The 2-year MBA program, which spans 20 months, is the most common type of MBA. It typically consists of 6 terms, each lasting 3 months, along with a 2-month summer internship. Some business schools may also offer additional internships, such as winter internships or multiple internship opportunities throughout the program.

The first term usually begins around June or July. During the second and third terms, companies visit the campus for Summer Placements to select students for internships, which are generally held in April-May. Based on their performance during the internship, students may receive Pre-Placement Offers (PPOs) or Pre-Placement Interviews (PPIs).

Many business schools also have exchange programs, allowing students to spend their 5th term at a partner institution abroad. This experience helps students develop cross-cultural awareness and explore new regions.

In the sixth and final term, the placement process is conducted. For students with prior work experience (typically more than 20 months), the placement process may have already been completed by this time.

These programs typically last between 12 to 15 months and cover subjects similar to those in a two-year course. They are often designed for working professionals who have valuable experience and seek to enhance their management skills for career advancement. Notable institutes offering such programs include the Indian School of Business (ISB) in Hyderabad, IIM Ahmedabad, and Great Lakes Institute of Management (GLIM) in Chennai.

The top one-year programs in the country are:

• IIM Ahmedabad – PGPX
• IIM Bangalore – EPGP
• IIM Calcutta – PGPEX Program
• IIM Lucknow – IPMX Program
• IIM Indore – EPGP Program
• ISB – PGP in Management
• GLIM – PGP in Management
• SPJIMR – PGP in Management
• XLRI – General Management Programme

These one-year programs are intended for working executives with at least two years of work experience. Despite the high fees (ranging from Rs. 15-30 lakh), the advantage of saving a year and continuing employment can offset the cost. Additionally, these institutes often have partnerships with financial institutions for loans and offer scholarships for meritorious students. While these programs are not included in standard B-School rankings due to their short duration and specific audience, the institutes themselves are among the top in the country.

This program is designed specifically for working professionals who are unable to pursue a full-time course. Many institutes that offer a two-year full-time program also provide a version tailored for professionals. Since the focus is on individuals with work experience, the eligibility criteria typically require a minimum of two years of professional experience. Notable institutes offering such programs include IIFT Delhi and JBIMS Mumbai.

Correspondence courses in management typically have a lower market value compared to full-time programs. This is because full-time courses offer experiential learning, including activities such as group interactions, projects, and presentations. These activities provide students with more hands-on experience and exposure to real-life situations, which is not feasible in a correspondence format due to its nature.

However, for those unable to attend a regular classroom program, a correspondence course can serve as an alternative for gaining management knowledge. The syllabi and textbooks for correspondence courses are generally similar to those used in full-time programs, so students often receive the same theoretical knowledge. For professionals seeking additional qualifications to advance in their careers, a correspondence course can be a convenient option. It’s advisable to confirm with your employer whether the correspondence course is acceptable.

Top institutes offering correspondence MBA programs include IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University) and Symbiosis, Pune. Many other reputable institutions also offer such programs, so students should research and consider their options before making a decision.

Many leading management institutes in the country offer Executive Development Programmes (EDPs). Typically, an EDP lasts from one week to three months. Admission to these programs does not require an entrance exam, but sponsorship from the candidate’s employer is necessary.

EDPs, particularly at prestigious management institutes, can be quite costly, with fees ranging from Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 3,00,000 for a two- to three-week course. These programs are designed to help professionals acquire additional skills in specific areas or update their knowledge on recent developments in their field.