10 Best Institutes for Executive MBA in India

Executive MBA is designed for the working executives to fulfill their dream of higher studies and to add another feather in the cap to pursue a higher level of leadership and managerial role. If you are aiming to pursue Executive MBA in India, this article is a must read for you.

What is an Executive MBA program?

Executive MBA programs are typically designed to meet the educational needs of mid-to-senior level managers, enabling them to broaden their business perspective and sharpen their managerial & leadership skills.

Who is eligible for an Executive MBA program?

Any managerial professional with 2-5 year of work experience can do an EMBA program. However, the exact requirement varies from one institute to another.

What is the typical duration of EMBA program?

The duration of EMBA varies from 1-5 years. They are offered in different modes like-Full time, Part-time, Distance education, Weekend or online classes.

Deciding to take an EMBA is a big step. It requires a big investment both in terms of money as well as finance. Before you choose, take the time to ask yourself these questions. Your answers will help in determining the best programs that suit you:

• Why do I need an MBA?
• Do I have sufficient time to spare for education while working?
• How will the additional degree help me zip through my career path?
• Which mode of learning fits me? (Online, Part-time, Full-time, Distance learning)
• Do I have sufficient financial backing?
• Do I meet the requirements of the business school?
• Will my employer sponsor the MBA?
• Does my employer have alliances with any MBA schools in India?

Let’s take a look at the institutes apart from IIMs that offer Executive MBA programs in various modes:

1. BITS Pilani WILP MBA

*Ranking: BBB

Birla Institute of Technology & Science (BITS) is a renowned brand and ranks among the top educational institutes of India. BITS offers Work Integrated Learning Programmes (WILP) that are designed for employed professionals in various Engineering and IT industries, to enhance their academic qualification while gaining significant professional experience.

Website: www.bits-pilani.ac.in/university/wilp/WILPProgrammes

Institute Type: Deemed University
Courses offered: MBA in Consulting Management, MBA in Manufacturing Management, MBA in Finance and MBA in Quality Management.
Mode of delivery: Combination of Online & Offline
Eligibility: BE/B.Tech/M.Sc or equivalent with minimum 1-2 years relevant industry work experience.
Duration: 2 years
Fee range: 1.5 lakhs-2 lakhs

Review: BITS WILP is more like a distance learning program and is suitable for all those working professionals who are not willing to sacrifice their job for an additional degree. Though after completing this course you will earn the prestigious BITS tag, the chances of getting a better job, pay hike or promotions are still questionable.

2. NMIMS Global Access School for Continuing Education

Ranking: AAA

With a legacy of 34 years, Narsee Monji Institute of Management Studies has grown to become one of the top B-schools in India. The college follows a rigorous selection procedure, which includes a Written test and Personal Interview. Candidates can also appear for the selection procedure with their valid GMAT score of 600 & above or with a score of 200 & above in NMAT by GMAC. The Executive MBA from NMIMS is an on-campus course offered in Mumbai, Shirpur, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad campus.

Website: www.sbm.nmims.edu/academics/programs/executive-mba/

Institute Type: Deemed University
Program offered: Executive MBA
Mode of delivery: On campus
Eligibility: Graduation from a recognized University in any discipline with minimum 5 years of work experience in executive or supervisory capacity.
Duration: 15-24 months
Fee range: 5 lakhs

Review: Getting the NMIMS tag will definitely help and add value to your career in the long run. The EMBA program offered by NMIMS is quite flexible. You can either complete the course on a fast track 15 months or 24 months. One also has the choice take a module one week and take the next week off enabling you to balance work and personal commitments.

3. IGNOU

Ranking: Not Applicable

IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University) is one of the most sought after institutions in the field of distance education. IGNOU offers an Executive MBA in Finance, Marketing, HR, IT, and Hospitality Management. An All India level admission test is conducted for EMBA in HR, Marketing and Finance by NIIT Imperia, and the courses are conducted through its various study centers. The EMBA IT program is in collaboration with U21 Global, a Singapore-based online education provider and EMBA in Hospitality Management is in collaboration with the Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Association of India (FHRAI) in Noida. Most of the EMBA classes are conducted on every Saturdays and Sundays.

Website: http://ignoumba.in/executive-mba/hospitality-management
Institute Type: Central Open University
Program offered: Executive MBA in Marketing, Finance, HR, IT and Hospitality Management
Mode of delivery: On campus
Eligibility: Graduation from any discipline with minimum 2-5 years of work experience.
Duration: 18 months
Fee range: 1.5 lakhs-2.5

Review: There are mixed reviews about the quality of education & credibility of IGNOU certification. IGNOU is perfect for those who are looking for knowledge enhancement with an additional degree but not for those looking for campus placement or higher job prospects. IGNOU certification carries the tag of distant learning, which is not preferred by major companies during recruitment.

4. SIBM

Ranking: AA

Symbiosis Institute of Business Management has been conducting the EMBA course for over two decades now, so it goes without saying that they have expertise in delivering this course. The selection of students for this course is on the basis of an entrance exam followed by a personal interview. The classes are conducted on-campus every Saturdays and Sundays by the eminent professors of Symbiosis themselves. Symbiosis also offers an exhaustive list of Post Graduation distance learning courses for more details click here.

Website: www.sibm.edu
Institute Type: Autonomous
Program offered: Executive MBA (general MBA)
Mode of delivery: On campus
Eligibility: Graduation from any discipline with minimum 3 years of work experience.
Duration: 30 months
Fee range: 4.5 lakhs

Review: The overall review of SIBM EMBA is very good. SIBM EMBA course has a perfect blend of professionals from diversified fields and areas. Also, the lecturers are very knowledgeable and professional when it comes to helping out students.

5. Welingkar Institute of Management

Ranking: BBB

Prin. L.N.Welingkar Institute of Management Development & Research (WeSchool) is one of the leading Business schools in Asia, with impeccable accreditation and recognition from various national & international organizations. Over the last few years, the institute is promoting its distance education program and opening up new study centers across the country.

Website: www.welingkaronline.org/distance-learning/
Institute Type: UGC, NAAC Affiliated
Program offered: Post Graduate Diploma in Management-Hybrid Learning Program
Mode of delivery: Both online & offline
Eligibility: Graduation from any discipline with minimum of 3 years of work experience.
Duration: 2 years
Fee range: Less than 1 lakh

Review: The hybrid form of education by Welingkar is slowly gaining popularity due to the flexibility and convenience they provide to students. This program has a perfect blend of modern and traditional teaching techniques. The course material and course content is sent to students through web and print media. Some of the online learning techniques used are-Virtual classroom facility, WeLectures, E-learning toolkit, e-book, Experiential learning programs, WeTube, Industrial visits, Newswise Services etc.

There are also Personal contact programs to promote peer interaction and answer queries related to the curriculum in person. If you are a fan of online learning then this course is for you.

6.Goa Institute of Management (GIM)

Ranking: A

Goa Institute of Management is a well-renowned business college offering Masters, Post Graduate, Part-time and PhD courses in management. This program is approved by AICTE and provides the full content of a rigorous MBA program. Candidates will be selected on the basis of their overall performance in Goa State Entrance Test or XAT/CAT/CMAT followed by an interview. The course is conducted every Saturdays and Sundays.

Website: www.gim.ac.in
Institute type: Goa University
Program offered: Post Graduate Diploma in Management-Part Time
Mode of delivery: On campus
Eligibility: Graduation from any discipline with minimum 3 years of work experience.
Duration: 3 years
Fee range: Approx. 4 lakh

Review: When it comes to management education, GIM is an institute that is definitely talked about. The college is equipped with expert faculty and an amazing infrastructure. However, since it’s a Part-Time, on-campus course it would be suitable for only those living in and around Goa.

7. ITM

Ranking: BB

The ITM Busines School established in 1991 has risen up to become one of the best B-schools in the country. It offers graduate and post-graduate programs across a variety of disciplines such as management, engineering, hospitality, IT and design. ITM group has in presence in Khargar, Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, Chennai, and Ahmedabad. To enroll for this course you need to fill an application form online. Upon satisfying the eligibility requirement, the candidates are invited for the final round, which includes an online Skype interview. After the successful completion of the course, the colleges will also help you in resume preparation and recruitment.

Website: www.itmuniversityonline.org
Institute type: Autonomous
Program offered: Online MBA, Executive MBA
Mode of delivery: Online
Eligibility: Graduation from any discipline with minimum 3-5 years of work experience.
Duration: 2 years
Fee Range: Rs 80K

Review: This is a complete online course with no face-to-face interaction with the faculty. You will be sent a learning kit with hardcopy of textbooks and ready reckoners. The learning materials are also available online in the form of eBooks, Reference PowerPoint presentations, Interactive e-learning modules etc. Evaluation will be on the basis of online assignments, quizzes, group projects and final exams.

8. Pondicherry University

Ranking: BB

Pondicherry University entered in the field of Distance Education in the academic year 1995-95 to cater to the aspiring students who otherwise would not pursue higher education. Three modes of study are offered under the Distance Education program- Conventional Mode with Online Admission, Online mode, and Twinning mode.

Conventional Mode with Online Admission is the typical distance education program whereby students will be sent the study materials. It also includes PCP (Personal contact program) classes at select centers. The Online mode offers 100% online classes.

The Twinning mode envisages the tie-up between Pondicherry University and other prestigious institutes/colleges referred as “Twinning centers” for conducting classes and examinations under the strict guidance & supervision of Pondicherry University.

Website: www.pondiuni.edu.in/content/distance-education
Institute type: Affiliated to UGC
Program offered: PG & MBA courses
Mode of delivery: Conventional Mode with Online Admission, Online mode, and Twinning mode.
Eligibility: Any degree from UGC Recognized University
Duration: 2 years
Fee Range: Rs 25K

Review: Pondicherry University is a well-reputed name in the field of Education. The Distance Education wing offers a wide variety of programs and one can choose a course that suits his/her need. This is also ideal for those who do not want to spend a huge amount on Distance education.

9. IMT

Ranking: A

PGDM Executive Program at IMT Ghaziabad, is a full-time, residential 15-months course approved by AICTE for working professionals. Admission to the PGDM Executive program requires qualifying an entrance test organized by the Institute or your score obtained in CAT/XAT/GMAT, followed by Personal interview.

Website: www.imt.edu
Institute type: Affiliated to UGC
Program offered: PGDM Executive, PGDM Part-Time
Mode of delivery: On campus
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline with minimum 5 years of work experience.
Duration: 15 months
Fee Range: Rs 12 lakhs

Review: IMT’s PGDM Executive Program is highly appreciated and recognized in the corporate world. IMT is known for its top class quality of education and excellent placement records. As per sources IMT, had 95% placements for PGDM Executive in the year 2015 with average CTC being 10.9 lakhs p.a. Remember that you will need to take a break from your career, as it’s a compulsory residential program.

10.  MDI

Ranking: AAA

MDI Gurgaon is one of India’s top notch B-schools known for its quality of education and the academic rigor. The course is aimed at including strategic thinking, decision-making and problem-solving abilities, group/team spirit, entrepreneurial and leadership capabilities.

The selection for this program would be based on a written test conducted in MDI campus followed by Interview. The PGPM course is currently offered twice a year (Viz. April and October). The classes will be held on campus on every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Website: www.mdi.ac.in
Institute type: Autonomous
Program offered: Post Graduate Programme in Management (Part-time)
Mode of delivery: On campus
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline with minimum 3 years of work experience.
Duration: 2 years
Fee Range: Rs 9 lakhs

Review: MDI Gurgaon is one of the finest institutions in India with excellent infrastructure facilities. The PGPM Part-Time is a rigorous course and requires a lot of hard work & dedication. Recently, the program has been made flexible in terms of the duration of completion. Although the original duration is the course is 3 years, in exceptional cases the program can be completed within 5 years.

* T.I.M.E ranking has been used. Ranking in the increasing order is- Top 10, AAA, AA, A, BBB, BB, B.