top of page

Top Executive MBA Programs in India in 2025

  • Writer: Goalisb
    Goalisb
  • Apr 15
  • 11 min read

Updated: Apr 16

There are many Executive MBA programs offered in India by various top business schools. The best Executive MBA program for you would depend on your individual needs and preferences, such as your career goals, budget, location, and schedule.

Top Executive MBA in India

Here are some of the top Executive MBA programs in India:

  1. Indian School of Business (ISB) - Hyderabad and Mohali

  2. Indian Institute of Management (IIM) - Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Lucknow, Indore, Kozhikode.

  3. FMS Executive MBA

  4. XLRI

  5. SP Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR), Mumbai

  6. Management Development Institute (MDI), Gurgaon

  7. Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai

  8. Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS), Mumbai

  9. Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM), Pune

  10. Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), New Delhi and Kolkata


Apart from these there are many Executive MBA programs without the GMAT as well which one can apply to in 2025.



These Executive MBA programs offer a range of specializations and formats, including online and hybrid programs, and are highly regarded in the industry. It's recommended to do thorough research on each program and consider factors like curriculum, faculty, placement opportunities, and alumni network before making a decision.


1. Indian School of Business - ISB Executive MBA

ISB Executive MBA in India

The ISB Executive MBA in India is meant for Working Professionals. There are two programs to choose from - ISB PGPpro and ISB PGPMAX.


ISB PGPpro is an exclusive Weekend Executive MBA equivalent Program for Working Professionals having at least 5 years of work experience.


ISB PGPpro is the ISB Executive MBA in India combines methodical learning with the right format of alternating weekend classes. Intended for mid-career professionals, the program makes available the most important in Strategy and Leadership with a choice to either Finance or Marketing.

  • Duration of ISB PGPpro – 18 months (Alternating Weekend Classes and Online Classes)

  • ISB PGPpro is offered in Delhi (NCR)/ Bengaluru/Hyderabad/Mumbai.


ISB PGPMAX Executive MBA :


The ISB PGPMAX Executive MBA in India from ISB is predestined for experienced working professionals. This powerful program aims at career development, better strategic vision, in addition to sharpening your management abilities and leadership skills.


A lot of qualified professionals are facing a mid-career crisis and have attained a point in their profession where they feel they’ve arrived at saturation in the existing role. At this moment, they recognize that they require a little superior business knowledge to deal with bigger responsibilities, get a hold of innovative perspectives to find solutions to accessible problems and manage more multifaceted situations in a methodical and well thought-out manner. A part-time program the ISB PGPMAX Executive goes well with their needs, at the same time as they can keep on working whilst following their MBA program.


ISB PGPMAX is a 15 months MBA program for senior professionals with atleast 10 years of work experience. ISB PGPMAX is ranked worldwide as 44th in the FT ranking 2022 for EMBA programs.


ISB PGPMAX vs Global Executive MBA Programs


ISB PGPMAX vs Stanford MSx

Feature

ISB PGPMAX

Stanford MSx

Program Type

Executive MBA (Post Graduate Certificate)

Full-time Master of Science in Management

Institution

Indian School of Business (ISB)

Stanford Graduate School of Business

Duration

15 months

12 months

Location

Hyderabad & Mohali (India) + 2 global immersions

Stanford GSB campus, California

Format

Modular (1 week every 5 weeks)

Full-time residential

Target Audience

Senior professionals with 10+ years experience

Mid-to-senior professionals with 8+ years experience

Average Work Experience

~16 years

~14 years

Global Exposure

2 international immersions

Strong global exposure via classmates and curriculum

Degree Awarded

Post Graduate Certificate

Master of Science in Management

Curriculum Focus

Strategy, Innovation, Leadership, Governance

Leadership, Strategy, Innovation, Entrepreneurship

Class Size

~70–100

~90

Admission Requirements

Bachelor's + 10 yrs work exp. + Essays/Interview

Bachelor's + 8+ yrs work exp. + Resume, Essays, Interview

Cost (approx.)

₹43.9 lakhs + GST (~USD 53K)

~USD 143,000

Alumni Network

16,000+ ISB alumni

33,000+ GSB alumni

Placement Support

No formal placement; executive coaching/network

Career services, leadership coaching, alumni network support


ISB PGPMAX vs Wharton EMBA Global Cohort

Feature

ISB PGPMAX

Wharton EMBA Global Cohort

Program Type

Executive MBA (Post Graduate Certificate)

Executive MBA (MBA degree)

Institution

Indian School of Business (ISB)

Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania

Duration

15 months

22 months

Location

India + 2 global immersions

Philadelphia, San Francisco, Global sites

Format

Modular (1 week every 5 weeks)

Alternate weekends + global residencies

Target Audience

Senior professionals with 10+ years experience

Senior executives, global managers (avg. 12 years exp.)

Global Exposure

2 international immersions

4 global residencies across 4 continents

Degree Awarded

Post Graduate Certificate

MBA degree

Curriculum Focus

Strategy, Innovation, Leadership, Governance

Core MBA with electives, analytics, leadership

Admission Requirements

Bachelor's + 10 yrs work exp.

Bachelor's + significant experience + GMAT/EA optional

Cost (approx.)

₹43.9 lakhs + GST (~USD 53K)

~USD 224,640

Alumni Network

16,000+ ISB alumni

104,000+ Wharton alumni

Placement Support

Career coaching, no formal placement

Career management, coaching, alumni job board


ISB PGPMAX vs MIT Sloan Fellows MBA (SFMBA)

Feature

ISB PGPMAX

MIT Sloan Fellows MBA (SFMBA)

Program Type

Executive MBA (Post Graduate Certificate)

Full-time MBA for mid-career leaders

Institution

Indian School of Business (ISB)

MIT Sloan School of Management

Duration

15 months

12 months

Location

India + global immersion

MIT campus, Cambridge, MA

Format

Modular

Full-time residential

Target Audience

Senior professionals (10+ yrs experience)

Professionals with 10–20+ years experience

Global Exposure

2 international immersions

Global labs, exchange, international diversity

Degree Awarded

Post Graduate Certificate

MBA degree (Sloan Fellows MBA)

Curriculum Focus

Strategy, Innovation, Leadership, Governance

Innovation, global leadership, analytics, entrepreneurship

Admission Requirements

Bachelor’s + 10 yrs experience + essays/interview

Bachelor’s + significant experience + GMAT optional

Cost (approx.)

₹43.9 lakhs + GST (~USD 53K)

~USD 147,000

Alumni Network

16,000+ ISB alumni

MIT Sloan alumni + Sloan Fellows Network

Placement Support

Executive coaching, alumni access

MIT Career Development Office support


ISB PGPMAX vs LBS Sloan Masters

Feature

ISB PGPMAX

LBS Sloan Masters in Leadership and Strategy

Program Type

Executive MBA (Post Graduate Certificate)

Master’s degree (MSc) in Leadership and Strategy

Institution

Indian School of Business (ISB)

London Business School (LBS)

Duration

15 months

12 months

Location

India + global immersion

London, UK

Format

Modular

Full-time residential

Target Audience

Senior professionals (10+ yrs experience)

Senior executives (min. 12 years experience)

Degree Awarded

Post Graduate Certificate

MSc from University of London

Curriculum Focus

Strategy, Innovation, Leadership, Governance

Strategic leadership, transformation, economics

Admission Requirements

Bachelor’s + 10 yrs experience

Bachelor’s + senior leadership track

Cost (approx.)

₹43.9 lakhs + GST (~USD 53K)

~GBP 87,900 (~USD 110,000)

Alumni Network

16,000+ ISB alumni

51,000+ LBS alumni across 160 countries

Placement Support

Career coaching, alumni access

Career coaching, alumni network, employer connections


2. Indian Institute of Management (IIM) - Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, and other locations


IIMs offer Executive MBA programs which are both part time and full time. The full time IIM Executive MBA programs are one year in duration. The application process requires a minimum of 3-5 years of work experience and the submission of a test score like the GMAT or the GRE.


The part time Executive MBA programs by the IIM are also available.


IIM Indore PGPMX – Mumbai Campus

Feature

Details

Program Name

PGPMX (Post Graduate Program in Management for Working Executives)

Location

IIM Indore Mumbai Campus

Duration

24 months (Weekend Format)

Class Schedule

Alternate weekends: Saturday (2 pm – 9 pm), Sunday (9 am – 4:30 pm)

Eligibility

Bachelor's degree + Minimum 5 years of work experience

Degree Awarded

Post Graduate Diploma in Management (Executive)

Curriculum Highlights

Core + Electives in General Management, Leadership, Finance

Fee (2025–27)

₹17.6 Lakhs + GST

Pedagogy

Classroom sessions, case studies, simulations

Admissions Process

Online application + Personal Interview

Ideal For

Mid-level professionals in Mumbai

Feature

Details

Program Name

PGPEM (Post Graduate Programme in Enterprise Management)

Location

IIM Bangalore

Duration

24 months (Weekend Residential)

Class Schedule

Friday afternoons + full-day Saturday

Eligibility

Bachelor's degree + Minimum 3 years of work experience

Degree Awarded

MBA Degree

Curriculum Highlights

Core + Electives, International Immersion, Industry Projects

Fee (2025–27)

₹24 Lakhs (approx.)

Pedagogy

Case studies, simulations, experiential learning

Admissions Process

CAT/GMAT/GRE/IIMB test + Interview

Ideal For

Professionals in Bangalore wanting to transition to leadership roles

IIM Ahmedabad BPGP (Blended MBA)

Feature

Details

Program Name

BPGP (Blended Post Graduate Programme in Management)

Location

Online + Campus Modules (IIM Ahmedabad)

Duration

24 months (Blended format)

Class Schedule

Online sessions + Campus visits every few months

Eligibility

Bachelor's degree + Minimum 3 years of work experience

Degree Awarded

MBA Degree

Curriculum Highlights

General Management, Electives, Capstone Project

Fee (2025–27)

₹25 Lakhs (approx.)

Pedagogy

Online + Offline, peer learning, case studies

Admissions Process

Test Score (CAT/GMAT/GMAT Focus/IIMA test) + Interview

Ideal For

Mid-career professionals seeking IIMA credential without relocating

IIM Kozhikode EPGP (Interactive Learning)

Feature

Details

Program Name

EPGP (Executive Post Graduate Programme in Management)

Location

Online via satellite + Campus modules

Duration

2 years (Interactive Learning + In-campus)

Class Schedule

Evenings and weekends (Live online)

Eligibility

Bachelor's + Minimum 3 years of full-time work experience

Degree Awarded

MBA Degree

Curriculum Highlights

Core + Electives + Capstone Project

Fee (2025–27)

₹14 Lakhs + GST

Pedagogy

Interactive online + 3 in-campus modules

Admissions Process

Application + IIMK Admission Test or CAT/GMAT + Interview

Ideal For

Pan-India professionals preferring online learning

IIM Lucknow PGPWE (Noida Campus)

Feature

Details

Program Name

PGPWE (Post Graduate Programme in Management for Working Executives)

Location

IIM Lucknow Noida Campus

Duration

24 months (Hybrid Weekend Format)

Class Schedule

Alternate weekends (Online + In-person)

Eligibility

Bachelor's + Minimum 3 years of experience

Degree Awarded

MBA Degree

Curriculum Highlights

Core + Electives, Industry Interface, Capstone

Fee (2025–27)

₹14.3 Lakhs + GST

Pedagogy

Hybrid: On-campus + Online + International immersion

Admissions Process

IIML Test or CAT/GMAT + PI

Ideal For

Professionals around Delhi NCR looking for leadership roles

3. XLRI - Xavier School of Management Executive MBA

The Online Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management is a two-year program that provides and the total fee for the program is Rs. 14 lakhs. Applicants with a bachelor's degree can apply.

4. SPJIMR Executive MBA - Post Graduate Executive Management Programme (PGEMP)


The 21-month modular Executive MBA program is designed for professionals with at least five years of work experience who wish to pursue formal management education without interrupting their careers. With five cohorts admitted each year, the program has successfully enrolled more than 90 batches. The selection process, which includes a Test of Reasoning, Group Discussion, and Personal Interview, takes about half a day. Additionally, the program also accepts Executive Assessment (EA) test scores. Applicants with valid EA scores can bypass the Test of Reasoning component in the selection process.


5. MDI Executive MBA - Post Graduate Diploma in Management

The program has since been renamed the 18-month Post Graduate Diploma in Management - Business Management. Applicants must have completed a minimum of three years of Bachelor's Degree in any discipline from a university recognized by the Ministry of HRD, Government of India, with a minimum of 50% marks or equivalent CGPA.

Applicants must also have a minimum of five years of executive work experience post-qualification as of March 31, 2023. The deadline for submission of application is April 10, 2023.


6. Great Lakes Executive MBA - PGXPM

The PGXPM program has a duration of 20 months and is structured into seven terms, each lasting three months. Each term commences with a 7.5-day residency during which the participants cover four courses, each spanning 15 hours.

The program comprises about 545 in-class contact hours, with 20% delivered through blended learning and the remaining 80% in traditional classroom settings. Participants are also required to dedicate equivalent hours to self-study.

In the second year of the course, participants must undertake a project. To be eligible for admission, candidates must have a minimum of eight years of full-time work experience and must have taken one of the following: CAT*, XAT+, EA by GMAC, equivalent aptitude tests, or Great Lakes Aptitude Test.


7. NMIMS Executive MBA


The program offers a high degree of flexibility, giving students the option to complete it within a time frame of 15 to 36 months, depending on their preferences.

Candidates must have a minimum of 5 years of work experience in an executive or supervisory capacity as of the date of their written test or personal interview to be eligible for admission.


8. Symbiosis Institute of Business Management - SIBM Executive MBA


The Executive MBA program at SIBM Pune is conducted on weekends. Candidates must have a minimum of 1 year of full-time work experience. The program admits 60 students, and the approximate fee is INR 6.70 lakhs.


9. International Management Institute (IMI) - PGDM Executive MBA


The program is designed for candidates with more than 5 years of experience and offers two options - a 15-month program comprising 12 months of coursework followed by a 3-month project at the candidate's place of employment, or a full-time residential program of 12 months of coursework followed by a 6-month project at the workplace. The program guarantees 100% placement support to all its graduates. Candidates need to submit their CAT/ GMAT/ XAT/ NMAT/ MAT/ CMAT/ ATMA test scores to be eligible for admission.

10. Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), New Delhi and Kolkata - Weekend MBA


The MBA (International Business) programme at IIFT is now available as a weekend course, providing working professionals with the opportunity to enroll in the Institute's well-established MBA (IB) programme. The course content is the same as the day programme, offering a comprehensive education to those who are unable to attend full-time.


The weekend programme spans over nine trimesters, covering a total of three years. Applicants must hold a Bachelor's Degree from a recognized University or Institution and have at least three years of work experience in a managerial role after graduation, as of June 30th of the year the course begins.

Admission to the programme is through a Group Discussion, Essay Writing and Interview, which takes place at IIFT Campus, New Delhi. Upon completion of the programme, students can benefit from 100% placement support.


Full time MBA versus Executive MBA: Which is Better?


The main difference between an MBA and an Executive MBA is the level of engagement in the graduate school understanding and the customization of classes towards a more knowledgeable group of individuals.


Full-time MBA students have rigorous schedules (full-day), making it hard to keep up a job outside the program.


On the other hand, Executive MBA students maintain their permanent jobs and by and large attend classes on Fridays and the weekends; nevertheless, this can lead to less interaction on school grounds.


Does Executive MBA help in India?


There are lots of courses and educational disciplines which allow individuals to search out good job and salary subsequently. Apart from getting good jobs, the working professionals want regular up gradation as regards innovative management principles. An executive MBA is premeditated to facilitate working professionals gain a competitive edge.


Which executive MBA is best in India?


Deciding which Executive MBA program is the best in India can be a challenging task as there are many factors to consider. Here are some steps that can help in making an informed decision:

  1. Identify your goals: First, determine what you want to achieve from an Executive MBA program.

  2. Research: Conduct research on various Executive MBA programs in India. Look at their curriculum, faculty, reputation, accreditation, student profile, location, and alumni network. You can check out online rankings, read reviews, and visit program websites to gather information. You can also approach an experienced MBA admission consultant at GOALisB for a profile evaluation.

  3. Attend information sessions: Attend information sessions or webinars organized by the schools to learn more about the program.

  4. Consider cost: Executive MBA programs can be expensive. Consider the cost of tuition, travel, accommodation, and other expenses.

  5. Compare and make a decision: Once you have gathered all the necessary information, compare the programs based on your goals, budget, and preferences. Finally, make a decision based on your research and personal preferences.


When to apply for executive MBA?

The application process for Executive MBA programs varies depending on the school, but it typically involves several steps, and the timeline can vary depending on the program's start date. Here are some general guidelines on when to apply for an Executive MBA:

  1. Research early: Researching and identifying potential programs well in advance is essential. This can give you enough time to gather all the necessary information and prepare for the application process.

  2. Check deadlines: Check the application deadlines for each program you are interested in. Deadlines may vary depending on the program's start date, and some programs may have multiple rounds of admissions.

  3. Plan ahead: Plan ahead and give yourself enough time to complete the application. The application process for Executive MBA programs may involve several steps, including standardized tests, essays, recommendations, and interviews.

  4. Consider work commitments: Since Executive MBA programs are designed for working professionals, you will need to consider your work commitments and ensure that you can balance your workload while pursuing the program.

In general, it is recommended to start the application process at least six to eight months before the program's start date. This will give you enough time to prepare and complete the application process without rushing. However, it's always a good idea to check with the specific program you are interested in for their application timeline and deadlines.


Why executive MBA is important?


We have also addressed the need of why Executive MBA is important in the Forbes article authored by our mentor Shruti P about the aspects which are important in deciding to pursue an Executive MBA.


Still not sure which program you should apply to? Get in touch with an expert at GOALisB who can help in the school shortlisting, career planning and the application process. Whatsapp at +91 7719497187 or email at contact@goalisb.com.

 
 
bottom of page