Is the INSEAD ILPSE Worth it?
- 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

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:
Modern Management Theory – Finance, Marketing, Strategy, Digital Transformation
Practical Leadership Skills – Influence, Change Management, Communication
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.