The most sought after degree in the field of business, MBA’s essence is to fashion careers by promoting a better understanding of business and its varied processes.  The synergy of essential skill sets and the prestige of an alma mater that students acquire while pursuing the program keeps him/her gainful in tangible ways. The degree holder can get the better of intense competition pervading in modern day offices and access the higher rungs of the corporate ladder. As well, the degree can define the enterprising spark in you and help establish and run a successful enterprise as Executive MBA has placement scope and job prospects. 

Also Check: All About Executive MBA Courses in India

Catering to aspirant’s varied needs, business schools in India and abroad roll out MBA degrees in a bevvy of formats, such as, but not restricted to, Full-time, Part-time, Modular, Executive and Online. Chances are ripe that like many other career seekers out there, you too may be contemplating about the MBA format that corresponds to your individual needs and preferences but don’t know where to start from. Join us, as we provide you with detailed, evidence-based comparison between the two most prominent formats - Executive MBA and Regular MBA – currently available. Arriving on educated decisions will be the most likely outcome.

Eligibility Criteria:

The mutual element across EMBA and MBA is a bachelor's degree from an affiliated institute, standardised admissions test and interview. However, the similarity in eligibility criteria ends here. Your age at the time of applying for EMBA must be at least 27 years, while age limit is relatively low for the conventional MBA format. As well, a work experience varying from 3 to 5 years and a professional recommendation letter are a requisite for EMBA. Contrarily, regular MBA programs do not carry any such specifications. A majority of B-schools offering regular MBA programs do include GMAT as a part of the admission process.     

Duration:

In terms of duration, there is not much to choose between Executive MBA and Regular MBA. Despite the fact that the duration is subject to the business schools’ discretion, you are more likely to acquire an MBA degree, irrespective of the format, within two to three years. However, campus time is the prime differentiator here. Conventionally, the aspirant needs to spend a significant time of his/her degree years in campus attending lengthy classes. Contrarily, EMBA classes are relatively short and conducted exclusively on weekends and post work hours. Apparently, going for an EMBA makes sense if you are bereft of the privilege of sabbatical years or conform to the notion of earning while learning.

Read more about Executive MBA.

Curriculum:

Executive MBA is meant for executive and business leaders who have a motivation for a degree and a work experience to back it. Nonetheless, the conventional MBA has takers in form of youngsters who are yet to enter the labour market. The difference in the target audience manifests in the variation in the curriculum. Contrary to the conventional MBA formats that deal more with the fundamentals of business, you will be studying advanced concepts as an EMBA pursuant. Moreover, your EMBA curriculum will focus on the individual leadership development, communication and analytical skills. You are more likely to gain insights into key decision-making areas of managerial finance and corporate liabilities. However, concepts like teamwork and efficiency in public speaking, business communication and virtue-based reasoning are central to both formats. However, EMBA programs restrict your choices when it comes to electives.

Convenience:

A good deal of campus time is an essential feature of the conventional MBA formats. Contrarily, EMBA allows you to pursue the program at the time suiting your convenience. Generally, business schools conduct classes on weekends or at the evening hours to enable aspirants to make the most of their available time. As mentioned earlier, the duration of the classes is proportional to the duration of the program. However, a vast majority of B-schools prefer keeping the class duration short. The rationale here is to keep the student’s interest intact and promote better understanding, which is a distinct possibility with lengthy and cumbersome sessions. Apparently, regular MBA is your cup of tea if you want a more immersive learning experience.  

Affordability:

Oftentimes, cost effectiveness is the prime factor that drives enrollment decisions. Being relatively cost effective, EMBA has a certain edge over the conventional MBA formats. The course charges are anywhere between 1.5 lakhs to 16 lakhs, depending upon the institution you prefer to pursue your EMBA degree from. Since the classes are conducted within the confines of your city, the expenses involved in relocation to distant lands are automatically eliminated. Moreover, you can remain gainful from the scholarships that many business schools make available to deserving candidates. Cost cutting also comes in form of sponsorships that corporations usually offer to keep employees motivated and loyal.  

Earn While You Learn:

One plausible reason for the rising EMBA deluge is its unique format. Herein, you have the liberty to acquire new skill sets and brighter career prospects without taking a sabbatical from the job. You can support your EMBA expenses with the salary that gets transferred to your account each month. This is in sharp contrast to the conventional MBA formats where you have to rely exclusively on your savings.         

Job Prospects:

Given the surge in industrial and economic sectors that India is lately witnessing, the opportunities are limitless for all MBAs, irrespective of their formats. In a bid to remain competitive, businesses across industries are attracting MBA degree holders’ attention with handsome remunerations and attractive perks. Considering the work experience and enhanced skill sets, EMBA candidates may get a better purchase in the labour market. However, regular MBA candidates are better off when it comes to recruitment opportunities in companies that prefer nurturing young talents according to their specific requirements. It is worth mentioning that acquiring an MBA degree may not suffice since job prospects depend on a variety of factors, such as individual’s calibre, skills and adaptability, along with the alma mater’s reputation and so forth.

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