MBA or EMBA: Which one would benefit your career ahead?

Lots of confusion and doubts prevail between MBA (Masters in Business Administration) and Executive MBA or EMBA. There are lots of similarities between the two programs while some differences exist as well. Note here that the same college may offer both the programs. An aspirant seeking a management degree, whatever might be the mode of study, must look for the best MBA colleges in India.

First, let us understand the difference between regular MBA and Executive MBA or EMBA. Though the curricula are similar for both the media, they differ in their objects and deliverance of the course.

Traditional MBA basically a full-time two program that requires a student to attend college regularly, follow a full day schedule and various co-curricular programs that the schools offer. Whereas, Executive MBA is not a full-time schedule. Rather these are conducted through either evening or weekend classes. This is because the program is meant for
professionals who need to enhance their professional calibre in order to rise above in the managerial hierarchy. But everything without having to quit a job or balancing between full-time service and management studies.

This EMBA is targeted at professionals with at least five years (or more) of work experience. Depending on colleges, some need even 10+ years of work experience.

Also, getting admission to the EMBA program is comparatively more difficult than regular MBA due to the limited slots of the EMBA program and the extensive requirement of work experience.

So far as course expenses (tuition fees) are concerned, a regular MBA program has a cost range varying between 15-20 lacs depending on the brand/reputation of the B-school offering the program.

Comparatively, EMBA cost ranges in between 1 lac-10lacs (again depending on the reputation of the B-school reputation). But the main difference is not the cost. But the fact that EMBA is mostly sponsored by the employer. So the aspirant enjoys a free study!

Now, on the duration part. Traditional MBA program is a 2 years full-time schedule. While EMBA duration ranges between 1 to 3 years depending on the B-school.

Now coming to our main headline. Between MBA and EMBA, which one to choose? Well, you need to select the program as per the information provided above. One thing is for sure that EMBA will need work experience and often extensive work experience. So if you are a fresher, EMBA will not be for you.

In that case, your best option will be to go for a regular MBA program. However, this means you will be locked-up for 2 years devoting yourself totally to studies. But if you wish to first get into service then the best option would be to wait for the EMBA. Because first, you need to work at least 4-5 years to gain sufficient work experience to fulfil the main criterion of EMBA.

But whichever mode you choose, you should always target the best place to study
and apply for an EMBA only in any top MBA colleges in India.