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What is Executive MBA (EMBA)?

What is Executive MBA (EMBA)?

This guide provides valuable insights into the various aspects of EMBA, including program types, eligibility criteria, top colleges, scope in India and abroad, differences from a general MBA, and salary prospects for EMBA graduates. Explore each section to gain a better understanding of this valuable program tailored for experienced professionals.

Table of Contents:

What is Executive MBA?

The Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) degree is a higher-level business program for experienced professionals and executives who want to improve their management and leadership abilities. The EMBA curriculum focuses on advanced business concepts, strategic decision-making, and leadership training for people with significant work experience. This program is designed to fit the busy schedules of working professionals, often offering part-time or flexible study options that allow students to balance their work and studies.

Generally, the duration of the EMBA program ranges from 12 to 24 months, with most programs lasting 18 months. The length of the program will vary depending on the school and the format of the program. 

Executive MBA (EMBA) programs commonly offer specializations in areas such as:

  • Business Analytics
  • Corporate Finance
  • Entrepreneurship
  • General Management
  • Global Business
  • Healthcare Management
  • Information Technology Management
  • Leadership
  • Marketing Management
  • Operations Management
  • Strategic Management

Difference Between General MBA and Executive MBA

Difference Between General MBA and Executive MBA

What makes the executive MBA different from many other MBA programs is the wealth of experience and insights that students bring to the program. In most EMBA programs, students’ work experience is a vital part of their learning. It usually takes one to two years to finish the program. During this time, students learn new skills and improve their analytical abilities by combining their studies with their everyday work.

The cost of joining EMBA programs is usually higher than that of regular MBA programs. However, in many cases, employers help financially to support their employees in pursuing an Executive MBA. EMBA has become quite popular lately, and many top business schools also assist EMBA graduates in finding job placements. 

Some key differences between the two have been highlighted in the table given below:

General MBAExecutive MBA
Program Duration2 yearsBetween 12-24 months
Suitable forStudents with different experience levelsWorking or Experienced Professionals
Program feeRelatively less expensiveMore expensive than a General MBA
Course CurriculumCovers a wide range of business topics, including finance, marketing, and accountingFocuses on practical skills and knowledge that can be applied immediately in the workplace
Entrance examsCAT, XAT, SNAP, NMAT, CMAT, IIFT, MAT, MAH CET, IBSATCAT, XAT, GMAT, NMAT, EMAT, CMAT
Average annual SalaryBetween INR 7-12 lakhBetween INR 9-15 lakh

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Types of Executive MBA Programs

Types of Executive MBA Programs

Executive MBA is generally divided into three categories. Those categories include:

  1. Full-time Executive MBA: As it is clear from the name, it is a full-time course to be studied on campus. Professionals can seek a few months’ breaks from their jobs to attend a full-time EMBA program.
  2. Weekend EMBA: The mode of these programs is either online or offline. Also, students usually attend live classes only on weekends. In general, weekend executive MBA courses are designed for busy senior-level professionals. 
  3. EMBA Online: EMBA online courses are brief programs provided by educational institutions and online learning platforms. These programs provide live and pre-recorded classes along with study materials available online.

Eligibility Criteria and Admission Process for Executive MBA

The details about the eligibility criteria for EMBA are given in the table below:

ParticularsDetails
Course LevelPost Graduation
EligibilityGraduation and 2-5 years of work experience
Entrance ExamsCAT, NMAT by GMAC, XAT, and CMAT
DurationBetween 12-24 months
Average Fees₹4,00,000 to ₹8,00,000
Job ProfilesBusiness Development Manager, Marketing Manager, Sales Manager, Operations Manager, Human Resources Manager, Financial Analyst, Investment Banker, Management Consultant, Entrepreneur

The eligibility criteria and admission process for an Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) program can vary from one institution to another. However, there are some common requirements that most programs follow:

  1. Work Experience: To be eligible for an EMBA program, applicants generally need to have several years of work experience, often ranging from 2 to 5 years.
  2. Educational Qualification: Academic qualifications such as a bachelor’s degree may be required, although some programs may consider substantial work experience in place of formal education. 
  3. Entrance Examination: Some institutions may require applicants to submit scores from standardized tests like the GMAT or GRE.
  4. Application Submission and Shortlisting: The admission process typically involves submitting an application form along with the necessary documents and application fee. The admissions committee reviews all applications and shortlists candidates based on their eligibility and qualifications. Shortlisted candidates may then be invited for an interview, after which the admissions committee makes the final decisions regarding acceptance into the program.

Top Colleges for Executive MBA in India and Abroad

Top colleges in India for EMBA:

CollegeFeeEligibilityNumber of seats
IIM AhmedabadINR 31.5 lakhGMAT (Graduate Management Admissions Test)/GRE(Graduate Record Examinations)140
IIM KozhikodeINR 14 lakh1. GMAT/GRE2. min. 50% aggregate graduation score120
IIM CalcuttaINR 31lakhGMAT/GRE80
IIM IndoreINR 17.6 lakhGMAT/GRE57
SIMB, PuneINR 22.20 lakhsSNAP (Symbiosis National Aptitude Test)60
Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT)INR 21.7 lakh1. Minimum 50% aggregate marks in graduation2. IIFT42
IMI, New DelhiINR 7.7 lakh1. Minimum 50% aggregate marks in graduation2. XAT/CAT/GMAT350

Top colleges for EMBA in other countries:

CollegeFee EligibilityNumber of seats
Stanford University Graduate School of Business, USA$161,831 GMAT/GRE220
Harvard Business School, USA$103,3501. GMAT/GRE
2. TOEFL or IELTS for International Applicants
Approx. 550
Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, USA$258,2001. GMAT or GRE
2. TOEFL or IELTS for International Applicants
215
MIT Sloan School of Management, USA$195,000GMAT60
London Business School, England£119,9001. GMAT/GRE
2. TOEFL or IELTS for International Applicants
180
Duke University Fuqua School of Business, USA$166,900GMAT/GRE80

Scope of Executive MBA in India and Other Countries

The Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad’s report predicts 15% yearly growth for the EMBA market in India over the next five years. This surge is influenced by several key factors, including:

  • The growing need for skilled managers within India
  • The increasing number of Indian companies expanding their operations abroad
  • The ongoing globalization of the Indian economy
Scope of Executive MBA in India and Other Countries

The report also highlights that EMBA graduates in India receive notably higher salaries compared to those with a traditional MBA. On average, an EMBA graduate in India earns ₹20 lakhs annually. 

Moreover, the EMBA market in other countries, including the United States and Europe, is also exhibiting promising growth. It is expected to increase by 7% annually in the United States and 6% in Europe over the next five years. This expansion is fueled by the growing need for skilled managers in these regions. EMBA graduates in the United States earn an average annual salary of $160,000, while in Europe, they earn an average of €120,000. These figures are notably higher than the earnings of managers with a traditional MBA, indicating the strong demand for EMBA graduates in both regions. These trends suggest that the EMBA market is experiencing faster growth compared to the overall MBA market.

Salary and Top Companies for EMBA graduates

The need for EMBA graduates is growing fast, with some colleges providing part-time courses for professionals. EMBA graduates in India typically earn between ₹5,00,000 and ₹25,00,000 annually, depending on various factors such as their work experience and industry.

Internationally, the average salary for EMBA graduates falls within the range of $100,000 to $250,000 per year, and it is also affected by factors like work experience and industry.

Many companies support their employees for EMBA courses, helping them advance in their careers. This is advantageous for the employer as it brings skilled individuals into the company. 

An EMBA attracts some of the leading companies in the business world, including:

  1. J.P. Morgan
  2. Procter & Gamble
  3. Deloitte
  4. LinkedIn
  5. Amazon
  6. Tesla
  7. Pepsico
  8. Apple
  9. Nike
  10. Microsoft

Conclusion

Due to the increasing need for capable managers worldwide and the ever-changing business environment, EMBA programs are anticipated to stay valuable and in demand. As companies grow and confront more intense obstacles, the requirement for skilled leaders with a good grasp of global markets and various business settings will keep expanding. EMBA graduates, with their improved skills and industry knowledge, are well-prepared to succeed in this dynamic professional arena.

Course Schedule

Name Date Details
Executive Post-Graduate Certification in General Management 30 Nov 2024(Sat-Sun) Weekend Batch View Details
07 Dec 2024(Sat-Sun) Weekend Batch
14 Dec 2024(Sat-Sun) Weekend Batch

About the Author

Sr. IT Manager

Aparna is a Senior IT manager at a leading multinational corporation. She brings years of expertise in general management to the table. She has extensive experience in guiding teams and driving strategic initiatives.