Harvard Business School SELPI: Senior Executive Leadership Program – India
- Goalisb
- Apr 30
- 8 min read
Harvard Business School's Senior Executive Leadership Program – India (SELPI) is a prestigious, modular executive education program designed to help senior leaders in South Asia drive innovation, strategic change, and global business impact. If you're a CXO, general manager, or seasoned professional looking to elevate your leadership potential, HBS SELPI offers a rare opportunity to gain global insights while staying connected to Indian business realities. Though it is not an Executive MBA, it is an effective program for top management aspirants.
Table of Contents
Overview of HBS SELPI
The Senior Executive Leadership Program – India is Harvard Business School's flagship executive education offering tailored for Indian and South Asian markets. With a global curriculum, world-class faculty, and immersive modules in Mumbai and Boston, SELPI prepares executives to:
Lead strategic transformation
Drive global competitiveness
Build innovation-led enterprises
Foster agile, high-performance teams
Who Should Attend SELPI
HBS SELPI is ideal for:
CXOs, VPs, and business unit heads
Senior managers transitioning to enterprise leadership roles
Entrepreneurs, family business leaders, and policymakers
Global expansion or M&A leaders in multinationals
Eligibility Criteria:
15+ years of work experience preferred
Proven leadership trajectory and strategic impact
Program Format & Location
The SELPI program runs over 9 months, with three intensive, in-person modules:
Module | Location | Duration |
Module 1 | Taj Lands End, Mumbai | Jan 12–23, 2026 |
Module 2 | Taj Lands End, Mumbai | Apr 13–24, 2026 |
Module 3 | HBS Campus, Boston | Aug 23–Sep 11, 2026 |
This modular format allows professionals to continue working while gaining transformational insights.
Curriculum & Key Themes
SELPI's curriculum focuses on the biggest leadership imperatives of the decade, delivered through the case method, workshops, and real-world strategy projects.
Key Topics Covered:
Lead in a Dynamic Global Economy
Strategy in volatile markets
Innovation leadership
Economic megatrends
Deliver Maximum Value
Customer-centric growth
Competitive positioning
ESG and sustainable leadership
Become a More Agile Leader
High-stakes negotiation
Time and stakeholder management
Leading in uncertainty
Lead Strategic Change Authentically
Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
Organizational accountability
Governance and ethical leadership
Global Learning & Faculty
You’ll learn directly from renowned HBS faculty, including:
Krishna G. Palepu – Faculty Chair, Strategy and Governance
Sunil Gupta – Digital Transformation Expert
Stefan H. Thomke – Innovation Authority
Michael L. Tushman – Organizational Leadership Thought Leader
Special Features:
360° Leadership Coaching
Value Mapping Project – Capstone on solving a strategic problem
Living Group Learning – Peer-based, real-world executive collaboration
Alumni Network & Lifelong Benefits
Upon completion, participants receive full Harvard Business School alumni status, unlocking:
A global network of 85,000+ alumni
Lifelong access to HBS resources
30% discounts on future HBS programs
Invitations to alumni clubs and regional events
Program Fees & Dates (2026)
Item | Details |
Program Fee | ₹44,00,000 + GST |
Total Duration | Jan 12 – Sep 11, 2026 |
Modules | 2 in India + 1 in Boston |
Accommodation | Included (Mumbai: Taj Lands End, Boston: HBS campus) |
Participating Companies
Executives from these leading firms have attended SELPI:
Aditya Birla Group
Microsoft
Tata Group
HDFC Bank
Wipro
Godrej
ITC
Citibank
Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories
Comparing HBS SELPI with other Executive MBA Programs
HBS SELPI vs IIT Bombay – WashU Executive MBA
Feature | HBS SELPI | IIT Bombay – WashU Executive MBA |
Program Name | Senior Executive Leadership Program – India (SELPI) | Executive MBA by IIT Bombay & Washington University in St. Louis |
Institution(s) | Harvard Business School (HBS) | IIT Bombay + Olin Business School (WashU) |
Duration | 7 months | 18 months |
Location | Modules in India + Harvard campus | Mumbai + 2 modules in St. Louis, USA |
Format | 6 intensive classroom modules + 1 on-campus module at HBS | 4 days/month (Thu–Sun) in-person classes; modular format |
Work Experience Required | 15+ years (senior executives/CXOs) | 7+ years, with 5+ years in managerial roles |
Admission Criteria | Application, essays, references, leadership experience | Application, interviews (IITB + WashU faculty), essays, recos, work history |
Degree/Certificate Awarded | Certificate of Completion from HBS Executive Education | Joint EMBA Degree from IITB-WashU Research & Education Academy |
Program Type | Non-degree executive leadership program | Degree-granting Executive MBA |
Curriculum Focus | Strategic Leadership, Innovation, Change, Financial Acumen, Customer Centricity | Core: Finance, Strategy, Operations; Advanced: Innovation, Data Analytics, Global Supply Chain |
International Exposure | 1 module at Harvard Business School, Boston | 2 modules at WashU St. Louis + industry visits in the USA |
Peer Profile | CXOs, Managing Directors, Country Heads | Mid-to-senior leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals across industries |
Faculty | Taught by HBS Professors | WashU and IIT Bombay faculty (shared with US/China cohorts) |
Outcome Focus | Transformational leadership, business model innovation | Cross-functional decision-making, leadership, measurable org impact |
Application Timeline | Fixed cohort, annual intake | Rolling admissions |
EMBA Council Membership | Yes (via Harvard Exec Ed) | Yes (via Olin Business School) |
Fees | Approx. ₹9.75–10 Lakhs (estimated based on prior cohorts) | Not explicitly stated in brochure, but historically around ₹39–45 Lakhs |
Choose HBS SELPI if:You're a CXO or Director looking for an intensive leadership transformation, brand recognition, and an HBS credential without enrolling in a full MBA program.
Choose IIT Bombay – WashU EMBA if:You want a globally recognized Executive MBA degree, a rigorous business curriculum, and structured modules combining US and Indian perspectives, with a slightly longer, more immersive experience.
HBS SELPI vs ISB PGPMAX
Feature | HBS SELPI | ISB PGPMAX |
Full Program Name | Senior Executive Leadership Program – India | Post Graduate Programme in Management for Senior Executives |
Institution | Harvard Business School | Indian School of Business |
Location | Mumbai and HBS Campus, Boston (Blended format) | ISB Hyderabad & Mohali, with international immersions |
Format | Blended (In-person & Online) | Modular (1 week every 6 weeks) |
Program Duration | 6 months | 15 months |
Target Audience | Senior professionals (typically 15+ years experience) | Senior professionals (10–25 years experience) |
Eligibility | Significant senior leadership experience; demonstrated impact and potential | Bachelor’s degree + minimum 10 years of full-time work experience |
Global Exposure | 1 immersion at Harvard Business School, Boston | 2 international immersions at top B-schools (e.g., Wharton, Kellogg) |
Curriculum Highlights | - Purpose-driven leadership - Strategic thinking - Leading change - Innovation & financial acumen | - Cross-functional leadership - Strategy, Innovation, and Global Markets - Digital Transformation - Leadership Development & Coaching |
Faculty | Taught by senior HBS faculty | Taught by ISB faculty + global faculty from Wharton, Kellogg, LBS |
Peer Profile | CXOs, VPs, Founders, Directors | Similar—CXOs, VPs, Founders from global and Indian companies |
Program Accreditation | Harvard's global prestige (AACSB) | Triple crown: AMBA, EQUIS, AACSB |
Degree Awarded | Certificate from Harvard Business School | Post Graduate Certificate from ISB |
Classroom Time | ~14 days in-person (in India and USA) + Online sessions | 12 weeks on-campus over 15 months |
Program Fee | ₹7.8 lakhs + taxes (as per public sources; may vary) | ₹41.78 lakhs + GST |
Career Support | HBS network, executive development exposure | ISB alumni access, leadership coaching, no formal placement |
Alumni Network | HBS global alumni (worldwide influence) | ISB alumni (16,000+ globally, 800+ at CXO level) |
Focus | Purposeful leadership & strategic transformation | Global business leadership, innovation, and decision-making |
Choose HBS SELPI if you seek a shorter, high-impact leadership certificate from a globally renowned school, focused on strategic leadership and transformation, and have limited time to commit.
Choose ISB PGPMAX if you want a comprehensive EMBA-caliber program with a global peer network, deeper academic rigor, and dual global immersions, without quitting your job.
HBS SELPI vs SDA Bocconi IEMB:
Feature | HBS SELPI (Harvard Business School) | SDA Bocconi IEMB (India + Milan) |
Program Type | Certificate Program in Leadership for Senior Executives | Executive Master (Specialized Master in Business) |
Duration | 6 months | 15 months |
Format | 3 in-person modules (Boston) + 2 virtual modules | Blended: In-person (Mumbai) + Online + 2-week international immersion |
Location | HBS Campus, Boston (USA) + Online | Mumbai (SDA Bocconi Asia Center) + Milan (Italy) |
Target Audience | Senior executives (typically 20+ years of experience) | Mid-to-senior professionals (avg. 15.1 years of experience) |
Typical Roles | CXOs, Board Members, Global Leaders | AVPs, VPs, Directors, Business Owners |
Entry Requirements | Leadership experience + essay & CV submission | Min. 9 years work experience + Bachelor's Degree + GMAT/GRE or test |
Immersion | Fully residential Harvard experience | 2-week Milan immersion + company visits + global lectures |
Credential Awarded | Certificate of Completion (Leadership Excellence) | Executive Master's Degree (65 ECTS credits) |
Curriculum Highlights | Vision, Influence, Governance, Global Perspectives | Strategy, ESG, Finance, Leadership, Entrepreneurship, DEIB |
Capstone/Project | No formal project | Capstone: Business Plan / CSR / Case Study |
Peer Group | Global senior leaders with boardroom exposure | Diverse cohort from BFSI, Tech, Defence, etc. (C-Suite to AVP levels) |
Global Network | HBS alumni & executive education network | SDA Bocconi + Bocconi Alumni (130,000+ globally) |
Fees | ~$52,000 (approx. ₹43–45L INR) | ₹21 Lakhs + GST |
Accreditation | Harvard Business School (AACSB) | Triple Crown: AMBA, EQUIS, AACSB |
Career Services | Leadership coaching, strategic visioning | Career coaching, salary negotiation, personal branding support |
Ideal For | CXOs preparing for board-level influence or global expansion | Mid-to-senior execs aiming for CXO roles or international mobility |
HBS SELPI vs INSEAD ILPSE: Executive Education for Senior Leaders
Feature | HBS SELPI | INSEAD ILPSE |
Program Name | Senior Executive Leadership Program – India (SELPI) | INSEAD Leadership Programme for Senior Executives – India (ILPSE) |
Institution | Harvard Business School | INSEAD |
Target Audience | Senior executives, typically with 15–25 years of experience | Senior professionals with 10+ years (avg. 16 years) experience and leadership potential |
Program Duration | 6 months | 12 months |
Program Format | Blended: Online modules + 3 in-person immersions (India & Boston) | Blended: Online modules + 4 in-person immersions (Mumbai, Singapore, Fontainebleau) |
Location of Immersions | 3 in-person modules (India & Boston) | India (Mumbai), Singapore, France (Fontainebleau) |
Curriculum Focus | Leadership, strategy, innovation, financial management, and global markets | General management, digital transformation, emotional intelligence, decision-making, negotiation |
Pedagogy | Harvard case method, action learning, peer feedback | INSEAD simulation, capstone, introspection, business leader interviews, Phoenix Encounter method |
Global Exposure | HBS immersion module in Boston campus | Two international modules – Singapore & France (Fontainebleau), multicultural faculty |
Leadership Development Tools | Personalized leadership development plans, HBS alumni status | 360° feedback, GELM (Global Executive Leadership Mirror), coaching, individual development plan |
Notable Modules | Strategy for Value Creation, Leading Global Businesses, Finance for Senior Executives | Game Theory, Diversity & Inclusion, Influence & Persuasion, Unconscious Group Dynamics |
Capstone Project / Simulation | Action plan for organizational leadership and transformation | General Management Simulation, optional Entrepreneurial Bootcamp |
Alumni Access | Harvard Business School Executive Education Alumni Status | INSEAD Executive Education Alumni Status |
Networking | HBS faculty, cross-industry cohort, executive coaching | INSEAD India Business Dialogue, business leader interviews (e.g., Narayana Murthy, Michael Dell) |
Language of Instruction | English | English |
Program Fee | Approx. USD 30,000–40,000 (based on previous data) | USD 50,000 (as per 2025–26 brochure) |
Application Process | Online application, screening for leadership experience, possible interview | Rolling admission; resume, essays, online application; selective intake |
Key Differentiator | Harvard case method & U.S. immersion | Phoenix Encounter Method, Entrepreneurial Bootcamp, INSEAD global reach |
Choose HBS SELPI if you are looking for a high-impact, U.S.-anchored leadership program with shorter duration, powerful brand recognition, and deep immersion in strategic leadership frameworks.
Choose INSEAD ILPSE if you prefer a longer, introspective leadership journey with multi-campus international immersion, diverse cultural exposure, and a transformative experience blending personal and strategic leadership.
FAQ: Harvard SELPI
Is HBS SELPI a degree program?
No. SELPI is a certificate-based executive program from HBS, offering alumni status and leadership training, but not an MBA degree.
How is SELPI different from an Executive MBA?
Unlike traditional EMBAs, SELPI focuses on high-level strategy, transformation, and boardroom leadership. It's ideal for seasoned executives, not mid-career professionals.
What is the teaching methodology at SELPI?
The program uses the HBS case method, simulations, leadership coaching, and live projects, offering practical and immersive learning.
Do participants attend all modules in person?
Yes. Attendance in all three modules (two in Mumbai, one at HBS Boston) is mandatory.
Can international executives apply?
Yes. While the program is tailored for India and South Asia, global applicants are welcome.
What kind of ROI can I expect?
Alumni often move into global CXO roles, board advisory positions, or launch high-impact ventures post-program.
Final Thoughts
If you are a senior executive ready to take your leadership to the global level, Harvard’s SELPI delivers world-class faculty, international immersion, and access to a powerful business network—all in a format that respects your career momentum.
