The Executive MBA or the EMBA program is such a prestigious course that aims to enhance the leadership, strategic thinking and business skills of a seasoned professional. This program is specially structured for working professionals who have 5 to 10 years of experience. It doesn’t cause any hindrance to the ongoing professional life of the student thus, making it possible to study and work at the same time. Completion of such Executive MBA programs leads to taking senior management roles in an organization.
Most business schools offering the EMBA program require the applicants to show ample work experience and a good GMAT score. Thus, start your GMAT coaching and boost your preparation, so as to obtain a good score.
Why Executive MBA?
If you are a seasoned professional, here are the reasons why you should go for an EMBA:
- Enhancement of skills: Polish your leadership, decision making, business strategy skills and excel in the business world.
- Better Networking: You get access to a strong alumni network. Moreover, this leads to great career support.
- Career Advancement: After completing an EMBA degree, advancing to a leadership position in your organization becomes easy. Thus, attracting a better salary package and reputation.
- Flexibility: The EMBA allows the students to work while studying. Moreover, it causes no disturbance to the work routine of a student. Further, an EMBA course can include offline or online classes too, making the degree highly convenient.
Best Executive MBA Programs/ PGDM Courses:
Take a look at the top EMBA/PGDM/PGPM courses for seasoned professionals:
IIM Ahmedabad: MBA-PGPX
The MBA-PGPX (One Year MBA) program is considered as the top most program in India for seasoned professionals. Moreover, many people use the MBA-PGPX as a launching pad to start their own businesses and create MNCs. This program has been named No. 1 in the world in the Financial Times Career Progression category for the previous five years, including 2022.
Course Fee: Around INR 33,00,000 (subject to change).
Eligibility Criteria:
- A Bachelor’s degree from a recognized University.
- The minimum age should be 25 years.
- Valid scores on the GMAT or GRE.
- Minimum of 4 years of work experience is another requirement.
Quick Tip: Take the GMAT practice tests regularly so as to get a know-how about your performance. Analyze your mistakes and improve.
ISB: PGPMAX
The ISB’s PGPMAX (15-months) program is one of the best Executive MBA programs in India for purpose-driven executives. It helps you to drive organizational change and growth in alignment with deeper missions. Moreover, the program is ranked #1 in India by the Financial Times Executive MBA rankings. Make a move towards modern business trends with this program.
Course Fee: INR 41,78,000 (Approx.)
Eligibility Criteria:
- A Bachelor’s degree from a recognized institute.
- A work experience of 10+ years.
IIM Calcutta: MBAEx
Among the Executive MBA programs is the MBA Executive by the premier IIM Calcutta. This 12-month program is for professionals seeking to develop 360° managerial development to overcome business difficulties. Moreover, the program is ranked #67 globally by the Financial Times MBA rankings 2024.
Course Fee: INR 4,36,000.
Eligibility Criteria:
- A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in any field from a recognized institute.
- Around 5 years of work experience is required.
IIM Indore: EPGP
IIM Indore’s Executive Post Graduate Program (1 year) is designed to integrate skill-building with analytical excellence in management. The AMBA-accredited program gives professionals insights into world-class management practices. With a blend of guest lectures, case-based learning, and industry consulting modules, the program aims to build strategic leaders.
Course Fee: INR 22,11,800 (Approx.)
Eligibility Criteria:
- A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree with at least 50% aggregate marks.
- Valid GMAT/GRE/CAT scores.
- A minimum of 5 years of work experience.
IIM Bangalore: EPGP
IIM Bangalore’s Executive Post Graduate Program (1 year) is for talented professionals who wish to expand their business horizons. The program is ranked #1 in India by the QS World University rankings of 2024. The EPGP provides students with the same solid foundation in management concepts and disciplines as a two-year MBA, with similar rigor, range of electives, and grading criteria.
Course Fee: INR 31,05,000.
Eligibility Criteria:
- A Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50% marks.
- Valid GMAT/GRE scores.
- A minimum of 5 years of work experience after graduation.
IIM Kozhikode: PGP-BL
The IIM Kozhikode’s Post Graduate Program in Business Leadership (1 year) is for professionals seeking extended leadership skills without a career break. The program holds a NIRF ranking of #3 in the Management Category for 2024.
Course Fee: INR 22,50,000.
Eligibility Criteria:
- A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree with a minimum of 50% marks.
- Valid GMAT/GRE/CAT scores.
- A minimum work experience of 3 years.
XLRI Jamshedpur: ExPGDM
The Executive PGDM (2-year) program by XLRI Jamshedpur is another prestigious course for entrepreneurs and working professionals, allowing them to fulfill work commitments without a career break. The program is ranked #1 in India by Outlook 2025.
Course Fee: Approximately INR 28.60 Lacs.
Eligibility Criteria:
- A Bachelor’s degree from a recognized institute.
- Valid GMAT/GRE scores.
IIM Lucknow: IPMX
The International Program in Management for Executives (IPMX) by IIM Lucknow is for senior-level professionals who wish to acquire top positions in industry roles. The AMBA-accredited program offers time flexibility.
Course Fee: INR 26,00,000 + other charges.
Eligibility Criteria:
- A Bachelor’s degree from a recognized institute.
- Valid GMAT/GMAT Focus edition/GRE scores.
SPJIMR Mumbai: PGPM
The SP Jain Institute of Management and Research offers a Post Graduate Program in Management (18 months) for ambitious professionals who desire career acceleration or transition.
Course Fee: INR 21,00,000.
Eligibility Criteria:
- A Bachelor’s degree from a recognized institute with a minimum of 50% marks.
- Valid CAT/GMAT scores.
- A minimum of 3 years of work experience.
MDI: PGDM-BM
The Management Development Institute’s Post Graduate Diploma in Management – Business Management (18 months) provides global exposure. It is distinguished for its comprehensive curriculum with a focus on leadership. The program is AICTE-approved and accredited by AMBA, offering access to top management positions.
Course Fee: INR 16,70,000.
Eligibility Criteria:
- A Bachelor’s degree from a recognized University with a minimum of 50% marks.
- Valid CAT/GMAT/XAT scores.
- A minimum of 3 years of work experience.
Wrapping Up
These were the top Executive MBA programs in India. If you are a seasoned professional you can go on to take admission in any one of these, to advance your career. This prestigous degree will enhance your leadership skills even more so that you can take up the top positions in your company!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
FAQ. What is an Executive MBA?
Answer. An Executive MBA (EMBA) is a specialized MBA program for seasoned professionals with 5 to 10 years of work experience. It focuses on advanced business strategies, leadership development so that the graduates can take up senior leadership roles.
FAQ. Who earns more, MBA or Executive MBA?
Answer. Executive MBA graduates earn more than regular MBA graduates. This is because EMBA candidates have enough prior work experience and often return to senior leadership roles after EMBA. However, the actual earnings depend on various factors.
FAQ. Is an executive MBA worth it?
Answer. Yes, an Executive MBA is worth it for seasoned professionals looking to advance their career. It allows professionals to continue working while studying. They later take up leading roles in the organization.
FAQ. What is the GMAT exam for?
Answer. The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is an entrance exam that leads to admission in the business schools worldwide. You can take admission in MBA, PGDM and other business-related programs with the presence of a valid GMAT score.
FAQ. Which university offers the best Executive MBA program in India?
Answer. The best Executive MBA program is offered by IIM Ahmedabad in India. The name of the course is MBA-PGPX (Post Graduate Program in Management for Executives).
FAQ. Which are the top MBA colleges in India?
Answer. The top 10 MBA colleges in India according to the NIRF Ranking 2024 are:
- IIM Ahmedabad
- The IIM Bangalore
- IIM Kozhikode
- DMS, IIT Delhi
- IIM Calcutta
- The IIM Mumbai
- IIM Lucknow
- The IIM Indore
- XLRI Jamshedpur
- SJMSOM, IIT Bombay
