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Is the INSEAD ILPSE Worth it?

  • Writer: Goalisb
    Goalisb
  • Apr 7
  • 8 min read

Updated: Apr 7

Are you a senior executive seeking to enhance your general management and business leadership skills?


If you're looking for a program that remarkably integrates entrepreneurship's innovation and creativity with operating managers' functional focus for general management, the INSEAD Leadership Programme for Senior Executives (ILPSE) – India could be an impressive match for you. Here we are discussing the program details for evaluating the fit.


Table of Contents


INSEAD ILPSE


Overview of the INSEAD ILPSE:


The INSEAD Leadership Programme for Senior Executives – India (ILPSE) is a 12-month, part-time executive general management program designed for professionals with 10+ years of experience. Delivered in collaboration with Emeritus, the program includes in-person modules in India, Singapore, and France, offering an immersive global leadership development experience. This is not exactly an Executive MBA but does qualify as Executive education.


Key Highlights:

Feature

Detail

Program Type

Executive General Management Program

Duration

12 Months

Format

Part-time (Modular) with in-person and virtual sessions

Locations

India, Singapore, France

Global Exposure

2 international immersions at INSEAD campuses

Alumni Status

Full INSEAD Executive Alumni Status

Fee

USD 50,000 (includes accommodation during modules)

Curriculum & Learning Model:

The ILPSE curriculum is structured around three core pillars:

  1. Modern Management Theory – Finance, Marketing, Strategy, Digital Transformation

  2. Practical Leadership Skills – Influence, Change Management, Communication

  3. Personal Growth & Reflection – Emotional Intelligence, Leadership Transition, Coaching

Sample Curriculum Modules:

Module Theme

Topics Covered

Leading Self

Emotional Intelligence, Self-Reflection, Managing Leadership Transition

Leading Teams

Team Dynamics, Unconscious Bias, Inclusion

Leading Organizations

Strategy, Governance, Change, Communication

Functional Deep-Dives

Accounting, Finance, Private Equity, Digital Ops

Capstone Experience

General Management Simulation + Phoenix Encounter

Optional:

  • Entrepreneurial Bootcamp: Develop your own venture idea

  • Online Finance Basics: For those without prior exposure

There are more programs in India which can be considered by applicants especially the Executive MBA in India without the GMAT .


INSEAD ILPSE Eligibility & Participant Profile

Admission Requirements:

  • Minimum 10 years of full-time work experience (16 years average)

  • Bachelor's degree in any discipline

  • Strong leadership track record

  • Motivation for career transformation

Ideal Candidate:

  • Mid to senior-level leaders (CXOs, Directors, GMs)

  • Entrepreneurs scaling businesses

  • Functional heads preparing for P&L or board roles


INSEAD ILPSE Schedule & Modules

The program is delivered through modular residencies and virtual live sessions:

Module

Location

Timing

Module 1 – Orientation & Team Building

Singapore

August 2025

Module 2 – Core Leadership Skills

Mumbai

November 2025

Module 3–8 – Strategy, Finance, Ops

Virtual + India

Sep 2025–June 2026

Module 9 – Graduation, Global Strategy

France (Fontainebleau)

July 2026


INSEAD ILPSE Faculty & Guest Speakers

ILPSE is taught by a global faculty roster from INSEAD, MIT Sloan, ESCP, Berkeley Haas, and more.

Some Faculty:

  • Prof. Paddy Padmanabhan – Author, Marketing Professor

  • Prof. Bala Vissa – Entrepreneurship & Innovation

  • Prof. Ian Woodward – Leadership Coach & OB Expert

  • Prof. Pushan Dutt – Economics & Transformation

Notable Guest Speakers (Past):

  • Azim Premji (Wipro)

  • Narayana Murthy (Infosys)

  • R Gopalakrishnan (Tata Sons)

  • Harsh Mariwala (Marico)


INSEAD ILPSE Global Exposure & Networking

  • Campuses: Fontainebleau (France), Singapore, Mumbai

  • Business Leader Interview (BLI): Interview global CXOs

  • India Business Dialogue: Annual summit with industry icons

  • Career Networking: 67,000+ global alumni, 179 countries


Career Services & ROI

While ILPSE does not offer placements, it focuses heavily on career transformation:

  • Emeritus Career Services: Resume building, mock interviews, 1:1 coaching

  • Leadership Mirror (360° Coaching): Executive coaching based on real feedback

  • Phoenix Encounter: Strategic reinvention simulation

  • Individual Development Plan (IDP): Track tangible progress at work


INSEAD ILPSE. Admissions, Fee & Timeline

Detail

Information

Fee

USD 50,000 (covers tuition, materials, accommodation during modules)

Next Cohort Start

August 2025

Application Rounds

Rolling until April 2025 (early rounds preferred)

Application Fee

USD 50

Selection Process

Online application + essay + interviews

INSEAD ILPSE Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Is INSEAD ILPSE an MBA?No, it’s an executive general management program. It offers deep leadership and strategy training but does not award a formal MBA degree.

Q2. How global is the cohort?Participants come from across India and occasionally the Middle East and Asia. The global faculty and overseas modules enrich this diversity.

Q3. Can I switch careers after ILPSE?Yes. Many alumni have transitioned from technical to strategic roles, moved into C-suite, or launched their own ventures.

Q4. How intensive is the program for working professionals?It is designed for busy leaders. The modular format allows deep focus without disrupting full-time careers.

Q5. Does the program offer scholarships or financing options?Currently, ILPSE does not offer scholarships. However, education loans and employer sponsorships are common.


ILPSE vs Other Executive Programs


INSEAD ILPSE vs ISB PGPMAX

Feature

ILPSE

ISB PGPMAX

Duration

12 months

15 months

Format

Modular, Global

Modular, Global

Average Exp.

16 years

16+ years

Fee

USD 50K

₹43.9L+GST

Global Exposure

Singapore + France

Wharton/Kellogg/LBS

Degree

Certificate

Certificate

Alumni

Full INSEAD Executive Alumni

Full ISB Alumni


INSEAD ILPSE vs ISB PGPpro

Feature

INSEAD ILPSE

ISB PGPpro

Program Type

Executive General Management Program

Weekend Executive MBA-equivalent Program

Institution

INSEAD (Global Top 3 B-School)

Indian School of Business (ISB)

Duration

12 Months

18 Months

Format

Modular: 3 in-person modules (India, Singapore, France) + virtual

Alternate weekend classes (Saturday–Sunday), in-person

Global Exposure

Singapore + France (INSEAD campuses)

1 international immersion (e.g., NUS Singapore)

Cohort Profile

Avg. 16 years experience, C-level and senior leaders

Avg. 10.1 years experience; mid- to senior-level professionals

Eligibility

10+ years of full-time work experience

Minimum 5 years full-time work experience

Degree/Credential

INSEAD Executive Education Certificate

Post Graduate Certificate in Management

Curriculum Focus

Strategy, Leadership, Finance, Innovation, Global Markets

General Management + electives in Finance & Marketing + Digital Transformation

Faculty

INSEAD Global Faculty + Guest Industry Experts

ISB Resident & Visiting Faculty from top B-Schools

Alumni Network

INSEAD Executive Alumni (67,000+ worldwide)

ISB Full Alumni Status (16,000+ globally)

Career Support

Executive coaching, 360° reviews, Phoenix Encounter

Profile development, workshops, lateral career support, no formal placements

Application Process

Online application + essay + interview

Online application + essay + recommendations + interview

Program Fee

USD 50,000 (approx. ₹41.5L)

₹31.96L + 18% GST (approx. ₹37.7L total)

Ideal For

CXOs, entrepreneurs, senior professionals aiming for board roles

Mid-career managers targeting senior leadership growth in India and abroad


ISB PGPpro vs UCLA PGP PRO – Executive MBA Comparison

Aspect

ISB PGPpro

UCLA PGP PRO

Institution

Indian School of Business (ISB)

UCLA Anderson School of Management

Program Type

Weekend Executive MBA-equivalent

Post Graduate Program in Management for Professionals

Duration

18 Months

12 Months

Format

Alternate weekend (Sat–Sun) in-person sessions

Modular blended format: online modules + in-person sessions + webinars

Cohort Locations

Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad

New Delhi, Bengaluru, plus virtual access

Eligibility

Minimum 5 years full-time work experience

Minimum 7 years work experience

Average Experience

10.1 years

10–15 years (majority); up to 25+ years

Academic Credential

Certificate in Management (Executive MBA equivalent)

UCLA PGP PRO Certificate from UCLA Anderson Executive Education

Global Exposure

1 International Immersion (e.g., NUS Singapore)

Global case studies; no mandatory global immersion

Curriculum Themes

Leadership, Strategy, Finance, Digital Transformation, Marketing

General Management, Strategy, Innovation, Finance, Data & Analytics, Digital Business

Faculty

ISB Core + Global Visiting Faculty

UCLA Anderson Faculty + Indian Industry Experts

Class Profile

Cross-industry; Tech, BFSI, Pharma, Consulting

Diverse: Tech, Finance, Pharma, Retail, Media, Auto, Consulting

Pedagogy

In-person, case-based learning, simulations, campus immersions

80+ online modules, 22 live webinars, 90+ hrs in-class learning, peer-reviewed projects

Alumni Status

Full ISB Alumni Status

Alumni access to UCLA Anderson Executive Education events & community

Career Support

No formal placements; L&D workshops, alumni platform, profile branding support

Career Services Plus by Northwest; workshops, personal branding, coaching

Application Requirements

Online form, essays, 2 recommendations, interview (no test scores)

Online form, 1 essay, 2 references, interview

Program Fee

₹31.96L + GST (approx. ₹37.7L total)

USD 12,000 (approx. ₹10L–₹11L), excl. accommodation & travel

Ideal For

Mid-career professionals seeking fast-track growth in India or regionally

Professionals & entrepreneurs aiming for strategic growth, career change, or leadership roles

Partner/Delivery

ISB faculty and campuses

Northwest Executive Education (delivery partner for India)


INSEAD ILPSE vs IITB-WashU EMBA – Executive Program Comparison

Aspect

INSEAD ILPSE

IITB-WashU EMBA

Institution

INSEAD + Emeritus

IIT Bombay + Washington University in St. Louis (Olin)

Program Type

Executive General Management Program (Certificate)

Joint Executive MBA Degree

Duration

12 months

18 months

Format

Modular (in-person + virtual): India, Singapore, France

Once-a-month 4-day sessions in Mumbai + 2-week US residency

Degree/Credential

INSEAD Executive Certificate

Joint MBA Degree from IIT Bombay and WashU

Target Audience

Senior professionals, CXOs, entrepreneurs (10+ years experience)

Senior executives with 7+ years (5 in managerial roles)

Average Experience

16 years

10–15 years

Global Exposure

Singapore + Fontainebleau (France) modules at INSEAD campuses

U.S. immersion at WashU in St. Louis and Washington D.C.

Classroom Time

200+ hours (in-person + virtual)

700+ hours (face-to-face only)

Peer Group

India-based and international professionals across industries

Primarily Indian senior execs with global aspirations

Faculty

INSEAD global faculty + guest industry leaders

WashU global faculty + IITB professors

Curriculum Focus

Leadership, Strategy, Innovation, Digital Transformation

Enterprise Leadership, Strategy, Global Business, P&L Mindset

Pedagogy

Case studies, simulations, 360° coaching, peer learning

Discussion-led, case-driven, group work, immersive residencies

Alumni Status

INSEAD Executive Alumni

Full alumni of both IIT Bombay and WashU

Fees

USD 50,000 (~₹41.5 lakhs)

₹45 lakhs (all inclusive)

Placement Services

No formal placements; career coaching & personal brand building

No formal placements; focus on CXO uplift and ROI through networks

Ideal For

Leaders seeking strategic insight, peer learning, and global exposure via INSEAD

Professionals seeking a globally recognized MBA degree + U.S. exposure and dual-alumni benefits


INSEAD ILPSE vs Harvard SELPI – Executive Program Comparison

Aspect

INSEAD ILPSE

Harvard SELPI

Institution

INSEAD (France, Singapore, India) in collaboration with Emeritus

Harvard Business School Executive Education, USA (delivered with Emeritus)

Credential

INSEAD Executive Certificate

Harvard Business School Executive Education Certificate + Alumni Status

Duration

12 months

9 months (Jan–Sep 2026)

Format

Modular – In-person (India, Singapore, France) + Virtual Learning

3 in-person modules (2 in Mumbai, 1 at HBS Boston); 7 weeks off total

Target Audience

Senior professionals with 10–25 years of experience

General managers, functional leaders with global responsibilities

Cohort Profile

~15–20 years experience, many CXOs, entrepreneurs, high-growth leaders

Senior leaders from Aditya Birla, HUL, Microsoft, Tata, etc.

Global Exposure

Modules at INSEAD Singapore and INSEAD France

3-week final module at Harvard Business School campus, Boston

Curriculum Focus

Strategic leadership, innovation, transformation, digital disruption

Global business leadership, change management, innovation, stakeholder value

Pedagogy

Live sessions, 360° coaching, simulations, case studies

Case method, executive coaching, discussion groups, value strategy project

Signature Components

Global coaching, peer networking, personal leadership plan

360-degree feedback, leadership coaching, living groups, Value Mapping Project

Alumni Access

INSEAD Executive Alumni Network

Full HBS Executive Education alumni privileges (clubs, libraries, discounts)

Program Fee

USD 50,000 (~₹41.5 lakhs)

₹44,00,000 + GST

Ideal For

Leaders seeking high-intensity business transformation experience with INSEAD's global pedagogy

Senior executives aiming to gain global leadership insights directly from HBS faculty and peers across industries


INSEAD ILPSE vs SDA Bocconi IEMB – Executive Program Comparison

Aspect

INSEAD ILPSE

SDA Bocconi IEMB

Institution

INSEAD (France, Singapore, India) + Emeritus

SDA Bocconi School of Management (Italy) via Asia Center

Credential

Executive Certificate from INSEAD

Executive Master's Degree (65 ECTS credits)

Duration

12 months

15 months

Format

Modular: In-person + online; held in India, Singapore, and France

Hybrid: 2 clusters/month – 1 in-person (Mumbai) + 1 online

Eligibility

10+ years of work experience

9+ years of work experience (mid-senior professionals)

Target Audience

Senior leaders, CXOs, entrepreneurs

Senior managers, business owners, functional heads

Global Immersion

Singapore and Fontainebleau (France)

2-week international immersion in Milan, Italy

Faculty

Global INSEAD faculty + industry experts

SDA Bocconi faculty from Milan & global campuses

Curriculum Focus

Strategy, Innovation, Leadership, Digital Transformation

Leadership, Strategy, ESG, Innovation, Finance, DEIB

Capstone/Final Project

Strategic personal leadership project

Optional business plan, CSR case, or applied project

Career Services

Executive coaching, 360° feedback, leadership development

Full Executive Career Curriculum (CV, mock interviews, 1:1 coaching)

Alumni Network

INSEAD Executive Alumni

Full access to Bocconi University alumni (130,000+)

Class Profile

Avg. age ~42 years; ~16 years exp.

Avg. age ~37; Avg. work exp. ~15.1 years

Fees

USD 50,000 (~₹41.5 lakhs)

₹21 lakhs + GST (approx. half of ILPSE cost)

Admission Process

Profile-based + interviews

Application + GMAT/GRE/SDA Bocconi test + interview

Scholarships

Limited, merit-based

Merit, diversity, Women in Leadership awards available

Delivery Location

India, Singapore, France (INSEAD campuses)

Mumbai + Milan (Bocconi Italy campus)

Accreditation

INSEAD is triple-accredited (EQUIS, AMBA, AACSB)

SDA Bocconi also triple-accredited (EQUIS, AMBA, AACSB)


Ready to Apply?

If you’re a senior professional aiming to transform your leadership potential into real-world impact, INSEAD ILPSE is a compelling path. From access to elite faculty and global exposure to immersive learning experiences, it prepares you for your next big leap.

Want help deciding between ILPSE and other global executive MBAs? Talk to a GOALisB MBA admission consultant.




 
 
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