Which IIM is best for Executive MBA?
- Goalisb
- Oct 17
- 12 min read
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 executive MBA at IIMs, 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.
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Table of Contents
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:
Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad at rank 1
Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore, at rank 2.
Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode at rank 3
Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta, at rank 4.
Indian Institute of Management Lucknow at rank 6 and
Indian Institute of Management, Indore, at rank 8
Unsure which IIM suits your professional goals best? Let GOALisB help you evaluate programs based on your experience, industry, and ROI. Book a Free Profile Evaluation.
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:
Rank 51: IIM Ahmedabad
Rank 52: IIM Bangalore
Rank 76: IIM Calcutta
Rank 89: IIM Indore
Rank 90: IIM Lucknow
Want to know how to get into top-ranked IIM programs like IIM Ahmedabad or IIM Bangalore. Get expert help from GOALisB for your Executive MBA essays, GMAT/GRE strategy, and interview preparation. Schedule a Consultation Now.
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:
Rank 8: IIM Ahmedabad
Rank 10: IIM Bangalore
Rank 13: IIM Calcutta
Rank 26: IIM Indore
Rank 33: IIM Lucknow
Also read our in-depth analysis of the Global Executive MBA Rankings to identify leading EMBA programs.
Explore your options beyond rankings. GOALisB consultants help you identify the best-fit IIM Executive MBA program for your career path and background. Talk to an Admission Expert.
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.
IIM Ahmedabad embraces a diverse group, with 29% from the IT sector and 24% from core engineering.
IIM Bangalore reflects 17% from the IT sector and 16% from the energy sector.
IIM Calcutta's class composition includes 19.5% from the IT sector, 14.3% from oil and gas, and 13% from the manufacturing sector.
IIM Kozhikode PGP BL 2023 class features 22% from the IT sector, 21% from manufacturing, 18% from automotive, and 24% from the services sector.
IIM Indore EPGP comprises 26% from the IT sector, 24% from energy, oil, and gas, and 19% from manufacturing and infrastructure.
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.
Did you know IIM also offers specialized programs catering to niche management domains? Check out the detailed guide below:
Wondering which IIM cohort best matches your industry? GOALisB’s team can analyze your experience and recommend the perfect program alignment- from IT and consulting to manufacturing and BFSI. Book a free consultation today!
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.
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.
Executive MBA from IIM Bangalore 2023 class embodies 16% from general management, 16% from operations, and 15% from project management.
Executive MBA from IIM Calcutta boasts 32.40% from consulting, 18.30% from product management, and 11.3% from marketing and sales.
Executive MBA from IIM Lucknow IPMX showcases 29% from operations and supply chain, 17% from project management, and 16% from the technology sector.
Executive MBA from IIM Indore EPGP represents 21% from engineering/procurement, 18% from consulting/advisory, and 16% from sales and marketing.
Not sure which IIM to apply to? Our Inter IIM Comparison can help you make an informed decision.:
You can also check IIM vs ISB as a guide to business school selection.
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 a Personalized Inter-IIM Comparison Report! Connect to GOALisB experts to help you decide between IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, Lucknow, or Indore based on your function, goals, and expected outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which IIM is best for an Executive MBA?
The best IIMs for Executive MBA are IIM Ahmedabad , IIM Bangalore , and IIM Calcutta , all ranked in the Financial Times Global MBA Rankings.
1-Year/Executive MBA-Equivalent IIM Programs
These are full-time, 1-year (or very compressed) MBA programmes designed for experienced professionals. Official IIM websites or academic catalogues confirm these:
IIM | Program Name | Duration / Format | Note on Experience Requirement |
IIM Ahmedabad | MBA-PGPX (One Year MBA for Executives) | ||
IIM Bangalore | EPGP (Executive Post Graduate Programme) | ||
IIM Calcutta | MBAEx / PGPEX | ||
IIM Indore | EPGP (One Year Full-time) | 1 year, full-time residential. | Minimum 5 years |
IIM Lucknow | IPMX (International Programme in Management for Executives) |
Is an Executive MBA from IIM worth it?
Yes, an Executive MBA from top IIMs is considered worth it due to strong global rankings, ₹30–40 LPA average salaries, and leadership career acceleration, though ROI depends on your work experience and goals.
An Executive MBA (1-year full-time MBA for professionals with 5–10 years’ experience) from IIMs is globally recognized and can significantly impact mid-career growth.
Why It’s Worth It:
Global Recognition:
IIM A, B, C executive MBAs consistently rank in the FT Global MBA Rankings (Top 50–100 worldwide).
Employers value the IIM brand, especially in consulting, finance, and tech.
Career Outcomes & Salaries:
Average salaries: ₹30–40 LPA, with top consulting and tech firms recruiting.
Alumni move into senior management, leadership roles, or entrepreneurship.
Networking & Alumni Base:
IIMs have some of the strongest alumni networks in India and globally.
Executive MBA cohorts are smaller, fostering deep peer-to-peer learning.
Global Exposure:
Programs include international immersion with partner schools (Wharton, LBS, etc.).
Points to Consider:
Cost: Fees are ₹25–30 lakhs, plus living/travel.
Opportunity Cost: One year away from a job, though shorter than a 2-year MBA.
ROI Depends On:
Current role & salary baseline.
Target industry (consulting/finance ROI is higher than niche sectors).
Career clarity and ability to leverage the degree.
Best Fit Candidate:
Professionals with 5–10 years’ experience.
Those aiming for career switch (consulting, strategy, global roles) or faster leadership growth.
Those who value a globally ranked Indian B-school over expensive US/Europe MBAs.
Finally, yes- an Executive MBA from IIMs is worth it if you have solid experience, want career acceleration, and can leverage the brand/network.
Is cat score required for executive MBA in IIM?
1. One-Year Full-Time MBA (for Executives)
Examples:
IIM Ahmedabad – PGPX- GMAT/GRE
IIM Bangalore – EPGP- GMAT/GRE
IIM Calcutta – MBAEx- GMAT
IIM Lucknow – IPMX- GMAT/GRE
IIM Indore – EPGP- GMAT/GRE/CAT
These are technically MBA degrees (full-time, 1 year), designed for professionals with 5–10 years’ experience.
2. Part-Time / Weekend / Blended “Executive” Programs
Examples:
IIM Ahmedabad – ePGP (now called MBA in blended mode)- CAT/GMAT/GRE/IIMA Admission Test
IIM Bangalore – PGPEM (weekend, for working professionals)- CAT/GMAT/GRE/IIMB Test
IIM Indore – PGPMX (Mumbai campus, weekend format)- IIM Indore Aptitude Test
These are aimed at working professionals who cannot leave their jobs.
These are the closest to a “true Executive MBA” in global terminology.
How much does an IIM Executive MBA cost?
The cost of an IIM MBA (1-year full-time for professionals) ranges from ₹20 lakhs to ₹31 lakhs, depending on the campus (IIM A, B, C are at the higher end).
The fee structure for IIM’s Executive MBA-equivalent programs (1-year full-time MBAs for experienced professionals) varies across campuses.
IIM One year MBA Fees (2025):
IIM Ahmedabad (PGPX)- ₹34.15 lakhs
IIM Bangalore (EPGP)- ₹26.5 lakhs
IIM Calcutta (MBAEx)- ₹33.5 lakhs
IIM Lucknow (IPMX)- ₹26 lakhs
IIM Indore (EPGP)- ₹22,11,800
IIM Kozhikode (PGP-BL)- ₹22.5 lakhs
(Fees include tuition, course material, some international immersion, but exclude living expenses.)
Part-Time / Weekend “Executive MBAs”:
IIM Ahmedabad ePGP (blended)- ₹20 lakhs
IIM Bangalore PGPEM (weekend)- ₹20.11 lakhs (spread over 2 years)
IIM Indore PGPMX (Mumbai)- ₹17.60 lakhs
Key Points:
1-year full-time MBAs (PGPX, EPGP, MBAEx) are the most expensive, but also ranked globally.
Part-time MBAs are cheaper, but require you to continue working while studying.
Scholarships, bank loans, and company sponsorships are often available.
Thus, IIM one year MBA costs between ₹20–31 lakhs, with IIM A, B, C charging the highest.
Who is eligible for Executive MBA in IIM?
To be eligible for an IIM Executive MBA (1-year full-time for professionals), you need a bachelor’s degree, 5–10 years of full-time work experience, and a valid GMAT/GRE score; part-time executive programs may also accept CAT/IIM’s own test.
Eligibility depends on whether you mean the 1-year full-time MBA for experienced professionals (globally ranked, often called “Executive MBA”) or the part-time/weekend Executive MBA for working professionals.
1-Year Full-Time MBA Programs (IIM A, B, C, L, I, K):
Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
Work Experience:
IIM Ahmedabad (PGPX): Minimum 4 years.
IIM Bangalore (EPGP): Minimum 5 years.
IIM Calcutta (MBAEx): Minimum 5 years.
IIM Lucknow (IPMX): Minimum 5 years.
IIM Indore (EPGP): Minimum 5 years.
Test Scores: GMAT/GRE/CAT.
Other Requirements: Essays, SOP, recommendations, and a personal interview.
Part-Time / Weekend MBAs (for Working Professionals):
Examples: IIM Ahmedabad ePGP, IIM Bangalore PGPEM, IIM Indore PGPMX.
Education: Bachelor’s degree.
Work Experience: Usually 3–5 years minimum.
Test Scores: CAT, GMAT, GRE, or IIM’s own admission test (varies by program).
Format: Weekend or blended online + campus modules, allowing you to keep working.
Thus,
For 1-year full-time MBAs at IIMs → Eligibility = Bachelor’s degree + 5–10 years’ experience + GMAT/GRE/CAT.
For part-time MBAs → Eligibility = Bachelor’s + 3–5 years’ experience + CAT/GMAT/GRE/IIM test (varies).
What percentile is 30 marks in cats?
A raw score of 30 marks in CAT generally translates to around the 70th to 75th percentile.
Who is eligible for ISB Executive MBA?
To be eligible for the ISB Executive MBA (PGPpro), candidates must have a bachelor’s degree, at least 5 years of full-time work experience, and strong professional achievements; GMAT/GRE/CAT is not required.
The Indian School of Business (ISB) offers multiple formats for mid-career professionals. Its Executive MBA is called PGPpro, designed for working executives.
Eligibility for ISB PGPpro (Executive MBA):
Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
Work Experience: Minimum 5 years of full-time work experience.
Test Requirement: No GMAT/GRE/CAT needed. Admissions are based on professional achievements, leadership potential, essays, and interview.
Location: Delhi and Hyderabad.
Other ISB Options for Experienced Professionals:
PGPMAX (Executive MBA for senior leaders): For professionals with 10+ years’ experience; designed for CXO-level leaders.
PGP (1-year full-time MBA): For professionals with 2+ years’ experience, requires GMAT/GRE (or CAT in YLP pathway).
Thus,
ISB PGPpro (Executive MBA) → Bachelor’s + 5 years’ experience, no GMAT/GRE/CAT.
ISB PGPMAX (Senior Executive MBA) → Bachelor’s + 10+ years’ experience.
ISB PGP (regular MBA) → Bachelor’s + 2+ years’ experience + GMAT/GRE.
What are the disadvantages of an Executive MBA?
The main disadvantages of an Executive MBA are high cost, intense time commitment alongside work, limited career switch opportunities, and less campus immersion compared to a full-time MBA.
While an Executive MBA (EMBA) is designed for mid- to senior-level professionals, it may not suit everyone. Compared to a traditional full-time MBA, the EMBA has some limitations:
1. High Cost
EMBA programs are among the most expensive, often ₹30–80 lakhs (US$40,000–120,000).
Employers may not fully sponsor tuition anymore, meaning a heavier personal financial burden.
2. Work–Study Balance Challenges
EMBA students usually continue working full-time while studying.
Balancing intense coursework, travel, and job responsibilities can lead to burnout.
3. Limited Career Switching
Full-time MBAs allow internships and networking for career pivots.
EMBAs are geared toward career acceleration within the same field, making industry or functional changes harder.
4. Less Campus Life & Networking
Shorter duration and weekend formats reduce immersion in student life.
Networking is valuable but often limited to classmates, not the wider MBA community.
5. Employer Perception
Some employers value a traditional MBA more than an EMBA, especially for career changers.
EMBAs may be seen as “part-time” credentials despite their rigor.
6. Opportunity Cost of Time & Energy
Though you keep working, the personal time cost is high—family and social life often take a backseat.
Thus, an Executive MBA is best suited for professionals seeking leadership growth in their current field, but less ideal for those wanting a complete career switch.
What is the salary of Executive MBA in IIM?
Recent Salary Data for IIM one year MBA / Equivalent Programs
IIM / Program | Key Figures | Notes |
IIM Ahmedabad – PGPX (for Executives) | Highest maximum earning potential (MEP): ₹63.75 lakh per annum; Median MEP: ₹29.06 lakh per annum. | The “highest” dropped sharply from ~₹1.08 crore last year, perhaps due to macroeconomic conditions. |
IIM Calcutta – MBAEx (Executives) | Average salary ~ ₹32.68 lakh; Highest salary- 52 lakhs (17th batch). | |
What Affects These Salary Numbers
Experience Level & Seniority: Executive MBAs are for mid- to senior-level professionals. Those with more years and leadership roles before joining tend to get higher offers.
Institute Brand & Alumni Network: E.g. IIM A, B, C tend to command stronger recruiter interest.
Industry / Function: Roles in consulting, finance, IT often pay more vs. roles in operations, retail, non-profit etc.
Economic Cycles / External Environment: As seen in IIM A-PGPX, macro-slowdowns can reduce highest offers.
Location (domestic vs international offers): International offers (or roles that involve global exposure) tend to have much higher pay, but are fewer.
So, in concise terms:
At top IIMs, one year MBA for executives might see average / median salaries in the ballpark of ₹30-₹40 lakh per annum, though this can dip or spike significantly depending on background and roles.
Top offers could reach ₹50-90 lakh or more, especially in recent good years, for exceptional candidates.
What is the ROI of an Executive MBA?
The ROI of an Executive MBA is moderate to high for mid-career professionals, with typical post-program salary jumps of 30–60%, but the payoff depends on pre-MBA experience, industry, and program cost.
The Return on Investment (ROI) of an Executive MBA (EMBA) varies widely, but it is generally measured in terms of salary uplift, career progression, and network value. Unlike full-time MBAs, EMBAs are designed for experienced professionals (10–15 years of work experience), so ROI often comes from accelerated leadership roles rather than career switches.
ROI Breakdown
Cost:
Global EMBA programs: $80,000–$200,000 (₹60L–₹1.5Cr)
Indian IIM one-year PGPX programs: ₹34.15 lakhs
Salary Uplift:
Average post-EMBA salary increase: 30–60% (per GMAC & Financial Times 2024 reports).
Top IIM programs: post-EMBA median salaries of ₹30–40 lakhs, with peaks up to ₹50–90 lakhs.
Payback Period:
Typically 2–5 years depending on program cost and pre-MBA salary.
Sponsorship or partial company funding shortens ROI significantly.
Career ROI Beyond Salary:
Faster promotions to senior leadership/CXO levels.
Access to elite alumni networks.
Greater credibility for entrepreneurship or global assignments.
Limitations of ROI
Less helpful for career switchers compared to full-time MBAs.
ROI is weaker if the candidate already holds a senior role with limited salary upside.
Time and energy costs (balancing study + work) are high and not directly financial.
Thus, an Executive MBA offers high ROI for experienced professionals aiming for leadership acceleration, especially when supported by employer sponsorship. For career changers or those already at the top of their earning curve, ROI may be limited.
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