IIM Calcutta PGPEX : Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Kolkata, West BengalAutonomous UniversityEstd 1961
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Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 31, 2026

The Post Graduate Programme for Executives for Visionary Leadership in Manufacturing (PGPEX-VLM) at IIM Calcutta is a unique one-year full-time residential programme jointly offered by IIM Calcutta, IIT Kanpur, and IIT Madras. Established in 2007 under the Indo-Japan Cooperation Agreement, the programme is designed to develop visionary leaders for India's manufacturing sector. The programme fee for the 2026-27 batch was Rs 13,50,000 (excluding accommodation and boarding), with a batch size of 40 students. Admission requires a first-class engineering degree and 4.5 to 10 years of work experience in manufacturing and related sectors. The programme includes 1,173+ contact hours, a 6-week industry internship, and a 1-week international study visit to Japan under JICA. It is popular among experienced engineers from manufacturing, supply chain, and allied sectors seeking to transition into senior management roles.

Admissions for the 2026-27 batch (Batch 20) are closed. The written test was held on December 1, 2026, and results were declared by December 31, 2026. For the upcoming 2027-28 batch (Batch 21), applications are expected to open in September 2026 (tentative), based on the previous year's schedule.

Key Points

  • PGPEX-VLM is a joint programme of IIM Calcutta, IIT Kanpur, and IIT Madras - the only management programme in India jointly offered by three premier institutions.
  • The programme is conducted under the aegis of the Ministry of Education (MoE) and DPIIT, Government of India, with technical collaboration from JICA (Japan).
  • All students must have a first-class engineering degree - non-engineers are not eligible.
  • The programme includes a 1-week international industry visit to Japan (Toyota, Suzuki, Sony factories) under JICA.
  • A 6-week compulsory industry internship is part of the curriculum (January-February).
  • The programme covers Green Manufacturing, Industry 4.0, IoT, AI, and ISO 9001:2015 Lead Auditor Training.
  • Placement process starts from the first week of November.
  • The programme is designed in consultation with MIT Sloan's "Leaders in Global Operations" (LGO) programme.
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IIM Calcutta PGPEX-VLM Fees

The programme fee for the 2026-27 batch (Batch 20) was Rs 13,50,000, which covers tuition fees, common fee, host institute fee, and course materials. Accommodation, boarding, domestic and international study tours, and personal expenses are charged separately. A refundable caution deposit of Rs 40,000 is also payable. The fee for the 2027-28 batch (Batch 21) is subject to revision. The fee is paid in instalments to the three institutes.

Fee Components

Fee ComponentAmount (Rs)
Programme Fee (Tuition + Course Materials)13,50,000
Caution Deposit (Refundable)40,000
Total Programme Fee (excl. accommodation)13,90,000

Fee Instalment Schedule

InstalmentPayable ToAmount (Rs)Tentative Schedule
1st InstalmentHost Institute (IIM Calcutta)90,000Last week of January
2nd InstalmentHost Institute (IIM Calcutta) + Caution Deposit5,85,000 + 40,000First week of April
3rd InstalmentIIT Kanpur2,92,500Second week of August
4th InstalmentIIT Madras2,92,500Last week of October
5th InstalmentIIM Calcutta (Common Expenses)90,000Second week of December
  • Caution deposit of Rs 40,000 is refundable after completion of the programme, subject to adjustments.
  • Accommodation and boarding costs are payable separately to the respective institute.
  • Domestic and international (Japan) study tour costs are borne by the student.
  • Programme fee for 2027-28 batch (Batch 21) is subject to revision.

Explore Other Group Colleges of IIM Calcutta

IIM Calcutta PGPEX-VLM Admission 2026

Admissions to PGPEX-VLM are based on academic records, work experience, and performance in a Written Test and Personal Interview conducted jointly by IIM Calcutta, IIT Kanpur, and IIT Madras. The 2026-27 batch (Batch 20) admissions are closed. For the upcoming 2027-28 batch (Batch 21), applications are expected to open in September 2026 based on the previous year's pattern.

Important Dates

Event2026-27 (Batch 20)2027-28 (Batch 21)
Newspaper Advertisement / Application Portal OpensSeptember 3, 2026September 2026
Application Portal ClosesNovember 5, 2026November 2026
Letters of Recommendation DeadlineNovember 12, 2026November 2026
Admit Cards for Written TestNovember 19, 2026November 2026
Written TestDecember 1, 2026December 2026
Call Letters for Personal InterviewDecember 6, 2026December 2026
Personal Interview at IIM CalcuttaDecember 22, 2026December 2026
Results DeclarationDecember 31, 2026December 2026
Programme CommencementJanuary 2027January 2027

Note: Written test is conducted at 4 locations: Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Chennai. Personal Interview is held at IIM Calcutta.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

  • First-Class Graduate Engineer with First Division/First Class marks from Secondary Examination onwards (consistently first class throughout).
  • Self-sponsored candidates: Minimum 4.5 years to maximum 10 years of work experience in manufacturing, engineering, and related sectors (production planning, R&D, quality control, plant engineering, maintenance, supply chain, construction, etc.) as on February 28, 2027 (for 2026-27 batch).
  • Sponsored candidates and candidates on study leave: Minimum 4.5 years of work experience; no upper limit.

Admission Process

  • Fill the online application form on the IIM Calcutta website; application fee is Rs 4,000.
  • Shortlisting based on academic records, work experience, and employer recommendations.
  • Shortlisted candidates appear for a Written Test (Verbal Ability, Quantitative Ability, Engineering Ability) at 4 centres.
  • Candidates shortlisted after the written test are called for Personal Interview at IIM Calcutta.
  • Final selection based on academic records, work experience, written test, and PI performance.
  • On successful completion, a joint diploma is awarded by IIM Calcutta, IIT Kanpur, and IIT Madras.

IIM Calcutta: Students' Opinion

AI-Generated Summary based on 2 Reviews

Admission to the college requires an entrance exam, with a written test and viva, primarily for students with a core background. A total of 40 candidates are selected. A good GMAT score is also beneficial. The faculty is experienced and dedicated, offering numerous assignments for comprehensive learning. The VLM course costs approximately 14 to 15 lakhs, which includes a base fee of 12 lakhs and an additional 2 to 3 lakhs.

This is more affordable compared to other B-schools, whose fees range from 24 to 35 lakhs. The course offers tours to two IITs and Japan, providing a strong return on investment. The placement rate is 90%, with salary packages between 15 to 20 LPA and a median of 16 to 17 LPA, mainly in IT, consulting, manufacturing, and e-commerce sectors. A 45-day internship is mandatory, with stipends from 0 to 1.2 L.

The institute supports internship interviews, and the 2018-19 batch had a strong placement record. Currently, there are no scholarships, and SBI loans at 8.5% interest are no longer available, so students should consider private banks for loans. The fee payment process is simple and straightforward.

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IIM Calcutta PGPEX-VLM Scholarships 2026

PGPEX-VLM does not have a dedicated scholarship programme. However, candidates may explore the following options:

Scholarship Options

Scholarship / AssistanceDetails
Employer SponsorshipMany candidates are sponsored by their employers; sponsored candidates have no upper limit on work experience.
Study LeaveCandidates on study leave from their employer are eligible; they may participate in placements with an NOC from their employer.
Bank LoansEducation loans from nationalised banks are available for the programme fee.
  • There is no specific merit or need-based scholarship offered by IIM Calcutta for PGPEX-VLM.
  • Candidates are advised to explore education loan options from banks such as SBI, Bank of Baroda, and others.
  • Employer sponsorship is a common route for experienced professionals.

IIM Calcutta PGPEX-VLM Placement 2026

PGPEX-VLM has a strong placement record, with consulting, supply chain management, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing being the dominant sectors. The 2026 batch (Batch 19) saw an average CTC of Rs 26.37 LPA and a highest CTC of Rs 52 LPA. Consulting dominated placements with 59% of total offers. Key recruiters include Accenture, Infosys, TCS, Tech Mahindra, and ZF.

Placement Statistics

Placement Metric20202021202220232024
Highest CTC (Rs LPA)47.5026.0069.2936.3252.00
Average CTC (Rs LPA)19.1014.5122.2122.1326.37
Median CTC (Rs LPA)18.0014.0020.0021.0824.00
Total Students3936404040
Total Offers3834445239

Key recruiters: Accenture, Infosys, TCS, Tech Mahindra, ZF, PwC, Amazon Web Services, and others. Consulting sector dominated with 59% of offers in 2024. The programme enables engineers to transition into senior management and consulting roles in manufacturing and allied sectors.

IIM Calcutta PGPEX Ranking

Financial Times Ranking

#53 out of 100 in International 2026

Outlook Ranking


QS Ranking

#64 out of 301 in International 2026

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IIM Calcutta PGPEX-VLM FAQs

Ques. Is PGPEX-VLM only for engineers? Can a non-engineer with manufacturing experience apply?

Ans. Yes, PGPEX-VLM is exclusively for engineers. The eligibility criteria strictly require a First-Class Graduate Engineering degree with First Division/First Class marks from Secondary Examination onwards. Non-engineers, even with extensive manufacturing experience, are not eligible for this programme.

Ques. What is the difference between PGPEX-VLM and the regular PGPEX (MBA for Executives) at IIM Calcutta?

Ans. PGPEX-VLM is a one-year programme specifically for engineers with manufacturing sector experience, jointly offered by IIM Calcutta, IIT Kanpur, and IIT Madras. It has a strong manufacturing and technology focus, includes a Japan study visit, and requires an engineering background. The regular PGPEX (MBA for Executives) is a one-year general management programme for executives from any background with at least 5 years of experience. The PGPEX fee (Rs 33,50,000 for 2026-27) is significantly higher than PGPEX-VLM (Rs 13,50,000).

Ques. What is the Japan visit in PGPEX-VLM? Is it mandatory?

Ans. The 1-week international industry visit to Japan is an integral part of the PGPEX-VLM curriculum. Students visit manufacturing centres of excellence in Nagoya and Tokyo, including Toyota, Suzuki, and Sony factories. The visit is conducted under JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) and covers the Toyota Production System and Japanese manufacturing philosophy. The costs of the Japan visit are borne by the student and are not included in the programme fee.

Ques. Can a self-sponsored candidate with more than 10 years of experience apply for PGPEX-VLM?

Ans. No. Self-sponsored candidates (not in service) must have a maximum of 10 years of work experience. Candidates with more than 10 years of experience are only eligible if they are sponsored by their employer or are on study leave from their employer. In those cases, there is no upper limit on work experience.

Ques. What sectors and roles do PGPEX-VLM graduates typically move into after the programme?

Ans. PGPEX-VLM graduates typically move into consulting (59% of 2024 placements), supply chain management, manufacturing operations, pharmaceuticals, and auto parts sectors. Key roles include management consultant, supply chain manager, operations manager, and business excellence leader. Top recruiters include Accenture, TCS, Infosys, Tech Mahindra, ZF, PwC, and Amazon Web Services. The programme is particularly effective for engineers seeking to transition from technical roles to senior management and consulting positions.

Ques. Is the diploma awarded by PGPEX-VLM equivalent to an MBA?

Ans. The PGPEX-VLM awards a "Post Graduate Diploma in Management for Executives in Manufacturing" jointly by IIM Calcutta, IIT Kanpur, and IIT Madras. While it is not a degree (as IIMs award diplomas, not degrees), it is widely recognised by industry as equivalent to an MBA from a premier institution. The joint certification from three premier institutes (IIM Calcutta + IIT Kanpur + IIT Madras) gives it strong credibility in the manufacturing and consulting sectors.

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IIM Calcutta: 1 Answered Question

How are placements at IIM Calcutta PGPEX VLM? Is it worth it in the long-run?

Neha Rani
Rajesh GaddipatiPGP from Indian Institute of Management Ranchi (Graduated 2022)

This course is specifically for people from manufacturing companies. This is not like the general PGPEX program. VLM also has tie-ups with IITs and Japanese firms for internship opportunities. 

The placement statistics for PGPEX VLM at IIM Calcutta are tabulated below:

Particulars 

Placement Statistics 

Total No of students

39

Total no offers

38

Total Companies participated 

31

Highest CTC

INR 47.5 LPA

Average CTC

INR 18.9 LPA

Median CTC

INR 18 LPA

If you are looking for general management and want an accredited internationally ranked program then you can pursue PGPEX.

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Why To Join IIM Calcutta - Reviews & Rating

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5(71%)
4(26%)
3(1%)
2(1%)
1(0%)

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4.4
Faculty
4.5
Infrastructure
4.5
Accommodation
4.0
Social Life
4.3
Placement
4.5

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Tanmay srivastava
5.0
Reviewed on Nov 3, 2020(Enrolled 2019)

Course Curriculum Overview:

Top class faculty. They were helpful, qualified and knowledgeable. The course curriculum is very hectic and you will not get a breather. 2-year program curriculum is covered in 1 year including internship and industry tour (including a 2-week japan visit).
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nitesh mishra
4.2Helpful
Reviewed on Nov 28, 2019(Enrolled 2016)

Fees and Financial Aid:

SBI loan at joka. Currently they are not providing loan for this program. Rate of interest was 8.5%. you can also opt for private banks. No scholarship for this program. Easy disbursement of fees also done.
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