Executive MBA from IIM Ahmedabad - IIMA PGPX 2025-26

SECTION 1: PROGRAM OVERVIEW & COMPARISONS

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Is PGPX from IIM worth it?
Yes. IIMA’s MBA-PGPX is consistently ranked among the top one-year MBA programs globally for Career Progression. Its high ROI, rigorous curriculum, global immersion, and premium placements make it a top choice for mid-career professionals. The program has been ranked #1 globally in Career Progression by Financial Times for three consecutive years.

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Is PGPX equivalent to MBA?
Yes. The degree awarded is Master of Business Administration – Post Graduate Programme in Management for Executives. It is globally recognized and equivalent to other full-time one-year MBA programs.

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Is a 1-year Executive MBA worth it?
Yes. Especially for professionals with 5–15 years of experience. The IIMA PGPX delivers career acceleration, leadership development, and top-tier placements in just one year with significantly lower opportunity cost compared to two-year programs.

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What is the difference between PGPX and PGP at IIM Ahmedabad?

The key difference between the PGPX (Post Graduate Programme in Management for Executives) and the PGP (Post Graduate Programme) at IIM Ahmedabad lies in the target audience, duration, and career outcomes. The PGPX is a one-year, full-time residential MBA designed for mid-career professionals with at least four years of work experience. It focuses on leadership development, strategic thinking, and career acceleration at the senior management level. The curriculum is intensive and global in perspective, featuring components like the Capstone project and an International Immersion module.

In contrast, the two-year IIMA PGP is tailored for early-career professionals and fresh graduates. It offers a broader foundation in management, with the first year dedicated to core courses and the second year to electives and specialization. Admissions to the PGP are based on CAT scores and heavily factor in academic consistency across 10th, 12th, and undergraduate performance. Meanwhile, PGPX admissions use GMAT or GRE scores and emphasize leadership potential, career progression, and interview performance. Ultimately, while both programs confer an MBA degree, PGPX is designed for professionals seeking immediate transitions into leadership roles, whereas the PGP serves as an entry into the management world.

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How does IIMA PGPX compare to IIMB EPGP?

The IIMA PGPX and IIMB EPGP are both one-year, full-time executive MBA programs offered by India's most prestigious IIMs, yet they differ in positioning, structure, and outcomes. IIMA’s PGPX typically admits 140 to 158 students with an average GMAT score close to 693 and about 7.5 years of work experience. It stands out for its globally recognized curriculum, strong consulting and product leadership placements, and consistent top rankings — including #1 globally in Career Progression by the Financial Times in 2024.

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IIMB’s EPGP, on the other hand, is more intimate in batch size with about 70 to 80 students, and has a strong reputation in technology, general management, and consulting sectors. While its average GMAT score is similar (around 690), the campus life at IIMB offers a close-knit cohort and stronger integration with tech and startup ecosystems in Bangalore.

Both programs deliver excellent ROI, but the IIMA PGPX tends to attract a wider industry mix and offers greater international exposure through its structured global immersion program. For candidates focused on strategy, product, or global consulting leadership roles, IIMA’s PGPX may offer broader post-MBA opportunities. However, professionals targeting tech or operational leadership in India may find IIMB’s EPGP a compelling and location-strategic choice.​

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Is IIM Ahmedabad better than Harvard?
While Harvard Business School ranks higher globally in brand and alumni reach, IIMA PGPX delivers stronger domestic ROI, career progression, and has occasionally reported higher maximum salaries. For Indian and APAC leadership roles, IIMA is a high-impact alternative.

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SECTION 2: ADMISSIONS & ELIGIBILITY

Who is eligible to apply to IIMA PGPX?

• Minimum 4 years full-time work experience by March 31 of admission year

• A Bachelor’s degree (minimum 15 years of education)

• Valid GMAT/GRE test center-based score

• Minimum age: 25 years

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What GMAT score is required for IIMA PGPX?
The average GMAT score is ~693. A score of 690+ is competitive, though the profile is evaluated holistically.

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Does IIMA PGPX accept CAT scores?
No. Only GMAT and GRE test-center scores are accepted.

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Is 7.5 CGPA good for IIMA PGPX?
Yes, especially when supported by strong GMAT/GRE scores and leadership experience. Academic scores are considered, but work experience and career trajectory weigh more.

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What is the acceptance rate for IIMA PGPX?
Approximately 10%, making it one of the most selective programs in India. Class size ranges from 140 to 158.

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How many seats are there in IIMA PGPX?
Typically 140–158 students are admitted per year.

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What is the average age and experience in IIMA PGPX?

• Average age: ~30 years 11 months

• Average experience: ~7.7 years

• Experience range: 4–20+ years

 

Does IIMA PGPX support entrepreneurs?
Yes, the program supports career changers including entrepreneurs and family business professionals. Students opting out of placements for entrepreneurship are also supported.

 

SECTION 3: PROGRAM STRUCTURE & PEDAGOGY

 

What is the structure of the IIMA PGPX program?

1. Induction (April)

2. Building Blocks (April–Sep)

3. International Immersion (September)

4. Preparing for Top Management (Oct–Feb)

5. Electives & Individual Research Project (Oct–Mar)

6. Capstone (March)

 

What kind of learning methods are used?
The program uses the case method, simulations, role plays, group work, and experiential learning. Capstone integrates strategy across functions.

 

What is the International Immersion Program (IIP)?
A two-week study module at a global partner school, involving academic sessions and cross-cultural business insights. Travel and stay are not covered in the base fee.

 

SECTION 4: FEES, FINANCIAL AID & ROI

What is the cost of IIMA PGPX?

• ₹34.15 lakhs for Single Housing (SSH)

• ₹36.20 lakhs for Married Student Housing (MSH)

• Caution deposit: ₹35,000 to ₹70,000

• International Immersion (IIP) costs extra

 

Does IIMA offer scholarships for PGPX?
Yes. Up to 25% fee waiver at entry for:

• Women & transgender applicants

• Govt/PSU employees

• Differently abled candidates

• International passport holders

• National-level sports/art achievers

Merit-based scholarships of 15% are awarded at graduation.

 

Does IIMA offer financial aid or loans?
Yes. Tie-ups with banks like SBI, HDFC Credila, IDFC First, and Bank of Baroda offer education loans with deferred repayment options.

 

What is the refund policy for PGPX?
The first and second commitment fees are non-refundable. Later installments may be refunded as per IIMA policies. Late payments attract 0.03% daily penalty.

 

What is the ROI of the PGPX program?
With average CTCs of ₹34 LPA and the opportunity cost of only one year, the ROI is strong compared to most two-year MBA programs.

 

SECTION 5: CAREERS, ROLES & PLACEMENTS

 

What is the placement process for IIMA PGPX?
It begins in November and follows a "Wave + Rolling" format. Wave is a 4-day structured placement event followed by rolling offers till June.

 

What roles are offered after IIMA PGPX?
Roles offered at IIMA PGPX include:

• Vice President / Associate Director

• Product Head / Product Manager

• Strategy Lead / Consultant

• Director / Program Head

• Client Partner / Operations Head

 

What are the placement statistics for 2024?

• Offers accepted: 121

• Median Salary: ₹32 LPA

• Highest Domestic CTC: ₹1.32 Cr

• 67 new recruiters in 2024

 

Which companies recruit from IIMA PGPX?
Top recruiters: McKinsey, Accenture, Adani, Amazon, Persistent, Eli Lilly, KPMG, Wells Fargo, Merilytics, Tata Power, Shell

 

What is the FT ranking of IIMA PGPX?

• IIMA PGPX ranks number 41 in FT Global MBA Rankings 2024

• IIMA PGPX ranks number 1 in Career Progression globally (3rd year in a row)

• IIMA PGPX ranks number 2 in Value for Money

 

What is the average CTC at IIMA PGPX?
₹34 LPA (approx) in 2024

 

What is the highest paying job after IIMA?
Roles such as Management Consultant, Product VP, and Strategy Director command packages upwards of ₹40–70 LPA. Select placements even exceed ₹1 Cr.