Executive MBA

Executive MBA course or, the EMBA Course, is a specialised management programme which is administered at the postgraduate level. This course is specifically curated for working professionals who seek to build their CV and increase their career prospects. Typically lasting between 1 to 2 years, the EMBA course duration can vary as per the course structure of an institution. Admission to an Executive MBA course is done on the basis of a candidate's merit, entrance exam scores, and 3 to 5 or more years of work experience. However, some colleges offer direct admission, requiring a bachelor's degree and relevant work experience. The Executive MBA syllabus offers an in-depth understanding of various facets of business management, preparing students to navigate complex challenges, seize opportunities, and drive organisational success in their respective fields. 

According to the Executive MBA eligibility criteria, a candidate must have completed their bachelor’s degree with an aggregate percentage of 50% marks. In addition to that, the candidate should also have appeared for the Executive MBA entrance exams like CAT, CMAT, MAT, NMAT etc. Graduates in this course are more likely to choose leadership positions because of their skill acquisition and advanced knowledge arena. Salaries of Executive MBA candidates are much higher than those of candidates who don’t hold the same background. 

Renowned B-schools like IIMs, IITs, FMS Delhi, SPJIMR, and ISB Hyderabad offer courses in EMBA, with fees ranging from INR 4 LPA to INR 14 LPA. Upon graduation, candidates can pursue Executive MBA jobs such as Sales Executive, Business Development Manager, or Senior Finance Manager, with an average Executive MBA salary ranging from INR 12 LPA to INR 40 LPA in India. Choosing an Executive MBA course can be a strategic investment in your career, providing you with the tools and opportunities to achieve your professional goals and aspirations. If you're intrigued by the prospects of the course, continue reading below to discover all the comprehensive details about it. 

Candidates interested in pursuing Executive MBA or the EMBA course can have a quick look at the important highlights provided below : 

FAQs 
Q1. Is an Executive MBA as good as a regular MBA?

Yes, an Executive MBA is as good as a regular MBA. However, EMBA tends to be more intensive because of its cut-down structure and it places more emphasis upon the training of individuals for the executive level. That being said, both courses cover the same material and offer similar job opportunities.

Q2. Who should pursue an Executive MBA?

Working professionals who have already gained significant experience in the field of business management and leadership and are looking to further enhance their knowledge and skills in this field should pursue an Executive MBA. It is suitable for those who are already working in the executive or senior management positions and want to advance their career prospects as a manager.

An Executive MBA degree course is a multifaceted investment for a working professional to fast-track their career and expand their career opportunities in the field of Executive MBA. With a comprehensive understanding of business, a candidate will be able to qualify for some of the top managerial roles all around the world. If you are someone who’s aspiring to take admission into an EMBA course, then take note of the factors that have been mentioned below to determine if pursuing this course will suit your needs or not : 

Career Growth: Pursuing an Executive MBA course can act as a significant boost for mid-career professionals who are looking to make their way into higher management or executive roles in the corporate sector. The course will equip them with the skill set required by the top managers and bestows them with the leadership skills and a keen vision necessary for top-level positions.

Networking Opportunities: EMBA programs bring together professionals from diverse industries, enhancing one’s network with valuable contacts. These interactions can lead to new business opportunities, partnerships, and insights into different sectors.

Enhanced Knowledge and Skills: The EMBA curriculum is tailored to address the complex challenges of modern business environments. It helps sharpen decision-making abilities, improve analytical skills, and understand global business trends.

Work-Life Balance: Executive MBA programs are designed with the working professional in mind, allowing students to balance their education with their professional and personal responsibilities. Classes are often scheduled on weekends or in intensive modules.

Immediate Application of Learning: Since EMBA students are usually employed full-time, they have the unique advantage of applying new concepts and strategies directly to their current roles, offering immediate benefits to their employers while also solidifying their learnings. 

Also Read: What Can You Expect from an Executive MBA Course?

FAQs 
Q1. What are the benefits of pursuing EMBA

There are a lot of benefits of pursuing an EMBA course. This course allows all working professionals to get a global perspective of business, and it provides an international dimension to one’s career, opening up new fields of expertise in return. EMBA helps build a network of influential connections. It provides an in-depth understanding of various management subjects. 

Q2. Is an Executive MBA worth investing in?

Yes, an Executive MBA is definitely worth investing in if you are looking forward to accelerating your career after having a work experience of 5-10 years. By studying an Executive MBA course, you can bring about a change in your vision of business and master strategic corporate issues, and develop a capacity for entrepreneurship. Individuals having significant professional experience become eligible for a huge jump in salary, position, as well as a location after pursuing an EMBA degree.

Candidates are given a number of options to choose from when it comes to choosing the type of EMBA Course they wish to pursue. A candidate can choose from different types of Executive MBA programmes and select one that suits their requirements. Given below are the Executive MBA course types : 

FAQs
Q1. Can I pursue an Executive MBA online in distance mode?

Yes, you can pursue an Executive MBA online. Many universities and business schools offer online EMBA programs designed specifically for working professionals who need flexibility in their studies. Online EMBA programs typically cover the same core business concepts as traditional EMBA programs.

Q2. Is an online Executive MBA course available?

Yes, an online Executive MBA course is available for working professionals. It has a duration of 15-20 months and caters to the needs of experienced professionals who are typically working full-time and seeking to enhance their managerial and leadership skills. 

Similar to regular MBA courses, various specialisations are offered under the Executive MBA courses as well. Candidates should decide their area of specialisation before applying for Executive MBA course admissions to avoid confusion at the last minute. Here are the top areas one can specialise in with a degree of an Executive MBA : 

FAQs 
Q1. What specialisations fall under the Executive MBA Programme? 

Some of the best subject specialisations that fall under the Executive MBA programme include Finance, Marketing, Information Technology Management, Human Resource Management, Supply Chain Management, Operations and more.Only those candidates should consider a specialisation under the Executive MBA course who have a professional working experience of at least 5 to 7 years as a team leader or manager. 

 

Q2. Which is the highest paid specialisation under the Executive Management Course? 

Finance, Marketing and the specialisation of International Business are believed to be the best specialisations under the EMBA Course. Other high paying specialisations under this programme are Information Technology Management, Event Management, Business Analytics and more. 

Both MBA and Executive MBA courses are professional management degrees that impart knowledge of business management, operations, and administration. Each of these courses serve a different purpose for different individuals based on their preferences as well as the fact that how best they can juggle their classes with the responsibility of working on a day job. Some of the main differences between EMBA and MBA course have been summarised in the table given below : 

Also Read: Difference Between MBA and PGDM

Although a part-time MBA is similar to an EMBA course, in essence, it can have the slightest of differences in terms of the course duration, eligibility criteria and salary and scope. Find out more about the same from the table given below : 

FAQs 
Q1. What is the difference between an MBA and Executive MBA?

The Executive MBA course is specially designed for working professionals with 5-10 years of experience seeking career advancement while a regular MBA course is designed for students seeking management education and who want to build a career in business administration. Both MBA and Executive MBA are professional management degrees that impart knowledge of business management, operations, and administration. MBA is an excellent choice for graduates looking to make a career in the Management field. Executive MBA is great for working professionals who want to gain managerial skills to grab better career opportunities. Each course serves a different purpose for different individuals based on how best they can juggle classes with the responsibility of a day job.

Q2.  Which is better, MBA or Executive MBA? 
 

There is no one way to declare one course as the better one above the other. The only feasible way to decide the better option for yourself is to consider the following points - if you have been working as a professional in the field of management for over 5 to 6 years, then it would be logical of you to pursue an Executive MBA degree course, however, if you are just a beginner in the management arena, then it would be better for you to start off with the traditional MBA course. 

The basic eligibility criteria for Executive MBA course admissions are mentioned in the table below:

Required Skill Set for Executive MBA

Executive MBA candidates must be equipped with the following important skills :

• Leadership: Professionals that have been designated to roles like those of managers must be equipped with strong leadership skills. Individuals with a background in executive MBA should be great at leadership which would empower their teams to achieve their full potential, make swift and bold decisions, and strategize well to help organisations thrive. 
• Teamwork: An Executive MBA candidate must have great teamwork skills to excel as a manager because the corporate sector requires individuals to work as a team. Collaborative problem-solving leads to better outcomes. Having a cohesive approach towards businesses results in their boost. 
• Communication: To excel as a professional manager, an individual must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills. If the manager delivers the messages with clarity and eloquence, then there would be no room for any kind of misunderstanding or alteration of messages amongst the team members which would result in an efficient network.
• Patience: Patience, attentiveness, focus, and concentration are the keys to excel in the field of business. EMBA candidates must be good at remaining calm and patient when it comes to their work, assignments, and their profession. 
• Dedication: Dedication is important because it helps to keep you going no matter how difficult the job or the task may be. Greater positions imply greater responsibilities that can only be fulfilled if one is completely committed to his/her work. 

FAQs 
Q1. What is the Executive MBA eligibility criteria?

The Executive MBA eligibility criteria include a 10+2 education and a bachelor's degree in any field from a recognised university with a minimum mark of 55% on average. A work experience of 3-8 years is required, but it varies from college to college and the EMBA Course structure of that specific college. 

Q2. Do IIMs offer Executive MBA courses?

Yes, IIMs offer Executive MBA courses. IIM Ahmedabad offers a 1-year PGPX course through GMAT for candidates with 50% marks in bachelor's degree and 5 years of work experience. IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, IIM Indore, IIM Udaipur, etc. also offer Executive MBA courses.

Here are details about some of the most popular MBA entrance exams students can take for EMBA admission in India : 

FAQs 
Q1. Which entrance exam scores are accepted for admission to EMBA in India?

Scores of Executive Management entrance exams like CAT, EMAT, NMAT by GMAC, MAT, CMAT, XAT, SNAP, etc. are accepted for admission to EMBA in India. Before applying for a particular exam, candidates must decide whether their desired college accepts its score. 
 

Q2. Can I do an Executive MBA without GMAT? 

Yes, there are a lot of management colleges in India that offer admission to their Executive MBA courses on the basis of merit rather than on the basis of the candidate’s GMAT scores. The course in itself places more emphasis on skills of leadership, organisation and management instead of focusing on test scores as are required for an MBA degree. 

The EMBA admission process depends on the scores of common entrance exams. Accepted entrance exams are GMAT, GRE, and EMAT. After taking the entrance exams, the admission process is divided into certain steps by the institutes. Here is the complete Executive MBA admission process mentioned below step-by-step : 

Step 1 : Entrance Exam

GMAT is the most commonly accepted entrance exam to courses in Executive MBA. Most IIMs consider GMAT for a professional degree course in the field of Executive MBA. A 750+ score on GMAT is considered a proficient score to attain admission into the top colleges for Executive MBA. IIMs like IIM Kozhikode, IIM Shillong, and IIM Rohtak accept CAT scores. The CAT score is valid for up to a time span of 5 years. IIM Ranchi, IIM Raipur, and IIM Trichy conduct their own exam.

Step 2 : Language Test

This round is mandatory in IIM Bangalore EPGP and IIM Udaipur's PGPX. After taking and qualifying for the entrance exam, candidates have to appear for the language test round.

Step 3 : Group Discussion

This round evaluates the candidate’s overall personality – knowledge, point of view, communication skills, leadership skills, and behaviour in a group. In order to obtain excellent scores, one must be well-versed in current affairs worldwide. Most of the MBA colleges offering Executive MBA courses conduct the GD round to judge the suitability of an individual for business management education and career. 

Step 4 : Essay Writing

A candidate’s goals and aspirations with regards to the field of business administration are evaluated through the Writing Ability Test (WAT) which is an essential part of the admission process to an Executive MBA Course. The Writing Ability Test carries a huge weightage in the Executive MBA admission process. 

Step 5 : Personal Interview

The personal interview round is the final round in which a candidate’s overall personality is to be evaluated critically. The candidate will be evaluated on the basis of his or her personality traits and attitude. The panel tends to look out for distinct personality traits in a candidate and then accordingly decides whether he/she would be able to add value to the programme or not.

FAQs 
Q1. What is the process of an Executive MBA? 

Usually, the selection process of candidates for a course in Executive MBA begins with a test - this test could either be an entrance test or the marks obtained by the aspiring candidate in their bachelor’s programme. Furthermore, a language test takes place which is followed by an essay writing test or a group discussion, and lastly, the final candidates are selected on the basis of a personal interview in which they are judged on the basis of their answers, wit and attitude. 

Q2. How can I get admission into the Executive MBA offered by IIMs?

To get admission into the Executive MBA offered by IIMs, candidates need to appear for entrance exams like GMAT, CAT, XAT, GATE, PGP-WE Entrance Exam, GRE, etc. It is necessary to have a bachelor's degree with a minimum of 50% marks and work experience of 3-10 years, depending on the colleges.

Since the course is designed for working professionals, case studies and discussions cover a significant part of the EMBA syllabus. However, there might be variations in the syllabus depending upon the institute offering the programme. Given below is the semester-wise syllabus for EMBA. 

FAQs 
Q1. Is an Executive MBA easy or hard? 

It has been widely stated that pursuing an Executive MBA course is not very hard. Similar to the study of an MBA degree, an EMBA Course too requires a dedicated study plan and a decent amount of hardwork with good time management skills so that a candidate can devote equal time to all subjects. 

Q2. Is the study of Executive MBA worth it? 

It is believed that for working professionals who already have at least 5 years of experience in the management field, pursuing a course in the Executive MBA field could really brighten up their career prospects. Subjects like accounting, finance, business  analytics are taught to students which adds to their skills and knowledge base when it comes to their scope in the management sector. 

Check out the list of some of the top private Executive MBA colleges in India, with details about their course structure, fees, and NIRF Ranking 2024. 

Executive MBA from IIMs can be highly beneficial for working professionals as they are the top-ranked Executive MBA colleges in India. Here's the list of some of the top government Executive MBA colleges in India, with details about this course, fees, and NIRF Ranking 2024.

Also Read: Part-Time Courses at IIMs for Working Professionals

Explore the list of Executive MBA colleges in different states and cities of India provided in the tables below as per their locations : 

State-Wise EMBA Colleges in India

City-Wise EMBA Colleges in India

FAQs 
Q1. What are the top recruiters of Executive MBA?

The top recruiters of Executive MBA are TCS, Wipro, KPMG, Capgemini, Amazon, Flipkart, Google, Axis Bank, MTNL, BSNL, ONGC, Coal India, State Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, Regulatory Authority of India, National Council for Cement and Building Materials, and more. 

Q2. Is an Executive MBA approved by UGC?

Yes, an Executive MBA Course is approved by the University of Grants Commission, UGC and is an accredited formal degree programme in India. However, the same should vary from one B-school to another. One must make sure to check with the concerned institute if the EMBA course they have on offer is approved by UGC or not. 

Enrolling in an Executive MBA program from a reputed college in India can open doors to numerous career opportunities in renowned companies, with attractive salary packages. Check out the details regarding the Executive MBA placement packages at top colleges in India.

Pursuing an Executive MBA enables a working professional to climb up steadily to senior positions and become eligible for a significant increase in salary packages. Individuals can be recruited to leadership and managerial positions. Executive MBA graduates can avail themselves of a 100% hike in salary in their current organisations.

Top Executive MBA Job Profiles

The most common job profiles for Executive MBA graduates are as follows:

Also Read: Government Jobs After MBA

Executive MBA Salary in India

Check out the average salaries for the top Executive MBA job profiles in India.

Top Executive MBA Recruiters in India

Check the table below for the top recruiters from the public and private sectors hiring EMBA graduates.

Executive MBA Scope in India

An Executive MBA can help working professionals climb up to senior positions and receive better salary packages. It provides industry knowledge and academic expertise, and graduates can receive a 100% salary hike in their current organisations. Completing an Executive MBA from a premier institute can also lead to higher-paying jobs with MNCs and provide the skills needed to succeed in the global market. It's a great choice for those seeking career advancement and lucrative opportunities in management.

FAQs 
Q1. What are the top colleges to study Executive MBA in India?

Some of the top colleges to study Executive MBA in India include IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Kozhikode, IIM Calcutta, IIM Lucknow, IIM Indore, IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, XLRI Jamshedpur, MDI Gurgaon, Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, SP Jain School of Global Management, and NMIMS School of Business Management.

Q2. What jobs can I get after an Executive MBA?

The jobs made available to candidates after pursuing an Executive MBA course include Sales Manager, Business Development Manager, Brand Manager, Communications Manager, Quality Control Manager, Senior Finance Manager, Senior Business Analyst, Customer Service Manager, Cash Manager, Chief Financial Officer, Product Manager, Logistics Manager, and Chief Executive Officer.

Executives have various options for further education and professional development after completing an Executive MBA (EMBA) program. The courses they choose to pursue depend on their career goals, interests, and desired skills. Here are a few options to go for.

• Fellow Programme in Management: This four-year residential course is designed to provide in-depth training in various fields of business and management, preparing participants to become experts in their chosen area of research.
• PhD in Business Administration: It involves in-depth study and research in areas like management, finance, marketing, operations, or organisational behaviour, which is useful for those pursuing careers in academia or advanced research.
• Specialised Master's Degrees: Executives can pursue specialised master's degrees to deepen their expertise in specific business areas or to pivot into new industries. Examples of specialised master's degrees include MFin, Master of Marketing, Master of Supply Chain Management, or Master of Data Analytics.
• Executive Education Programs: Business schools and executive education providers offer short-term programs for experienced professionals on leadership, strategy, innovation, digital transformation, and industry trends.
• Advanced Leadership Programs: Top executives can enhance their leadership skills by enrolling in advanced leadership development programs offered by leading business schools or executive education providers. These programs focus on driving organisational change and navigating complex business challenges.
• Certificate Courses: Executives can get certified in specific areas to enhance their credentials. Examples include CFA, CPA, PMP, Six Sigma, and CMA.
• Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programs: One can enrol in programs that focus on startup creation, venture capital, innovation management, or corporate entrepreneurship to learn the knowledge and skills needed to launch new ventures or drive innovation within existing organisations.
• Industry-Specific Programs: Executives can pursue industry-specific programs or certifications such as healthcare management for healthcare, tech management or cybersecurity for technology, and hotel management or tourism for hospitality.