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Executive MBA Showdown: ISB PGPpro vs IIM Bangalore Weekend MBA

Let's dive into a detailed comparison between ISB PGPpro (Post Graduate Programme in Management for Working Professionals) and IIM Bangalore PGPEM (Post Graduate Programme in Enterprise Management). Both programs are designed for working professionals aiming to advance their careers, but they have distinct features that may suit different needs and preferences. Here’s an in-depth analysis from our MBA admission consultants at GOALisB:


ISB PGPpro vs. IIM Bangalore Weekend MBA


1. Program Overview ISB PGPpro vs. IIM Bangalore Weekend MBA:



  • Institution: Indian School of Business (ISB)

  • Duration: 18 months

  • Mode: Weekend classes

  • Locations: Delhi (NCR), Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru


IIM Bangalore Weekend MBA:


  • Institution: Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB)

  • Duration: 22 months

  • Mode: Weekend classes

  • Location: Bangalore


2. Fees ISB PGPpro vs IIM Bangalore Weekend MBA:


ISB PGPpro:

  • Approximately INR 30-35 lakhs (varies by location and year)


IIM Bangalore PGPEM:

  • Approximately INR 20-23 lakhs



Executive MBA in India: isb pgppro vs iim bangalore executive mba

3. Eligibility ISB PGPpro vs. IIM Bangalore Weekend MBA:


Eligibility for ISB PGPpro:


  • Work Experience: Minimum of 8 years upto 15 years

  • Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

  • Additional: GMAT/GRE scores are not required


Eligibility for IIM Bangalore PGPEM:


  • Work Experience: Minimum of 4 years

  • Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

  • Additional: GMAT/GRE scores or IIMB test scores may be required


4. Comparing the Course Structure ISB PGPpro vs. IIM Bangalore PGPEM:


ISB PGPpro:

  • Focus on general management with electives in strategy, finance, marketing, operations, and more.

  • Combines classroom learning with projects, case studies, and simulations.

  • Offers international immersion and access to global faculty.

  • 24 courses including core and advanced modules.

  • Alternating weekends with a mix of online and in-person sessions.

  • Two in-campus residencies and one international immersion.

  • Focuses on experiential learning and leadership.


IIM Bangalore PGPEM:


  • Focus on enterprise management with electives in technology, business analytics, finance, marketing, and more.

  • Emphasizes hands-on learning through projects, case studies, and industry interactions.

  • Offers international immersion and access to leading faculty in management research.

  • Core courses in the first year, elective courses in the second year.

  • Classes on Friday afternoons and Saturdays.

  • Opportunities for independent projects and international student exchanges.

  • Focus on leadership, innovation, and global business practices.


5. Duration and Flexibility ISB PGPpro vs. IIM Bangalore Weekend MBA:


ISB PGPpro:

  • Duration: 18 months

  • Flexibility: Designed for working professionals with weekend classes, allowing for minimal disruption to work.


IIM Bangalore PGPEM:

  • Duration: 22 months

  • Flexibility: Also designed for working professionals with weekend classes, providing balance between work and study.


6. International Exposure ISB PGPpro vs. IIM Bangalore Weekend MBA:


ISB PGPpro:

  • Includes international immersion programs at leading global business schools.

  • Focus on global business trends and practices.


IIM Bangalore PGPEM:

  • Offers international immersion with partner institutions.

  • Emphasis on global business strategies and practices.


7. Cohort Composition ISB PGPpro vs. IIM Bangalore Weekend MBA:


ISB PGPpro:

  • Diverse cohort with professionals from various industries such as IT, finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and more.

  • Average work experience of participants is around 10 years.


IIM Bangalore PGPEM:

  • Diverse cohort with professionals from sectors like IT, consulting, manufacturing, and services.

  • Participants typically have significant managerial experience.


8. Leadership Experience and Career Growth:


ISB PGPpro:

  • Focus on leadership development through workshops, executive coaching, and peer learning.

  • Alumni have seen significant career advancements and transitions into senior leadership roles.


IIM Bangalore PGPEM:

  • Emphasis on leadership skills through coursework, experiential learning, and interactions with industry leaders.

  • Graduates often move into higher management positions and take on strategic roles.


9. Alumni Stories:


ISB PGPpro:

  • Alumni have transitioned into C-suite roles, started their own ventures, and taken on global leadership positions.

  • Strong network with access to ISB’s alumni community.


IIM Bangalore PGPEM:

  • Alumni have advanced to senior roles in leading organizations, become entrepreneurs, and taken up key strategic positions.

  • Robust alumni network with lifelong learning and networking opportunities.


10. Program Highlights


ISB PGPpro:

  • Triple Crown accreditation (AMBA, EQUIS, AACSB).

  • Strong alumni network with 15,000+ members.

  • Flexibility to attend sessions in other cities if missed.

  • Emphasis on global exposure with international immersion.


IIM Bangalore PGPEM:

  • Ranked 1st in India by QS EMBA World University Rankings 2023.

  • Strong focus on practical application through projects and experiential learning.

  • Membership in the Global Network for Advanced Management (GNAM).

  • Scholarships available for deserving candidates.


11. Career Support ISB PGPpro va IIM Bangalore PGPEM:


ISB PGPpro:

  • No formal placement assistance.

  • Focus on career progression through skill enhancement and leadership training.

  • Networking opportunities to aid career transitions.


IIM Bangalore PGPEM:

  • No formal placement assistance.

  • Designed to enhance career growth and leadership abilities.

  • Support through alumni network and global connections.


Which Program to Choose from ISB PGPpro vs IIM Bangalore Weekend MBA?


Choose ISB PGPpro if:


  • You prefer a shorter duration (18 months) for faster career advancement.

  • You want the flexibility of attending classes in multiple locations (Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru).

  • You seek extensive international exposure and a globally recognized faculty.


Choose IIM Bangalore PGPEM if:


  • You are looking for a slightly longer and more comprehensive program (22 months).

  • You prefer the prestige and rigorous academic environment of IIM Bangalore.

  • You are based in or near Bangalore and prefer to attend classes on the IIMB campus.


Both programs are excellent choices for mid-career professionals aiming to accelerate their career growth, develop leadership skills, and gain a deeper understanding of management principles. Your decision should align with your professional goals, location preference, and desired learning experience.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)


1. What is the duration of the programs?

  • ISB PGPpro: 18 months.

  • IIM Bangalore PGPEM: 2 years.


2. What are the eligibility criteria?

  • ISB PGPpro: Bachelor’s degree, minimum 8 years of work experience upto 15 years. No test scores required.

  • IIM Bangalore PGPEM: Graduate with at least 50% marks, minimum 4 years of work experience, valid CAT/GMAT/GRE scores or IIMB’s entrance test.


3. How much do the programs cost?

  • ISB PGPpro: INR 31,96,000 + 18% GST.

  • IIM Bangalore PGPEM: INR 20,11,000.


4. Is there an international immersion component?

  • ISB PGPpro: Yes, one-week international immersion included (additional cost for travel).

  • IIM Bangalore PGPEM: Yes, through student exchange programs and GNAM membership.


5. What is the format of the classes?

  • ISB PGPpro: Alternating weekends with a mix of online and in-person sessions.

  • IIM Bangalore PGPEM: On-campus classes on Friday afternoons and Saturdays.


6. Are there scholarships available?

  • ISB PGPpro: Partial scholarships based on financial need and merit.

  • IIM Bangalore PGPEM: Scholarships available for deserving candidates.


7. What kind of support is available for career growth?

  • ISB PGPpro: Focus on skill enhancement, leadership training, and networking opportunities.

  • IIM Bangalore PGPEM: Support through alumni network and global connections.


8. Do the programs provide formal placement assistance?

  • No, both programs do not offer formal placement assistance but provide various support mechanisms for career progression.


9. What kind of accreditation do the programs have?

  • ISB PGPpro: Triple Crown accreditation (AMBA, EQUIS, AACSB).

  • IIM Bangalore PGPEM: Ranked 1st in India by QS EMBA World University Rankings 2023.


10. What are the unique features of each program?

  • ISB PGPpro: Flexibility to attend sessions in different cities, strong global focus, extensive alumni network.

  • IIM Bangalore PGPEM: Practical application focus, GNAM membership, strong emphasis on leadership and innovation.


Both programs are excellent choices for mid-career professionals aiming to accelerate their career growth, develop leadership skills, and gain a deeper understanding of management principles. Your decision should align with your professional goals, location preference, and desired learning experience.


Choosing the right Executive MBA program is a crucial step in your career advancement journey. If you need personalized guidance to decide which program fits your career goals best, schedule a call with an MBA admission consultant at GOALisB. Our experts can provide you with tailored advice and help you make an informed decision.


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