What is Executive MBA: Full Form, Admission 2025, Fees, Syllabus, Entrance Exam, Top Colleges, Career Scope

Executive MBA programme is exclusively designed for professionals with more than five years of work experience. Although it lasts for less time (15 to 19 months), the curriculum is comparable to that of a Full-Time MBA. The fees of executive MBA programmes are a bit expensive and range between INR 20 lakh to 40 lakh, and some businesses offer their staff scholarships for these studies. In India, there are over 440 Executive MBA colleges.

The IIMs' executive MBA programmes are becoming more and more well-liked among prestigious employers. Businesses are eager to hire a professional with a significant amount of expertise and experience, according to placement trends. The average annual income for EMBA graduates ranges between INR 18 lakh, and the highest earnings can go as high as INR 90 lakh.

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How to Select Good Business School for Executive MBA

Executive MBA - EMBA is a Master of Business Administration programme that specifically targets corporate executives and managers. The programme enables them to study and work towards earning this business degree while continuing to hold their existing full-time jobs.

The Executive MBA programme's classes are delivered by the world-class faculty and this programme builds strong management fundamentals and leadership skills that serve both career enhancement as well as relevance, due to its unique focus on new-age business paradigms like digital technologies, analytics, design thinking, etc. With a programme duration of 24 months it will provide candidates with the benefit of a formal post-graduate management qualification. 

Here are few benefits of pursuing an Executive MBA:

• Career Advancement: Move into leadership roles or switch industries
• Networking: Connect with experienced professionals and alumni
• Skill Enhancement: Gain strategic thinking and practical knowledge
• Flexibility: Balance work and study with weekend or part-time classes
• Increased Earnings: Higher salary and strong return on investment
• Global Perspective: Exposure to international business practices

Executive MBA programs in India typically have a duration of 1 to 2 years. The exact duration can vary depending on the specific business school or institution offering the programme and the format of EMBA.

Some Executive MBA programs are designed to be completed in one year, and they are often more intensive, with a heavier workload. Others may be spread out over two years, allowing working professionals to balance their job responsibilities with their studies more easily. 

The choice of programme duration can depend on the preferences and needs of the students and the structure of the specific EMBA program. 

For institutes-

a) awarding degree based on aggregate marks secured in all years of the qualifying degree 

OR 

b) awarding degree based on aggregate marks secured in the final two semesters or final year of the qualifying degree:

• GE/NC-OBC/EWS: Minimum of 60% marks (OR CGPA of 6.5 on a 10-point scale)

• SC/ST/PwD: Minimum of 55% marks (OR CGPA of 6.0 on a 10- point scale)

The age limit of a candidate should be minimum 25-27 years for an executive MBA program.

However, the age limit for an Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) programme in India can vary from one business school to another. Unlike traditional full-time MBA programs, EMBA programs typically cater to experienced professionals who are in mid- to senior-level management roles and often have several years of work experience.

Yes, pursuing an Executive MBA (EMBA) is a viable and beneficial option for your career advancement. Here's a summary based on your input and additional insights:

Eligibility

• Work Experience: Most EMBA programs require 3–5 years of work experience, and you're well within the range.

  • Examples:
    • IIM Ahmedabad (PGPX): Requires a minimum of 4 years of experience.
    • IIM Bangalore (EPGP): Requires a minimum of 5 years of experience.

• Academic Qualifications: A postgraduate degree strengthens your application, especially with technical expertise in engineering.

Admission Process

• Entrance Exams:

  • Many institutions accept GMAT, GRE, or CAT scores.
  • Some universities conduct their own entrance exams.
  • Check for age restrictions and eligibility criteria specific to the institution.

• Interviews and Statement of Purpose (SOP): Strong professional achievements and a clear career vision can make your application stand out.

Top Colleges

• In India:

  • Indian School of Business (ISB)
  • IIM Ahmedabad (PGPX)
  • IIM Bangalore (EPGP)
  • IIM Calcutta (MBAEx)
  • XLRI Jamshedpur (PGDM-GM)

• Abroad: Consider top global schools like INSEAD, London Business School (LBS), and Wharton for a global perspective.

One can get admission into some of the well-known and reputed institutes and pursue an EMBA course with 50% marks. EMBA is a postgraduate-level course pursued by candidates to gain more knowledge and increase the spectrum of career opportunities available to them. Since EMBA courses are designed for mid-career professionals having time constraints, these courses can be pursued as full-time regular courses or as online courses. Some of the top institutes offering Online EMBA courses and certifications include IIT Bombay and FMS Delhi. 

To know more about the EMBA courses offered by different institutes, click on the link. 

Yes, there are entrance exam scores which are accepted by the popular management colleges in India. These are as follows:

• CAT

• MAT 

• XAT

• NMAT

• SNAP

No, CAT is not compulsory for Executive MBA. There are also other colleges which accept other entrance exam scores for the Executive MBA admission. These colleges are mentioned below:

The course content or the syllabus of the Executive MBA is not very different from that of the two-year Regular MBA. The core subjects are the same, but the overall course content or the curriculum is designed in a more advanced manner which is suitable to cater to the knowledge needs of the Executives, who are at the mid-senior level of an organisational hierarchy.

The pace of class delivery is also higher since the duration of the course is one year. There are fewer electives for Executive MBA students and the pedagogy is more interactive.

Part-time EMBA programs cover core business subjects like finance, marketing, accounting, and operations management, along with specialized courses in areas like strategy, leadership, and entrepreneurship.

When you are planning to enrol in any eMBA course online, it is recommended to check for the accreditation. But there are other types of accreditations out there that validate the executive MBA online courses other than UGC. One is the prestigious AACSB accreditation that is globally known and only a few institutes have it. Other than that, there are EQUIS and similar.  Put simply, for an eMBA online degree, it does not have to be strictly UGC. One thing to note is that you must check (or cross-check) the online executive MBA programme's accreditation that is known globally.  

Executive MBA and MBA are both professional-level management courses that elevate one's professional career. The below table highlights the key differences between both courses. To understand it better, refer to the table below:

Note: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.

A typical part-time Executive MBA (EMBA) program is designed to accommodate the busy schedules of working professionals which often features a blend of evening and weekend classes. A combination of in-person and online courses may be included in the program which typically last 18 to 24 months. With occasional intensive weekend sessions or online class. The classes typically are held once a week or every two weeks. The curriculum places a strong emphasis on leadership development and real-world practical applications. It frequently includes case studies group projects and networking opportunities with peers and business executives. In order to expose students to global business methods numerous schools also provide global immersion experiences. This format allows the candidates to balance their studies with their professional responsibilities effectively.

Here is the difference between an Executive MBA and a Part-time MBA:

Executive MBA : Executive MBA programs are typically designed for working professionals. An executive MBA program is a lot like a regular MBA program. The main difference is that an executive MBA program is primarily designed to educate working executives, managers, entrepreneurs, and other business leaders. After earning an executive MBA, you could continue to work in your current position. You may be able to accept more responsibility or pursue promotion opportunities.

Part Time MBA : Generally the classes for part-time MBA are scheduled after the normal business hours. That makes easy for the working professionals to attend it and study. Part-time MBA program degree fees is much lesser than full-time MBA, thus causes lesser financial strain. Here the students have the advantage to apply what they learn to their immediate job.

 If candidates are early in their careers and looking for a well-rounded business education while working, a Part-Time MBA may be suitable. If they are mid-career professionals seeking to enhance their leadership skills and advance to executive positions, an Executive MBA degree could be a better fit.

Candidates can check the table below to see the comparison between the two.

Note: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.

An eMBA is a postgraduate programme, just like an offline or online master's degree. However, there are some differences between the two in terms of eligibility.  For an executive MBA online course, you will need to have 10+ years of working experience, especially when you are pursuing it from the world's top institutes like Wharton or IIMs. For master's, like an online MA, the eligibility is just a bachelor's, ideally an online BA. Work experience is not really required for pursuing a master's degree programme, whether offline or online.  

An executive MBA online is for professionals who have more than 10 to 15 years of experience. This postgraduate programme is ideal for those in top management level or in middle management, aspiring to move up. It could be the best option as the curricula across institutes in India and abroad focus on building a broader skillset that is necessary for driving organisations forward in the dynamic business landscape. On the other hand, an online MBA course could be a good option for those who have completed their bachelor's degree in any subject. 

IIM Kolkata is one of the top five Management institutes in the country as per NIRF 2023 rankings. It has been placed at fourth spot. The institute provide placements support to Executive MBA course candidates. Many top recruiters from different sectors such as Information Technology, Manufacturing, Telecom, Banking, participate in its placement drive. As per past years’ records, some of the top recruiters that made offers during IIM Calcutta Executive MBA placements were EY GDS, Infosys, HSBC, Accenture, and BCG. Read more about the course here.

The average package offered over the past three years during EPGP placements over the past three years is presented below:

The table below shows the top ranked private Executive MBA colleges in India along with their tuition fees and their Business Today rankings 2024:

Disclaimer: This information is sourced from the official website/ sanctioning body and may vary.

Hi, IIM Ahmedabad offered the highest placement package and the prominent recruiters participated include RB, PnG, PWC, Mahyco, Coromandel, Jain Irrigation, Lactalis, etc.

Below is the list of Top Recruiters for the best Executive MBA colleges in India along with their placement package and a few top companies that recruit MBA Postgraduates.

Disclaimer: This information is sourced from the official website.

The Xaviers Institute of Business Management Studies offers a fast-tracked Executive MBA online that is for 6 months.  This is an ISO-certified programme, costing around INR 49500+18% GST with coverage of industry-trending topics, including business ethics, operations management, and a specialisation in your area of expertise.  

IIM Udaipur is offering a dedicated eMBA course for working professionals in the online format and two campus immersions in 2025. The Executive MBA (Online) programme from IIMU will start from May 10th, 2025. Admissions will be through GMAT/GRE or IIMU's own test. 

Since the students of Executive MBA already have work experience, they do require industry training. Rather, the class utilises the students' diverse work experience through multiple discussions, case studies, etc. Graduates of Executive MBA can get a plethora of job options after completing this course. The valuable skills learned in this programme also help them in widening their scope and join different sectors. Nowadays, recruiters are constantly on the lookout for applicants who have the ideal combination of academic knowledge and industrial experience.  

Yes, you can but it varies in different B-Schools . There are options like part-time & full time executive MBA. In part time EMBA studies are on weekends. So, you can definitely continue your job along with executive MBA but please ensure that whether the B-School you opt has Part-time slot in executive MBA.

Yes, the placement process is conducted upon completion of the programme where a host of companies participate to recruit for their mid-senior to higher-level management positions. The placement rate for every college differs according to its reputation and previous success of the academic years.

Students can explore and pick the college of their choice. The companies that usually hire Executive MBA graduates from reputed colleges are Accenture, Deloitte, TCS, Wipro, Amazon, HCL etc. 

The salary for Executive MBA (EMBA) graduates in India can vary significantly depending on various factors, including the level of work experience, the industry, the company, and the specific role. Here is a general overview of potential salary ranges based on the level of experience before enrolling in an EMBA program. 

• Entry-Level: INR 5 LPA - INR 15 LPA

• Mid-Level: INR 10 LPA - 25 LPA

• Experience-Level: INR 20 LPA - INR 50 LPA

Businesses are increasingly looking for workers with an EMBA. An EMBA allows you to establish your own business because the lesson plan includes business management subjects. The following are some of the industries with a higher rate of growth for someone obtaining an Executive MBA:

• Finance: An EMBA is a good career choice for someone who wants to be a pioneer in the world of finance. With an EMBA in Finance, one can master all of the necessary skills while also honing their existing ones. A solid finance department is essential for any firm, and professions in this sector include financial analysis, investment banking, and risk management.
• Marketing: An EMBA can teach you all you need to know about business, and marketing is a vital aspect of every firm. Individuals can benefit from an EMBA in Marketing by learning the fundamentals of marketing and gaining experience in the areas of establishing product awareness in the market and influencing purchasing decisions.
• Human Resources: An EMBA assists employees in gaining a better grasp of management, and the human resources department guarantees that the personnel is appropriately utilized through the use of appropriate management tactics. A firm's human resource department is in charge of hiring employees, providing suitable training, establishing company culture, and so on.
• Sales: The revenue production inside a firm is dependent on sales for an organisation to thrive in the market. Sales play a critical role in a country's success. An EMBA in Sales can assist individuals in exploring a variety of exciting professional prospects.
• E-commerce: It is the sale and buying of products and services over the Internet. Transactions can take place between enterprises, between customers, between consumers, or between consumers and businesses. An EMBA with an E-commerce specialisation can enable a person to explore a wide range of career opportunities such as Business Analyst, Supply Chain Management, Customer Relations Manager, and so on.

The difference between an MBA and an Executive MBA degree can be recognised in terms of their target audience, required work experience, and class schedule. An MBA degree is suitable for individuals with 0 to 5 years of work experience, while an Executive MBA degree is designed for individuals with 10 to 15 years of work experience on average.

Candidates can check the table below to see the comparison between the two courses.

An Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) is a graduate-level business degree programme designed for experienced professionals who want to enhance their leadership and management skills while continuing to work full-time. 

An EMBA helps executives and experienced professionals develop their strategic thinking, leadership, and management abilities, enabling them to make more informed and effective decisions in their roles. It also offers the opportunity for personal and professional growth, enhanced leadership capabilities, and increased career opportunities.

The average annual Executive MBA salary ranges between INR 12 LPA and INR 40 LPA, while that of a regular MBA ranges between INR 5 LPA and INR 25 LPA.

However, the earning potential of individuals with an Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) versus a General Master of Business Administration (MBA) can vary based on several factors, including an individual's specific career goals, industry, location, and level of experience.

The program is truly demanding. I believe that the program weeds out students who might not able to bear the demands of the program. There are a lot of my fellow classmates struggling to balance job, life and the MBA program. So, one should leave the job to pursue an executive MBA program. But, is it worth to quit your job? This depends on a lot of factors. Let us see. If you are happy with your job, it pays well, your family is happy, then there is no need to take a risk of losing that job. Think ten times before taking such step.

If you are not happy with your current job profile and want to improve your value, then it is for you. MBA programs tend to be tailored to people who already have a comparatively significant position within an organization. My opinion is that a large majority of people attending these programs have them paid for by their employers. So, see if something like this can be arranged by your office.

A one-year executive MBA online course can be absolutely worth it, considering the institute's reputation and curriculum. It also depends on your career goals, especially when you are thinking of switching and getting into mid-level to senior-level roles. One fine example is the Xaviers Institute of Business Management Studies.  It offers an eMBA programme online that you can complete in six months. 

The eligibility criteria for Executive MBA course may differ from college to college. However, the basic eligibility criteria to pursue an Executive MBA in India are as follows:

• Candidates must have passed graduation in any discipline or equivalent from a recognised university as the basic eligibility criteria for Executive MBA.
• Most of the institutes follow the minimum score criteria for graduation which is 50 percent on average or equivalent. Most of the institutes have no minimum cutoff marks for Executive MBA admission.
• The candidate must have at least two years of work experience at the managerial or executive level.
• Apart from merit-based admission, many top-ranked Executive MBA colleges in India also accept scores of national- and state-level entrance exams including CAT, EMAT,  etc.., for MBA admissions.