Selecting a one-year executive MBA program is pivotal for professionals aiming to accelerate their careers or transition into new industries. Among the most esteemed options in India, ISB vs IIM offer rigorous programs tailored to experienced professionals.
Although these programs share common structure and objectives, they differ significantly in admission requirements, course structure, fees, class demographics, and placement prospects. This comprehensive analysis aims to clarify these distinctions, empowering you to make an informed choice aligned with your aspirations.
Admission Process: ISB vs IIM
Each of these one-year executive MBA programs follows a meticulous selection process designed to identify candidates with robust professional experience and academic excellence.
ISB – PGP
- Requires a bachelor’s degree in any field.
- Minimum of two years of full-time work experience.
- Accepts GMAT or GRE scores.
- Application includes academic records, test scores, essays, interviews, a statement of purpose, and two recommendation letters.
IIM Ahmedabad PGPX
- Requires a bachelor’s degree.
- At least four years of full-time work experience post-graduation.
- GMAT or GRE score mandatory.
- Selection involves academic credentials, work experience, test scores, essays, recommendations, and interviews.
IIM Bangalore – EPGP
- Requires a bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks.
- Minimum of five years (preferably under twelve) of professional experience.
- Accepts GMAT or GRE scores.
- Selection criteria include academic records, work experience, test scores, a statement of purpose, recommendations, and interviews.
IIM Calcutta – MBA Ex
- Requires a bachelor’s degree (minimum 10+2+3 years of formal education).
- Minimum of five years of professional experience.
- Only GMAT scores are accepted.
- Evaluation is based on academic and professional background, GMAT scores, interviews, a statement of purpose, and recommendations.
Program Structure: A Comparative Overview
Each of these one-year executive MBA programs is crafted to provide an immersive management education experience, combining core business principles with specialized electives and real-world exposure.
ISB – PGP
- 12-month program divided into eight terms.
- Begins with foundational courses covering finance, marketing, operations, and strategy.
- Offers a wide range of electives for specialization.
- Includes an Experiential Learning Program (ELP), providing hands-on consulting experience with companies.
IIM Ahmedabad – MBA-PGPX
- Structured into four segments: Induction, Building Blocks, Preparation for Top Management, and Integrative Courses.
- Focus on case-based learning to develop analytical and strategic thinking skills.
IIM Bangalore – EPGP
- Consists of core courses followed by specialized electives.
- Features an International Immersion module, exposing students to global business landscapes.
IIM Calcutta – MBA Ex
- Six-term structure with mandatory core courses followed by electives.
- Strong emphasis on analytical decision-making and case-based pedagogy.
Fees and Scholarships
Program Costs
- ISB PGP: ~₹40,00,000 (includes tuition, accommodation, and other expenses).
- IIM Ahmedabad MBA-PGPX: ₹34,15,000 – ₹36,20,000 (varies based on accommodation type).
- IIM Bangalore EPGP: ₹31,90,000 (includes tuition and campus facilities).
- IIM Calcutta MBA Ex: ₹31,00,000 (payable in four instalments).
Scholarships
- ISB offers merit-based, need-based, and diversity scholarships.
- IIM Bangalore provides merit scholarships ranging from ₹3,00,000 to ₹6,00,000.
- IIM Ahmedabad and IIM Calcutta primarily offer instalment-based payment flexibility.
Placement Statistics
ISB PGP
- 100% placement rate.
- Average salary: ₹34.21 LPA.
- Top recruiters: McKinsey, BCG, Amazon, Microsoft.
IIM Ahmedabad – MBA-PGPX
- Median salary: ₹36.00 LPA (domestic), $110,000 (international).
- Notable recruiters: Leading firms in consulting, finance, and technology.
IIM Bangalore – EPGP
- Median salary: ₹33.00 LPA.
- Key recruiters: Accenture, Genpact.
IIM Calcutta – MBA Ex
- Average salary: ₹32.68 LPA.
- Highest CTC: ₹52.00 LPA.
- Major recruiters: Accenture, Infosys, Persistent.
Class Profile Breakdown
| Business School | Average GMAT | Work Experience (Years) | Average Age | Female Students (%) | Batch Size |
| ISB PGP | 716 | 4 | 26 | 47% | 819 |
| IIM Ahmedabad – PGPX | 697 | 7.5 | 31 | 26% | 158 |
| IIM Bangalore EPGP | 690 | 7 | 30 | 27% | 83 |
| IIM Calcutta MBA Ex | 691 | 8.6 | 31.5 | 10% | 77 |
Conclusion: (ISB VS IIM)Which Program is Right for You?
Each of these programs offers unique advantages:
- ISB PGP: Best suited for those seeking a globally oriented curriculum, extensive industry connections, and hands-on learning experiences.
- IIM Ahmedabad MBA-PGPX: Ideal for professionals aiming to strengthen their analytical and leadership skills.
- IIM Bangalore EPGP: Great for those interested in global business exposure through the International Immersion module.
- IIM Calcutta MBA Ex: Preferred by professionals with a focus on analytics and decision-making, particularly in finance and consulting.
Your final decision should depend on your career aspirations, experience level, industry preferences, and desired learning style. Regardless of the choice, each of these institutions provides a transformative educational experience that can propel you to leadership positions in the corporate world.