IIM Bangalore Weekend MBA
- Goalisb
- Apr 5
- 9 min read
Updated: 2 hours ago
IIM Bangalore Weekend MBA – PGPEM is a programme for mid-level and senior executives who have worked for at least four years since they graduated. The programme started in 1998 and is very competitive to get in. It meets on weekends so that people who want to get a master's degree but don't want to quit their jobs can do so.
IIM Bangalore Weekend Executive MBA PGPEM 2025 admissions information:
Application Period: From July 29, 2024, to January 22, 2025 IIMB Examination:
Round -1: November 17, 2024
Round -2: February 02, 2025 Interviews: Scheduled for February 15 & 16, 2025 Interview Locations: Conducted in Bengaluru
Course Starts: April 2025
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About the IIMB IIM Bangalore Weekend MBA PGPEM Programme:
The PGPEM has four terms that last three months each. The PGPEM-specific courses are held on Fridays and Saturdays. The Institute uses the idea of credits to decide how important a course is, both for required and optional courses. Here are some features of programme.
Designed for senior executives from all sectors and companies.
Two-year MBA weekend course
Classes on weekends - therefore no career interruptions (Friday 2nd Half and Saturday)
You can check the full time Executive MBA from IIM Bangalore as well as other Executive MBA from IIM options.
IIM Bangalore PGPEM vs ISB PGPpro
Feature | IIM Bangalore PGPEM | ISB PGPpro |
Full Program Name | Post Graduate Programme in Enterprise Management (PGPEM) | Post Graduate Programme in Management for Working Professionals |
Institution | Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) | Indian School of Business (ISB) |
Degree Awarded | MBA (equivalent, under IIM Act) | Certificate (ISB MBA-equivalent, not a degree) |
Duration | 2 years (8 terms) | 18 months |
Program Format | In-person every Friday afternoon & Saturday at IIMB campus | Hybrid format: alternate weekends + 4 in-person residencies |
Location | IIMB Main Campus, Bangalore | NCR and Hyderabad campuses |
Start Date | July 2025 | July 2025 |
Class Schedule | Weekly (Fri PM + Sat full day) | Alternate weekends (Sat–Sun full days) |
Work Experience Requirement | Minimum 4 years (as of March 31, 2025) | Minimum 5 years at the time of application |
Average Work Experience | 12 years | 10.1 years (range: 5–20+ years) |
Accepted Tests | CAT, GMAT, GRE, or IIMB PGPEM Test | No test required; application and profile-based |
Application Fee | ₹1,500 (CAT/GMAT/GRE), ₹1,500–₹2,000 (IIMB test route) | ₹10,000 (approx.) |
Tuition Fee (2024–26) | ₹20,11,000 (likely similar for 2025–27) | ₹31,96,000 + 18% GST |
Scholarships | Limited need/merit-based scholarships | Yes, partial scholarships available |
Pedagogy | Case method, simulations, projects, in-class lectures | Case-based + global faculty + leadership focus |
Global Exposure | Optional GNAM modules via partner schools | Built-in global residency (Europe/US/Asia partner school) |
Career Services | Career advisory; no placement | Career support (coaching, branding); no formal placements |
Alumni Status | Full IIM Bangalore alumni | Full ISB alumni |
Average Batch Size | ~80–100 | ~120–150 |
Peer Profile | Professionals from tech, public sector, consulting, healthcare | Senior professionals, consultants, entrepreneurs, global managers |
Campus Immersion | Weekly physical attendance required | 4 intensive campus residencies (inc. international) |
NIRF/Global Ranking | ISB: #1 in India (FT EMBA 2024), Triple Crown Accreditation |
IIM Bangalore Institute Rankings:
FT MIM Global Ranking 2022
Ranked 1st in India
Ranked 31st Globally
Eduniversal 2022 - Ranked 1st among B-school in Central Asia Region
QS Universities Rankings by Subject 2022 (Business & Management Studies)
Ranked 1st in India
Ranked 63rd Globally
QS EMBA Ranking 2022
Ranked 1st in India
Ranked 12th in APAC
Ranked 46th Globally
QS Global MBA 2022
Ranked 2nd in India
Ranked 10th in APAC
Ranked 50th Globally
QS MIM 2022
Ranked 2nd in India
Ranked 33rd Globally
Ranked 4th in APAC
FT MBA 2022
Ranked 2nd in India
Ranked 53rd Globally
IIM Bangalore Weekend MBA Eligibility:
IIM Bangalore Weekend MBA applicants must possess bachelor’s degree (with at least a 50%) in any field, according to the 10+2+3 rules.
After getting a Bachelor's degree, Applicants must have worked for at least four years in any field.
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IIM Bangalore PGPEM vs IIM Ahmedabad BPGP
Feature | IIM Bangalore PGPEM | IIM Ahmedabad BPGP |
Full Program Name | Post Graduate Programme in Enterprise Management (PGPEM) | Blended Post Graduate Programme in Management (BPGP) |
Degree Awarded | MBA Degree (as per IIM Act) | MBA Degree (as per IIM Act) |
Institution | Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) | Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) |
Program Duration | 2 years (8 terms) | 2 years (extendable to 3) |
Program Format | In-person: Every Friday afternoon + Saturday full day | Blended: Live online classes + 6 campus immersions |
Location | IIMB main campus, Bangalore | Online (Thu–Sun) + IIMA campus (6 week-long residencies) |
Start Date (2025) | July 2025 | September 2025 |
Eligibility | Bachelor’s + Minimum 4 years full-time work experience | Bachelor’s + Minimum 3 years full-time work experience |
Average Work Experience | ~12 years | ~8–9 years |
Accepted Tests | CAT, GMAT, GRE, or IIMB PGPEM test | CAT, GMAT, GRE, or IIMA’s own test (IAT) |
Application Fee | ₹1,500 approx. | ₹2,000 (CAT/GMAT) or ₹5,000 (IAT route) |
Program Fee (2024–26) | ₹20,11,000 | ₹20,00,000 (excluding travel & boarding during immersions) |
Class Schedule | Every week (Fri PM & Sat full day) | 8 sessions/week (Thu–Sun online), plus 6 week-long campus visits |
Campus Immersions | Weekly at IIMB campus | Mandatory: 6 in-person residencies at IIMA |
Flexibility | Short break allowed in year 2 (limited) | Up to 1 year deferral possible; max 3-year completion window |
Global Exposure | Optional: GNAM international modules | Not built-in; optional global exposure |
Pedagogy | Case method, simulations, live projects | Case-based, experiential, online collaborative learning |
Alumni Status | Full IIMB alumni | Full IIMA alumni |
Career Services | Career advisory; no formal placement | Advisory and coaching; no formal placement |
Batch Size | ~80–100 | ~130–150 |
Best Suited For | Professionals in Bangalore or those who prefer consistent weekends | Professionals across India seeking a top MBA in a blended format |
Ranking (NIRF 2023) | 2 in India | 1 in India |
IIM Bangalore Weekend MBA Fees:
The fee for the IIM Bangalore Weekend MBA PGPEM class of 2025–2027 is Rs. 20,11,000.
IIM Bangalore Weekend MBA Application process & Requirements
Candidates can apply for the program by two ways, one is applying with GMAT/GRE/CAT score and another one is applying by appearing in IIMB test whose fees is Rs. 1200. In order to submit the application Candidates must upload the following documents alongwith the application form:-
Academic Transcripts
GMAT/GRE/CAT/IIM B Test Score sheet
Statement of Purpose
Document for work experience
Reserved Category Certificate (If any
Relevant Disability Certificate (If candidate is disabled)
Application fee (Non-refundable) of Rs. 1500 must be paid online.
IIM Bangalore Weekend MBA Admission Process
1. Application
Application must include one of the following tests: Exams: CAT / GRE / GMAT / IIMB
2. Personal Interview and Written Ability Test
Based on performance in the CAT / GMAT / GRE / IIMB Test, past academic performance, and length of work experience, candidates are selected for an interview.
3. Final Selection
The final choice is made based on how well a candidate did in school, how long candidate 've worked, how well candidate did at his job, how well candidate did in the interview, SOP and how well candidate did on the Writing Ability Test.
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IIM Bangalore Weekend MBA Class Profile
Class Profile 2024-26
No. of Students admitted - 80
Engineers - 63
Non Engineers - 17
Average Age: 34.7 Years
Average Experience - 11.8 years
Applied through IIMB Test- 72
Applied through GMAT - 3
Applied through GRE - 4
CAT - 1
Females - 21
Males - 59
Bachelor’s Discipline
Engineering - 63
Commerce - 7
Science - 9
Arts - 1
Total - 80
Industry Background
Banking/Finance - 6
Engineering - 15
IT Products - 11
IT Services - 7
Manufacturing - 5
Oil/Energy/Pertoleum -8
FMCG - 7
Telecom - 5
Others - 16
2023-25
Students enrolled in 2023: 80
Female: 36.25%
Male: 63.75%
2022-24
Students enrolled in 2022: 80
Female: 26%
Male: 74%
IIM Bangalore PGPEM vs IIM Kozhikode EPGP
Feature | IIM Bangalore PGPEM | IIM Kozhikode EPGP |
Full Program Name | Post Graduate Programme in Enterprise Management (PGPEM) | Executive Post Graduate Programme in Management (EPGP) |
Degree Awarded | MBA Degree (as per IIM Act) | MBA Degree (as per IIM Act) |
Institution | Indian Institute of Management Bangalore | Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode |
Program Duration | 2 Years (8 terms) | 2 Years (7 quarters) |
Format | In-person (Fri afternoon + Sat full day, weekly) | Online (interactive live classes) + 3 on-campus modules |
Start Month | July 2025 | September 2025 |
Campus Requirement | Weekly physical presence at IIMB | 3 mandatory 1-week campus immersions (IIM Kozhikode or Kochi) |
Flexibility | Limited break allowed in Year 2 | Can defer for 1 year; flexible rejoin options |
Work Experience Requirement | Minimum 4 years (as of March 31, 2025) | Minimum 3 years (as of March 31, 2025) |
Average Work Experience | 12 years | Typically 8–10 years |
Accepted Tests | CAT, GMAT, GRE, or IIMB PGPEM Test | CAT, GMAT, GRE, or EMAT (IIMK’s own entrance test) |
Application Fee | ~₹1,500 | ₹2,000 approx. |
Program Fee (2024–26) | ₹20,11,000 | ₹15,50,000 + GST (2024–26); likely similar for 2025 |
Scholarships | Limited, merit/need-based | Not explicitly listed; generally self-financed |
Pedagogy | Case-based, simulation, projects | Online lectures, live classes, projects, assignments |
International Module | Optional GNAM modules | None included, but may evolve |
Class Size | ~80–100 | Large cohorts (~180+) |
Peer Profile | Experienced professionals across industries, mostly senior | Diverse mid-career professionals across India |
Alumni Status | Full IIM Bangalore alumni | Full IIM Kozhikode alumni |
Career Services | Advisory services, no placement | No placement; learning-focused with peer support |
Best For | Professionals in/near Bangalore | Professionals across India looking for flexibility and live online |
Ranking (NIRF 2023) | IIMB: 2 in India | IIMK: 3 in India |
Undergraduate Background
2022-24
Engineering: 65
Arts: 2
Commerce: 9
Science: 4
2023-25
Engineering: 62 (77.5%)
Non Engineering: 18 (22.5%)
IIM Bangalore Weekend MBA Experience Background in Class:
Batch 2022-24
Banks/Financial Institutions:15%
Chemicals/Fertilizers: NIL
Defence/Embedded Systems:1%
Engineering:16%
FMCG/Retail:4%
IT Products:10%
IT services:15%
Manufacturing:11%
Oil/Energy/Petroleum:6%
Telecom:18%
Others:4%
Batch 2023-25
Banks/Financial Institutions:2.5%
Chemicals/Fertilizers:1.25%
Defence/Embedded Systems:1.25%
Engineering:7.5%
FMCG/Retail:5%
IT Products: 7.5%
IT services: 21.25%
Manufacturing:12.5%
Oil/Energy/Petroleum:3.75%
Telecom:1.25%
Others:26.25%
Engineers vs Non Engineers
Non-Engineers: 19%
Engineers: 81%
Average Age: 34 Years
Minimum Age: 25 Years
Maximum Age: 50 Years
IIM Bangalore Weekend MBA Work Experience Profile 2022-24
Average Work Experience: 12 Years
Minimum Work Experience: 4 Years
Maximum Work Experience: 29 Years
2022-2024
Candidates having 4 to 5 years of work experience: 8
Candidates having 6 to 8 years of work experience: 14
Candidates having 9 to 11 years of work experience: 20
Candidates having 12 to 14 years of work experience: 17
Candidates having 15 or more than 15 years of work experience: 21
2023-2025
Candidates having 4 to 5 years of work experience: 4
Candidates having 6 to 8 years of work experience: 18
Candidates having 9 to 11 years of work experience: 16
Candidates having 12 to 14 years of work experience: 17
Candidates having 15 or more than 15 years of work experience: 25
IIM Bangalore PGPEM vs IIM Lucknow PGPWE
Feature | IIM Bangalore PGPEM | IIM Lucknow PGPWE |
Full Program Name | Post Graduate Programme in Enterprise Management (PGPEM) | Post Graduate Programme in Management for Working Executives (PGPWE) |
Institution | Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) | Indian Institute of Management Lucknow (IIML) |
Degree Awarded | MBA Degree (as per IIM Act) | MBA Degree (as per IIM Act) |
Duration | 2 Years (8 terms) | 2 Years (7 terms, extendable to 4 years) |
Program Format | In-person: Every Friday afternoon + Saturday full day | In-person: Alternate weekends (Fri–Sun) at NOIDA campus |
Start Month | July 2025 | April 2025 |
Location | IIM Bangalore Main Campus | IIM Lucknow NOIDA Campus |
Work Experience Requirement | Minimum 4 years (as of March 31, 2025) | Minimum 3 years (as of March 31, 2025) |
Average Work Experience | 12 years | 6–12 years |
Accepted Exams | CAT, GMAT, GRE, or IIMB PGPEM Test | CAT 2022/23, GMAT, GRE, GATE, or IIML PGPWE Entrance Exam |
Application Fee | ₹1,500 approx. | ₹1,000 |
Program Fee (2025 batch) | ₹20,11,000 | ₹11,00,000 + ₹15,000 (alumni + caution) + taxes |
Scholarships | Limited scholarships (merit/need-based) | Not offered |
Class Schedule | Weekly attendance (Fri PM + Sat) | Alternate weekends (Fri 2 PM to Sun PM) |
Campus Immersion | Weekly on-campus engagement | Alternate weekend residencies; accommodation available on request |
Global Exposure | Optional GNAM modules (Global Network for Advanced Mgmt) | Built-in 1–2 week international immersion in Europe |
Pedagogy | Case-based, interactive, with NSRCEL exposure | Case method, live projects, dissertation + leadership sessions |
Career Services | Advisory services; no formal placements | Career advisory; no placement support |
Alumni Status | Full IIM Bangalore alumni | Full IIM Lucknow alumni |
Batch Size | ~80–100 | ~65 |
Ideal Candidate Profile | Professionals based in Bangalore or nearby metro areas | NCR-based mid-career professionals or those preferring weekend-only |
IIM Bangalore Weekend MBA FAQs
What distinguishes the PGPEM from the PGP?
The PGPEM targets mid-career and senior-level executives. The architecture of the programme recognizes that executives with work experience have distinct educational demands and perspectives. The Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP) is for people who are just starting out in their careers. While some individuals have prior work experience, the vast majority are novices. Participants' lack of work experience is taken into account when designing the PGP curriculum, which aims to equip participants with the skills necessary for entry-level roles in a number of industries.
When compared to the EPGP, what distinguishes the PGPEM?
The PGPEM and the Executive Postgraduate Programme in Management (EPGP) are for executives in the middle of their careers and at the top of their careers. They are both hard, but the curricula are slightly different to meet the different needs of the people in the two programmes. The EPGP is a full-time programme, so people who want to join must either take a sabbatical or quit their current jobs. On the other side, in order to get the PGPEM, Cohorts do not need to leave current work. In fact, it is based on the idea that PGPEM participants can use what they learn and what others tell them to help them in their jobs. Unlike the PGPEM, the EPGP helps people find jobs. PGPEM is the best programme for those who are happy with their current employer and/or industry but want to change their role.
Are scholarships or bank loans available for the programme?
IIMB awards meritorious students with scholarships on a case-by-case basis. Additionally, banks and other financial institutions offer loan facilities.
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