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Which IIM is best for Executive MBA?

NIRF Rankings 2023, QS Leap 2023 Asia Rankings and FT MBA 2023 all say that the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad is the best among the IIM institutes.


In the realm of higher education and professional advancement, pursuing an executive MBA from a prestigious institution can be a transformative decision. Among the plethora of options, the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) have consistently stood as beacons of excellence. When it comes to choosing the best IIM for an executive MBA, there are various factors to consider, ranging from rankings to industry representation. In this comprehensive analysis, we dissect the factors to help you make an informed decision.

NIRF Rankings 2023: A Glimpse of Excellence for Indian Institute of Management

The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2023 rankings for management institutes in India provide an initial glimpse of the IIM landscape. According to these rankings, the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad emerges as the leader, occupying the coveted first position. It's followed by the IIM Bangalore, IIM Kozhikode, IIM Calcutta, IIM Lucknow, and IIM Indore, showcasing their prowess in the management education domain. The NIRF 2023 ranking for management institutes in India:

  1. Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad at rank 1

  2. Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore, at rank 2.

  3. Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode at rank 3

  4. Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta, at rank 4.

  5. Indian Institute of Management Lucknow at rank 6 and

  6. Indian Institute of Management, Indore, at rank 8

Global Recognition: FT MBA Ranking 2023 for IIM Executive MBA

Delving into global recognition, the Financial Times (FT) MBA ranking 2023 further solidifies the prominence of these institutions. IIM Ahmedabad secures the 51st position, while IIM Bangalore closely follows at rank 52. IIM Calcutta, IIM Indore, and IIM Lucknow also find their place in this prestigious list, exemplifying their international stature. Check how to get into IIM Executive MBA.

The FT MBA Ranking 2023 ranks the IIM institutes as follows:

  1. Rank 51: IIM Ahmedabad

  2. Rank 52: IIM Bangalore

  3. Rank 76: IIM Calcutta

  4. Rank 89: IIM Indore

  5. Rank 90: IIM Lucknow


Regional Influence: QS Leap Ranking 2023 for Institute of Management

When we zoom in on the Asian landscape, the QS Leap Ranking 2023 for Asian Management Institutes offers valuable insights. IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, IIM Indore, and IIM Lucknow secure ranks 8, 10, 13, 26, and 33, respectively. This recognition highlights their significance not only in India but also in the broader Asian context.

The QS Leap Ranking 2023 for Asian Management Institutes ranks the IIM as follows:

  1. Rank 8: IIM Ahmedabad

  2. Rank 10: IIM Bangalore

  3. Rank 13: IIM Calcutta

  4. Rank 26: IIM Indore

  5. Rank 33: IIM Lucknow


Industry Background: A Decisive Factor to Decide Which IIM is Best for Executive MBA:

A crucial aspect to consider when evaluating the best IIM for an executive MBA is the representation of industry experience within the class. Each IIM boasts a unique blend of industry sectors, catering to professionals seeking to advance within their specific domains.

  1. IIM Ahmedabad embraces a diverse group, with 29% from the IT sector and 24% from core engineering.

  2. IIM Bangalore reflects 17% from the IT sector and 16% from the energy sector.

  3. IIM Calcutta's class composition includes 19.5% from the IT sector, 14.3% from oil and gas, and 13% from the manufacturing sector.

  4. IIM Kozhikode PGP BL 2023 class features 22% from the IT sector, 21% from manufacturing, 18% from automotive, and 24% from the services sector.

  5. IIM Indore EPGP comprises 26% from the IT sector, 24% from energy, oil, and gas, and 19% from manufacturing and infrastructure.

  6. IIM Lucknow IPMX showcases 21% from the IT sector, 13% from BFSI, 13% from oil and gas and energy, and 13% from the automotive sector.

At a user level, it is also important to evaluate which IIM Executive MBA is best for MBA, incorporating the industry experience represented in class.

So based on your industry background, it is important to choose which IIM is best for an executive MBA.

Pre-MBA Functions: Paving the Path Ahead to Explore Which IIM is Best for Executive MBA:

The professional backgrounds of your peers can significantly impact your executive MBA journey. Considering the pre-MBA functions represented in the class can be instrumental in choosing the right IIM for your goals.

  1. Executive MBA from IIM Ahmedabad welcomes a diverse mix, with 25% from the IT function, 21% from the consulting function, and 19% from engineering and maintenance.

  2. Executive MBA from IIM Bangalore 2023 class embodies 16% from general management, 16% from operations, and 15% from project management.

  3. Executive MBA from IIM Calcutta boasts 32.40% from consulting, 18.30% from product management, and 11.3% from marketing and sales.

  4. Executive MBA from IIM Lucknow IPMX showcases 29% from operations and supply chain, 17% from project management, and 16% from the technology sector.

  5. Executive MBA from IIM Indore EPGP represents 21% from engineering/procurement, 18% from consulting/advisory, and 16% from sales and marketing.

You can also check IIM vs ISB.


Selecting the best IIM for an executive MBA hinges on a nuanced understanding of your industry background and pre-MBA functions. While rankings and global recognition underscore their prominence, aligning with the institution that resonates with your professional aspirations and values is paramount. With their distinct offerings and diverse cohorts, each IIM paves a unique path towards a transformative executive MBA journey. It's a journey that not only sharpens your strategic acumen but also connects you with like-minded professionals and unlocks boundless opportunities for growth.


Get in touch with our MBA admission consultant for help with the IIM Executive MBA admissions and the IIM Interview preparation. You can also WhatsApp us at +91 7719497187 or email us contact@goalisb.com.



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