey, BCG, Bain.
  2. Finance: Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan.
  3. Technology: Google, Microsoft.
  4. FMCG: Unilever, Procter & Gamble.

Core Industries Recruiting Executive MBA Graduates

Core industries recruiting Executive MBA graduates value their strategic expertise and leadership abilities. These sectors offer diverse opportunities for EMBA professionals to drive growth and innovation. 

Key industries include the following:

  1. Consulting
  2. Finance
  3. Technology
  4. Healthcare
  5. Manufacturing

Executive MBA Job Profiles

Executive MBA graduates are equipped for a range of senior-level roles across various industries. These job profiles leverage their advanced skills and experience to lead teams, drive strategic initiatives, and shape organisational success. 

Common job profiles include the following.

  1. Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
  2. Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
  3. Chief Operating Officer (COO)
  4. Director of Operations
  5. General Manager

Average Salaries for Executive MBA Graduates

Job Title Average Annual Salary
Chief Executive Officer INR 30L
HR Director INR 30L
Marketing Director INR 30L
Product Development Manager INR 15L
Chief Operating Officer INR 30L
Chief Financial Officer INR 38L
Project Manager INR 17L
International Business Manager INR 16L
Infrastructure Manager INR 20L
Operations Manager INR 10L

Average Package of Top 5 Executive MBA Colleges in India

College Name Average Package
Indian Institute of Management (Ahmedabad) INR 35L
Indian School of Business (Hyderabad) INR 34L
XLRI (Jamshedpur) INR 30L
SP Jain Institute (Mumbai) INR 33L
Indian Institute of Management (Bangalore) INR 35L

Online Executive MBA Courses

Online Executive MBAs offer flexibility for working professionals to study from anywhere, providing similar coursework and networking opportunities as traditional programmes. They often include live online classes, recorded lectures, and interactive assignments.

Benefits of Online Executive MBA

Here is a list of top online Executive MBA Providers.

Provider Programme Duration Total Average Cost
University of Illinois (iMBA) 2 years INR 21L
Warwick Business School (UK) 2-3 years INR 57L
IE Business School (Spain) 20 months INR 92L
Imperial College Business School 24 months INR 82L
INSEAD (Global Executive MBA) 14-17 months INR 1.2Cr.

With flexible options like full-time, part-time, and online programmes, you can tailor your education to fit your professional and personal needs while benefiting from extensive networking and practical learning experiences.

Investing in an Executive MBA is a valuable step for seasoned professionals aiming for higher leadership roles and career growth. Consider factors like programme duration, cost, and specialisations to find the best fit and maximise your potential for increased earning power and advancement.

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FAQs on Executive MBA in India

What is an Executive MBA in India?

An Executive MBA in India is a postgraduate degree designed for working professionals looking to enhance their management skills and advance their careers. This programme offers a flexible study schedule to accommodate busy work commitments.

What are the benefits of an Executive MBA for working professionals?

An Executive MBA for working professionals provides advanced management training without interrupting your career. It helps in career advancement, increases earning potential, and offers valuable networking opportunities.

What are the eligibility criteria for an Executive MBA in India?

The executive MBA eligibility typically includes a bachelor's degree from a recognised institution and relevant work experience. Some programmes also require scores from entrance exams like the GMAT or GRE.

How long does an Executive MBA in India typically last?

The Executive MBA duration in India generally ranges from 1 to 2 years, depending on the format of the programme (full-time, part-time, or online).

What is the typical cost of an Executive MBA in India?

Executive MBA fees in India vary widely based on the institution and programme type. On average, the cost can range from INR 20L to INR 40L.

What are the common Executive MBA courses included in the curriculum?

Executive MBA courses usually include core subjects like Leadership, Strategic Management, and Financial Management, and electives tailored to specific business areas.

How does an Executive MBA differ from a traditional MBA?

An Executive MBA in India is designed for professionals with significant work experience, focusing on practical application and leadership, while a traditional MBA typically targets early-career individuals.

What are the specialisations available in an Executive MBA in India?

Executive MBA specialisations in India may include Finance, Marketing, Human Resources, Operations, and more, allowing professionals to tailor their education to their career goals.

Can you pursue an Executive MBA in India while working?

Yes, many Executive MBA programmes in India are designed for working professionals, offering flexible schedules such as weekend or evening classes.

What is the average duration of an Executive MBA in India?

The Executive MBA duration in India usually ranges from 1 to 2 years, depending on whether the programme is full-time, part-time, or distance learning.

What are the entrance exams required for an Executive MBA in India?

Executive MBA eligibility often includes entrance exams such as GMAT, GRE, or specific tests like EMAT for certain universities.

What is the cost of pursuing an Executive MBA for working professionals?

The executive MBA fees for working professionals vary by institution but typically range from INR 20L to INR 40L, depending on the programme.

What is included in the MBA executive program curriculum?

The MBA executive program includes core courses, electives, and capstone projects, focusing on strategic management, leadership, and practical business applications.

How do I determine if an Executive MBA in India is right for me?

To decide if an Executive MBA in India is suitable, consider your career goals, current work experience, and the programme's flexibility and specialisations.

What are the main differences between Executive MBA and MBA courses?

Executive MBA courses are designed for experienced professionals with a focus on practical, real-world applications. In contrast, traditional MBA courses are more academic and suited for those early in their careers.

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