UPES MBA Admissions 2025
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After taking the decision to pursue Executive MBA the working professionals have to walk down the tough and competitive path of the admission process conducted by the B-schools. Unlike the two year regular MBA admission, the multiple stages of the admission process of the top Executive MBA programmes are designed to check how much value they can add to the programme through their merit and quality of experience they possess. Although work experience is the primary eligibility criteria for the candidates, entrance exams act as the bridge between the working executives and the application to the coveted programmes. Entrance exam is the primary step for the Executive MBA application after which the other admission criteria such as SOP, Essay, GD or Interview are considered. If you are planning to apply to one of the top B-schools in India offering Executive MBA programmes or management programmes meant for working executives, the primary task for you is to zero down on the B-schools you want to apply for and take the entrance exam whose scores are accepted by them. In this article from the Executive MBA series, Careers360 brings you the top Executive MBA entrance exams and the other selection processes and criteria followed by the top B-schools offering Executive MBA programmes.
The following table brings to you the top B-schools offering Executive MBA programmes and the entrance exam and the admission process.
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B-School | Programme | Mode | Entrance Exam | Final Selection Process & Criteria |
PGPX | Full Time | Personal Interview Essay Writing (2) | ||
EPGP | Full Time | GMAT or GRE | Statement of Purpose (SOP) Two Reference letter Written Ability Test and Interview | |
PGPEX | Full Time | GMAT | Statement of Purpose Letters of Recommendation from 2 senior managers Personal Interview | |
IPMX | Full Time | GMAT | Statement of Purpose 2 Letters of Recommendation Personal Interview | |
WMP | Part Time | Written Test conducted by IIM Lucknow | Group Discussion Personal Interview | |
EPGP | Full time | GMAT or CAT | Personal Interview | |
EPGP | Part Time | CAT or GMAT or EMAT (conducted by IIM Kozhikode) | Personal Interview | |
PGPEx | Full Time | CAT or GMAT | NA | |
PGPBM | Full Time | CAT or GMAT or Written Test | Personal Interview | |
PGEXP | Part Time | Written Test | Personal Interview | |
ePGP | Part Time | IIM R-MAT or CAT or GMAT or GRE | Personal Interview | |
PGPWE | Part Time | CAT or GMAT or BAT | Personal Interview, Academic Qualification and Relevant Working Experience | |
PGPX | Part Time | TOEFL or IELTS or PTE and GMAT | Personal Interview | |
PGP | Full Time | GMAT and TOEFL or IELTS or PTE | Video application Personal Interview Essay Writing Case Discussion | |
PGPM | Full Time | CAT or XAT or GMAT | Essay Writing Group Discussion Personal Interview | |
NMP PGPEM | Full Time | CAT or MDI entrance test | Personal Interview | |
PGDM (Executive) | Full Time | CAT or XAT or GMAT | Personal Academic Discussion | |
MBA Executive MBA Executive (Health Care Administration) | Part Time | NA | Writing Ability Test Personal Interview | |
Executive MBA | Full Time | Written Test | Personal Interview | |
PGEMP | Part Time | NA | Group Discussion Personal Interview IQ and Psychometric Test | |
PGDM – GM PGDM – BM | Full Time Part Time | GMAT or XAT | Group Discussion Personal Interview |
Note: The B-schools are arranged in random order
Executive MBA Entrance Exams
Taking admission to most of the executive MBA programmes in India is based on MBA entrance exam scores. Check the below table which consists the name of top executive MBA entrance exams.
As you can observe in the table above, GMAT is the most commonly accepted exams for the B-schools, especially IIMs. That does not mean the Executive MBA entrance exams do not include any other test. The validity of CAT scores range from 3 to 5 years for B-schools like IIM Kozhikode, IIM Shillong, IIM Rohtak etc.
Some of the B-schools conduct their own entrance exam such as IIM Lucknow (for WMP), IIM Kozhikode, IIM Ranchi, IIM Rohtak, IIM Raipur, IIM Trichy and MDI Gurgaon. Apart from IIM Ranchi, these institutes also accept the scores of other entrance exams like GMAT or CAT. For instance, IIM Trichy mentions in its admission process that candidates who have valid scores of either CAT or GMAT will be exempted from taking the entrance exam conducted by the institute.
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Language Test
The entrance exams or the admission criteria also reflect the programme design or curriculum. As many as 3 programmes mentioned in the above table accept scores of language aptitude tests like GRE or IELTS or PTE. IIM Bangalore’s EPGP, IIM Udaipur’s PGPX and ISB’s flagship programme PGP curriculum includes international immersion.
In IIM Bangalore’s EPGP third term, students are given opportunity to visit emerging economies like China, Russia, Brazil and South Africa or a developed one in the Asian region like Singapore or South Korea. “The module provides insights into the country’s economic, social, political and cultural life,” mentions IIM Bangalore. The international immersion programme carries 3 credits.
IIM Udaipur’s PGPX is a Dual Degree programme in Supply Chain Management in association with Purdue University, USA. According to the institute, the students spend the Fall module of the programme in Purdue University.
Indian School of Business or ISB’s flagship programme, PGP offers inbound and outbound exchange programmes. The institute has partnered with 42 B-schools across countries like the USA, France, South Africa, Israel, Germany, China, Pakistan, South Korea, Singapore and the U.K, Canada, Italy, Australia, Spain, Switzerland, Chile, Netherlands, Germany and Taiwan.
Although there are other Executive MBA programmes which offer international exposure such as IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Calcutta, IIM Shillong and IMT Ghaziabad, the admission criteria do not include language tests like GRE or IELTS or PLT.
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Factors taken into consideration apart from entrance test scores
Taking admission to the Executive MBA programmes is not a cakewalk. The candidates not only have to come up with the requisite cutoff scores or percentiles of the above stated entrance exams but also need to focus on their profile to stand out from the crowd and convince the admission panel why they deserve a seat in the coveted programme. IIM Bangalore EPGP admission panel states, “The selection process is highly personalized, as the committee seeks to learn about each applicant’s goals and potential for success in management.”
Work Experience and candidate profile – The primary eligibility criteria for the Executive MBA aspirants is the work experience. The admission committee not only checks the number of years of work experience but the quality of the experience as well, in terms of the contributions made towards the company and its people at large. Nishant Goyal, PGPM 2017 student of Great Lakes Institute of Management says, “Work experience and your nature of work, accolades or recognitions, external certifications and references are considered at the time of admission.”
Statement of Purpose - To start with, let us talk about Statement of Purpose, commonly known as SOP. Along with the application, the candidates have to submit the SOP to state their goals and objective behind pursuing the programme. Prakula Uniyal, ISB PGP student of 2017 batch shares her experience on preparing for the application process at the B-School, “ISB application was an important milestone for me not just professionally, but also personally, as it helped me introspect and understand myself and my life goals better.”
Letters of Reference/Recommendation - B-schools like IIM Bangalore, Calcutta and Lucknow asks for at least 2 Letters of Recommendation from the previous employers. This enables the admission committee to know about the applicants’ contribution to the company and how much value they can add to the programme. Saranya, a student of IIM Calcutta PGPEX programme shares, “Candidates have to submit a statement of purpose and recommendations from two referees holding senior managerial positions. These are also taken into consideration in the final selection.”
Writing Ability Test or Essay Writing – This is another important criterion for the selection of the Executive MBA students. Along with the SOP, the applicants have to submit essays on the given topics. IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Great Lakes Institute of Management, ISB and FMS Delhi are some of the institutes where Essay or Writing Ability Test (WAT) form an integral part of the application and admission process. While talking about the important of essays, Sanchay Maity, ISB student pursuing PGP 2016-17 says, “The essays carry a lot of weight for that matter because that is where the school gets to know a lot more about the candidates, their experiences so far, their ambition and the value they bring to the table.”
Personal Interview – The final round of the selection procedure followed at the B-schools is the Personal Interview round. This is one of the most crucial rounds and the admission panel looks for the distinct personality traits of the candidates and decide whether he/she would add value to the programme or not. Nishant Goyal mentions, “The interview is a rigorous process. They probe you to understand whether you will fit into this one year program. Also, Great Lakes Institute of Management looks at the personality traits and attitude of the candidates apart from their credentials.”
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Hello Aspirant,
Yes, it is possible to pursue an MBA in finance after B.com. MBA in finance is one of the most pursued specializations by commerce graduates and is a popular course offered by several universities and B-schools in India and abroad.
MBA admission fees and starting dates vary by institution. Generally, MBA programs in India begin in July or August. However, some colleges may have different intake cycles, starting in January or February. Application deadlines also vary, with some colleges accepting applications until December. Fees can range from Rs 50,000 to Rs 26.5 lakh, depending on the type of college (government or private).
You can apply in IGNOU Online MBA Re-registration for the July 2025 session is open, with the last date to apply without a late fee being August 15, 2025 it may extend.
Parul University Online MBA here last date to apply is August 31, 2025.
In NMIMS Online MBA The last date to apply is September 6, 2025.
CAT Registration may start from June 25 to August 30, 2025, with the exam tentatively scheduled for December 26, 2025.
Good luck..
For MBA admission through TS ICET, a residence certificate is generally required if you are applying under the state quota, as it helps determine your eligibility for local category seats. Usually, the residence certificate of the student is preferred, but in some cases, the father’s or guardian’s certificate may also be accepted, depending on the rules of the admitting college or university. Regarding the bonafide certificates from Class 8 to B.Com issued by Telangana schools and colleges, these are helpful to prove that you have studied in Telangana, but most authorities still require an official residence certificate to confirm domicile eligibility.
Numerous online platforms offer free courses in business and management, many providing certificates upon completion. While not a full MBA, these courses enhance your skills and credentials. Popular options include Coursera, edX, and SWAYAM, which partner with top universities.
Other platforms like Great Learning and Alison also offer free courses and certificates in areas like strategic management and leadership.
Some resources even provide free certificates, such as Google Skillshop's Fundamentals of Digital Marketing. While the courses are often free, obtaining verified certificates may require a fee.
Remember that these are not MBA degrees but valuable supplements to your professional development
Here is the link Free online MBA COURSES
If you're looking for MBA colleges exclusively for women in Hyderabad, here are some top options:
Andhra Mahila Sabha School of Informatics (SoIM) – Hyderabad’s first business school for women, offering PGDM/MBA programs with strong placements and specializations in Business Analytics, Financial Services, and General Management. Admission is through TS ICET.
Osmania University College for Women (OUCW) – A reputed public institution offering a 2-year MBA program with tuition fees around 40,000 and solid placement records. Entry is via TS ICET.
St. Pious X Degree & PG College for Women – This women-only college offers MBA programs and hosts industry interactions and guest lectures to boost employability.
Yuvathi Mandali School of Business for Women – Offers a full-time MBA/PGDM program. Admission via TS ICET and the fees are around 1,00,000.
Other well-known women’s institutions offering MBA:
Schools like RBVRR Women’s College, Kasturba Gandhi PG College for Women, Sridevi Women’s Engineering College (which has an MBA wing), Stanley College for Women, St. Ann’s College for Women, and Villa Marie College for Women also offer MBA/PGDM programs.
A career as Marketing Director is also known as a marketing expert who is responsible for the overall marketing aspect of the company. He or she oversees plans and develops the company's budget. The marketing Director collaborates with the business team to plan and develop the marketing and branding strategies for the company's products or services.
A Business Development Executive identifies and pursues new business opportunities to drive company growth. They generate leads, build client relationships, develop sales strategies, and analyse market trends. Collaborating with internal teams, they aim to meet sales targets. With experience, they can advance to managerial roles, playing a key role in expanding the company’s market presence and revenue.
Content Marketing Specialists are also known as Content Specialists. They are responsible for crafting content, editing and developing it to meet the requirements of digital marketing campaigns. To ensure that the material created is consistent with the overall aims of a digital marketing campaign, content marketing specialists work closely with SEO and digital marketing professionals.
A Sales Manager leads a sales team to meet targets, formulates strategies, analyses performance, and monitors market trends. They typically hold a degree in management or related fields, with an MBA offering added value. The role often demands over 40 hours a week. Strong leadership, planning, and analytical skills are essential for success in this career.
A marketing manager is a person who oversees a company or product marketing. He or she can be in charge of multiple programmes or goods or can be in charge of one product. He or she is enthusiastic, organised, and very diligent in meeting financial constraints. He or she works with other team members to produce advertising campaigns and decides if a new product or service is marketable.
A Marketing manager plans and executes marketing initiatives to create demand for goods and services and increase consumer awareness of them. A marketing manager prevents unauthorised statements and informs the public that the business is doing everything to investigate and fix the line of products. Students can pursue an MBA in Marketing Management courses to become marketing managers.
An SEO Analyst is a web professional who is proficient in the implementation of SEO strategies to target more keywords to improve the reach of the content on search engines. He or she provides support to acquire the goals and success of the client’s campaigns.
Digital marketing is growing, diverse, and is covering a wide variety of career paths. Each job function aids in the development of effective digital marketing strategies and techniques. The aims and objectives of the individuals who opt for a career as a digital marketing executive are similar to those of a marketing professional: to build brand awareness, promote company services or products, and increase conversions. Individuals who opt for a career as Digital Marketing Executives, unlike traditional marketing companies, communicate effectively through suitable technology platforms.
Individuals who opt for a career as a business analyst look at how a company operates. He or she conducts research and analyses data to improve his or her knowledge about the company. This is required so that an individual can suggest the company strategies for improving their operations and processes.
In a business analyst job role a lot of analysis is done, things are learned from past mistakes and the successful strategies are enhanced further. A business analyst goes through real-world data in order to provide the most feasible solutions to an organisation. Students can pursue Business Analytics to become Business Analysts.
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