Executive MBA is the most advanced form of management education that is pursued by working professionals with prior working experience between 2-3 years. Executive MBA Admission takes place through MBA Entrance Exams such as CAT, XAT, NMAT, CMAT and SNAP. The general eligibility criteria requires students to complete their graduation from a recognized university. After clearing the entrance exams they are then required to sit for GD / PI rounds for the final round of selection. The average course fee ranges between INR 6,00,000 – 12,00,000 against which the candidates are placed across various job profiles based on their area of specialization such as HR Manager, Banker, Investment Banker and Project Manager. Though the salary structure for each job profile would vary, after pursuing an Executive MBA degree, candidates can expect an average salary of INR 11 LPA – 17 LPA.
Executive MBA: Course Details
Executive MBA Duration | 1 – 2 years |
Executive MBA Eligibility | Graduation from a recognized university and a minimum specified work experience |
Executive MBA Admission Process | Entrance Exam based |
Executive MBA Course Fee (INR) | 6,00,000 – 12,00,000 |
Average Starting Salary (INR) | 11 LPA – 17 LPA |
Top Recruiting Organizations |
Barcklays, JP Morgan, Accenture, PWC, TCS, Infosys and Wipro |
Top Recruiting Areas | Corporate firms, Banks, Offices, Hotels, Online Shopping Portals |
Top Job Profiles |
HR Manager, Banker, Investment Banker, Project Manager and Business Development Manager |
Source: Official Institute Websites
What is Executive MBA?
Executive MBA is a management postgraduate degree that is specially meant for working professionals with extensive experience. It is designed essentially to educate job seekers, managers, entrepreneurs, technocrats, and other business leaders.
Executive MBA programs rely heavily on teamwork with a strive to achieve a common goal. Students pursuing this course from the Top MBA colleges in India get to study management topics like Marketing, Human Resource Management, International Business, and Microfinance. The course curriculum also introduces them to Strategic Management and Executive Communication.
The course is best suited for those who have good IT skills, aptitude skills, analytical skills, and experience in the management field.
Executive MBA Admission Process
Admission for an Executive MBA takes place mainly through entrance exams. Some Colleges like SP Jain take in students if they have a good work profile and many years of experience. The most important eligibility is to know about the field you are working in and have a deep understanding and insights about the market.
- Entrance Exam - The most commonly accepted entrance exam is GMAT. Most IIMs consider GMAT for an executive MBA. A 750+ score on the GMAT is considered an ideal score. CAT is also accepted by some of the IIMs like IIM Kozhikode, IIM Shillong, IIM Rohtak, and the score is valid for up to 5 years.
- Language Test - Some of the Executive MBA programs like IIM Bangalore’s EPGP and IIM Udaipur’s PGPX also require a language test. These programs include international exposure.
- Group Discussion - Group Discussion is there to test your communication skills. In order to perform well in this round, you should be updated about current affairs happening around the world.
- Essay Writing - The Writing Ability Test (WAT) is considered an integral part of the admission process as this test enables the B-school to know more about the candidate’s goals and aspirations. WAT carries a huge weight so it needs to be prepared thoroughly.
- Personal Interview - PI is the final round and is considered to be the most crucial round because here your overall personality will be judged. The panel will look for distinct personality traits in a candidate and then decide whether he/she would be able to add value to the program or not.
Executive MBA Eligibility
Candidates who wish to study an Executive MBA course must satisfy the following eligibility parameters:
- Minimum 50% marks at Higher & Senior Secondary level (10th & 12th)
- Engineering/B.Sc./BBA/B.Com graduates with a minimum of 50% marks from a recognized university
- Preference will be given to candidates with a minimum of 2 years of work experience and above.
IIM Executive MBA Eligibility
The eligibility criteria for an Executive MBA at IIMs are similar to the overall accepted eligibility criteria in India. The main eligibility criteria that are applicable for IIMs are:
- Work Experience of more than 5 years after graduation.
- Valid GMAT/GRE score
- Students must have more than 50% in graduation.
See More
Many colleges and institutes also keep work experience as an important criterion for giving Executive MBA Admissions. The below table gives some insights into this.
GMAT vs CAT
Parameter | GMAT | CAT |
---|---|---|
Sections | Quantitative reasoning (QR), Verbal reasoning (VR), Analytical writing (AWA), Integrated Reasoning (IR) | Verbal ability and reading comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and logical reasoning (DILR), Quantitative Ability (QA) |
No. of Questions/ Time limit | 80 Questions in total QR – 31 Questions / 62 Minutes VR – 36 Questions / 65 Minutes IR – 12 Questions / 30 Minutes AWA – 1 Question / 30 Minutes | 100 Questions in total VARC – 34 Questions / 60 minutes DILR – 32 Questions / 60 minutes QA – 34 Questions / 60 minutes |
Test Duration | 3 Hours and 7 Minutes | 3 Hours |
Adaptiveness | Question adaptive | Not adaptive |
Score Reporting | Absolute score (Out of 800) and percentile score reported | Only the Percentile score reported |
Executive MBA Application Deadlines
Executive MBA from IIM
IIMs are the flagship Management Institutes of India. They provide executive MBA courses along with a 2-year full-time MBA. Executive MBA programs from top IIMs in India are mentioned below.
IIM Bangalore Executive MBA
IIM Bangalore provides the best Executive Program in India. It has bagged multiple awards, recently from QS Global Executive MBA Rankings 2022 where it was announced to be the best executive MBA Program in India. Students must be graduates to apply for the IIM Bangalore Executive Program. Apart from these, students must meet the following criteria:
- Students must have more than 5 years of work experience. It is better for the students if they have less than 12 years of experience which will help them get interested in the curriculum.
- Admission takes place through GMAT or GRE. The student must have a valid scorecard for either the GMAT or GRE.
- Students can send their scores directly to IIM Bangalore by using GMAT code Q9H-KK-84 and GRE code 1675
- Students must submit an SOP or state of Purpose along with their application. It will have the future dreams and how the Executive MBA from IIM Bangalore will shape their future.
The students are selected on various factors like GRE/GMAT scores, quality of work experience, academic track record, etc. The college will create a composite score of multiple factors before coming to any conclusion. The merit list will be prepared and the no of students selected will depend on the no of seats available.
IIM Ahmedabad Executive MBA
IIM Ahmedabad provides 1 year Executive MBA. It has a capacity of 140 students for this program. The students are required to have GRE/GMAT scores in order to be admission in IIM Ahmedabad for an executive MBA.
- The candidates have an average of 4 years of experience.
- Students must have not more than 25 years of experience.
- Students need to have a bachelor's degree
The Admission process has 2 stages. Stage 1 consists of getting shortlisted based on the Entrance Exam score and the second stage revolves around the essay that students need to submit regarding a specific topic. The student will be asked to come for the interview.
IIM Kozhikode Executive MBA
IIM Kozhikode provides AMBA (Association of MBAs) accredited Executive MBA courses. The admission takes place through EMAT which is the only medium for executive MBA program Admission. The eligibility criteria minimum for Executive MBA Admission in IIM Kozhikode are mentioned below:
- The students from the General category, OBC (NC) and EWS must have graduated with at least 50%
- The ST, SC, PwD candidates must have 40% and Women candidates must have 45% for being selected.
- The students must have 3 years of work experience in the professional field.
- If the student has work experience before completing graduation will not be counted.
IIM Calcutta Executive MBA
Executive MBA from IIM Calcutta is a triple-accredited program from AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS. It is among 5 colleges in Asia that have triple accreditation. It provides an enriching learning environment with a good mix of experienced and young professionals. The eligibility criteria for an Executive MBA in IIM Calcutta is:
- Student must have a bachelor's degree.
- 5 years of experience at the managerial level
- Valid GMAT score is required. The score must not be more than 36 months.
Students are selected based on Academic background, Professional experience, GMAT score, Personal interviews, Statement of purpose and Recommendation. The payment for the course fee is done in 4 installments.
IIM Indore Executive MBA
Executive MBA from IIM Indore is a 1 year residential program created for experienced professionals curated for overall improvement in management techniques and capabilities. The college has received accreditation from the Association of MBAs, EQUIS and AACSB. The eligibility criteria for an Executive MBA from IIM Indore are as follows:
- In the case of 4 year bachelor's degree, the student must get 50% in any discipline.
- In the case of 3 years bachelor's degree, the student must have 50% both in bachelor's and master's degrees.
- In the case of Five-year Integrated Programme, the student must have 50%.
- The student must have a GMAT score not older than 5 years.
- Student must have 5 years of professional work experience.
The online application must be submitted with a fee of INR 5,900 which is non-refundable. The students will then be called for a personal interview. There is equal weightage for GMAT score and personal interview in the time selection.
IIM Executive MBA Fees
College Name | Fees (INR) |
---|---|
IIM Ahmedabad | 33,00,000 |
IIM Bangalore | 33,96,000 |
IIM Calcutta | 31,00,000 |
IIM Lucknow | 23,50,000 |
IIM Indore | 22,11,800 |
IIM Kozhikode | 14,70,000 |
IIM Trichy | 11,80,000 |
IIM Ranchi | 12,70,000 |
IIM Raipur | 13,25,000 |
Executive MBA Best Colleges
Listed below are some of the top institutes offering the course in the country with the corresponding locations and fees charged by them
Name | City | Average Annual Fee (INR) |
---|---|---|
Indian Institute of Management | Ahmedabad | 25,00,000 |
Indian Institute of Management | Lucknow | 21,40,000 |
SP Jain School of Global Management | Mumbai | 14,04,000 |
Symbiosis Centre for Management and HRD | Pune | 2,10,000 |
Symbiosis Institute of Business Management | Bangalore | 2,60,000 |
Indian School of Business | Hyderabad | 37,00,000 |
Amity University | Noida | 6,20,000 |
Indian Institute of Business Management and Studies | Mumbai | 40,800 |
Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies | Mumbai | 4,70,000 |
Delhi Technological University | New Delhi | 2,30,000 |
University of Delhi- Faculty of Management Studies | New Delhi | 95,000 |
ISB Executive MBA
EMBA in ISB is known as PGPMAX. This executive MBA program is the only executive MBA featuring in Global Top 50 in The FT EMBA 2022 Ranking. This program is for managers and professionals with work experience ranging from 10-25 years. This program broadens the existing skills expected from the batch. It brings into focus the latest trends in management and industry. Students are able to take on greater opportunities after completing this course. The main features of this course are mentioned below:
- The duration of the program is 15 months
- There are 2 delivery locations which are Mohali and Hyderabad
- Students will be marked on 24 credits
- There are specializations associated with this program like Strategy and Leadership, Finance and Marketing.
FMS Executive MBA
EMBA from FMS Delhi is a 2 year program. Classes take place during weekdays but they are in the evening which makes it easier for working professionals to do this program. The class on Saturday usually lasts longer. Students will need to complete 112 credits for the completion of the course. The entire curriculum can be divided into 3 sections such as core courses, electives and open elective courses.
- Executive MBA at FMS Delhi is available in 2 specializations which are Health Care Administration (HCA) and General Executive MBA.
- The selection of the students depends on Academic Scores, Personal Interviews, Statement of Purpose, Extempore, Reference and Discussion on Experience
- The General Executive MBA has 200 seating capacity and Healthcare Administration has 50 seating capacity.
- The average CTC expected after completing an executive MBA from FMS is 32 Lakhs
SP Jain Executive MBA
SP Jain offers a PGPM course for aspirants who are looking for an Executive MBA. It is an 18-months program with 12 months of on-campus learning, 4 months of corporate training, and 2 months of online learning. The programme is designed as a career accelerator for individuals with strong domain expertise to move to expansive roles in general management. The eligibility criteria for an Executive MBA from SP Jain are mentioned below:
- Students need to be a graduate of a recognized university.
- Minimum 3 years of work experience with strong domain expertise
- Student must complete their education English. If not they will have to take English Language Tests like IELTS, TOEFL and PTE.
-
Women with a career break of 2 years or more (with 3 years of work experience), may be considered for a special track for women.
The entrance exams accepted for Executive MBA Admission in SP Jain are GMAT (Appeared in last 5 years) and CAT (Appeared in last 2 years).
NMIMS Executive MBA
EMBA from NMIMS is built to make students understand Accounting, Finance, Economics, Operations, and other core business subjects. Students are able to solve complex business problems after doing this course. Students learn about modern management theories and techniques which students learn during their assessments, case studies, projects, and simulations.
- Executive MBA in NMIMS is AICTE-approved
- The program is provided in distance learning mode
- Executive MBA is available in 5 specializations which are Marketing, Leadership and Strategy, Operations & Supply Chain, Digital Marketing, and Applied Finance.
- There is the option of having a dual specialization.
XLRI Executive MBA
EMBA in XLRI is known as the Management Development Program. The MDP are designed to provide the best knowledge based on changing world demands about business and professional life. It has a broad view of improving management systems in India and South Asia. The eligibility criteria for an Executive MBA in XLRI are mentioned below:
- The students must have 5 years of experience in various sectors like IT, ITeS, Energy or Power, Automobile, Manufacturing, etc.
- Students must clear one of the 3 Exams for Admission which are CAT, XAT, or GRE.
Students can apply for multiple programs for which they will be asked to attend multiple interviews. XLRI looks for students with diverse backgrounds. Apart from performance in the Entrance exams and interviews, the college also looks at relevant work experience, academic ability, and extra-curricular activities while admission.
Symbiosis Executive MBA
EMBA from Symbiosis has been designed for working professionals who are in an advanced stage in their careers. This program helps students to have a deeper and better understanding of business as a whole which will help them grow and develop. The Eligibility criteria for Symbiosis executive MBA are mentioned below:
- The student must have 50% in graduation. The cut-off is reduced to 45% for ST, and SC candidates.
- Graduation through distance mode is accepted provided it is recognized by AICTE and UGC.
- The student must have at least 1 year of work experience after graduation.
The program is available in specializations like Marketing, Finance, Human Resources, Operations & Supply Chain, Analytics & Information Technology, Innovation & Entrepreneurship, etc. The executive MBA program is divided into 4 semesters with a total of 21 credit points. The program is offered on weekends at SIBM Pune's picturesque Lavale campus.
IMT Ghaziabad Executive MBA
IMT Ghaziabad provides an AICTE-approved and AACSB accredited Executive MBA which is called PGDM-ExP. The students receive workshops on AI, ML, Fin-tech (Crypto and Blockchain), Consultancy, and Negotiations apart from advanced management knowledge. The eligibility criteria for students are:
- Student must be a graduate with 50% in aggregate.
- Student must have 5 years of work experience.
Students must clear any of the Entrance exams such as CAT, XAT or GMAT. The students will receive placement opportunities after completing this program. The specializations offered to students in the program are Marketing, Information management, Operations & supply chain management, Human Resources Management and Financial Management.
How to become a Hotel Manager | How to become a Business Development Manager |
How to Become Airport Manager | How to become a Financial Manager |
Types of Executive MBA
Executive MBA is focused and meant for working professionals and the thing working professionals have the least is time. Since they work it becomes difficult for them to attend classes. To solve this problem and also provide an executive MBA, different types of Executive MBA courses are available that provide Executive MBA in different hours or through a different modes.
Executive MBA: Full Time
Executive MBA is a 1 year MBA course that is meant for working professionals. Most Executive MBA programs are on-campus courses. Executive MBAs are designed to cater to working professionals who have more than 4-5 years of experience.
The Executive MBA program relies heavily on teamwork with a strive to achieve a common goal. Students pursuing this course from the top MBA colleges in India get to study management topics like Marketing, Human Resource Management, International Business, and Microfinance. The course curriculum also introduces them to Strategic Management and Executive Communication.
The course is best suited for those who have good IT skills, aptitude skills, analytical skills, and experience in the management field.
Executive MBA Online
Various colleges provide Executive MBAs in online mode. It caters to working professionals who do not wish to leave their jobs. Many MBA Abroad Colleges offer Online MBA Courses such as Washington State University, Bethel University, etc.
Online Executive MBAs are cheaper as compared to on-campus courses. They last for about 15-20 months. The eligibility criteria for Online MBA Programs is a GPA score of around 3.0 out of 4.0 and GMAT score of 550 or better.
Weekend Executive MBA
Weekend MBAs are also becoming an option for students who do not wish to leave their jobs in pursuit of an Executive MBA degree. SP Jain School of Global MBA is one of the providers of Weekend MBA. It requires 3 years of work experience and the duration is 18 months.
The program tries to avoid the weekdays when the candidate will be busy with work.
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Normal MBA vs Executive MBA
There is a very thin line of difference between Executive MBA and Regular MBA Course. Some of the key differences are:
Parameter | Executive MBA | Regular MBA |
---|---|---|
Course Duration | 1 year | 2 years |
Average Salary | INR 9 LPA – 15 LPA | INR 12 LPA – 23 LPA |
Work Experience | A mandatory work experience required of 5-10 years | No such work experience is mandatory |
Course Offerings | Provides expert knowledge to professionals who wish to enhance their knowledge. | In-depth insights into business functioning at advanced levels. |
The above table lists just some basic differences between Executive MBA and MBA course structure and curriculum. Explore deeper insights and differences between Executive MBA and MBA.
Is Executive MBA better than a Regular MBA?
If you are a working professional with an experience of 5 years or more, then Executive MBA is what you must prefer as it will help you with the expert level knowledge that will further enhance your career growth. On the other hand, if you happen to be a recent grad who wants to gain an advanced level of knowledge in business administration and a specific specialization, go for a Regular MBA.
Check: Executive MBA Jobs
Executive MBA Syllabus
The Course consists of core courses and electives. Since the program is specially designed for working professionals, industry training is not a compulsory requirement. Classes are held online, on weekends, or in the evening. The general model of instruction is through lectures and seminars. Students may also be required to present papers or give presentations.
Check: Executive MBA Syllabus
Executive MBA Subjects
A semester-wise breakup of the course syllabus is tabulated below.
Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
---|---|
Principles of Management and Organizational Behaviour | Production and Operations Management |
Managerial Economics | Executive Communication |
Accounting and Finance for Managers | Management Information Systems |
Marketing Management | International Business |
Human Resource Management | Events Management |
Research Methods for Management | Microfinance: Perspectives and Operations |
Corporate Communication | Business Environment and Ethics |
Operations Management | Strategic Management |
Project Work | Project Work |
Viva Voce | Viva Voce |
Executive MBA Abroad
Working professionals have the option of doing an Executive MBA from Abroad. This is very beneficial since the management colleges abroad have better placement facilities and better exposure as compared to Indian Management colleges.
Top Executive MBA Colleges Abroad
QS Executive MBA Rankings | College Name and Fees |
---|---|
1 | HEC |
2 | IESE Business School |
3 | Oxford |
4 | MIT |
5 | Penn Wharton |
6 | IE Business School |
7 | London Business School |
8 | INSEAD |
9 | ESADE Business School |
10 | Chicago (Booth) |
Executive MBA Jobs
After completing the Executive MBA course, students have a lot of opportunities to explore. One can even bag a higher position in their firm as a means of promotion. More responsibilities may be endowed and bigger projects may be given.
See Also:
How to become a Brand Manager | How to become an Event Manager | How to become a Bank Manager |
How to Become a Purchase Manager | How to Become a Production Manager | How to become IT Manager |
The below chart gives a comparison between how much money one needs to spend on executive MBA education and how much one get to earn.
The most common job profiles available in the market for such graduates are:
- Sales Executive
- Brand Executive
- Communications Manager
- Quality Control Manager
- Customer Support Executive
The following table gives a more vivid description of the job profiles along with the salaries available.
Job Position | Job Description | Average Annual Salary (INR) |
---|---|---|
Marketing and Sales Executive | These executives work to maximize the company's profits. They achieve these preset goals by developing sales strategies and devising up-to-date plans that sync customer requirements. | 7.50 L – 10 L |
Brand Executive | Brand Executives are responsible for the creation, management, supervision and growth of brands under their belt. The main responsibilities of a Brand Executive are to master, manage and develop the brand portfolio and aim to achieve high brand sales. | 6 L – 8 L |
Communications Manager | Communications Manager job is a senior level job generally given to those with at least 7 years of experience in his or her field. They create, implement and oversee the current communication programs. | 11 L |
Customer Support Executive | They are the ones who answer and reciprocate to incoming calls from customers. Customer Service Executives are in demand by IT companies where the executives have to work and handle their clients. | 4.50 L |
Quality Control Manager | They use variety of measures and strict parameters in their management systems to comply to total quality management set by the standard. They usually have specialized tasks which are carried out depending on the nature of work. | 10 L – 15 L |
The topmost recruiters are:
- Flipkart
- TATA
- Airtel
- TCS
- Infosys
- Accenture
- Micromax
The following chart gives details of the salaries offered for different positions.
Source: Payscale (September 2019)
For those who interested in further higher studies, check Management Ph.D. courses in India. Some of these are:
Executive MBA: FAQs
Ques. Which are the best Executive MBA programs available in India?
Ans. There are a lot of Executive MBA specializations. Some of the popular ones are:
Ques. Which college is good for an Executive MBA?
Ans. The top colleges offering Executive MBA are:
Ques. What is the difference between General MBA and Executive MBA?
Ans. An executive MBA course differs from General MBA in many respects ranging from the course duration to the eligibility criteria. To know in detail about how the 2 courses differ, click here.
Ques. Does an Executive MBA have the same value as a fulltime MBA?
Ans. Both the Executive MBA and Full-time MBA are meant for different purposes. A full-time MBA program focuses on providing deep insights into business functioning at advanced levels. Whereas, the Executive MBA is of value for those professionals who are already in a job and want to enhance their skills.
Ques. What are the benefits of pursuing Executive MBA in India?
Ans. The Executive MBA course is especially meant for those people who are already doing a job and further want to enhance their skills The course helps students in learning deeper knowledge related to their field. Many professionals and executives in India opt for Executive MBA to rise in ranks in their company or to increase their package.
Ques. What is the ideal age to pursue an Executive MBA?
Ans. In order to pursue an Executive MBA, students need to fulfil an eligibility criterion of minimum work experience. The average work experience required is 5-10 years. Due to this, the age of the students goes a bit high. In most of the IIMs, the average age of students is 30 years.
Ques. What are the prerequisites to do an Executive MBA in IIMs?
Ans. Executive MBA is offered in different IIMs under different names. Due to this, there might be some variations in the prerequisites. However, the biggest prerequisite to pursue this course from any institute is work experience. Other prerequisites include:
- Graduation in any stream
- A valid GMAT score
- Minimum age as set by the institute.
Ques. Is an Executive MBA in International Business worth taking?
Ans. An Executive MBA in International Business will equip students with all the sufficient knowledge they need to display their expertise in the subject. The course equips students with the skills of:
- Marketing
- Finance
- Management
- International trade basics
- International monetary systems
- International law
- International trade
- Strategic alliances
- Joint ventures with foreign firms
Also, one should ensure they opt for this course only if they are already associated with the field.
Ques. Do Executive MBA students get the opportunity to sit at placements in the IIMs?
Ans. For IIM executive courses like PGPX and EPGP, students are allowed to sit in placements generally, even in cases when they are attached with their own companies.
However, in part-time executive MBA courses, they might not be allowed to appear in the placements.
Ques. How much minimum work experience is required for Executive MBA?
Ans. Generally, the standard is kept at 5 years, but some institutes ask for up to 10 years. Though some institutes even agree with a work experience of 2 years.
Ques. Which companies offer jobs to Executive MBA graduates?
Ans. The top recruiting companies are:
- Flipkart
- TATA
- Airtel
- Accenture
- TCS
Ques. How much salary does one get after Executive MBA?
Ans. The average salary after Executive MBA ranges from INR 9-15 lakh.
Ques. What is meant by working professionals?
Ans. Working Professionals are those people who are already in their job or doing some business.
Ques. Is CAT score accepted in Executive MBA?
Ans. Generally, colleges consider the score of exams like GMAT, GRE and EMAT. However, some institutes might accept CAT.
Ques. How much fee is required for Executive MBA?
Ans. The fee charged can be anywhere between INR 4-15 lakh.
Ques. What questions are asked in the interview of Executive MBA?
Ans. The interview mainly deals with your personality traits and responding to immediate situations. The interviewer can also check your aptitude skills and other factors like attitude.
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