Executive MBA programs will vary in terms of curriculum and goals when compared to a regular MBA course. Both these courses are designed for a certain category of aspirants, and are different in more ways, than being similar. It totally depends on which of these programs suits you best.
This section will clearly distinguish between executive vs regular MBA programs. And later analyze the prospects of each of these courses so you know which is appropriate for you.
Program Design
MBA for Executive is meant for experienced professional looking to upgrade their corporate skills while staying intact in their current job. The pace of the program is sometimes flexible and allow working executives to achieve course completion without so much academic stress. The online modules can be done from home comfort rather than in classroom scenario.
MBA Regular courses are designed for regular students looking for higher education. The courses are conceived to supply the economic demands of the society and invite application for education in talent building.
Program Goals
Goals of an executive MBA course would be to learn more about the existing corporate trends and skills. Managers pursue MBA course to upgrade & improve rather learning all new things. Sometimes this is a corporate goal, and some organization loves that their executives pursue these dynamic courses on their expense.
Goals of a regular MBA program is to provide its students with new skills in order to initiate a career. It is an individual or a familial goal and targeted towards a successful employment future.
Program Duration
Executive MBA courses vary in duration depending on the Institute. Most of these Institutes offer 1-2 years program but stretch up to five years in some cases. This suppleness of completion window is important for executives to decide their appropriate institute and course.
MBA (regular) program are regular -2-years Master’s degree program, with no flexibility of continuing. Students can appear to clear their backlogs, but on-campus duration eligibility is limited.
Eligibility for Executive MBA vs Regular MBA
Besides the above-mentioned differences, there are other important differences are in the eligibility department.
Work Experience Eligibility
To pursue an executive MBA course you must have certain years of tangible work experience on your resume. The minimum requirement could be two years and up to seven years, depending on the institute. For other institutes, there is no upper limit to the work experience.
To pursue MBA (regular) course you can just be a fresh graduate with no work experience (some B-schools would insist on some work experience for admission purpose). Preference is given to those candidates who have some years of corporate exposure, and it has a big weight in the overall score for qualification.
Academic Eligibility
To pursue an executive MBA course you must have a Bachelors certificate. A good score in your academic performance will facilitate the selection process.
For regular MBA courses, you must have a good academic record in the Bachelor’s program. Most MBA institutes would make the selection based on the All India entrance exams like Combined Aptitude Test (CAT) and Management Aptitude Test (MAT). Please look for the eligibility criteria of the respective institutes.
Age Requirement
For most Executive MBA institute the age criteria remain above 30-years but would differ for each institute.
For most regular MBA programs there is no age limit, though certain Institutes may have a reservation on the upper age limit.
Language Proficiency
Both these programs require English language proficiency certificate for admission purpose. English is a crucial language for the global trade environment in India and thus a mandatory certification for the same is required. CAT exams include English proficiency test in the syllabus.
Cost Differences of Executive MBA vs Regular MBA
There is an average cost difference between these two courses because of several reasons. Typical reasons being the difference in course duration, and the difference in curriculum and overall variation in the course involvement process.
Regular courses from elite MBA Institutes will cost Rs 10-40 lakh for the entire program tenure, including personal expenses. Whereas an executive MBA program may cost anything from Rs 50,000 to 50 lakh.
This article clearly makes the differences between the regular MBA courses vs executive MBA programs. They differ in almost in every way and an executive MBA program is a step later in life towards career enhancement
