IIM A PGPX, IIM B EPGP, and IIM C MBAEx are three 1-year executive MBA programs at top IIMs with similar structures but distinct strengths — IIM A PGPX leads on brand and general consulting, IIM B EPGP excels for tech/Bangalore careers, IIM C MBAEx dominates finance. All three deliver Rs 30-35 LPA average placements for 5-10 year experienced professionals.
Detailed comparison:
IIM A PGPX: - Fees: Rs 31-32L - Duration: 12 months - Batch: 130-150 - Average placement: Rs 35 LPA - Top placement: Rs 80-100 LPA international - Admission: GMAT 710+ (730+ median), 5+ years experience
IIM B EPGP: - Fees: Rs 30-31L - Duration: 12 months - Batch: 80-100 - Average placement: Rs 34 LPA - Top: Rs 70-90 LPA - Admission: GMAT 710+, 5+ years experience
IIM C MBAEx: - Fees: Rs 28-30L - Duration: 12 months - Batch: 50-70 - Average placement: Rs 34 LPA - Top: Rs 80+ LPA (finance-heavy) - Admission: GMAT 710+, 5+ years experience
Function strengths:
IIM A PGPX: - Strong consulting (MBB + Tier-1) - Strong general management - Strong senior corporate strategy - Moderate tech - Balanced finance
IIM B EPGP: - Strong consulting - Strongest tech PM at FAANG, Bangalore startups - Strong general management - Moderate finance (Bangalore ecosystem) - Bangalore corporate alignment
IIM C MBAEx: - Strongest finance (IB, PE, capital markets) - Strong consulting - Strong analytics (quantitative) - Moderate general management - Kolkata ecosystem
Placement mix differences:
IIM A PGPX typical placements: - Consulting (MBB + Tier-1): 30-35% - Corporate strategy at Indian corporates: 25-30% - Finance: 15-20% - Tech PM: 10-15% - Others: 10-15%
IIM B EPGP typical placements: - Tech PM at FAANG + startups: 25-30% - Consulting: 25-30% - Corporate strategy: 15-20% - Finance: 10-15% - Others: 10-15%
IIM C MBAEx typical placements: - Finance (IB, PE, VC): 30-40% - Consulting: 25-30% - Corporate strategy: 15-20% - Analytics: 10-15% - Others: 5-10%
Batch demographics:
IIM A PGPX: - Average age 32 - Average experience 8-9 years - Diverse: consulting, IB, tech, military, corporate - ~20-25% international/NRI
IIM B EPGP: - Average age 30-31 - Average experience 6-8 years - Tech-oriented (30-40% from tech) - ~15-20% international
IIM C MBAEx: - Average age 30-32 - Average experience 7-9 years - Finance-oriented (30-40% finance) - ~15-20% international
Campus and location:
IIM A (Ahmedabad): - Iconic campus architecture - Smaller city with strong IIT M and other academic ecosystem - Legacy heritage of IIM A - Moderate urban amenities
IIM B (Bangalore): - Beautiful residential campus - Direct tech ecosystem access - Vibrant urban culture - Industry networking strong
IIM C (Kolkata): - Joka campus outside Kolkata - Scenic lake-side setting - Finance ecosystem access - More traditional culture
Program intensity:
All three programs compressed 1-year: - 14-16 hour days during peak - Case-based teaching - International module (usually 2-3 weeks abroad) - Internship optional (not integral) - Placement intensity high
For specific career targets:
Target MBB Consulting Partner track: - IIM A PGPX: strongest (legacy alumni) - IIM B EPGP: strong - IIM C MBAEx: moderate
Target Tech PM at FAANG/Top Startups: - IIM B EPGP: clearly strongest (Bangalore) - IIM A PGPX: strong - IIM C MBAEx: moderate
Target IB MD/PE Partner: - IIM C MBAEx: strongest (finance legacy) - IIM A PGPX: strong - IIM B EPGP: moderate
Target Senior Corporate Strategy (Indian): - IIM A PGPX: dominant (most Indian CEOs) - IIM C MBAEx: strong - IIM B EPGP: strong
Target International Career: - All similar brand internationally - IIM B slight edge for Asia/tech - IIM A strongest for Indian diaspora roles
Fee-to-placement ratio:
IIM A PGPX: Rs 31.5L / Rs 35 LPA = 0.9 IIM B EPGP: Rs 30.5L / Rs 34 LPA = 0.9 IIM C MBAEx: Rs 29L / Rs 34 LPA = 0.85
IIM C MBAEx has slight ROI edge; all similar.
Admission difficulty:
IIM A PGPX: most selective (3-5% admit rate) IIM B EPGP: moderate (6-8% admit rate) IIM C MBAEx: moderate (7-10% admit rate)
IIM A PGPX brand attracts most applicants; smaller batch makes tightest.
For aspirants choosing:
Apply to all three if you meet criteria. Choose based on admit and specific career focus.
Alternative considerations:
XLRI GMP: Rs 30L, Rs 28-30 LPA (good value alternative) ISB PGP: Rs 43L, diverse cohort, international angle IIM L IPMX: Rs 27-28L, NCR location, lower cost International MBAs: Wharton/Kellogg (Rs 1.5 crore+, international only)
For most 5-10 year experienced professionals, the IIM A/B/C executive programs (plus ISB) are the elite choices. Select based on fit.
All three deliver strong 1-year MBA experience with Rs 30-35 LPA average placements. Career trajectory differences come from function fit more than program brand differences.
Check your eligibility at collvera.com/eligibility