Discover comprehensive IIM leadership programmes across Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, and more. Compare fees, eligibility, curriculum, and career outcomes.
Written by Laura Bouttell • Sun 4th January 2026
The Indian Institutes of Management represent the pinnacle of business education in South Asia, producing some of the world's most influential corporate leaders. For executives seeking to accelerate their careers, IIM leadership programmes offer a transformative pathway—combining academic rigour with practical application in ways that few institutions can match.
Whether you are a mid-career professional eyeing the C-suite or a senior executive seeking strategic refinement, understanding the landscape of IIM leadership programmes is essential. This guide examines the offerings across India's premier management institutes, helping you identify the programme that aligns with your professional aspirations.
The IIMs have earned their reputation through decades of producing leaders who shape industries across continents. Several factors distinguish these programmes from other executive education offerings.
Academic Excellence with Practical Application
IIM programmes deliver a curriculum meticulously crafted to accelerate the growth and expertise of senior executives. The pedagogy combines cutting-edge management theory with deeply engaged practice, ensuring participants can immediately apply learning to real-world challenges. Case studies, business simulations, and capstone projects form the backbone of instruction.
Triple Accreditation Standards
Leading IIMs hold triple accreditation from EQUIS, AMBA, and AACSB—the three most prestigious global accrediting bodies for business schools. IIM Kozhikode, for instance, ranks among the top 151-200 institutes globally in Business and Management Studies according to QS World University Rankings.
Influential Alumni Networks
IIM alumni networks span Fortune 500 companies, innovative startups, consulting firms, and government bodies. Upon completing leadership programmes, participants gain access to communities exceeding 33,000 members at institutions like IIM Calcutta. This network provides lifelong professional connections, mentorship opportunities, and career advancement support.
Flexible Delivery Formats
Modern IIM programmes accommodate executive schedules through blended formats combining live online sessions with campus immersions. Whether you prefer intensive on-campus modules, flexible hybrid formats, or high-impact international immersions, there is a programme matching your career constraints.
Each IIM has developed signature leadership programmes with distinct strengths. Understanding these differences helps executives select the most suitable option.
IIM Ahmedabad: Senior Leaders Programme (3TP)
With a legacy spanning over 66 iterations and 11,336 alumni from diverse sectors, IIM Ahmedabad's Senior Leaders Programme stands as India's most sought-after senior management course. The curriculum focuses on developing strategic outlook by integrating organisational and functional strategies whilst addressing contemporary concerns such as globalisation, talent retention, and managing ambiguity in dynamic environments.
Key learning areas include leadership skill development through emotional intelligence, team-building, and organisational power dynamics. The pedagogy employs case studies examining real-world challenges, group discussions encouraging collaborative learning, and experiential exercises building hands-on expertise.
IIM Bangalore: Executive Post Graduate Programme (EPGP)
IIM Bangalore's EPGP is a one-year, full-time residential MBA designed for mid-career professionals with five to twelve years of experience. A distinguishing feature is the two-week international immersion—IIM Bangalore was a pioneer in India in including such a module, now ranked first in India and seventh worldwide according to the Financial Times.
With over 100 electives, participants customise learning in emerging fields aligned with career goals. The programme fee stands at approximately INR 31-34 lakhs, covering tuition, course materials, library access, alumni membership, and accommodation.
IIM Calcutta: Executive Programme in Leadership and Management (EPLM)
IIM Calcutta's EPLM spans one year and is designed for professionals with minimum ten years of experience. The programme fee is approximately INR 6.35 lakhs plus applicable taxes. The pedagogy is highly interactive, consisting of lectures, real-life case studies, in-class assignments, and business simulation.
Participants complete a capstone project addressing real-life management problems. Upon completion, alumni gain access to IIM Calcutta's Executive Education network of over 27,000 members and receive institutional email credentials.
IIM Lucknow: Global Senior Leadership Programme (GSLP)
The eleven-month GSLP combines live online sessions with on-campus immersion at IIM Lucknow's prestigious campus. The programme fee is approximately INR 6.25 lakhs plus GST, with two campus immersions of six days each and an onsite conference in Dubai.
IIM Lucknow also offers the Empower Leadership Programme specifically designed for women professionals, priced at INR 3.52 lakhs plus GST over ten months.
IIM Kozhikode: Senior Management Programme (SMP)
The SMP is a transformative programme designed to equip experienced professionals with advanced leadership and strategic management skills. Focusing on developing visionary and adaptable leaders, the programme has attracted executives from leading organisations including HCL, Cipla, Microsoft, Raymond, and Capgemini.
IIM Kozhikode also offers a unique Chief Executive Officer Programme in collaboration with Kellogg Executive Education, providing global exposure through online certificate courses from the prestigious American institution.
| Institution | Programme | Duration | Fee (INR) | Format | Work Experience Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IIM Ahmedabad | Senior Leaders Programme | 5 days | Varies by batch | On-campus | Senior executives |
| IIM Bangalore | EPGP | 12 months | 31-34 lakhs | Full-time residential | 5-12 years |
| IIM Calcutta | EPLM | 12 months | 6.35 lakhs + taxes | Hybrid (online + campus) | 10+ years |
| IIM Lucknow | GSLP | 11 months | 6.25 lakhs + GST | Hybrid with Dubai immersion | Senior level |
| IIM Lucknow | Leadership for Women | 10 months | 3.52 lakhs + GST | Hybrid | Varied |
| IIM Kozhikode | SMP | 12 months | Varies | Hybrid | Senior executives |
| IIM Kozhikode | CEO Programme | 12 months | Premium tier | Hybrid with Kellogg modules | 15+ years |
| IIM Indore | VUCA Leadership | 10 months | 2.06 lakhs (inclusive) | Blended with 3-day immersion | Mid-senior |
Short-Duration Programmes (3-10 days)
IIM Bangalore and IIM Ahmedabad conduct short executive education programmes covering topics such as strategy, leadership, functional skills, HR, technology, analytics, operations, and innovation. These intensive interventions suit executives seeking focused skill development without extended time away from responsibilities.
Long-Duration Programmes (3-12 months)
Extended programmes provide comprehensive general management perspectives and deep functional understanding. Topics include digital transformation, business analytics, public policy, and sectoral programmes for industries such as healthcare, aerospace, aviation, and media. The sustained engagement enables deeper learning and more substantial career transformation.
Eligibility varies across programmes, though common requirements emerge across institutions.
Academic Requirements
Most programmes require a bachelor's degree (10+2+3) or equivalent diploma in any discipline with minimum 50% aggregate marks from a UGC or AICTE-recognised institution. Some programmes accept professional qualifications such as CA, CMA (ICWA), or CS in lieu of traditional degrees.
Professional Experience
| Programme Type | Typical Experience Required |
|---|---|
| Mid-career leadership | 3-5 years |
| Senior management | 8-10 years |
| CXO-level programmes | 12-15+ years |
| Executive MBA | 4-5 years |
Only full-time remunerative work experience post-graduation counts. Part-time work, projects, internships, and articleship are typically excluded from consideration.
Entrance Examinations
Certain programmes, particularly degree-granting options like IIM Kozhikode's PGP-BL, require valid GMAT, GRE, or CAT scores from the preceding three years. Executive education certificates generally do not require standardised test scores.
The admission process typically follows a multi-stage structure:
Stage One: Online Application
Submit academic transcripts, professional experience details, and standardised test scores (where applicable). Applications typically require essays demonstrating leadership potential, career aspirations, and reasons for pursuing the specific programme.
Stage Two: Profile Evaluation
Selection committees evaluate academic credentials, professional experience, leadership potential, and communication skills. Strong academic backgrounds combined with relevant work experience enhance applications significantly.
Stage Three: Personal Interview
Shortlisted candidates present themselves for personal interaction. This stage assesses cultural fit, leadership presence, and potential contribution to cohort learning.
Final Admission
Admission is granted only if both profile evaluation and eligibility conditions are satisfactorily met. Candidates receive formal offer letters with fee payment timelines and programme commencement details.
IIM certificates carry substantial professional value, with employers recognising them as proof of strategic, managerial, and leadership capabilities.
Salary and Promotion Outcomes
Graduates of IIM Executive MBA programmes often see 30-60% salary increases within two years, alongside faster promotions and access to senior leadership roles. General management professionals completing IIM programmes typically earn INR 25-50 lakhs per annum.
Alumni Status Benefits
Successful programme completion confers Executive Alumni Status with valuable benefits:
Network Access
The IIM alumni network represents one of India's most influential professional communities. Regular events organised by alumni associations and executive education offices ensure lifelong learning and professional growth support. Participants gain access to leaders across diverse industries, opening doors to board positions, advisory roles, and strategic partnerships.
Whilst IIM programmes require significant financial investment, the return often exceeds expectations. Consider these factors when evaluating ROI:
The ROI timeline typically offers faster payback than traditional MBA programmes due to executive-level starting salaries and immediate applicability of learning.
Modern IIM leadership programmes recognise that senior professionals cannot easily abandon responsibilities for extended campus residencies. Consequently, institutions have developed sophisticated delivery models.
Blended Learning Approach
Most programmes now combine live online sessions with campus immersions. For example, IIM Ahmedabad's Senior Management Programme delivers over 40% of content face-to-face through three four-day campus visits, with remaining sessions conducted virtually.
IIM Indore's VUCA Leadership Programme features weekend online classes, 70 live interactive sessions, and a three-day campus immersion spread across ten months.
Campus Immersion Benefits
On-campus modules provide irreplaceable value through:
Online Learning Advantages
Virtual components offer flexibility whilst preserving immersive learning through cutting-edge tools, live interactions, and hands-on pedagogy. Professionals can balance work commitments with academic requirements more effectively.
International Immersions
Select programmes include international components. IIM Lucknow's GSLP features a Dubai conference, whilst IIM Bangalore's EPGP includes a two-week international immersion ranked seventh worldwide. IIM Kozhikode's CEO Programme incorporates online modules from Kellogg Executive Education.
Choosing the appropriate IIM leadership programme requires honest assessment of career stage, learning objectives, and practical constraints.
Early Career Professionals (3-5 Years Experience)
Consider programmes like IIM Indore's Young Leadership Programme or certificate programmes in leadership and change management. These offerings build foundational leadership capabilities without requiring the extensive experience demanded by senior programmes.
Mid-Career Managers (5-10 Years Experience)
The IIM Kozhikode PGP-BL, IIM Bangalore EPGP, or IIM Calcutta EPLM suit professionals transitioning from functional roles to general management positions. These programmes provide comprehensive business understanding alongside leadership development.
Senior Executives (10-15 Years Experience)
Senior management programmes from IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Lucknow GSLP, or IIM Kozhikode SMP target experienced professionals seeking strategic refinement and peer networking at executive level.
C-Suite and Pre-CXO Leaders (15+ Years Experience)
IIM Calcutta's LEAD programme for CXOs, IIM Kozhikode's CEO Programme, or IIM Lucknow's COO and CTO programmes address the unique challenges facing top-tier executives. These offerings focus on organisational transformation, board-level governance, and enterprise leadership.
Minimum work experience varies significantly across programmes. Entry-level leadership certificates may require three years of professional experience, whilst senior management programmes typically demand eight to ten years. CXO-focused programmes often require fifteen years or more, with candidates expected to be within two levels of CEO. Only full-time remunerative work experience post-graduation counts towards eligibility requirements.
Most executive education certificates do not require standardised test scores. However, degree-granting programmes like IIM Kozhikode's PGP-BL mandate valid GMAT, GRE, or CAT scores from the preceding three years. When submitting GMAT scores to IIM Kozhikode, use institute code D3Z-SQ-80; for GRE scores, use ETS code 4748. Always verify specific programme requirements before applying.
Fees vary considerably based on programme duration and institution prestige. Short-term programmes may cost INR 1.5-3 lakhs, whilst comprehensive year-long programmes range from INR 5-7 lakhs. Full-time residential programmes like IIM Bangalore's EPGP command premium fees exceeding INR 30 lakhs. All fees typically exclude GST and may not include international immersion costs.
Most IIM leadership programmes are designed specifically for working professionals. Blended formats combine weekend online sessions with periodic campus immersions of three to seven days. Employers often support participation, recognising the value these programmes deliver. However, full-time residential programmes like the EPGP require participants to take extended leave from employment.
Successful programme completion confers Executive Alumni Status with substantial benefits. These include institutional email credentials, access to alumni portals connecting tens of thousands of graduates, discounts on subsequent programme fees (typically 5-10%), newsletters and institutional updates, and invitations to global alumni events. The alumni network provides career support, mentorship opportunities, and professional connections throughout participants' careers.
Online components offer scheduling flexibility and reduced travel requirements, whilst campus immersions provide intensive peer networking, hands-on experiential learning, and deeper faculty engagement. Most modern programmes combine both formats, delivering 40-60% of content through live virtual sessions and the remainder through campus modules. The blended approach preserves learning quality whilst accommodating executive responsibilities.
ROI depends on individual circumstances, including current compensation, career trajectory, and programme costs. Programmes with lower fees relative to career impact, such as IIM Indore's VUCA Leadership Programme at approximately INR 2 lakhs, offer faster payback. However, flagship programmes from IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta provide unmatched brand recognition and network access that may justify premium investment. Participants typically report salary increases of 30-60% within two years of completion.
Leadership development through IIM programmes represents more than professional credential acquisition. These transformative experiences reshape how executives think, decide, and lead—preparing them for challenges that no textbook can fully anticipate. The question is not whether such development is valuable, but which programme best matches your unique professional journey.