Top 5 Specializations for Executive MBA in 2024
The specialization you choose has a major impact on your whole career journey, including the course curriculum, placement opportunities, career growth prospects, and, especially, your salary. When planning to get an Executive MBA, it is important to carefully consider your specialization options, as they will shape your entire career path.
Here is a comprehensive compilation of the leading executive MBA specializations offered in India. In order to providing detailed information on various top Executive MBA courses in India, you will also have the opportunity to explore the top Executive MBA Colleges in India. This includes details on eligibility criteria, salary packages, job prospects and fees structure.
About Executive MBA
Executive MBA (EMBA) is a postgraduate management program . This program is for experienced professionals who want to grow their careers. EMBA course has duration of 15–18 months long and usually taught part-time.
To qualify for Executive MBA, applicants must take entrance exams such as CAT, XAT, GMAT, etc and a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50% aggregate or equivalent from a recognised university and two years of work experience are required. Executive MBA costs INR 10–40 Lakh, more than a regular MBA.
Top B-schools like IIMs offer Executive MBA students on campus
How to Choose the Right Specialization for Executive MBA ?
Before going into the details, let us briefly explore some of the top EMBA specializations offered in India.
Below are the list of top specialization and their potential job roles
| Specialization | Potential Career Roles |
| 1. Finance | Corporate Treasurer, CFO, Venture Capitalist, Investment Banker |
| 2. Marketing | Digital Marketing Head, CMO, Marketing Director, Brand Manager |
| 3. Human Resource Management | CHRO, HR Director, Head of Talent Acquisition, |
| 4. Operations Management | Project Manager, COO, Operations Director, Supply Chain Manager |
| 5. Business Analytics | Business Intelligence Manager, Chief Data Officer (CDO), Data Analyst, Data Scientist |
| 6. Entrepreneurship & Family Business Management | Family Business Leader, Entrepreneur, CEO |
| 7. International Business | Global Business Development Manager, Head of International Business, Export Manager |
Top Executive MBA Specialisations in India
When choosing your EMBA degree and specialization in India, it is necessary to have multiple criteria for a successful career. Let us to go over each specialization choice to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the nature of each specialization.
1-EMBA in Marketing
Marketing is a highly adaptable field in today’s world. If you aspire to hold high-ranking positions in the field of Marketing, such as Marketing Head or Brand manager, you should seriously consider pursuing an EMBA with a specialization in Marketing. The course will provide full knowledge in the field and also facilitate the development of essential skills including communication, time management, leadership, and teamwork.
- The expected annual salary range for individuals who have completed an EMBA in Marketing is expected to be between 5 Lacs and 30 Lacs. Based on your professional background, expertise, and job assignment.
- Professional paths: The individuals holding the positions of CMO, Brand Manager, Marketing Director, and Digital Marketing Head
- Primarily responsible for Strategic marketing, Consumer Behaviour Analysis, Digital Marketing, and Brand Management.
2- EMBA in Finance
Finance is a popular specialisation in India. Enrolling in an Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) programme with a focus on finance will enable you to improve your proficiency in financial and business matters, thereby facilitating your progress through various stages of career development.
- MBA in Finance graduates earn 15.4–22 lpa, depending on university, job role, and placement.
- Career Routes: Corporate Treasurer, Investment Banker, VC, CFO
Corporate Finance, Investment Banking, Risk Management
3-EMBA in Operations Management
Professionals who have an EMBA in Operations Management are highly desirable after. This course is highly focused on the management of individuals. The course not only emphasises information processing skills but also improves conflict management, management of projects, and teamwork skills.
- Depending on skills, placement, and work experience, the average MBA in Operations Management salary is 3.5–15 lacs per year.
- Career Routes: Responsible for Supply Chain Management, Project Management, and Optimisation as COO, Operations Director, and Project Manager.
4- EMBA in Business Analytics
Analytics is a growing subject in the modern era. Hence, it is reasonable to choose this attractive specialization for your EMBA programme. The Business Analytics specialization enhances skill development in various areas, such as mastery of data analysis tools, statistical analysis, and the ability to make rapid decisions.
- Depending on skills, work experience, and placement, the average salary after specializing in business analysis is 5.3–32 lpa.
- Career Routes: The CDO, Business Intelligence Manager, Data Scientist, and Data Analyst specialize in data analysis, predictive modelling, and big data analytics.
5- EMBA in International Business
International Business is the latest excellent specialization for the person who wants to create global communication skills, team work and critical thinking. The two-year MBA in International Business covers foreign policies, investment, trade, export leadership, and forex risk management
- After graduating in international business, the average salary is 4–21 lPA.
- Careers: International Business Head, Global Growth Director, Export Manager.
Covers global business, managing across cultures, and international trade.
Also read- Top EMBA Colleges in India
Top MBA Colleges for Executive in India: Eligibility Criteria
To start your MBA degree, here are the top executive MBA colleges in India and their eligibility requirements:
Below are the list of India’s top 10 executive MBA colleges and their eligibility.
| College | Requirements | Eligibility |
| Indian School of Business (ISB) | – GMAT / GRE – Essay | – Bachelor’s degree with 50% minimum score |
| Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) | – GMAT / CAT / GRE – Personal Interview | – Bachelor’s degree requires 50% (45% total or equal for SC/ ST/ PwD). |
| Indian Institute of Management Lucknow (IIML) | – GMAT / CAT / GRE – Personal Interview | – – Bachelor’s degree with a minimal score of 50% – 3 years of managerial/entrepreneurial/professional experience |
| Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIMK) | – GMAT / CAT / GRE – Personal Interview | – : Bachelor’s degree (minimum 50%) and 3 years of managerial/entrepreneurial/professional experience |
| Indian Institute of Management Indore (IIMI) | – GMAT / CAT / GRE – Aptitude Test conducted by IIMI | – Bachelor’s degree with a minimum score of 50% – Minimum 5 years of managerial, entrepreneurship, or professional experience required |
| XLRI – Xavier School of Management | – GMAT / CAT / GRE – Personal Interview | – Bachelor’s degree with a minimum score of 60% – The candidate must work full-time. |
| SP Jain Institute of Management and Research | – GMAT / CAT / GRE – Personal Interview | – Minimum 50% Bachelor’s degree score – Five years of work experience after graduation |
| Management Development Institute (MDI) | – GMAT / CAT / GRE – Personal Interview | –- Bachelor’s degree with a minimum score of 50% – 3 years of post-qualification executive experience required |
| Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIMC) | – GMAT / CAT / GRE – Personal Interview | Bachelor’s degree with a minimum score of 55% – Required: 5 years of leadership, entrepreneurial, or professional experience. |
| Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) | – GMAT – Personal Interview | – Bachelor’s degree with 60% minimum score |
Candidates should visit the university website for the most recent MBA degree and specialization updates.
Executive MBA (EMBA) programmes are tailored for experienced professionals who want to upgrade their careers and take on leadership roles. The following are common requirements for Indian Executive MBA admission:
- Graduate: A Bachelor’s degree in any field from an approved college or university with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks required.
- Work experience: 2–5 years of full-time management or executive experience required.
- Admission exams: Students must pass the CAT, CMAT, XAT, MAT or GMAT.
English proficiency: Take the TOEFL or IELTS (if required by the programme) to demonstrate your English skills.
Universities have additional entrance and admission age requirements.
Please visit the official website to understand each unique rule.
Popular Exams Accepted by Top Executive MBA Colleges
In order to get admission in Executive MBA Colleges candidate must go through Entrance exams. These exams would assess your management skills for your EMBA and help universities choose students. The top 2024 EMBA exams and their estimated dates and schedules are below.
Following are the Popular MBA exams and dates
| Estimated Date of Exam | Exam’s Name |
| November 26, 2024 | CAT |
| 7 January , 2024 | XAT |
| May First week 2024 | CMAT |
| 3, September 2024 (PBT mode), 17, September 2024 (CBT mode) | MAT |
| Available any time of the year | GMAT |
Getting an excellent score on these tests will decide your career path, so prepare and register early. Your score will affect how well your application gets accepted.
By considering these factors and doing thorough programme research, you can choose the best Executive MBA programme to boost your leadership development and upgrade your career.
Executive MBA Fee in India
| Institution’s Name | Average Fees |
| IIM Calcutta | INR22 Lakhs – INR25 Lakhs |
| IIM Bangalore | INR25 Lakhs – INR28 Lakhs |
| IIM Ahmedabad | INR28 Lakhs – INR30 Lakhs |
| Indian School of Business (ISB) | INR30 Lakhs – INR40 Lakhs |
Conclusion
Pursuing an Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) programme has the potential to make a major difference the direction of your career by pushing you into a leadership role. To excel in the fast-paced business world of today, it is crucial to select a specialization that matches your interests, career objectives, and current industry trends. This will equip you with the necessary knowledge, skills, and professional connections.
FAQ Related Executive MBA
1.Which specialization is best in Executive MBA?
Human Resource Management is a popular Executive MBA specialization. The course is now a top choice for developing communication, decision-making, leadership, and teamwork skills.
2.Is there any scope for Executive MBA?
EMBA graduates have many career options. EMBA graduates often work in general management, overseeing an organization’s operations.
3.Which Executive MBA is best in India?
There are some of the best executive MBA program in India such asIIM Ahmedabad, IIM Calcutta, IIFT Delhi, IIM Mumbai, IIM Indore, Great Lakes Institute of Management Chennai, IMT Ghaziabad, etc.
4.Which IIM Executive MBA is best?
The Executive MBA programs at IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta are more prestigious. IIMs are the oldest and highest-ranked Indian and international institutions.
5.Which is better PGDM or Executive MBA?
Both executive programs are for professionals who want to gain knowledge and grow, but PGDM programs are suggested for graduates with less than five years of experience. B-school graduates apply for beginning management jobs.
