This article highlights the top Executive MBA programs offered by leading institutes in India that do not require GMAT scores for admission in 2024, such as ISB, XLRI, and SPJIMR. It overviews the eligibility criteria, program structure, fees, and key benefits of pursuing these GMAT-exempt Executive MBA courses designed for working professionals.
Executive MBA Programs in India Without GMAT
Are you an experienced professional looking to upskill with a prestigious MBA degree? You can now pursue an Executive MBA from India‘s leading B-schools without taking the GMAT exam. Several top-ranked institutes offer one- and two-year Executive MBA or PGPX programs with alternative admission criteria like work experience, academic record, and institute entrance tests.
These GMAT-exempt Executive MBA programs save you the hassle and expenses of GMAT preparation and allow you to earn a coveted MBA degree while continuing your professional career. Here are the top 7 Executive MBA options in India that don’t require GMAT scores for admission in 2024:
List Of Top 7 Executive MBA Programs in India Without GMAT
Table of Contents:
- ISB PGPpro and PGPMAX – Indian School of Business
- XLRI PGDM-HRM – XLRI Jamshedpur
- IMT-Ghaziabad Executive MBA
- Great Lakes Executive PGPM – Chennai & Gurgaon
- SPJIMR PGEMP – Mumbai
- Amity Executive MBA – Online
- Symbiosis Executive MBA – Distance Learning
1. ISB PGPpro and PGPMAX – Indian School of Business
ISB’s globally renowned PGPpro (1 year) and PGPMAX (15 months) programs don’t mandate GMAT and have at least five years of work experience eligibility. With international immersions and coveted alumni status, these are highly prestigious GMAT-exempt MBA options.
| Program | Duration | GMAT Required | Work Experience Required | Other Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PGPpro | 1 year | No | At least 5 years | International immersions, coveted alumni status |
| PGPMAX | 15 months | No | At least 5 years | International immersions, coveted alumni status |
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2. XLRI PGDM-HRM – XLRI Jamshedpur
XLRI is waiving off GMAT requirements for its 15-month Executive MBA program in Human Resource Management (PGDM-HRM). Admission is through XAT scores, experience, interview, and academic profile.
| Program | Duration | GMAT Required | Admission Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| PGDM-HRM (Executive MBA in Human Resource Management) | 15 months | No (GMAT waived off) | XAT scores, Work experience, Interview, Academic profile |
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3. IMT-Ghaziabad Executive MBA
Institute of Management Technology is offering its 2-year online/blended Executive MBA without GMAT for professionals with over five years of experience. The admission criteria include IMT’s entrance exam and GMAT.IM.
| Institute | Program | Duration | Mode | GMAT Required | Eligibility | Admission Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IMT-Ghaziabad | Executive MBA | 2 years | Online/Blended | No (for professionals with over 5 years of experience) | Over 5 years of work experience | IMT’s entrance exam, GMAT.IM |
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4. Great Lakes Executive PGPM – Chennai & Gurgaon
Great Lakes allows candidates to pursue their 1-year Executive PGPM at Chennai and Gurgaon campuses without GMAT scores. Admission is based on work experience, academic records, statement of purpose, and personal interview.
| Institute | Program | Duration | Campus Locations | GMAT Required | Admission Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Great Lakes | Executive PGPM | 1 year | Chennai, Gurgaon | No | Work experience, Academic records, Statement of purpose, Personal interview |
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5. SPJIMR PGEMP – Mumbai
Instead of GMAT, SPJIMR’s 18-month Executive MBA (PGEMP) considers work experience of over five years, academic records, and personal interview rounds for admission.
| Institute | Program | Duration | GMAT Required | Admission Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SPJIMR | PGEMP (Executive MBA) | 18 months | No | Work experience of over 5 years, Academic records, Personal interview rounds |
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6. Amity Executive MBA – Online
Amity University’s 2-year online or distance learning Executive MBA program does not require a GMAT. It has a blended format with virtual classes and campus immersions.
| University | Program | Duration | Mode | GMAT Required | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amity University | Executive MBA | 2 years | Online/Distance Learning | No | Blended (Virtual classes and campus immersions) |
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7. Symbiosis Executive MBA – Distance Learning
Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning offers its 2-year Executive MBA program through distance mode without GMAT requirements. Admission is based on work experience, academic performance, and personal interviews.
| Institute | Program | Duration | Mode | GMAT Required | Admission Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning | Executive MBA | 2 years | Distance Learning | No | Work experience, Academic performance, Personal interviews |
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The Executive MBA programs accept applications from professionals with 5-15 years of experience from diverse industry backgrounds. The fees can range from INR 5 lakhs to 25 lakhs for these GMAT-exempt MBA options.
With increasing corporate recognition and affordability over full-time MBA programs, these top Executive MBA courses provide an excellent opportunity for senior working professionals to upskill in 2024 while continuing their careers. Apply now to accelerate your career growth!
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Placements and Recruiters
Despite the flexibility, these Executive MBA programs have a robust placement process actively participated by top recruiters:
- Maximum placements in sectors like IT, Consulting, BFSI, FMCG
- Average domestic salary ranges from 25 LPA to 35 LPA
- Top recruiters include Microsoft, Amazon, Deloitte, Accenture, HDFC Bank, Aditya Birla Group, etc.
The alum network and experienced peer group also open opportunities for entrepreneurship, career switches, and leadership roles.
With increasing corporate acceptance for GMAT-exempt MBA degrees, these one-year and two-year Executive MBA options are an excellent choice for senior working professionals aiming for career growth in 2024 without taking a break from work.
Specialization Options
Most of these GMAT-exempt Executive MBA programs allow students to choose specializations or elective courses in high-demand areas like:
- Marketing & Strategy
- Finance & Banking
- Operations & Supply Chain
- Human Resources
- Business Analytics
- Information Systems
- Entrepreneurship & Family Business
Some institutes even offer industry-centric MBA specializations such as:
- Healthcare Management (SPJIMR)
- Banking & Financial Services (XLRI)
- Logistics & Supply Chain (NITIE)
This focused curriculum helps experienced professionals gain advanced skills aligned with their career goals.
International Immersions
A key highlight of many top Executive MBA programs is the global exposure through international immersion at partner universities abroad. For example:
- ISB PGPpro has immersions at London Business School and Wharton
- XLRI’s PGDM-HRM includes a week at Case Western Reserve University
- SPJIMR PGEMP has immersions in the US, Europe, and Asia
Such international modules provide valuable cross-cultural experiences and networking opportunities.
Online/Distance Learning
While most follow a blended format, some GMAT-exempt Executive MBA options are fully online/distance like:
- IMT Ghaziabad Executive MBA
- Amity Online Executive MBA
- Symbiosis Distance Learning Executive MBA
The digital learning experience includes virtual live sessions, online study materials, discussion forums, and more.
With increasing flexibility through hybrid/online models, these top Executive MBA courses provide a comprehensive and convenient way for senior working professionals across India to upskill in 2024 without quitting their jobs or taking the GMAT exam.
Program Duration and Fees
The duration of these GMAT-exempt Executive MBA courses typically ranges from 12-24 months:
| Program | Institute | Duration | Approximate Fees (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| PGPpro | ISB | 1 year | ₹34.8 lakhs |
| PGPMAX | ISB | 15 months | ₹34.8 lakhs |
| PGDM-HRM | XLRI | 15 months | ₹17 lakhs |
| Executive PGPM | Great Lakes | 1 year | ₹13 lakhs |
| PGEMP | SPJIMR | 18 months | ₹19.9 lakhs |
| Executive MBA | IMT | 2 years | ₹5.9 lakhs |
| Executive MBA | Amity | 2 years | ₹3.12 Lakh |
| Executive MBA | Symbiosis | 2 years | ₹6.6 lakh |
However, these fees are still lower than full-time, 2-year regular MBA programs at the same institutes.
Corporate Sponsorships
Since the target audience is working professionals, several Executive MBA candidates receive full or partial sponsorships from their employers. This can help cover the program fees.
The admission process for company-sponsored candidates may have additional requirements like:
- Minimum years of experience with the current company
- Nominations and recommendations from the employer
- Agreement to continue working for a period after the MBA
Such company-sponsored Executive MBA seats are highly coveted.
Takeaway
In summary, these GMAT-exempt one-year and two-year Executive MBA courses provide a great opportunity in 2024 for experienced professionals to learn from India’s premier B-schools while continuing their corporate careers through a blended learning model across online, distance, and campus immersions.
FAQ Of Executive MBA Programs in India Without GMAT
A1: Some leading institutes with GMAT-exempt Executive MBA programs include ISB, XLRI, SPJIMR, Great Lakes, IMT Ghaziabad, Amity, and Symbiosis.
A2: Most require a bachelor’s degree, 5-15 years of work experience, scores in institute entrance exams, personal interviews, and recommendations instead of GMAT scores.
A3: The duration ranges from 1 year of accelerated courses to 2-year Executive MBA programs. Typical durations are 12-18 months.
A4: The total fees range from around INR 5 lakhs for some programs to over INR 25-30 lakhs for prestigious options like ISB’s Executive MBA.
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