Planning to pursue Executive MBA/PGDM in Lucknow? With 4 Executive MBA/PGDM colleges offering Executive PGDM in Hospital Management, Executive MBA in Marketing, Executive Post graduate Diploma in Management, and Executive MBA in Finance, choosing the right college depends on key factors such as rankings, fees, placements, and entrance exams accepted.
Lucknow's Executive MBA/PGDM landscape includes top government institutes like IIM Lucknow, along with leading private universities such as Indian Institute of Pharmaceutical Marketing and IICT Business School Lucknow. Admissions are conducted through exams like CAT, GMAT, depending on the course and institution.
This page provides a complete list of Executive MBA/PGDM colleges in Lucknow 2026, helping you compare colleges based on fees, placements, courses, and admission criteria to shortlist the best options.
Overview of Executive MBA/PGDM Colleges in Lucknow
Lucknow has a diverse mix of executive mba/pgdm colleges across government, private, and deemed categories, offering programs in core and emerging fields. These colleges vary in terms of fee structure, admission process, and placement outcomes, making comparison essential for informed decision-making.
Admissions to most top colleges are based on national-level exams like CAT, GMAT, while state and private colleges accept CETs and institute-level entrance exams.
Key Highlights
| Particulars | Data |
| Total Executive MBA/PGDM Colleges in Lucknow | 4 |
| Government Colleges | 1 |
| Private Colleges | 3 |
| Popular Courses | Advance Diploma in Finance Management, Diploma in Pharmaceutical Marketing (DPM), Advance Diploma in Hospital Management (ADHM), Executive Masters Diploma in Business Administration |
| Top Exams Accepted | CAT, GMAT |
| Average Fees | ₹22.6 K - ₹26.3 L |
| Average Placement (sample) | ₹27.7 L |
| Top Recruiters | Accenture, Advocate, Allahabad, American Express |
Top Executive MBA/PGDM Colleges in Lucknow 2026 (Rankings)
Executive MBA/PGDM college rankings are based on parameters such as academic reputation, faculty quality, research output, placements, and infrastructure. Rankings from sources like NIRF, India Today, and The Week are widely used by students to shortlist top colleges.
Top Executive MBA/PGDM Colleges in Lucknow (NIRF Rankings)
The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) is the most credible ranking system in India, based on parameters like teaching, learning resources, graduation outcomes, and research.
| College | 2025 | 2024 |
| IIM Lucknow | #5 | #7 |
IIM Lucknow are among the leading names in these rankings, typically combining strong academics, placements, and research or professional outcomes.
Government vs Private Executive MBA/PGDM Colleges in Lucknow
Executive MBA/PGDM colleges in Lucknow are broadly divided into government and private institutions, with key differences in fees, placements, admission process, and ROI. Government colleges are generally more competitive with lower fees, while private colleges offer higher seat availability and modern infrastructure.
Top Government Executive MBA/PGDM Colleges
Government institutes such as IIM Lucknow are known for high ROI, strong placements, and national-level competition.
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Total Courses | Popular Course | Latest Ranking |
| IIM Lucknow | ₹11.2 L - ₹26.3 L | ₹27.7 L | 18 | Post Graduate Program in Agribusiness Management (PGP-ABM) | #5 NIRF 2025 |
Top Private Executive MBA/PGDM Colleges
Top private colleges offer higher seat intake, industry-focused curriculum, and strong infrastructure.
| College | Fees | Total Courses | Popular Course |
| Indian Institute of Pharmaceutical Marketing | — | 35 | Executive Masters Diploma in Business Administration |
| IICT Business School Lucknow | ₹22.6 K | 79 | MBA |
Fee Comparison (Govt vs Private)
| Govt Colleges | Private Colleges | |
| Executive MBA/PGDM | ₹11.2 L - ₹26.3 L | ₹22.6 K |
Government colleges are significantly more affordable compared to private institutions.
Placement Comparison
| Govt Colleges | |
| Average Package | ₹27.7 L |
| Median Package | ₹27.7 L |
Government colleges generally have stronger placement outcomes, especially in IIM Lucknow.
ROI Analysis
ROI is a key factor for most candidates, calculated based on fees vs placement outcomes.
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Popular Course | ROI Insight |
| IIM Lucknow | ₹11.2 L - ₹26.3 L | ₹27.7 L | Post Graduate Program in Agribusiness Management (PGP-ABM) | Medium ROI |
| Indian Institute of Pharmaceutical Marketing | — | — | Executive Masters Diploma in Business Administration | — |
| IICT Business School Lucknow | ₹22.6 K | — | MBA | — |
Government colleges offer higher ROI due to lower fees and strong placements, while private colleges provide better infrastructure, flexibility, and more seat availability.
From a decision-making perspective, candidates targeting top ranks and ROI should prioritise government colleges, while those looking for backup options and infrastructure can consider top private executive mba/pgdm institutes.
Govt and Private
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Popular Course | ROI |
| IIM Lucknow | ₹11.2 L - ₹26.3 L | ₹27.7 L | Post Graduate Program in Agribusiness Management (PGP-ABM) | 148% |
| Indian Institute of Pharmaceutical Marketing | — | — | Executive Masters Diploma in Business Administration | — |
| IICT Business School Lucknow | ₹22.6 K | — | MBA | — |
Top Executive MBA/PGDM Colleges in Lucknow by Fees
Fees is a key parameter while shortlisting executive mba/pgdm colleges, as it directly impacts the overall cost of education and return on investment (ROI). In Lucknow, executive mba/pgdm college fees vary significantly based on the type of institution—government colleges are more affordable, while private universities have higher fee structures due to infrastructure and facilities.
Low Fee Executive MBA/PGDM Colleges (Below ₹1 L)
Low-fee executive mba/pgdm colleges are primarily state government institutions and central universities, offering MBA programs at subsidised costs. Admissions are usually based on state-level entrance exams together with CAT and GMAT (where applicable).
| College Type | Fees | Popular Course | Total Courses |
| Private | ₹22.6 K | MBA | ~1 avg courses (1 colleges) |
These colleges are suitable for candidates looking for affordable executive mba/pgdm education with reasonable placement opportunities, especially in core sectors and government roles.
High Fee Executive MBA/PGDM Colleges (Above ₹10 L)
High-fee executive mba/pgdm colleges are mainly private universities, offering modern infrastructure, higher seat intake, and flexible admission options through institute-level exams.
| College | Fees | Popular Course | Total Courses |
| IIM Lucknow | ₹11.2 L - ₹26.3 L | Post Graduate Program in Agribusiness Management (PGP-ABM) | 2 |
These colleges are suitable for candidates seeking private executive mba/pgdm colleges with better infrastructure, diverse course offerings, and higher seat availability.
Best ROI Executive MBA/PGDM Colleges in Lucknow
Return on Investment (ROI) is a key factor while selecting executive mba/pgdm colleges, as it compares the total cost of education with placement outcomes. Colleges with lower fees and higher salary packages offer better long-term value.
ROI Comparison Across Top Colleges
| College | Average Fees | Average Salary |
| IIM Lucknow | ₹11.2 L - ₹26.3 L | ₹27.7 L |
| IICT Business School Lucknow | ₹22.6 K | — |
Government institutes such as IIM Lucknow consistently offer high ROI due to subsidised fees and strong placement records.
Executive MBA/PGDM Colleges in Lucknow with Best Placements
Placements are a critical parameter in evaluating executive mba/pgdm colleges, as they reflect career opportunities, industry exposure, and earning potential. Top colleges in India maintain strong placement records across technology, consulting, and core sectors.
Colleges with Best Average Salary
Average salary provides a more realistic view of placement outcomes across the student cohort.
| College | Average Salary |
| IIM Lucknow | ₹27.7 L |
Colleges with higher average salaries generally indicate strong industry connections, better training, and higher-quality recruiters.
Top Recruiters Hiring Executive MBA/PGDM Professionals
Leading companies regularly recruit from top executive mba/pgdm colleges in India across domains such as software, consulting, analytics, and core executive mba/pgdm:
- Accenture
- American Express
- Bain & Company
- BCG
- Citi
Popular Executive MBA/PGDM Courses in Lucknow
Executive MBA/PGDM colleges in Lucknow offer a wide range of specialisations, with demand driven by placement trends, industry requirements, and long-term career growth. Among these, certain branches consistently attract higher enrolment due to better salary outcomes and job opportunities.
Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA)
- Average Salary (Top Colleges): ₹4 L - ₹32.3 L
- Top Recruiters: Deloitte, Accenture, Infosys, Cognizant
| Course | Duration | Fees | Colleges | Mode | Level |
| Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) | 1–24 Years | ₹12.5 K - ₹42 L | 33+ | Full-time | UG/PG |
Post Graduate Programme in Management for Working Executives (PGPWE)
- Average Salary (Top Colleges): ₹37.3 L
- Top Recruiters: Accenture, Bain & Company, Deloitte, Goldman Sachs
| Course | Duration | Fees | Colleges | Mode | Level |
| Post Graduate Programme in Management for Working Executives (PGPWE) | 2–18 Years | ₹11.1 L - ₹37.4 L | 3+ | Full-time | UG/PG |
Post Graduate Program for Executives for Visionary Leadership in Manufacturing (PGPEX-VLM)
- Top Recruiters: Accenture, Adani Group, American Express, Dabur
| Course | Duration | Fees | Colleges | Mode | Level |
| Post Graduate Program for Executives for Visionary Leadership in Manufacturing (PGPEX-VLM) | 1 Years | ₹11.7 L - ₹19.1 L | 3+ | Full-time | UG/PG |
Executive MBA/PGDM Admission Process in Lucknow 2026
Admission to executive mba/pgdm colleges in Lucknow follows a structured process based on entrance exams, result evaluation, and centralised or institute-level counselling. Candidates can apply through national, state, or college-level exams, depending on their target institutions and courses.
National Level Entrance Exams
National-level exams are the primary gateway to top government executive mba/pgdm colleges such as IIM Lucknow. These exams have high competition and wider acceptance across India.
Key National Executive MBA/PGDM Exams
| Exam | Full Form | Conducting Body | Duration (Minutes) | Application Mode | Exam Mode | Level | Colleges Participating |
| CAT | Common Admission Test | Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) | 120 | online | Online | PG | 1+ College |
These exams are widely accepted by top-ranked executive mba/pgdm colleges and require strong preparation due to their competitive nature.
Counselling Process
After qualifying entrance exams, candidates must participate in counselling for seat allocation based on rank, preferences, and availability.
Counselling Overview
| Counselling Type | Conducting Authority | Colleges Covered | Basis |
| National Counselling | Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) | All-India executive mba/pgdm colleges | National exam rank / score |
The counselling process includes choice filling, seat allotment, document verification, and final admission confirmation.
Entrance Exams for Executive MBA/PGDM Colleges in Lucknow
Executive MBA/PGDM admissions in Lucknow are conducted through a mix of national and state-level entrance exams, each varying in terms of acceptance, difficulty, and participating colleges. A structured comparison helps candidates choose the right exams based on their target colleges and preparation level.
National Level Executive MBA/PGDM Entrance Exams (UG & PG)
| Exam | Level | Conducting Body | Mode | Duration | Colleges Accepting | Courses | Difficulty |
| CAT | PG | Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) | Online | 120 mins | 1+ College | Post Graduate Programme in Management | Very High |
These exams are the primary pathway to top government executive mba/pgdm colleges and postgraduate programs in Lucknow.
State Level Executive MBA/PGDM Entrance Exams
State-level exams provide access to government and private colleges within specific states, often with domicile-based advantages.
Comparison of Top Executive MBA/PGDM Colleges
Comparing top executive mba/pgdm colleges helps candidates evaluate options based on fees, placements, rankings, infrastructure, and ROI. Government colleges like IITs, NITs, and IIITs offer lower fees and higher ROI, while private colleges such as BITS, VIT, and SRM provide better infrastructure and higher seat availability.
A structured comparison allows candidates to shortlist colleges based on their budget, rank, preferred course, and career goals, ensuring better decision-making during admission.
Private vs Government Comparison
| Private | Government | |
| Total Colleges | 3 | 1 |
| Top Colleges | Indian Institute of Pharmaceutical Marketing and IICT Business School Lucknow | IIM Lucknow |
| College distribution % | 75% | 25% |
| Top Courses | Executive MBA/PGDM and Master of Business Administration | Executive MBA/PGDM and Master of Business Administration |
| Fees Range | ₹22.6 K | ₹11.2 L - ₹26.3 L |
| Median Salary | — | ₹27.7 L |
| Average Salary | — | ₹27.7 L |
Top Colleges Comparison Table
| College | Type | Fees | Average Salary | Median Salary | Ranking |
| IIM Lucknow | Government | ₹11.2 L - ₹26.3 L | ₹27.7 L | ₹27.7 L | #5 NIRF 2025 |
| Indian Institute of Pharmaceutical Marketing | Private | — | — | — | — |
| IICT Business School Lucknow | Private | ₹22.6 K | — | — | — |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many executive mba/pgdm colleges are there in Lucknow?
There are over 4 executive mba/pgdm colleges in Lucknow, including government, private, and deemed universities offering UG, PG, and doctoral programs.
Which are the top executive mba/pgdm colleges in Lucknow?
Top executive mba/pgdm colleges in Lucknow include IIM Lucknow, Indian Institute of Pharmaceutical Marketing, and IICT Business School Lucknow, based on rankings, placements, and academic reputation.
What exams are required for admission to executive mba/pgdm colleges in Lucknow?
Admission is mainly through exams like CAT and GMAT, along with other institute-specific and state-level entrance tests depending on the course and college.
What is the average fee for executive mba/pgdm colleges in Lucknow?
The fee range for executive mba/pgdm colleges in Lucknow is ₹22.6 K - ₹26.3 L.
Which executive mba/pgdm colleges have the best placements?
Colleges with strong industry connections, high placement rates, and better salary outcomes typically include top-ranked institutes and leading private universities in Lucknow.
Which is better: government or private executive mba/pgdm colleges?
Government colleges often offer lower fees and higher ROI, while private colleges may provide better infrastructure and more seat availability. The best choice depends on budget, location, and goals.
What is the admission process for executive mba/pgdm colleges in Lucknow?
The process generally includes application → entrance exam → result → counselling/selection → seat allotment → admission, depending on the exam and college.
How to choose the best executive mba/pgdm college in Lucknow?
Compare colleges by rankings, fees, placements, available courses, location, and the exams they accept to shortlist options that match your goals.
