Best Executive MBA colleges in India 2025
After deciding to pursue an MBA, you might have come across various options in the forms of colleges, programme types, and specializations. Deciding on programme types and specializations mostly depends on your career goals, profile, work experience, and more.
Working professionals who are further in their careers and are looking forward to stepping up their careers can lean more towards Executive MBA programs, which primarily cater to working professionals with around 3 to 5 years of work experience. The programmes typically last around 1 to 2 years, and colleges offer either a full-time programme or a part-time one, allowing flexibility to students to continue with their ongoing work. When planning to pursue an Executive MBA in India, one of the most important aspects you should consider is the college that you want to target. As many IIM colleges and other premier b-schools provide EMBA programs, a deep analysis of fees, placement opportunities, location, etc., will prove useful to you in choosing the right college.
This blog provides you with an overview of different colleges that provide executive MBA programmes categorized into IIMs, government, and private MBA colleges to help you narrow down to premier business schools that best fit your goals.
Also Read, Executive MBA Fees In India 2025, Colleges List, Scholarships
Top IIMs for Executive MBA in India
The below table provides the list of top IIMs for an executive MBA in India with respective fees, average CTC, course duration, qualifying exam, and minimum work experience required, as these executive programmes are for professionals from mid- to senior-level in their careers.
College | Fees (Lakhs) | Average CTC (Lakhs) | Duration | Qualifying exam | No. of intakes (Last year) | Minimum Work experience required |
34.15 | 31.79 | 1 year | GMAT | 158 | 4 years | |
31.05 | 34.33 | 1 year | GMAT | 83 | 5 years | |
33.5 | 32.68 | 1 year | GMAT | 76 | 5 years | |
26 | 26.47 | 1 year | GMAT | 110 | 5 years | |
22.11 | 27.5 | 1 year | GMAT/ CAT | 75 | 5 years | |
22.5 | 27.11 | 2 years | GMAT/ CAT | 550 | 3 years |
IIM Ahmedabad Executive MBA
Ranked 1st in the NIRF Business School rankings in India, IIM Ahmedabad is undoubtedly a dream institute to be a part of for anyone thinking about an MBA in India. MBA-PGPX is a one-year full-time programme that is ranked No. 1 in the world in the Financial Times Career Progression Category. With an international immersion programme integrated into the academic curriculum, the programme provides students with much-needed global exposure.
Also Read, IIM Ahmedabad Executive MBA 2025, Average Salary, Fees
IIM Bangalore Executive MBA
Being part of the “holy trinity” for MBA in India, IIM Bangalore will always be on every MBA aspirant’s priority list. Being situated in the tech and startup hub of India, IIM B is a land full of opportunities. IIM B’s one-year full-time executive MBA programme, EPGP, is ranked No. 1 for its international curriculum by Financial Times. A diverse cohort, world-class faculty, and global footprint explain why IIM B’s executive MBA stands out from the rest of the B-schools.
IIM Calcutta Executive MBA
Triple crown accreditation - Being the first business school in India to be accredited by all three major accreditation agencies (AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS) in the world for management education, IIM Calcutta’s legacy is no doubt. The one year full time executive MBA programme MBA Ex from IIM C features in the coveted lists of ‘Global MBA Rankings’ and ‘one-year MBA section of global rankings’ in Finance Times. The program stands out with its unique blend of theory and research and excellent student teacher ratio with 59 teachers for 68 teachers last year showcases the credibility of the programme.
IIM Lucknow Executive MBA
Being one of the prestigious B schools in India with its strong brand name, alumni network, and industry connection, IIM Lucknow needs no introduction. The one-year full-time executive MBA programme IPMX offered by IIM L is ranked No. 5 in India for global MBA ranking by Financial Times. In addition to the IPMX programme, IIM L also offers a two-year executive programme PGPWE, for working professionals that allows the students to continue working full-time in their jobs with classes conducted in IIM L every alternate weekend.
IIM Indore Executive MBA
IIM Indore is another IIM with the prestige of receiving a triple crown accreditation. IIM I is one of the top-ranked IIMs with a long history, and their one-year full-time executive MBA programme, EPGP, is highly rated owing to the extensive international module at top global B-schools, participant-centric pedagogy, and strong alumni network.
IIM Kozhikode Executive MBA
While IIM Kozhikode is the exception among the top IIMs in providing only a two-year executive MBA programme EPGP, their interactive learning (IL) model facilitates students to study while continuing their work. Students are allowed to attend classes in learning centers situated in major cities with few mandatory in-campus modules. This programme stands out with its relatively longer history (started in 2001) than executive MBA programmes in other top IIMs.
Top Government Executive MBA Colleges in India
Apart from the IIMs mentioned above, the below table contains many other top non-IIM government business schools that offer executive MBAs in India. Unlike most IIMs, many of the colleges mentioned below provide programs that span more than a year.
College | Fees (Lakhs) | Average CTC (Lakhs) | Duration | Qualifying exam | No. of intakes (Last year) | Minimum Work experience required |
2.32 | 34 | 2 years | - | 200 | 5 years | |
5.5 | 29 | 18 months | - | 150 | 3 years | |
45 | 28 | 18 months | - | Not specified | 7 years (5+2) | |
18 | 25.82 | 2 years | - | Not specified | 3 years |
FMS Delhi Executive MBA
Situated in the nation’s capital, the Faculty of Management Studies (FMS) is well known for its low fees, amazing ROI, strong industry ties, etc. FMS provides a two-year on-campus executive MBA evening programme for working professionals, which allows them to continue working in their professions/businesses. The programme is structured to provide a foundation in management in the first year with the flexibility to tailor each student's MBA experience in the second year.
IIFT Delhi Executive MBA
With a rich heritage of more than 60 years, IIFT deserves no less than the top spot in providing world-class education in international business and related domains. IIFT has collaborations
with around 45 premier business schools throughout the world, facilitating student exchange programmes, joint research, etc., and providing students with global exposure. The 18-month on-campus PGDM-IB program for working professionals allows them to continue working in their professions/business with classes conducted on weekends.
IIT Bombay Executive MBA
Shailesh J. Mehta School of Management, the business school at IIT Bombay, has been in existence for 30 years now. The executive MBA programme (EMBA) offered here is India’s first and the only joint executive MBA program for which two prestigious business schools, SJMSOM of IIT B and Olin Business School of Washington University, came together to provide an exceptional MBA experience to students with a unique curriculum. While the majority of the modules are completed in Mumbai, the program mandates 3 modules in Washington DC, and St. Louis. In addition to the 7 years of minimum required work experience, the program also mandates 5 years of work experience in managerial positions among the total 7 years of work experience required.
IIT Delhi Executive MBA
The Department of Management Studies (DMS), IIT Delhi, provides an Executive MBA programme for working professionals without interrupting their ongoing professional commitments. The program includes global residencies allowing students to be a part of different business environments and a chance to take their career to the next level with exceptional placements, a strong alumni network, and industry connections.
Top Private Executive MBA Colleges in India
Apart from the top-rated IIMs and government institutes, the below table provides a list of premier private business schools that provide Executive MBAs in India. These programs generally span 15-18 months, unlike a one-year executive MBA.
| College | Fees (Lakhs) | Average CTC (Lakhs) | Duration | Qualifying Exam | No. of Intakes (Last Year) | Minimum Work Experience Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ISB Hyderabad | 37 | Not specified | 18 months | - | 60 | 5 years |
| XLRI Jamshedpur | 24.20 | 27.07 | 18 months | XAT/GMAT | 115 | 3 years |
| SPJIMR Mumbai | 21 | 23.88 | 18 months | GMAT/CAT/Internal Test | Not specified | 5 years |
| MDI Gurgaon | 16.7 | 24.46 | 18 months | CAT/XAT | Not specified | 3 years |
ISB Hyderabad Executive MBA
ISB holds the prestige of “triple crown” accreditations from all three major accreditation agencies: AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS. The executive MBA programme, PGP Pro, offered by ISB, is structured in a way to allow minimal disruption to the work commitment of the working professionals with online classes on the weekends. The program provides international experience at INSEAD Singapore, providing in-depth business insights and a unique experience. ISB also provides an executive management programme PGP MAX, for senior executives with a minimum requirement of 10 years of work experience.
Also Read, ISB Hyderabad Executive MBA 2025, Average Salary, Fees
XLRI Jamshedpur Executive MBA
Xavier School of Management (XLRI), known for its long history and the strongest alumni network, provides an 18-month residential programme, PGDMGM, which received prestigious accreditations like AMBA and AICTE. Apart from the placements, world-class faculty, international immersion, etc., this programme offers a unique experience with its village exposure program, providing students with a peek into the rural parts of India, allowing future leaders to understand and solve problems of rural geographies.
SP Jain Mumbai Executive MBA
SPJIMR is also part of the 1% of global business schools that received the “triple crown” accreditations. Their PGEMP programme for middle and senior management executives is structured to provide flexibility by not interrupting their ongoing work. The programme promotes application-based learning through customization based on each person’s context and a capstone project linked to their company’s business, facilitating a better understanding in a known environment.
MDI Gurgaon Executive MBA
With nearly 50 years in existence, a strong alumni base, and global B-school partnerships, MDI continues to remain a premier business school in India, shaping business across the world. It offers an 18-month full-time executive management programme, PGDM-BM, which is accredited by AICTE and AMBA. MDI also offers a two-year full-time executive management programme for working professionals.
Best Executive MBA colleges in India 2025: Conclusion
Choosing the right Executive MBA college is important for working professionals who want to grow in their careers. Top institutes like IIMs, FMS, IIFT, ISB, XLRI, and MDI offer specialized Executive MBA programs that help professionals develop leadership skills, expand their networks, and gain international exposure.
Each institute has different fees, duration, and admission requirements, so it's important to choose a college that fits your career goals, work experience, and budget. One-year full-time programs offer an intense learning experience, while two-year part-time programs provide flexibility for those who want to continue working while studying.
