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Kamaldeep
09 May, 2024
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In an article published by India Today, the GMAC numbers state that over 19% of Indian working professionals consider going for the Executive MBA programme in India. And around 73% of alumni have shared that their investment in this programme was returned with much higher packages and opportunities.
The Executive MBA programme is specifically designed for those professionals who hold some prior work experience in a managerial or supervisory role. The course aims to equip them with adequate knowledge and skills of some of the core business functions so that they can take up higher management positions and fulfil all their responsibilities with ease.
Therefore, gone are days when mid-career professionals had to give up their jobs to get a degree and accelerate their career growth.
If you are a working professional with more than 5 years of work experience, the thought of doing an MBA or Executive MBA in India must have crossed your mind. So, let’s learn about it in depth and see the top Executive MBA colleges in India.
Many of us often mix an MBA with an Executive MBA. It looks similar to the Master of Business Administration programme but it is best suited for senior managers and corporate executives. An Executive MBA or EMBA enables executives with more than 3 or 5 years of work experience to add an MBA degree while working. It is a blend of evening classes, weekend sessions, online lectures and workshops. It is equivalent to a regular MBA programme, but the duration can differ.
EMBA programme is known to provide intense niche-specific classes to advance knowledge and reinforce expertise. The core courses in this programme are similar to that of an MBA which includes operations management, strategic management, marketing, finance and accounting, and human resources. This is followed by specialised electives. Since Executive MBAs are costly, it is very important to first evaluate your profile and see if it’s worth your time and money. If you are a senior professional with over 5 years of experience and your company wants you to have an MBA degree in order to receive that promotion or you are aiming for a leadership position, EMBA is worth it.
Let us now take a look at some of the top executive MBA colleges in India.
| Sl# | Name of the College | Programme Fee | Duration & Format |
| 1 | IIM Ahmedabad | INR 31,50,000 | 1-Year Full-Time Programme |
| 2 | University of Delhi | INR 1,02,000 | 2 Year Evening Programme |
| 3 | IGNOU | INR 1,42,000 – INR 2,12,440 (Depending on Specialisation) | 1.5 Year Part Time Programme |
| 4 | Symbiosis Institute of Business Management | INR 6,70,000 | 2 Year Weekend Programme |
| 5 | ICFAI Business School, Hyderabad | INR 5,25,000 | 21 Months Weekend Programme |
| 6 | IIM Calcutta | INR 31,00,000 | 1 Year Full-Time Residential Programme |
| 7 | Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai | INR 21,25,000 | 1 Year Fully Residential Programme |
| 8 | Vinod Gupta School of Management, IIT Kharagpur | INR 6,00,000 | 3 Year Weekend Programme |
| 9 | IIM Indore | INR 22,11,800 | 1-Year Full-Time Residential Programme |
| 10 | SP Jain School of Global Management | INR 14,86,800 | 1.5 Year Part Time Programme |
IIM Ahmedabad is the top-ranked premier business school in India. It offers a one-year full-time Post Graduate Programme in Management for Executives (MBA-PGPX). The programme is designed for ambitious executives to provide them a way to actualise their career potential and become ready to shoulder more serious responsibilities in a business organisation. The programme encourages them to think innovatively and prepare for a shifting global economy.
In order to promote a thought-provoking study environment, IIM Ahmedabad has adopted a case-study-based teaching pedagogy. The internationally reputed faculty of the institute use their extensive experiences to help students understand the latest industry practices and emerging trends. Furthermore, IIM Ahmedabad has entered into collaboration with various universities across the globe to provide international exposure to students.
The Faculty of Management Studies, University of Delhi offers a two year Executive MBA programme to those business leaders who are looking to adapt to the fast-changing world of digital business. The programme lays a strong conceptual foundation in all the key areas of business while also providing to students a high degree of academic flexibility. In order to provide a more comprehensive understanding of Healthcare Administration, the university offers a specialisation in the domain.
The Faculty of Management Studies offers extensive study resources to all its students. Students get access to the library as well as various digital resources such as live databases and online journals. Furthermore, the university has faculty of international repute. It also runs a faculty development programme in collaboration with Harvard Business School to make sure that all the faculty members stay updated with the latest breakthroughs in the industry. The university also organises various seminars and workshops from time to time to help students gain real-time insights from the business world.
The Executive MBA programme offered by the Indira Gandhi National Open University is specially designed keeping in mind the upskilling needs of experienced working professionals. The programme equips students with the right skills and knowledge, keeping them up-to-date with all the latest happenings in the industry. IGNOU offers a wide array of specialisations in its EMBA programme such as Marketing, HR Management, IT Management, Finance Management, Hospitality Management and many more.
In order to ensure that students make the most out of the programme, the university offers extensive study materials to students. Furthermore, IGNOU has adopted an experiential learning pedagogy to help its students gain real-time insights from the industry. Furthermore, the university makes use of multimedia channels such as TV, Radio, internet-aided audio, online channels, etc. to maximise learning opportunities.
The Executive MBA programme at the Symbiosis Institute of Business Management is designed to nurture young professionals for assuming leadership roles. In order to help students develop expertise in certain key functional areas of business, the institute offers specialisations such as Marketing, Human Resources, Finance, Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Analytics & Information Technology and Operations & Supply Chain.
The programme imparts advanced knowledge, skills and leadership qualities among students. It helps them develop expertise in their respective domains so as to enhance their earning potential and gain better career prospects. The institute provides students with extensive support and study resources by giving them access to a well-furnished library and hi-tech computer labs.
The ICFAI Business School has adopted a case-based pedagogy for delivering its executive MBA programme. This helps in attaining a unique blend of traditional and modern modes of course delivery. It offers professionals a unique opportunity to study and prepare themselves for top leadership positions without having to give up on their jobs.
The course helps students gain hands-on experience of the industrial world by providing them an opportunity to work on specific projects. The project work enables students to gain comprehensive knowledge of each course and thus, enhance the effectiveness of study. Furthermore, students get access to a world-renowned database, software and other such facilities that will empower them to expand their knowledge base and make the most out of their learning experience.
The first management institute in India to be triple crowned, IIM Calcutta is one of the top B-schools in the world. The institute has received accreditation from all three major accreditation agencies in the world, namely, AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS. The EMBA programme offered by IIM Calcutta has so far helped many professionals to demonstrate excellence in leadership positions at top companies across the globe.
The institute has adopted a case-study-based approach, encouraging discussion-based learning in the classrooms. Additionally, the institute has taken it upon itself to take learning beyond classrooms and has adopted various innovative means to impart education such as real-life business puzzles, informal discussions on varied topics, etc. This helps broaden individual perspectives and hone crucial skills.
The Great Lakes Institute of Management offers a holistic MBA programme for executives that helps them develop competencies in core business functions such as Operations, Finance, Technology, Marketing and Human Resources Management. It is a rigorous and fully-mentored course and is delivered through a modern, case-study-based pedagogy.
The institute has set up an e-learning platform that consists of the components of group and executive coaching, team activities, 360-degree assessment, etc. In addition to this, the students also get to participate in an advanced leadership development programme that is primarily focused on allowing students to interact and learn from top industry experts and thought leaders. Furthermore, students gain an immersive learning experience by means of simulations, real-world case studies, technology-driven virtual classrooms with global connectivity and quasi-consulting for business problems.
Designed for senior and mid-level executives, the Vinod Gupta School of Management started offering the EMBA programme in 2010. The course enables working professionals to upgrade their knowledge and skills without giving up on their jobs. It offers students many opportunities to work on real-time business problems by means of individual and group projects.
By bringing together individuals from diverse cultures, industries and backgrounds, IIT Kharagpur EMBA programme helps students broaden their perspectives by learning from each other’s experiences. This helps students gain invaluable insights into the operation of different industries.
The Executive Post Graduate Programme in Management (EPGP) at IIM Indore is an advanced programme designed to allow working professionals to expand their knowledge base. It helps them gain the relevant skills and competence necessary to undertake managerial roles in a business organisation. The programme presents an opulent blend of various aspects of business as well as general management including e-Commerce, marketing, BFSI, operations & strategy, etc.
The course has received recognition from various top accreditation agencies around the world such as the Association of MBAs (AMBA) London (UK), EFMD Quality Improvement System (EQUIS) and the US-based Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). This is a testament to the fact that the institute has adopted a modern curriculum that is at par with global standards. In order to provide a holistic learning experience to students, the institute has adopted a mix of case-based pedagogy, analytics workshops, international immersion programmes, expert lectures, and industry consulting modules.
The executive MBA programme at SP Jain School of Global Management utilises many high-tech tools to enhance the learning experience of students. During the course, students get to experience classroom-like engagement wherein they are challenged to make quick and smart decisions by means of debates, quizzes, polls, breakout sessions, etc. Furthermore, the course brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds together and they get to learn from each other and gain diverse perspectives. The course also serves as a great opportunity to build strong professional networks.
By making use of many modern technologies such as simulations, personalised mentorship sessions, live case studies, etc. students get to enhance many crucial skills such as analytical abilities, decision-making abilities, critical thinking skills, etc. Students also get the chance to participate in a global immersion programme wherein they get to spend one week at SP Jain’s Dubai or Singapore campus. The immersion programme enables students to learn from international business leaders, establish a global network, cultivate global business & leadership skills and explore new aspects of the business world.
In recent years, institutions have witnessed a rise in the admission for Executive MBA degrees in India. Now, let’s see who are the right candidates for an Executive MBA and what is the eligibility for this course:
If you have more than 5 to 10 years of industry experience and are already in a management position. EMBA can be a good source to expand your network.
If you are looking for personal and professional development after years of full-time work experience.
Though not always, some universities have an age limit criteria for Executive MBA programmes. The candidates who apply are usually over 25 years of age and can be even 35 years old.
In most B-schools, a minimum of five years of full-time work experience is required at the managerial level. The work experience requirement will vary in every institution, it can range between 5 to 15 years.
Having a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university is a must.
Here are the power reasons why an Executive MBA can be good for you:
As it is not an ordinary degree like an MBA, the candidates are already working in their respective industries in management or executive roles. They generally assume leadership positions in the current organisation only.
| Job Roles | Average Salary |
| Marketing Director | INR 48.1 LPA |
| Brand Manager | INR 18 LPA |
| HR Director | INR 44.6 LPA |
| Chief Financial Officer | INR 52 LPA |
| Global Operations Manager | INR 20.5 LPA |
| Chief Operating Officer | INR 49 LPA |
| Product Development Manager | INR 21.2 LPA |
| Entrepreneur | INR 17.6 LPA |
Executive MBA has become a popular choice for mid-senior or executive-level professionals to enhance their credentials. This course is highly industry-oriented and focuses on decision-making, strategic management and case studies. This programme is available in different formats and each of the colleges mentioned above is renowned for its executive MBA degree in India. You can evaluate your profile and make an informed choice.
Q1. Is Executive MBA as good and equivalent to a regular MBA?
The curriculum of both degrees is fairly the same and they end up adding the same credentials to your resume. Still, they are different in various aspects. An Executive MBA is not for fresh graduates as it requires more than 5 years of full-time work experience. Whereas, in an MBA you do not require any work experience.
Q2. Is an Executive MBA worth it?
Getting an executive MBA from a top-ranked B-school helps you stay ahead of the competition and advances your career to the next level. If you are a mid-senior or senior working professional, an Executive MBA gives a high return on investment. Although it is beneficial, its worth depends upon your professional profile and goal.
Q3. Is an Executive MBA degree valid?
Yes, an Executive MBA degree is valid in India if done at a well-recognised university.
Q4. Is an Executive MBA tough?
It is true that the curriculum of an Executive MBA is more intensive than a regular MBA. As EMBA candidates have rich industry experience, the class environment is obviously more robust and strategically packed. So yes, the difficulty level is a bit higher than the usual MBA but, it is nothing an experienced professional with the sound of the field cannot handle.
Q5. Does an Executive MBA have placements?
No. Since Executive MBA candidates are already working in managerial positions in their respective companies, universities do not offer placement facilities in this programme.
Q6. Is Executive MBA full-time?
Executive MBA can be both a full-time and part-time blended/hybrid programme in which some classes are conducted online whereas for some sessions you have to visit the campus. Usually, the in-person modules are scheduled on weekends or evenings.
Q7. Which online Executive MBA is best?
It depends on your professional experience, interest and goal. There are many top B-schools in India offering Executive programmes such as IIMs, Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Great Lakes Institute of Management, SP Jain School of Global Management, and others.
