Executive MBA Syllabus 2025: Subjects, Semester-wise Syllabus PDF, Top Colleges, Books

Updated on Apr 3, 2024 05:33 IST

Executive MBA is one of the most sought-after professional courses among career professionals who have a substantial amount of work experience and wish to progress further in their careers. The knowledge imparted to the candidates during the course allows them to be better professionals and become C-suite leaders one day. The course curriculum is designed in a way that there are interactive sessions, case studies, and practical exposure to boost your mental capability, hone your skills, and take you one step ahead in your professional career.
Different methods are used to train the individual on industry-related aspects. Sometimes there are interactive discussions, workshops, games, field trips, and group activities. The course further covers activities and aspects that shape you as a better individual when it comes to your soft skills by entailing you with necessary soft skills like good decision-making, problem-solving abilities, and professionalism to handle work pressure with maturity.

One can pursue this course easily in an online, or offline mode. Some of the prominent B-schools like IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Calcutta, and IIM Indore also offer Executive MBAs in an offline mode. On the other hand, institutes like the Faculty of Management Studies (FMS) and SP Jain Global University provide value in Executive MBA through part-time and online modes respectively. Though, the decision to pursue it in online, or offline mode wholly depends on one’s professional pursuits, and what one wants to gain from the course.

Executive MBA Course Highlights

Before we directly dive into the EMBA syllabus, the semester-wise division, and the top colleges offering it let’s first understand the basics of EMBA. In this table, we will understand the basics i.e. the course duration, the eligibility, and the average fees of EMBA.

EMBA Course Highlights

Information

Course Duration

Lesser than the Regular MBA programs. Can be pursued online, as well as in offline mode. The duration usually varies from 15-18 months.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must have a work experience of 3- 5 years depending on the college. Should have 50% in their Bachelor’s Degree.

Course Fees

Since they are intended for working professionals, the course fees is a little higher than the regular MBA.

Fee range – INR 10 lakhs – 40 lakhs

Scope

Very promising scope in India, as more and more people are moving towards startups. Further, top companies also look for qualified MBA graduates to fill their higher-level, or C-suite positions.

Getting a brand name

Since the course is available at renowned B-schools like IIMs that further explains its importance, and adds a brand value and credibility to the name of the student.

EMBA topics you might be interested in: How to choose the right Executive MBA Course

Executive MBA Syllabus

The below table includes the list of subjects included in the curriculum of Executive MBA programs. Students get knowledge of various subjects including Financial Management, Corporate Responsibility, and Organizational Behavior. Students, who are already working professionals, come across complex management problems that they might face at top positions and how they need to handle those situations for the betterment of their firms.

Every EMBA aspirant wishes to pursue their degree from IIMs, because of the international importance these B-schools hold. The entire syllabus of the Executive MBA is divided into 2 years consisting of various specialized subjects. The subjects aim to cover all the essential aspects of management studies. This table will give candidates a basic understanding of the subjects in each term as per IIM Nagpur.

Term 1

Term 2

Business Statistics

Business Analytics

Managerial Economics

Marketing Management

Organizational Behavior

Managerial Accounting

-

Managerial Communication

Term 3

Term 4

Management Information System

Financial Management

Macro Economics

New age leadership

Operations Management

Strategic Management

Indian Ethos and Business Ethics

-

Term 5

Term 6

Business Research Methods

Financial Statement Analysis

Developing an Entrepreneurial Mindset

Quality Management System

Business Law

Finance for MSME

Corporate Governance, CSR, and Sustainability

Project & Portfolio Management

-

IT Consulting

-

Supply Chain Management

Term 7

Services Marketing

Banking, Financial Marketing, and Systems

Business Contract Management

International Business

Service Operations Management

Digital Marketing in B2B

Note: These are the core and elective subjects in EMBA of IIM Nagpur, which may vary as per different colleges. Also, there are many other elective subjects except for the ones mentioned in Table 6 and Table 7. For more information, you can visit the website of any IIM.

Specializations in Executive MBA

The Executive MBA programs are usually shorter in length, unlike the regular MBA programs. The duration ranges from 1- 2 years depending on the university. Students have the option to pursue this professional course in several streams as per their interests and areas of work.

There are a few common specializations available in Executive MBA programs by several colleges are given in the table below:

Specializations

Course Details

Syllabus

EMBA Finance

Offered by all prestigious MBA B-schools.

Gives aspiring investors an understanding on making and investing money.

Gives a comprehensive understanding of topics to help them analyze company reports, predict market trends, and lower financial risks.

  •  Accounting and Financial Management
  • Human Resource and Organizational Behavior
  • Modern Business Organization and Management

 

EMBA Human Resource Management

Provides knowledge and training in all areas.

Gives knowledge on how a candidate can act as a bridge between the employer and the employee.

Most sought-after specialization.

  • Global Business Environment and Economics
  • Business Communication Skills
  • Human Resource Management

EMBA International Business

Paves the way for building a strong career in International trade and business.

Being International, opens the doors for an array of opportunities.

  • Production & Operation Management
  • Supply Chain Management
  • International Business

EMBA Entrepreneurship

Provides students with all systems, approaches, and the right mindset to become leaders and entrepreneurs.

Gives a detailed understanding of how to develop business ideas, turn them into services or products, and bring them into the market as a profitable venture.

  • Research Methodology
  • Entrepreneurship Essentials
  • Data Analytics for Entrepreneurs

EMBA Marketing

Due to abundant career opportunities available, it is one of the most liked specializations by candidates.

Dire need of every company, either domestic or foreign.

Is needed to work on different organizational functions like promotions, commercials, sales, media, and entertainment.

  • Consumer Behavior
  • Fundamentals of Advertising
  • Strategic Marketing Management

EMBA Retail Management

Currently a booming industry for the nation.

Meant for people passionate about marketing, advertising, market research, and segmentation.

Provides applicants with the required knowledge to deal with tactics, and methods to generate greater revenues keeping customer satisfaction as the top priority.

  • Retail Operations Management
  • International Retailing
  • Retail Planning

EMBA Information Technology

Gives the owners a thorough understanding of human resource management, e-commerce, and industry.

Along with IT expertise, the course also prepares the candidates for managerial roles.

  • IT Sales Management
  • Project Management
  • Business Analytics and Valuation

Entrance Exams for Executive MBA
Since there has been so much discussion about EMBA, and how to enroll in the course. It is a course that take admissions through entrance and merit both it becomes integral to know about the entrance exams. This table highlights all the important and recognized entrance tests one can take to get accepted in a B-school, and pursue their Executive MBA. 

Name of Examination

Highlights

Common Admission Test (CAT)

  • National-level Management Aptitude test
  • Accepted by 20 IIMs and 1200 other B-schools.
  • Computer-based test
  • Duration: 2 hours
  • In the format of Multiple Choice Questions

Common Management Admission Test (CMAT)

  • Accepted by 1300 B-schools in India
  • Duration: 2 hours
  • In the format of MCQs

Management Aptitude Test (MAT)

  • Conducted 4 times in a year – February, May, September, and December
  • Accepted by 800 B-schools in India
  • Difficulty level – moderate to easy
  • In the format of MCQs

Karnataka Post Graduation Common Entrance Test (Karnataka PGCET )

  • Administered by Karnataka Post Graduate Private Colleges’ Association.
  • Relevant for students seeking admission in PGDM, MBA, and MCA.
  • Duration – 2.5 hours
  • In the format of MCQs.

 Popular Books and Authors for Executive MBA

After getting an understanding of various entrance exams, students might be searching for the best books that can make them exam-ready. The below table represents the names of popular books with their author and details that will be helpful to executives going for this professional course.

Book

Author

Details

Financial Accounting for Executive MBA

 

Lucky Yona

This book will fulfill the requirements of executives who take a course module on financial accounting. The topic matter is given straightforwardly throughout the book, which will make it fun for the readers as well as interesting. 

Insider’s Guide to the Executive MBA

 

Jason A Price

 

This book will provide detailed knowledge about the MBA program to the working executives and how they can bring proficiency in their work as they reach the top positions.

The Executive MBA in Information Security

John T Trinckes

 

This book offers the resources required to guarantee that your company has a successful information security management program in place. It also offers tried-and-true advice for avoiding typical errors as well as a ready-to-use security architecture for creating functional programs.

 

The Executive MBA for Engineers and Scientists

 

James J Farley

The business principles and applications that today's technical managers need to be aware of are covered in this book designed for the Executive MBA hailing from engineering and science backgrounds.

Executive MBA Guide to Global Strategy and Strategic Planning

 

Shyam Jha

 

This book is designed for busy executives and business heads who want to learn strategy development and strategic planning in simple language.

Relevant links EMBA Course:                                       

Distance Executive MBA Courses

Executive MBA is a program planned for working executives. Hence, it is available in Open and Distance Learning mode. Several management colleges are offering Executive MBAs in distance learning mode. This course is developed carefully and will help students develop strong general leadership and management skills and abilities that will provide the groundwork for a successful career.  Furthermore, it will help them in reaching top management positions.

Some of the top management colleges offering distance learning in MBA courses are:

EMBA Syllabus for Top Executive MBA Colleges

The below list comprises the names of some popular colleges offering Executive MBA courses in India.

Name of EMBA College/Institute

Syllabus PDFs

IIM Ahmedabad

Download Here 

IIM Bangalore

Download Here 

IIM Calcutta

Download Here 

IIM Indore

Download Here 

IIT Bombay

To be uploaded soon

Amity University

To be uploaded soon

XLRI

Download Here 

IIT Madras

Download Here 

Management Development Institute

To be uploaded soon

Symbiosis Institute of Business Management

Download Here

Executive MBA Syllabus FAQs

What is the syllabus for an Executive MBA?

The main subjects included in the curriculum of Executive MBA are:

  • Organizational Behavior
  • Financial Analysis and Reporting
  • Evaluation and Development of Customer Value
  • Data Analysis
  • Economics and Management of Communication
  • Open Market
  • Macroeconomics
  • Strategic Management of Human Resources

Is the EMBA syllabus similar to the regular MBA syllabus?

The curriculum of both courses is very much similar. The only difference arises in the pace, as in EMBA the course is done at a slightly faster pace due to the less time duration, and also valuing the time of working professionals. 

What are the elective subjects in Executive MBA?

Some of the elective subjects in the Executive MBA course are International Business Economics, Corporate Image Building, Consumer Behavior, International Marketing, Stress Management, Production Planning and Control, and Materials Management.

How many semesters are there in the Executive MBA?

The learning journey of the Executive MBA covers the entire extensive course within 12-18 months based on the type of Executive MBA and the university. And based on that duration there are 6-8 terms in an Executive MBA.

Are there any specializations in Executive MBA?

There are 5 kinds of specializations in Executive MBA that are Marketing, Leadership and Strategy, Digital Marketing, Applied Finance, Operations & Supply Chain. The course further provides an option to opt for dual specialization.

Which specialization is considered best in Executive MBA?

Human Resource Management is one of the most popular Executive MBA specializations for those who want to build their career on the foundation of leadership, communication skills, and teamwork. There are other prominent specializations as well like EMBA Finance and EMBA Business Analytics.

What are some good finance books an EMBA aspirant should read?

It totally depends on your previous understanding of Finance and its core subjects. For the start, we would suggest one read the Economic Times and Investopedia for basic finance news, and then move forward by understanding finance through some of the most popular books:

“The Intelligent Investor” by Benjamin Graham
“Security Analysis” by Benjamin Graham and David Dodd
“A Random Walk Down Wall Street” by Burton G. Malkiel
“Corporate Finance” by Aswath Damodaran
“Financial Modeling and Valuation” by Paul Pignataro

Popular Executive MBA Specializations

Following are the most popular Executive MBA Specializations . You can explore the top Colleges offering these Specializations by clicking the links below.

Popular Specializations

Popular Executive MBA Colleges in India

Following are the most popular Executive MBA Colleges in India. Learn more about these Executive MBA colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
1 Course
33 L
35 LPA

#1 Business Today

1 Course
23 L
33 LPA

#2 Business Today

1 Course
6.93 L
5.0
4.75 L - 15 L
5.0

#8 Business Today

15.5 L
5.0

#9 Business Today

2 Courses
13.5 L - 31 L
20 - 30.12 LPA

#4 Business Today

Popular Private Executive MBA Colleges in India

50 K
3 Courses
8.4 L - 15.33 L
15 - 22 LPA
95 K
2.48 L - 6.34 L
4.8 - 5.51 LPA

Executive MBA/PGDM Applications open. Apply Now

2 L
5.0
4.0

Top Ranked Colleges by Location

Following are the top ranked colleges for Executive MBA based on rankings published by The Week, Business Today and National Institutional Ranking Framework (MHRD).
qna

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered Yesterday

Department of Management Studies, IIT Delhi, has released the last date to apply for E-MBA admission. Candidates seeking admission to the academic year 2025-26 must submit their applications before April 15, 2025. They can visit the official website of DMS IIT Delhi to submit an application. The ap

...Read more

H

Himanshi Pandey

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Yes, executive MBA is available in Jammu University. The programme is offered in a full-time mode lasting forr two years and spread across four semesters. The EMBA course curriculum is based on choice 

A

Abhishek Rastogi

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 2 weeks ago

IIM Udaipur is offering a dedicated eMBA course for working professionals in the online format and two campus immersions in 2025. The Executive MBA (Online) programme from IIMU will start from May 10th, 2025. Admissions will be through GMAT/GRE or IIMU's own test. 

S

Syed Aquib Ur Rahman

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 weeks ago

The tuition fee for a Full-time Global Executive MBA at Alliance MBS is £42,250 (INR 45.22 L), for a typical duration of around 18 months. The course is limited to senior MBA candidates with significant managerial expertise and a minimum professional experience of around 8 years.

As part of the progr

...Read more

A

Akash Gaur

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 weeks ago

Institute of Product Leadership provides a postgraduate degree in Executive MBA in Product Leadership. Students fulfiling the eligibility may apply for the course online. Institute of Product Leadership Bangalore E-MBA fee is INR 10 lakh. Students must note that this information is taken from offici

...Read more

N

Nishtha Hazarika

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 3 weeks ago

Businesses are increasingly looking for workers with an EMBAAn EMBA allows you to establish your own business because the lesson plan includes business management subjects. The following are some of the industries with a higher rate of growth for someone obtaining an Executive MBA:

  • Finance: An EMBA

...Read more

A

Abhishek Arora

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 3 weeks ago

Here are few benefits of pursuing an Executive MBA:

  • Career Advancement: Move into leadership roles or switch industries
  • Networking: Connect with experienced professionals and alumni
  • Skill Enhancement: Gain strategic thinking and practical knowledge
  • Flexibility: Balance work and study with weekend or par

...Read more

A

Aashi Rai

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 3 weeks ago

Executive MBA and MBA are both professional-level management courses that elevate one's professional career. The below table highlights the key differences between both courses. To understand it better, refer to the table below:

ParticularsEMBAMBA
Full FormExecutive MBA or Executive Management of Business Administration Management of Business Administration
Course Duration12 - 18 months, usually shorter than full-time MBA programs 2 years 
Work ExperienceMinimum 3 - 5 years of work experience, depending on the college Not mandatory, freshers can also apply 
Course Offering Extensive knowledge of advanced managerial concepts for mid-career professionals. Insights on business functioning and managerial concepts suitable for freshers as well as early-age professionals.
Average FeesINR 4 Lacs - INR 25 lakhINR 2 Lacs -INR 27 lakh
Average Salary INR 20 Lacs - INR 40 lakhINR 5 Lacs - INR 25 lakh

Note: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary

...Read more

H

Himanshi Bisht

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 3 weeks ago

 If candidates are early in their careers and looking for a well-rounded business education while working, a Part-Time MBA may be suitable. If they are mid-career professionals seeking to enhance their leadership skills and advance to executive positions, an Executive MBA degree could be a better fi

...Read more

M

Mohit Mishra

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 3 weeks ago

International students can pursue an affordable Leeds Beckett University executive MBA. The first-year fee of the course is INR 16 L. The table below includes the Leeds Beckett University fees to study EMBA:

Fees components

Amount (for 1 year)

Tuition & fees

INR 15,92,700

Hostel & Meals

INR 7,98,898

Insurance

INR 44,171

Other Expenses

INR 1,53,961

Total approximate fees

INR 25,89,730

L

Lalit Gulati

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 3 weeks ago

MET Center for Insurance Training, Research & Development PGP EMBA-Insurance eligibility is to pass graduation degree  in any discipline from a recognised board, approved by the University Grant Commission (UGC). Additionally, as admission is entrance-based, students also need to appear and clear th

...Read more

R

Raushan Bhatnagar

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 3 weeks ago

Documents required at the time of application are: 

  • Class 10 Marksheet
  • Class 12 Marksheet
  • Graduation Marksheet
  • Hall Ticket (TY, Last Semester if appeared)
  • Residence Proof
  • Photo ID Proof
  • Parents ID Proof
  • Work Experience (If any)

S

Sumridhi Anand

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 3 weeks ago

Pursuing an Executive MBA is a great way to advance your career, particularly with your engineering background and experience. Start by researching programs that align with your career goals, offer flexibility, and strong industry connections. Consider the programme format—part-time, weekend, or onl

...Read more

M

Mohit Sharma

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 4 weeks ago

The average package offered over the past three years during EPGP placements over the past three years is presented below:

Course

Average Package (2022)

Average Package (2023)

Average Package (2024)

EPGP

INR 30.9 LPA

INR 33.07 LPA

INR 34.33 LPA

S

Saakshi Malhotra

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a month ago

The Xaviers Institute of Business Management Studies offers a fast-tracked Executive MBA online that is for 6 months.  This is an ISO-certified programme, costing around INR 49500+18% GST with coverage of industry-trending topics, including business ethics, operations management, and a specialisatio

...Read more

S

Syed Aquib Ur Rahman

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Yes, you can complete an eMBA online in one year from some institutions. One of the finest options is from SSBM (Swiss School of Business and Management) Geneva. This institute provides a self-paced 12-month interactive learning eMBA program in a 100% online mode, where students have to earn at leas

...Read more

S

Syed Aquib Ur Rahman

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

The placement scenario for the Executive MBA programme at MIT School of Distance Education (MITSDE) is quite promising. MITSDE offers 100% placement support to its students through its dedicated web portal, which regularly updates job and internship opportunities. The institute has strong corporate

...Read more

A

ABHINAV SRIVASTAVA

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a month ago

Pillai Business School PGDM admisison is open. The institute offers admission on merit followed by interview round. Further, candidates are required to pass graduation degree with 50% aggreagte from a recognised board and have 5 years of work experience. Pillai Business School  admission process is

...Read more

78586728
Jiya Tyagi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

To get admission at Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies for the Executive MBA course, you must first register on the official website of SIMS Pune. However, before applying candidates must make sure to have a valid qualification of a bachelor's degree with 50% aggregate. Once the candidate's a

...Read more

N

Neha Chauhan

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 2 months ago

SIMS Pune Executive MBA programme is a part-time management programme specially designed for the working professional. To secure admission to the MBA cousre candidates must have valid qualifications. Candidates must have a bachelor's degree with a minimum of 50% aggregate (45% aggregate for SC/ST ca

...Read more

P

Parul Gulati

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 2 months ago

The fee for MBA Executive in SIMS Pune is around INR 5.5 lakh. Other than the tuition fee, students have to pay other one-time charges and those who opt for extra facilities like hostel, are required to pay an extra amount fot it. However, this fee and fee-breakup available is sourced from unofficia

...Read more

T

Taru Taneja

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 2 months ago

The overall SIMS Pune average package offered in 2023 placements is yet to be released on the official website. Meanwhile, check out the top 50 and top 100 average package offered during SIMS Pune placements 2023 in the table below:

Particulars

Placement Statistics (2023)

Top 50 average package

INR 15 LPA

Top 100 average package

INR 14 LPA

More than INR 10 LPA package

82%

I

Ishita Sharma

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 2 months ago

MDI Gurgaon does not have any reserved seats for the Executive MBA course. The institute does not offer admission under any type of quota. Candidates are admitted based on exam score (CAT/XAT/GMAT), work experience, and performance in the interview round. The institute has over 90 seats for the Exec

...Read more

M

Manori Sahni

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 months ago

MDI Gurgaon has maximum seats for its EMBA in Business Management course - 60 seats. IT is followed by EPGDM in PPM with 30 seats. The institute allot seats further based on merit in the entrance exams (CAT/GMAT/XAT) and as per sanctioned seat intake. The seat intake mentioned here is as per the off

...Read more

M

Manori Sahni

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 months ago

MDI Gurgaon application process for the second round of admission will commence from Mar 29, 2025. The application window will be open till May 6, 2025. MDI EMBA BM interviews will be conducted on May 18 followed by result declaration in the last week of May and course commencement from Sep 1. The

...Read more

M

Manori Sahni

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 months ago

Students looking to apply for the Executive MBA course offered at IIM Udaipur must meet the eligibility criteria as per the institute's guidelines. One of the criteria is to have prior work experience. To calculate the duration of the experience, completed months from the start date till the end dat

...Read more

V

Virajita Sharma

Contributor-Level 10

Find insights & recommendations on colleges and exams that you won't find anywhere else

On Shiksha, get access to

  • 64k Colleges
  • 968 Exams
  • 627k Reviews
  • 1500k Answers