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Best One Year MBA Programmes in India

Saurav Anand | May 7, 2022

One-year MBA programs are designed for working professionals who have been in their positions for more than four years and want to pursue an MBA, ideally part-time or online. There are several prominent MBA universities in India that provide one-year MBA programs, the most prestigious of which being IIM Ahmedabad’s MBA-PGPX.

One Year MBA in India – If you are a working professional seeking reliable information on 1 year MBA in India provided by IIMs, ISB, XLRI, SPJIMR, Master’s Union, and other top B-schools.  This article is going to help you out with various facilities like provides rankings, fees, placements, admission requirements, and the application procedure for a1 year MBA programs in India. We also explain the distinction between a ‘One Year MBA’ and a ‘Executive MBA’ in India. Both of these MBA programs are NOT the same!

Most of the top B-schools are open with their one year MBA programs in India, admission process 2022 and their session commences soon. Many top MBA colleges with 1 year MBA programmes like IIMs, ISB among others have announced their application process for one year MBA admission 2022. To help the candidates to select the relevant academic session, we share below the best one year MBA programs in India application dates for admission 2022 separately.  

One year MBA courses in India for finance is the most popular among working professionals

best one year MBA programs in India.

One Year MBA in India Highlights

ParticularsDetails
Basic eligibilityGMAT/ GRE score of 650 and above and should have work experience of 5 years or more
Top one year MBA programMBA-PGPX offered by IIM Ahmedabad
Course feeRs 20 to 35 lakh

Best 1 Year MBA Programs

Best 1 year MBA programs in India are offered not by only one MBA college but more than 50 leading B-schools. Top 1 year MBA programs in India list includes the 15 top one year MBA colleges one year executive MBA in India rankings. One-year Masters of Business Administration (MBA) is much sought after by candidates with high experience. These one-year MBA programmes come packed at a half opportunity cost when compared to two-year full-time MBAs.

The majority of the business schools mentioned here accept GMAT scores as part of the admissions process. Some business schools accept CAT and XAT results as well as their own admission examinations. Candidates must be graduates with at least a few years of work experience to be eligible for the program. The standards for years of work experience differ from one college to the next. However, the typical need is five years. 

Consider the following top business schools in India that offer one-year MBA programs:

Please keep in mind that the following table is not sorted by rank or specification.

InstituteProgrammeFees (approx.)
IIM AhmedabadExecutive MBARs 28 Lakhs
Indian School of BusinessPost Graduate Programme in Management (PGPM)Rs 31.35 Lakhs
IIM BangaloreExecutive Post Graduate Programme in Management (EPGPM)Rs 21.70 Lakhs
Post Graduate Program in Public Policy and ManagementRs 16.50 Lakhs
IIM CalcuttaExecutive PGPMRs 22 Lakhs
XLRIPGDM (General Management)Rs 20.95 Lakhs
IIM LucknowInternational Programme in Management for Executives (IPMX)Rs 24.50 Lakhs
General Management Programme for ExecutivesRs 4.72 Lakhs
IIM IndoreExecutive Post Graduate Programme
in Management (EPGP)
Rs 20 Lakhs
SP Jain Institute of ManagementPost Graduate Programme in Management (PGPM)Rs 18.65 Lakhs
Post Graduate Management Program for WomenRs 10.95 Lakhs
Great Lakes Institute – ChennaiPost Graduate Program in
Management
Rs 19.25 Lakhs
MBA in Business AnalyticsRs 21.50 Lakhs
MDI GurgaonNational Management ProgrammeRs 12.80 Lakhs
IMT GhaziabadPost Graduate Diploma in Management (Executive)Rs 15 Lakhs
International Management Institute (IMI), DelhiExecutive Post Graduate Diploma in ManagementRs 12 Lakhs
IIM ShillongPost Graduate Program for ExecutivesRs 18.75 Lakhs
XIMBMBA ExecutiveRs 18.40 Lakhs
K J Somaiya Institute of Management Studies and ResearchPost Graduate Diploma in Management (Executive)Rs 7.56 Lakhs
IIM UdaipurExecutive MBA in Global Supply Chain ManagementRs 25.69 Lakhs
MBA in Digital Enterprise Management(DEM)Rs 15.83 Lakhs
IIM RaipurPost Graduate Programme in Management for Working Executive (PGPWE)Rs 8 Lakhs
Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management, DelhiPGDM ExecutiveRs 5.43 Lakhs
School of Inspired Leadership (SOIL)Business Leadership Program (BLP);
Human resource Leadership Program
Rs 15.03 Lakhs;
Rs 12.86 Lakhs

One Year MBA in India Eligibility Criteria

These institutes provide one-year MBA programs that accept GMAT/GRE scores. Check out the fundamental qualifying requirements for a one-year MBA program.

  1. GMAT/ GRE scores of 650 and above are normally accepted by IIMs.
  2. Candidates must have a minimum of 50 percent aggregate marks in their graduation.
  3. Every year, the application process for a one-year MBA programme begins in November or December.
  4. Aspiring applicants should have a strong work history as well as excellent verbal and written communication abilities.

Best One Year MBA Programs in India – Average GMAT Score

Check out the required marks to be secured in the GMAT to apply for one-year MBA admission in the following colleges. Here we have provided the average GMAT score as per past year trends.

College nameAverage GMAT score
IIM Ahmedabad702
IIM Bangalore709
IIM Indore650
IIM Calcutta685
IIM Lucknow672
ISB Hyderabad709
XLRI Jamshedpur640
Great Lakes Gurgaon670

Executive One Year MBA Program

  • Candidates who do not wish to pursue a residential MBA program might pursue an executive MBA, which is likewise designed for working professionals and can be completed concurrently with their job.
  • In comparison to the one-year MBA program, the executive MBA program demands more job experience. EMBA demands more than 8 years of professional experience, and the executive MBA program lasts more than a year.

Top Executive MBA College in India

College nameProgram nameCourse durationRequired work experienceFees
Great Lakes ChennaiPGXPM20 months8 yearsRs 8.5 lakh
ISB HyderabadPGPMAX15 monthsMore than 10 yearsRs 39.63 lakh

One year MBA vs Executive MBA (EMBA)

ParticularsExecutive MBA (EMBA)One year MBA
ResidentialNoYes
Course duration12 months15 to 20 months
Eligibility criteriaWork experience for more than 8 years and a good profileCandidates should have a GMAT/ GRE scorecard and a good work profile.
Minimum work experience8 to 10 years2 to 5 years
Course feeRs 5 to 35 lakhRs 10 to 35 lakh

Popular Countries For Studying MBBS 2022:-

One Year MBA Placements

The placement given by various one-year MBA programs is tailored to the demands of the students while keeping their professional histories in mind. Banking, finance, consulting, and information technology are the primary hiring bodies for one-year MBA programs.

AmazonBCGHDFC Bank, and other prominent one-year MBA program recruiters are listed below. To learn about the placement highlights, visit the official websites of universities that provide one-year MBA programs.

One Year MBA in Delhi NCR

One year MBA in Delhi NCR, Many top MBA schools provide this program. Some of the best Management Institutes provide one year MBA in Delhi NCR Among these are MDI Gurgaon, IIM Lucknow-Noida campus, IMT Ghaziabad, IMI New Delhi, FORE School of Management New Delhi, and LBSIM New Delhi.

 A list of the best institutes offering one year MBA in Delhi NCR is shared below

Institutes Offering One Year MBA in Delhi NCRName of One Year MBA Programme in Delhi NCRMinimum Work Experience Required for Admission
MDI GurgaonNational Management Programme (NMP)5 Years
IIM Lucknow-Noida CampusInternational Programme in Management for Executives (IPMX)5 Years
IMT GhaziabadPGDM E5 Years
IMI New DelhiEx PGDM5 Years
Great Lakes Institute of Management, GurgaonPost Graduate Programme in Management (PGPM)2 Years
FORE School of ManagementExecutive PGDM (PGPX)5 Years
LBSIM New DelhiPGDM E5 Years

One Year MBA in India Online

In India the majority of institutes offer two-year MBA programs that include internships and projects. Participants in this program are typically new graduates or students who have decided to take the program full-time. MBA courses are not for everyone. MBA classes require only a little or no experience in the field to gain admission.

Top 1-Year Online MBA Programs in India – Executive MBA

The primary goal the focus of Executive MBA courses is to assist professionals, executives and others. who have relevant work experiences to earn the qualifications in business and management studies. These programs will require a portion of classes on campus. The advantage is that your classmates will already be professional exactly like you, which could create a fantastic co-curricular system. The majority of the executive MBA programmes can be done in one year. But some institutes offer two year Executive MBA courses.

Notice: The work experience requirement for Executive MBA can differ from institute to institute.

Top 1-Year Online MBA Programs in India – Distance MBA

In the case of studying at a Distance MBA program, students will receive self-study resources (soft hard and hard copies). These may include books and LMS. The institute that you choose to study at and the institution, study resources may vary , including the sometimes offline class. The main drawback is that there is just some interaction between instructors and the students. The majority of the course is self-paced and taught by self. Since it’s an MBA course, it’s always better to be involved. So, the students are able to receive more exposure in comparison to traditional or executive MBA programs. The way to take the exam may be different depending on the school and the type of exam: it may be the internet or in a local test center.

Top 1-Year Online MBA Programs in India – Online MBA

With the increasing demand for online classes and certificates online MBAs have become a popular option for many. This kind of MBA program is entirely virtual. Students can learn while on the move and not need to fret about where they are. They can take part in online MBA programs offered by prestigious institutes that are also located in India. The majority of institutes offer online assistance, which means that in the online course students can engage with classmates and instructors, and classmates just like they were in the traditional classroom. There are 2 and 1 year online MBA courses that are available in India.

NOTE: The eligibility criteria and duration of all programs mentioned above may differ based on the institution.

Difference Between MBA, Executive MBA, Distance MBA and online MBA

ParticularsRegular MBAExecutive MBADistance MBAOnline MBA
Physical presenceOffline campus modeBoth online and offline classesSelf -taught, very few offline classesOnline classes
AttendanceMandatoryMandatory (both virtual and offline classes)Not requiredRequired for virtual classes
Interaction among peers and instructors100% during classes, projects, extracurricular activities, etc.Interaction among experienced peers and instructorsNoneInteraction at much lower level among peers and instructors
Marking schemeExams, Assignments, AttendanceAssignments, ExamsFinal examsAssignments, Exams
Duration2 years1 year1 - 2 years1 - 2 years
Flexibility in workNo (part time or freelance during the holidays )YesYesYes
Suitable forFresh Graduates / Any one who can commit to a full programMid-level / senior executives, entrepreneursThose with time constraintThose with time constraints.
Some relevant work experience required

1 Year MBA in India IIM

IIMs are the most prestigious management schools. The IIMs offer one-year MBA program designed for professionals working in a full-time residence MBA course for executive. Professionals who have between 3 and 7 years of work experience have the dream of finishing a one-year MBA course at IIM. The program offers all the advantages of a two-year MBA program, but it is more challenging, so students from one-year MBA programs at IIM 1-year MBA program have significantly better placements than those who completed the two-year MBA program.

1. IIM Ahmedabad PGPX: One of the Finest 1 Year MBA

In announcing its one-year MBA program, IIM Ahmedabad highlights the programs USPs “The Post Graduate Programme in Management for Executives (PGPX) is among the best one-year, full-time residential programs anywhere around the globe. The program was carefully created by Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad for enthusiastic, bright and aspirational leaders with extensive professional experience The PGPX program draws top talent from a variety of industries as well as cultures and geographic regions”.

2. IIM Bangalore EPGP: Intensive 1 Year MBA

IIM Bangalore one year MBA is a fully-time Executive Post Graduate Programme (EPGP) that leads to the award of an MBA degree. IIM Bangalore offers an intensive one-year residential MBA program specifically designed for professionals with impressive achievements and five to 12 years of working with experience across a range of sectors.

3. IIM Calcutta MBA-Ex: Paving the Way for Top and Senior Management Positions

The IIM Calcutta’s MBA for Executives Program (MBA Ex) is a One-Year Full Time Residential MBA Program for Executives who have at least five years experience in the field. It gives mid-career professionals an perfect platform to enhance their current skills and opens the door to higher-level management and executive positions within the business. MBA Ex, which is offered at IIM Calcutta, since its beginning at the end of 2006, has produced alumni who have shown superior leadership qualities in the posts they’ve held in their companies. IIM Calcutta MBA-Ex class comprises an assortment of young people and experienced.

4. IIM Indore EPGP: Combining Learning to be Skilled With the Exploration of Good Management Methods

IIM Indore EPGP is a well-known one-year MBA designed for professionals in the workplace. This program, known as the Executive Post Graduate Programme in Management (EPGP) is a rigorous 1-year, residential MBA program at IIM Indore. EPGP is specifically designed to increase the knowledge base, AMBA skills and capabilities crucial to manage and lead companies. The program is a combination of skill development and exploring the best management techniques.

5. IIM Lucknow IPMX: International Programme for Executives

IIM Lucknow one year MBA is called IPMX. IIM Lucknow offers International Programme in Management for Executives (IPMX) on the NOIDA Campus. IIM Lucknow 1 year MBA is a full-time, one-year post-graduate MBA program in management designed for middle and senior professionals, to prepare them for leadership positions in businesses.

6. IIM Kozhikode PGP-BL: Offers Global Immersion and Constant Industry Engagement

The Post Graduate Program in Business Leadership (PGP-BL) at IIM Kozhikode, is a one-year full-time residence-based program. It includes essential elements such as the global immersion component as well as a continual engagement with industry and placement support. The program is designed to run for five terms of between 8 and 9 weeks. After successful completion of the course, students are granted the MBA or equivalent level. The minimum work experience requirement to be able to graduate is three years.

7.IIM Shillong PGPEx-MBEE: Grooming Business Leaders for Emerging Markets

IIM Shillong one year MBA is the Post Graduate Program for Executives Management of Business in Emerging Economies (PGPExwhich is also known as MBEE). It is a 14-month intensive program offered by Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Shillong. The Executive Management program aims to equip the participants with sufficient understanding and skills in business for running companies in Indian,

Chinese as well as other markets that are emerging operate at strategic levels , with an international outlook, integrating the management functions in all areas. The International Immersion module gives students the opportunity to expand their learning and gain a deeper understanding of the ever-changing global economic landscape.

8. IIM Udaipur MBA-GSCM and MBA-DEM: Two Unique 1 Year MBA Programmes

IIM Udaipur offers two unique one-year MBA programs: MBA-GSCM as well as MBA-DEM. IIMU’s one-year MBA is a one-year MBA in Global Supply Chain Management (MBA GSCM) is a full-time , residential program that offers a comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of management. The only One Year MBA from an IIM that provides a comprehensive concentration on supply chain management. The program provides a variety of electives, and is specifically designed for those who have a wide and varied working experience of at minimum three years.

IIM Udaipur has also launched the first One Year MBA program in Digital Enterprise Management (DEM). The program equips students with leadership concepts and management strategies in the rapidly growing digital business and aims to develop business leaders who can drive forward the Digital Economy. This is the only MBA in the nation that focuses on managing digital systems and make informed decisions, manage multi-faceted and diverse teams in digital settings.

The programs are designed as full-time residential for admission, the entry into IIM Udaipur MBA-GSCM and MBA-DEM is based on a GMAT/GRE/CAT test in the last few years and a minimum of three years of full-time employment experience following a graduate degree. The program typically begins in April and runs through March the following year.

Overview of the One Year Full Time Residential MBA Program offered by IIMs

B-school - Program NameDurationBatch SizeMonth of Programme Commencement
IIM Ahmedabad - PGPX12 Months140April
IIM Bangalore - EPGP12 Months75April
IIM Calcutta – MBA-Ex12 Months79April
IIM Indore - EPGP12 Months68April
IIM Lucknow - IPMX12 Months101April
IIM Kozhikode-PGP BL12 Months80April
IIM Shillong - PGPEx-MBEE14 Months33January
IIM Udaipur – MBA-GSCM; MBA-DEM12 Months50April

Overview of Fees and Placements of One Year Full Time Residential MBA Program Offered by IIMs

B-school - Program NameFees (Rs. In Lakhs)Average Placement (Rs. In Lakhs)
IIM Ahmedabad - PGPX28,00,00033,36,247
IIM Bangalore - EPGP27,50,00029,88,000
IIM Calcutta – MBA-Ex27,00,00028,75,000
IIM Indore - EPGP20,10,00020,65,000
IIM Lucknow - IPMX23,50,000-
IIM Kozhikode-PGP BL22,50,00024,20,000
IIM Shillong - PGPEx- MBEE18,75,00017,30,000
IIM Udaipur – MBA GSCM; MBA-DEM21,00,000MBA-GSCM: 19,05,000
MBA-DEM: 19,28,000

Overview of the Admission Process at One Year Full Time Residential MBA Program Offered by IIMs

B-school - Program NameMinimum Work Experience RequiredAverage Work Experience of the BatchExams Accepted
IIM Ahmedabad - PGPX4 years8.3 YearsGMAT/GRE
IIM Bangalore - EPGP5 years7.42 YearsGMAT/GRE
IIM Calcutta – MBA-Ex5 Years8.1 YearsGMAT
IIM Indore - EPGP5 Years8.6 YearsGMAT
IIM Lucknow - IPMX5 Years8.3 YearsGMAT
IIM Kozhikode-PGP BL3 Years-CAT/GMAT/GRE
IIM Shillong - PGPEx- MBEE5 Years7.4 YearsCAT/GMAT
IIM Udaipur – MBA-GSCM; MBA-DEM3 Years4.83 YearsGMAT/GRE

Top 1 Year MBA Programs in India

The following is a rating of the top one-year MBA B-Schools in India, and among these top B-Schools, ISB Hyderabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, and IIM Ahmedabad are premier business schools

RanksTop MBA B-Schools in IndiaName of 1 Yr. MBA Programme1 Yr. MBA Programme Fee1 Yr. MBA Avg. Placement Rs.Avg. GMAT score
1K J Somaiya Institute of Mgmt, MumbaiMBA Executive (MBA-Ex)8.17 lac10.70 lac600+
2SOIL GurgaonPost Graduate Program in Business Leadership15.03 lac10.70 lac600+
3MDI GurgaonNational Management Programme (NMP)15.35 lac19lac660+
4IIM ShillongPost Graduate Program for Executives – Managing Business in Emerging Economies (PGPEx- MBEE)18.75 lac17.30 lac600+
5Great Lakes ChennaiPost Graduate Programme in Management (PGPM)19.25 lac13.63 lac670+
6XLRI JamshedpurPGDM-Executive20 lac18 lac640+
7IIM IndoreExecutive Post Graduate Programme in Management (EPGP)20.10 lac20.65lac650+
8SPJIMR MumbaiPost Graduate Programme in Management (PGPM)20.50 lac19.50 lac660+
9IIM UdaipurMBA- Global Supply Chain Management (GSCM); MBA- Digital Enterprise Management (DEM)21 lacMBA-GSCM: 19.05 lac/MBA-DEM: 19.28 lac600+
10IIM CalcuttaExecutive -MBA or Executive- PGDM(MBAX/PGPX)22 lac28.75 lac685+

Cheapest One Year MBA in India

A number of universities offer one-year MBA programs, however price might be a concern for individuals seeking for low-cost one-year MBA programs or the cheapest one-year MBA programs. We have identified a few colleges that provide the lowest one-year MBA programs in India

B-schools with 1 Year MBAFee (Rs. in lakhs)1 Year MBA Course Offered
IMI New Delhi12Executive Post Graduate Program
IRMA Anand10.1Post Graduate Diploma in Management (Rural Management-Executive) PGDM (RM-X)
K J Somaiya Institute of Management8.17Post Graduate Diploma in Management - Executive (PGDM Executive)
LBSIM New Delhi5.7Post graduate Diploma in Management Executive (PGDM Executive)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is there a one year MBA in India?

Answer. Apart from the above Top 15 B-schools, other top One year MBA programs in India are: IMT Ghaziabad – Postgraduate Programme In Business Management Executive (PGDM Ex) IMI New Delhi – Executive Post Graduate Program (Executive PGDM) XIMB – Executive MBA (EMBA).

2. Is there a 1 year MBA program?

Answer. Most of the top B-schools are open with their one year admission process 2022 and their session commences soon. Many top MBA colleges with 1 year MBA programmes like IIMs, ISB among others have announced their application process for one year MBA admission 2022.

3. Is 1 year MBA worth doing?

Answer. Pros of one-year MBA
This one is a no-brainer. Shorter duration translates to lower opportunity cost, (usually) less tuition fee investment and less out-of-pocket living expenses. You get to revive your career momentum in one year, instead of two years and ensure less time away from a paying job.

4. Does IIM offer 1 year MBA?

Answer. IIMs are the premium institutes for management education. One Year MBA from IIMs for working professionals is offered as a Full Time Residential MBA programme for Executives. Doing one year MBA from IIM is the dream of working professionals with work experience of 3 to 7 years.

5. Can we do MBA in 6 months?

Answer. Unlike the conventional 1 year duration, the F-MBA training takes half the total duration ie. 6 months to complete the training programme. The training program takes the candidate through various major areas of study to develop their skills to be a master of business.

6. What is one year MBA called?

Answer. Most of the schools offer campus placements, whether the programme is called ‘One year MBA’ or ‘Executive MBA’. The duration of both the programmes is typically 12 months (some schools take it to 15 months to create a marginal differentiation).

7. Does IIMB accept GMAT?

Answer. Top MBA colleges in India accepting GMAT include IIMs, ISB, XLRI, SPJIMR and many other top B-schools. If you are an Indian MBA applicant, you can use your GMAT score to apply to MBA programmes in India as well as in foreign B-schools: One Year MBA in India at ISB, IIMs, XLRI, SPJIMR, Great Lakes.

8. Which are the best colleges in India for a one year MBA program?

Answer. Here are the list of the best colleges in India for a one year MBA program-

  • IIM Ahmedabad
  • IIM Bangalore
  • IIM Calcutta
  • IIM Indore
  • IIM Lucknow
  • IIM Kozhikode
  • IBS Hyderabad
  • Great Lakes Gurgaon

9. What is more effective? 1-year MBA instead of 2 years MBA?

Answer. The one-year and two-year MBA programs are excellent in terms of their program and the placements available. Both programs are created to be based on the career goals and requirements of students.

  • The one-year MBA program is the best choice for people with a defined career objective and working experience within the corporate world. They only need to develop and improve their professional development.
  • The two-year MBA program is the best choice for those who are brand new to the corporate world and have less than two years. These individuals require greater depth in their theoretical understanding along with practical skills and want to be in the best business school atmosphere.
  • In terms of commitment and dedication In terms of dedication and hard work, one-year MBA courses require greater commitment since it’s an intense course that covers every aspect that are taught in a 2 year MBA program.
  • For the purposes of fees for the courses the one-year and two-year MBA courses are comparable.