IIM Lucknow Blended MBA (bMBA) 2025–27: Curriculum, Fees, Eligibility & Application Guide
- Goalisb
- 1 day ago
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The blended MBA (bMBA) offered by the Indian Institute of Management Lucknow is a future-ready, two-year MBA for working professionals and entrepreneurs who want to level up without hitting pause on their careers. Rooted in the guiding credo — “Lead Smarter: Anytime, Anywhere with Future-Ready Learning” — the program blends the flexibility of online learning with the academic intensity and peer networking of on-campus modules.
Table of Contents:
Overview of the IIM Lucknow bMBA Program
Key Benefits of the bMBA Format
Eligibility Criteria for IIML bMBA 2025
Admission Process and Key Dates
Program Format & Schedule
Campus Immersions & On-Site Requirements
Curriculum Structure and Core Courses
Electives and Capstone Project
Fees and Payment Schedule
Career Development & Alumni Access
Who Should Apply for the bMBA?
Frequently Asked Questions
Overview of the IIM Lucknow bMBA Program
Awarding a formal MBA degree (not a diploma) from IIM Lucknow, the bMBA equips participants with:
A solid foundation in core management functions,
Strategic leadership skills,
Exposure to digital, global, and data-driven business environments, and
Access to IIML’s top-tier faculty, peer network, and learning infrastructure.
Whether you’re aiming to transition into leadership, scale your entrepreneurial venture, or accelerate within your current industry, the bMBA offers a high-impact, academically rigorous pathway — without requiring a career break.
IIM Lucknow bMBA Program Highlights at a Glance:
Feature | Details |
Duration | 2 years (6 terms, ~4 months each) |
Delivery Format | Live online classes + On-campus immersions |
Degree | MBA (from IIM Lucknow) |
Class Timing | Evenings (Thu–Sat) + Sunday mornings |
Campus Immersion | 28 days total (13 in Year 1, 15 in Year 2) |
Total Credits | 32.5 credits (16.5 core + 14 electives + 2 capstone) |
Start Date | 26 September 2025 |
Application Deadline | 18 August 2025 |
This program is ideal for mid- to senior-level professionals, consultants, startup founders, and even globally placed Indian professionals who want an IIM MBA credential with built-in flexibility.
Key Benefits of the IIM Lucknow bMBA Format
The IIM Lucknow blended MBA (bMBA) is more than a degree—it’s a strategic career enabler. What sets this program apart from typical online MBAs or part-time executive formats is its hybrid delivery model, academic equivalence to IIML’s flagship MBA, and its focus on leadership readiness for professionals in dynamic, fast-evolving industries.
1. MBA Degree from a Top IIM
Unlike many executive or online offerings that culminate in a certificate or diploma, the bMBA awards a formal Master of Business Administration degree—the same recognition carried by the full-time Post Graduate Programme (PGP) at IIM Lucknow.
2. Designed for Working Professionals
With classes held during evenings and weekends, the program is built to fit into your current work schedule. You can upskill, network, and grow without taking a sabbatical or slowing down your career momentum.
3. Blended Delivery with Strategic Campus Immersions
Participants benefit from:
Live online classes (Thursday to Sunday)
On-campus residencies at IIM Lucknow (~28 days total over 2 years)This model ensures both convenience and connection—with real-time faculty interaction and peer engagement during intensives.
4. Cutting-Edge Curriculum with Flexibility
The bMBA features:
Core courses across strategy, finance, marketing, operations, HR, and digital enterprise
A capstone project that applies cross-functional learning to a real-world business challenge
A wide range of electives in Year 2, with options to tailor the learning path based on career goals
5. Faculty, Brand & Ecosystem Access
Participants gain access to:
IIML faculty (live instruction, not pre-recorded)
The institute’s learning management system (LMS) and digital library
Peer learning through group discussions, roleplays, and simulations
The IIM Lucknow alumni network and branding, with lifelong affiliation
6. High Rigor, Low Disruption
The IIML bMBA is as academically demanding as a full-time MBA, but is tailored to support full-time professionals through strategic scheduling, clear timelines, and continuous academic support.
Eligibility Criteria for IIM Lucknow bMBA 2025–27
The IIM Lucknow blended MBA (bMBA) program is designed for experienced professionals who are ready to make the transition to strategic and leadership roles. To ensure a cohort of high-caliber, career-ready participants, IIM Lucknow has outlined clear eligibility criteria and evaluation benchmarks.
Academic Qualification
Candidates must meet the following academic requirements:
A bachelor’s degree (minimum 10+2+3 or 10+2+4) or equivalent professional qualification (CA/CS/ICWA)
Degree must be awarded by a recognized university/institution in India or abroad
A minimum of 50% aggregate marks or equivalent CGPA (45% for SC/ST/PwD categories)
Foreign degrees must be recognized by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU)
Work Experience
Minimum of three years of full-time post-qualification work experience as of August 31, 2025
Only full-time professional experience is considered; internships, part-time roles, and pre-graduation experience are excluded
Both domestic and international work experience is accepted
IIM Lucknow bMBA Accepted Entrance Tests
Candidates must submit a valid score from one of the following tests:
CAT (center-based only)
GMAT or GMAT Focus Edition (center-based only)
GRE (center-based only)
Only scores from tests taken between September 1, 2020 and August 31, 2025 are considered valid.
Reservation Policy
IIM Lucknow applies the Central Government reservation policy:
Category | Reservation (%) |
Scheduled Caste (SC) | 15% |
Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 7.5% |
OBC-NCL | 27% |
EWS | 10% |
PwD (horizontal) | 5% |
Candidates must submit valid documentation to avail reservations, and percentage cutoffs for academic marks are relaxed as per norms for SC/ST/PwD candidates.
Admission Process and Key Dates for IIM Lucknow bMBA 2025–27
Admission to the IIM Lucknow blended MBA (bMBA) follows a structured, merit-based selection process that evaluates candidates across academic, professional, and interpersonal dimensions. The process includes three stages: Shortlisting, Interview, and Final Selection.
Three-Stage Selection Framework
1. Shortlisting Stage
Candidates are first shortlisted based on a composite score derived from:
Component | Weightage |
Entrance Exam Score (CAT/GMAT/GRE) | 50 |
Class 12 (HSC) Marks | 10 |
Bachelor’s Degree Marks | 20 |
Work Experience | 15 |
Gender Diversity | 5 |
Total | 100 |
Gender diversity points (5 marks) are awarded to female candidates.
Work experience is assessed based on a detailed scale, with 3 to 10 years of experience receiving progressively higher scores (up to 15 marks). Experience beyond 10 years gradually reduces in score.
2. Interview Stage
Shortlisted candidates are invited for an online Personal Interview (PI). A minimum of 12 out of 40 marks must be scored in the interview to remain eligible for final selection.
3. Final Selection Stage
The final merit list is based on a recalibrated composite score:
Component | Weightage |
Personal Interview | 40 |
Entrance Exam Score | 20 |
Class 12 (HSC) Marks | 5 |
Bachelor’s Degree Marks | 15 |
Work Experience | 15 |
Gender Diversity | 5 |
Total | 100 |
Only candidates who pass the interview stage are considered for admission offers.
Key Dates for bMBA Admissions 2025–27
Milestone | Date/Timeline |
Application Deadline | 18 August 2025 |
Online Interviews | Last week of August to 3rd week of September 2025 |
Offer Letters | 3rd week of September 2025 |
Program Inauguration | 25 September 2025 |
Classes Begin | 26 September 2025 |
Candidates are encouraged to apply early to allow time for test score reporting, document verification, and financing preparation.
Program Format and Weekly Schedule
The IIM Lucknow bMBA is purpose-built for busy professionals who require flexibility without compromising on academic rigor. The program’s hybrid format ensures structured learning through a combination of live online sessions and immersive on-campus modules.
Blended Learning Structure
The bMBA program spans two academic years, divided into six terms of approximately four months each. It integrates:
Live online classes during weekday evenings and weekends
Campus immersions held at IIM Lucknow for in-person sessions, exams, and experiential learning
Self-paced preparation, assignments, and group projects via the institute’s learning management system (LMS)
This blend allows working professionals to pursue the program while continuing in full-time roles across industries, geographies, and time zones.
Weekly Class Schedule
Day | Time Slot | Session Type |
Thursday | 6:30 pm – 9:45 pm | Live online class |
Friday | 6:30 pm – 9:45 pm | Live online class |
Saturday | 6:30 pm – 9:45 pm | Live online class |
Sunday | 10:00 am – 1:15 pm | Live online class |
Sunday (Year 2) | 2:15 pm – 5:30 pm | Elective sessions (if opted) |
Sunday (Occasional) | Flexible timing | Quizzes, reviews, group work |
In case a scheduled session falls on a gazetted or public holiday, the session is rescheduled to a weekday (Monday–Wednesday) during the same evening slot.
Session Format
All online sessions are:
Conducted live by IIM Lucknow faculty
Delivered with interactive elements such as polls, breakout rooms, and Q&A
Supplemented with recorded access (on a case-by-case basis for approved absences)
On-campus sessions, on the other hand, are mandatory and include:
Workshops and simulations
End-term exams
Peer group interactions and networking
Sessions with guest speakers and visiting faculty
Campus Immersions and On-Site Requirements
A distinguishing feature of the IIM Lucknow bMBA program is its carefully structured on-campus immersion modules. These modules ensure that participants experience the collaborative, intellectually stimulating environment that is central to an IIM education—without the need to relocate or take a career break.
Immersion Overview
Across the two-year program, participants are expected to attend 13 days of campus sessions in Year 1 and 15 days in Year 2, totaling 28 days of on-campus presence. These sessions are strategically placed across academic terms to coincide with term beginnings, evaluations, and capstone preparation.
Year | Duration of Immersions | Campus Activities Include |
Year 1 | 4 days + 9 days = 13 days | Orientation, core coursework, assessments, networking |
Year 2 | 9 days + 6 days = 15 days | Electives, capstone guidance, guest lectures, exams |
Immersions typically take place at the IIM Lucknow main campus, although some participants may opt for the Noida campus for certain assessments (Terms I, III, and V). All campus sessions are designed to maximize peer learning, real-time faculty engagement, and exposure to IIML’s academic ecosystem.
Activities During Immersion
During immersion weeks, participants engage in:
Intensive classroom sessions with faculty
End-term examinations for selected terms
Capstone project reviews and checkpoints
Simulation-based learning and group workshops
Guest lectures by industry leaders and alumni
Cohort-wide networking, case discussions, and feedback sessions
Accommodation and Logistics
On-campus accommodation is optional and offered on a twin-sharing basis, including breakfast and dinner.
Participants choosing to stay on campus during exams in Terms I, III, and V incur an additional fee of ₹10,000 per term.
Accommodation is subject to availability and can be availed at both the Lucknow and Noida campuses, as applicable.
Campus immersions are not just academic touchpoints; they are designed to foster deep cohort bonding, provide hands-on learning, and recreate the IIM experience for participants who are managing full-time professional roles.
Electives and Capstone Project in Year 2 of the IIM Lucknow bMBA
The second year of the IIM Lucknow blended MBA (bMBA) is designed to deepen domain expertise and provide opportunities for strategic application. Through a flexible yet structured pathway of electives and a mandatory capstone project, participants can tailor their learning journey based on their industry, role aspirations, and professional goals.
Electives in IIM Lucknow bMBA
Participants choose electives totaling 14 credits, selecting from a wide array of advanced and applied courses offered across domains such as:
Strategy and Leadership
Finance and Investments
Marketing and Customer Analytics
Operations and Supply Chain
Human Resource Management
Digital Transformation and IT
These electives are aligned with those offered in IIM Lucknow’s full-time Post Graduate Program (PGP), ensuring consistency in academic rigor, content depth, and faculty quality. While formal specializations are not awarded, students can curate their learning by clustering electives from a preferred domain.
Elective sessions are primarily delivered online, though some may be conducted during campus immersion periods for experiential components.
Capstone Project: Bridging Knowledge and Action
The Capstone Project (2 credits) is a core requirement for graduation and marks the culmination of the IIM Lucknow bMBA experience. It enables participants to integrate cross-functional knowledge to solve a complex, real-world business problem.
Key highlights:
Conducted under the supervision of IIML faculty
Often aligned with the participant’s current workplace or entrepreneurial interest
Encourages application of learnings from finance, marketing, operations, strategy, and digital business
Requires presentation and evaluation in the final term
Optional Course of Independent Study (CIS)
In addition to electives and the capstone, participants may opt for a Course of Independent Study (CIS). This self-directed module allows learners to:
Explore niche areas not covered in standard electives
Work under faculty mentorship
Develop thought leadership or a specialized skillset
The CIS is optional but can be a powerful differentiator for participants looking to build depth in emerging or industry-specific topics.
Fees and Payment Schedule for IIM Lucknow bMBA 2025–27
The IIM Lucknow blended MBA (bMBA) offers a comprehensive and flexible learning experience with a competitive fee structure. The total investment in the program reflects the prestige of an IIM degree, access to world-class faculty, and hybrid delivery with campus immersion—all tailored for working professionals.
Total Program Fees
Component | Amount (INR) |
Tuition Fees | ₹14,00,000 |
Alumni Membership Fee | ₹5,000 |
Convocation Fee | ₹10,000 |
Accommodation (Optional) | ₹80,000 |
Total (with accommodation) | ₹14,95,000 |
Note: Tuition fees include all academic materials and working lunches during campus immersions. Accommodation includes breakfast and dinner on twin-sharing basis, subject to availability.
Detailed Fee Breakdown by Term
Milestone | Tuition Fee | Other Fees | Accommodation | Total Payable |
Acceptance (within 15 days of selection) | ₹50,000 | – | – | ₹50,000 |
Before Term I (up to Induction) | ₹2,70,000 | – | ₹12,500 | ₹2,82,500 |
Before Term II | ₹2,70,000 | ₹5,000 (Alumni) | – | ₹2,75,000 |
Before Term III | ₹2,70,000 | – | ₹25,000 | ₹2,95,000 |
Before Term IV | ₹2,70,000 | ₹10,000 (Convocation) | ₹25,000 | ₹3,05,000 |
Before Term V | ₹2,70,000 | – | ₹17,500 | ₹2,87,500 |
Total | – | – | – | ₹14,95,000 |
Additional fees of ₹10,000 per term apply for participants who choose on-campus accommodation during exams in Terms I, III, and V.
Key Payment Notes
Payments are due prior to the start of each term.
The acceptance fee of ₹50,000 is non-refundable, but adjustable against the Term I payment.
Education loans are available from leading banks. While IIM Lucknow does not offer direct financial aid, many banks offer EMI options for executive MBA programs.
Career Development and Alumni Access in IIM Lucknow bMBA
While the IIM Lucknow blended MBA (bMBA) does not include a traditional placement process like the full-time PGP, it offers participants robust career support infrastructure designed for working professionals who are advancing or transitioning within their current careers.
Career Development Support
IIM Lucknow is currently in the process of establishing a Career Development Cell (CDC) specifically for its working professional MBA programs. Although full-time placements are not part of the offering, the CDC will provide:
Career advancement workshops
Industry mentorship
Alumni speaker series
Guidance on internal promotions, role transitions, and entrepreneurial scaling
Participants also benefit from peer learning across industries, enabling them to explore lateral opportunities through the network.
In addition to CDC support, the program structure itself—live interaction with faculty, a capstone project, and real-time application of knowledge—equips professionals with actionable skills and leadership readiness.
Alumni Status and Institutional Access
Graduates of the bMBA program are awarded the same alumni status as full-time IIM Lucknow PGP graduates, including:
Access to IIM Lucknow’s alumni network
Invitations to alumni meets and conclaves
Eligibility for alumni-led initiatives and executive programs
Continued connection with faculty and institutional updates
Participants also receive access to the IIM Lucknow library resources, digital learning tools, and a dedicated LMS portal during the duration of the program.
Strategic Advantage of the IIM Brand
Beyond job placement, the IIM Lucknow bMBA offers long-term career leverage through:
Recognition of the IIM brand in corporate and international markets
A credential that holds weight across industries, especially in consulting, strategy, general management, and entrepreneurship
The ability to transition into leadership roles or expand business ventures without pausing your career trajectory
In short, the program is ideal for professionals who are not just looking for a job change—but for strategic transformation, entrepreneurial growth, or leadership mobility.
Who Should Apply for the IIM Lucknow bMBA Program?
The IIM Lucknow blended MBA (bMBA) is not a one-size-fits-all offering. It is strategically curated for mid-career professionals who bring real-world experience, and are ready to elevate their careers through structured learning, leadership training, and peer engagement—without stepping away from their jobs.
Ideal Candidate Profile for IIML bMBA
This program is best suited for professionals who meet one or more of the following profiles:
Mid-level managers aiming to fast-track to senior leadership roles
Functional experts (finance, marketing, operations, HR, IT) looking to develop general management capabilities
Entrepreneurs or business owners seeking strategic tools to scale their ventures
Consultants and project managers looking for an MBA credential to access CXO-level mandates
Professionals with international experience aiming to sharpen their India-market understanding
Engineers and technologists transitioning toward product, strategy, or business leadership roles
Geographic and Sector Flexibility
The IIM Lucknow bMBA is ideal for:
Working professionals across India—whether in metros, tier 2/3 cities, or industrial hubs
NRIs and globally located Indian professionals who want an Indian MBA brand without relocation
Professionals in IT/ITES, BFSI, consulting, manufacturing, pharma, consumer goods, and energy sectors, among others
Strategic Value of the bMBA Format
The blended format appeals to those who:
Want to earn a full MBA degree while continuing full-time employment
Seek IIM faculty access and structured peer learning without compromising flexibility
Do not need immediate placement support but value long-term career leverage, leadership development, and brand signaling
In essence, the IIML bMBA is not for those looking for short-term placement or résumé inflation—it is for professionals with a long-term view of leadership, impact, and strategic growth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the IIM Lucknow bMBA
Below are the most commonly asked questions about the IIM Lucknow blended MBA program, designed to clarify admission requirements, academic policies, and delivery format.
1. Is the IIM Lucknow bMBA a degree or a diploma?
It is a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree, awarded by IIM Lucknow. This is equivalent in recognition to the full-time MBA but delivered in a blended format.
2. Is work experience mandatory for the bMBA?
Yes. You must have a minimum of 3 years of full-time post-graduation work experience as of August 31, 2025.
3. What entrance exams are accepted?
Valid scores from any one of the following are accepted:
CAT
GMAT or GMAT Focus Edition
GREOnly center-based tests taken between September 1, 2020 and August 31, 2025 are eligible.
4. Is the program open to international applicants?
Yes. International candidates with valid test scores and recognized degrees (AIU equivalence required) are eligible to apply.
5. Does the program offer specializations?
No formal specializations are awarded. However, participants can customize their learning by selecting electives across various domains such as finance, strategy, marketing, operations, and HR.
6. Are campus immersions mandatory?
Yes. All participants must attend 13 days of immersion in Year 1 and 15 days in Year 2, including in-person exams, workshops, and peer learning.
7. Are classes recorded?
Live online classes are not automatically recorded. However, recordings may be made available for up to 7 days in exceptional cases with prior approval. Campus sessions are not recorded.
8. Can I extend the program beyond 2 years?
Yes. Participants may request an extension and complete the program within 3 years, subject to approval by the Program Executive Committee.
9. Is there any placement support?
The bMBA does not include formal placements, but IIM Lucknow is setting up a Career Development Cell to offer mentoring, guidance, and resources for career growth and transition.
10. Will I get access to IIM Lucknow alumni benefits?
Yes. Upon completion, you are granted full alumni status, with access to the network, reunions, and institutional updates.