The IIMs open their applications for the executive MBA programs around April-June of every year. These programs are positioned for medium level managers who have substantial work experience, and are seeking accelerated career growth or a change in their job functions, building upon the skill set they have already acquired.

As the deadlines to these programs are fast approaching, in this blog, we will cover the class profiles and employment stats to help you decide between the programs, as well as the admissions requirements to get you going.

IIM Bangalore EPGP (Executive Post-Graduate Program) admissions window for 2014 opens between June 10 and August 29, 2014. Applications are to be submitted between this time period.

The eligibility criteria for EPGP is graduation with minimum 50% marks or equivalent CGPA and full-time work experience between 5 and 15 years.  Applicants should have a minimum of 5 years of work experience by 31^st March, 2015.

The applicants have to submit an online form, giving details of their academic and professional backgrounds, their GMAT scores, a statement of purpose and a reference letter.  More on the Statement of purpose in another blog.

Here’s a snapshot of the IIMB EPGP class- the class intake is between 60-75, average age is about 30 years, average work experience is 9.5 years and the median GMAT is 710, with the GMAT scores ranging from 650-740. About one third of the class has 9-10 years of work experience, while another third has 7-8 years of professional experience.

Roughly 55% of the incoming class (2013) has an IT products or services background, with 40% being employed in project or program management function. Talking about the post MBA recruitments, in 2013, about 50% of the class went back to the IT industry. However many students changed their functions to general management (33% students), business development (20% students) and client services & delivery (20% students). Average salary was about INR 22.5 lakhs.

The IIMA PGPX (Post Graduate Program in Management for Executives) admissions windows are open and the last date for submission is August 11, 2014. Interestingly, they incentivize applicants to submit early – if you apply on or before 6pm on 28^th July you pay a rebated application fee of INR 3500, whereas you pay the full fee of INR 5,000 if you apply between 28^th July (6pm) and 11^th August.

Pressing the submit button is not a gut wrenching task, because you have to submit only a part of your application by this date. This includes the academic qualifications and professional history, GMAT score and other factual details. On clearing this stage, applicants are invited to submit the rest of the application, which requires 2 essays, 3 references (names only) and an interview.

In terms of eligibility, candidates must have completed 15 years of education and must be atleast 27 years of age on March 31^st 2015.

The PGPX class intake is about 85 students. The class average age is 33.5 years, average work experience is 9.5 years and the average GMAT is 705. 83% students have had international experience. 84% of the class comprises of engineers, while 23% are from the IITs/ NIT. With all those IITians, needless to say, it’s a tough admission to crack. The class has a more diverse mix as compared to IIMB in terms of the industry representation, with only about 32% coming from IT services.

The outgoing class is also a diverse mix in terms of their industry choices for job placements– in 2013, 21% students got into IT, another 21% into consulting, 14% into telecom and 12% into manufacturing. 44% of the class took up roles in General management, as compared to 33% of the IIM Bangalore EPGP candidates who went into general management. This could have a direct connection to the fact that IIMA has a general management focus, with case studies being the primary mode of teaching

IIM Calcutta’s PGPEX (Post Graduate Program for Executive Management) has the same eligibility criteria as IIMB – a bachelor’s degree, minimum 5 years of post (academic) qualification professional experience and a valid GMAT score. Applicants are required to submit a statement of purpose and recommendations from two refrees holding senior managerial position.

The application will become available from 27^th June, 2014 and the admissions window is open between July 1^st to 31^st August, 2014.

The PGPEX class has an intake of about 50 students. Average GMAT is about 705, average work experience is about 8 years, with the largest chunk of class falling within the range of 7 to 10 years in work experience.

As per the 2012-13 recruitment report, 35% of the 40 students seeking jobs went into IT/ telecom sectors, 14% into consulting, 13% into general management, and 11% into marketing. The average salary offered was INR 19 lakhs.

Executive MBA (IPMX), at the Indian Institute of Management Lucknow-NOIDA Campus requires a minimum of 6 years of work experience (on 31st March, 2015), along with the other eligibility criteria of a valid GMAT score and academic/professional qualifications. Two letters of recommendations are required, of which at least one letter should be from a senior person at work.

The 2014 batch has 69 students with an average 9.4 years experience. Average age is 33 years, although 71% of the class is between 30-35 years. 83% of the students are engineers. 70% of the class comes from an IT services and products background, and 50% students have worked in program/project management.

IIM Indore has the same eligibility criteria as the other IIMs, with a minimum 5 year experience requirement. The Unlike the other IIMs, this one also accepts CAT scores.  In a wired world, the application still has to be sent by snail mail, and the deadline for the receipt of the forms is 23^rd June, 2014. Having crossed this date, any applicant who still has eyes on this IIM, needs to wait a year.