Kamaldeep
18 December, 2023
Table of Contents
The type of specialisation you pick impacts your entire career path whether it is the course curriculum, placement opportunities you come across, career advancement options and most importantly, your salary. Especially while planning for an Executive MBA, it is very important to give careful consideration to the various specialisation options available to you as it will direct your entire career trajectory.
Here, we have come up with a thorough list of top executive MBA specialisations available in India. You will not only find detailed information about various top Executive MBA courses in India but will also get to explore top Executive MBA Colleges in India, eligibility criteria, career options, salary packages, fees, etc.
Before diving into the details, let us quickly take a glance at some of the top EMBA specialisations available in India.
Table 1: Shows the Top EMBA Specialisations and Potential Career Paths
| Specialisation | Potential Career Paths |
| 1. Finance | CFO, Investment Banker, Venture Capitalist, Corporate Treasurer |
| 2. Marketing | CMO, Brand Manager, Marketing Director, Digital Marketing Head |
| 3. Human Resource Management | CHRO, Head of Talent Acquisition, HR Director |
| 4. Operations Management | COO, Supply Chain Manager, Operations Director, Project Manager |
| 5. Business Analytics | Chief Data Officer (CDO), Business Intelligence Manager, Data Scientist, Data Analyst |
| 6. Entrepreneurship & Family Business Management | Entrepreneur, CEO, Family Business Leader |
| 7. International Business | Head of International Business, Global Business Development Manager, Export Manager |
Also Read: What is an Executive MBA?
There are many criteria that you must take into consideration when you select your EMBA degree and your EMBA specialisation in India, to ensure success. Let us discuss in detail each specialisation option to give you an idea of what each specialisation is about.
Finance is one of the most popular specialisations in India. Pursuing an EMBA in Finance will help you enhance your skills in finance and business, which would further assist in multiple career development phases.
Marketing is one of the most versatile domains in the world today. If you are looking to assume top positions in the world of Marketing like that of a Marketing Head or Brand Manager, then you must consider an EMBA in Marketing specialisation. The course will not only offer extensive knowledge of the field but will also serve as an opportunity to develop some crucial skills such as communication, time management, leadership and teamwork.
Human Resource Management is one of the most popular Executive MBA specialisations of all time. The course has now become a first preference for people who want to develop skills in communication, decision-making, leadership and teamwork. Furthermore, the programme also provides great insights into the administrative functions of the business.
Individuals with an EMBA in Operations Management are said to be the most sought-after professionals. It is a well-focused course on people management. The course not only focuses on data processing skills but also enhances conflict management skills, project management, and teamwork skills.
Analytics is a fast-growing field in the world today. Therefore, it only makes sense if you choose to opt for this exciting specialisation for your EMBA programme. Business Analytics specialisation adds to skill development in many areas, including proficiency in data analysis tools, statistical analysis, and quick decision-making skills.
As businesses are growing, the need for business entrepreneurs and managers is also on the rise. EMBA in Business & Management pushes one to develop skills in leadership, communication and time management.
International Business has now become the next excellent specialisation for people who want to develop skills in cross-cultural communication skills, team collaboration, and critical thinking.
If you are looking for the Top Executive MBA Colleges in India to start your MBA degree, Here is the list of top executive MBA colleges in India and the eligibility criteria for each of them:
Table 02: The table shows the top 10 executive MBA colleges for your MBA degree in India and their eligibility
| College | Eligibility | Requirements |
| Indian School of Business (ISB) | – Bachelor’s degree with a minimum score of 50% | – GMAT / GRE – Essay, Letter of Recommendation |
| Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) | – Bachelor’s degree with a minimum score of 50% (45% aggregate or equivalent for SC/ ST/ PwD) | – GMAT / CAT / GRE – Personal Interview |
| Indian Institute of Management Lucknow (IIML) | – Bachelor’s degree with a minimum score of 50% – 3 Years of managerial/ entrepreneurial/ professional experience |
– GMAT / CAT / GRE – Personal Interview |
| Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIMK) | – Bachelor’s degree with a minimum score of 50% – 3 Years of managerial/ entrepreneurial/ professional experience |
– GMAT / CAT / GRE – Personal Interview |
| Indian Institute of Management Indore (IIMI) | – Bachelor’s degree with a minimum score of 50% – A minimum of 05 years of managerial, entrepreneurial, or professional experience is required) |
– GMAT / CAT / GRE – Aptitude Test conducted by IIMI |
| XLRI – Xavier School of Management | – Bachelor’s degree with a minimum score of 60% – The candidate must be currently employed in a full-time position |
– GMAT / CAT / GRE – Personal Interview |
| SP Jain Institute of Management and Research | – Bachelor’s degree with a minimum score of 50% – Minimum work experience of five years after graduation |
– GMAT / CAT / GRE – Personal Interview |
| Management Development Institute (MDI) | – Bachelor’s degree with a minimum score of 50% – A minimum of 3 years of post-qualification executive work experience |
– GMAT / CAT / GRE – Personal Interview |
| Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIMC) | Bachelor’s degree with a minimum score of 55% – A minimum of 05 years of managerial, entrepreneurial, or professional experience is required. |
– GMAT / CAT / GRE – Personal Interview |
| Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) | – Bachelor’s degree with a minimum score of 60% | – GMAT – Personal Interview |
However, it is recommended that the candidates check the official university website for the latest updates on the MBA degree and the MBA specialisation that they want to pursue.
Executive MBA (EMBA) programmes are mostly designed for experienced professionals who want to enhance their careers through their MBA degree and would like to start in leadership positions. To be considered for admission to an Executive MBA program in India, you must meet the following common requirements:
There is a further requirement by different universities of a minimum age limit for entrance and admission as well.
It is requested to check the official website thoroughly to understand every such unique guideline.
The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) rates Indian institutions in various disciplines, including management, every year. Teaching, learning, research, and professional activity are all considered in the ranking. Here is the list of India’s best Executive MBA programs available, along with their NIRF rankings for 2024:
Table 03: Shows the Top Executive MBA programs in India and their NIRF rankings for 2024
| College Name | NIRF Rank |
| Indian School of Business (ISB) | 1 |
| Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIM Ahmedabad) | 2 |
| Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIM Kozhikode) | 3 |
| Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIM Calcutta) | 4 |
| Indian Institute of Management Indore (IIM Indore) | 5 |
| Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Pune (SIBM Pune) | 6 |
| Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) | 7 |
| International Management Institute (IMI) New Delhi | 8 |
There are many other outstanding Executive MBA programmes in India. When selecting a program, it is critical to evaluate your personal requirements for the EMBA degree that you want to pursue and your personal preferences for leadership development.
Related: Top 10 Executive MBA Colleges in India
To get admission, students are required to take an entrance exam. These exams would measure your ability for management courses for your future EMBA degree and assist different universities in selecting the right student. Listed below are some of the top upcoming 2024 exams for EMBA degrees along with their estimated date and schedule.
Table 04: Shows the Popular MBA exams and their date
| Estimated Date of Exam | Exam’s Name |
| November 26, 2024 | CAT (Common Admission Test) |
| January 7, 2024 | XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test) |
| First week of May 2024 | CMAT (Common Management Admission Test) |
| September 3, 2024 (PBT mode), September 17, 2024 (CBT mode) | MAT (Management Aptitude Test) |
| Available any time of the year | GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) |
Your professional path will be determined by your score, thus getting a good score requires regular preparation and early registration for these tests. How well your application is received will be significantly influenced by your score.
You can select the top Executive MBA program to enhance and exceed your leadership development limits and launch your career by taking these aspects into account and doing in-depth program research.
Table 05: Shows the Estimated EMBA Fees in India:
| Institution’s Name | Average EMBA Fees in INR |
| Indian School of Business (ISB) | ₹30 Lakhs – ₹40 Lakhs |
| IIM Ahmedabad | ₹28 Lakhs – ₹30 Lakhs |
| IIM Bangalore | ₹25 Lakhs – ₹28 Lakhs |
| IIM Calcutta | ₹22 Lakhs – ₹25 Lakhs |
Investing in an EMBA programme has the potential to be a game-changer, launching your career and enabling you to assume a leadership position. By carefully choosing a specialisation that aligns with your interests, career goals, and industry trends, you may arm yourself with the knowledge, abilities, and network necessary to thrive in today’s fast-paced business environment.
