Top 10 One-Year MBA Programs 2025: Fees, Admissions, Jobs
Table of Contents
- Jaro Education
- 13, April 2025
- 4:00 pm
There’s a currently increasing demand for a one-year MBA in India, which boosts the career growth of an individual by shortening the conventional two-year programs. These one-year MBA programs are designed specifically for mid-career professionals and corporate executives; they are challenging, innovative, and totally efficient; therefore, the students can quickly gain fundamental business skills in a shorter amount of time.Â
One of the primary benefits of opting for the best one-year MBA programs in India is that they are time efficient, enabling candidates to get back to work immediately. Moreover, the economies in cost offered by a brief program make it a cost-effective option. Numerous professionals choose such programs for career advancement as they facilitate leadership skills acquisition and high-earning jobs.Â
While choosing a one-year online MBA or an on-campus program, several considerations are in order. Among these are fees to make the program affordable; ROI (return on investment) to view long-term value; placements, which specify post-MBA career opportunities; and rankings, indicating the institution’s credibility.Â
To prepare the list of the best 10 one-year MBA programs in India, here’s a comprehensive methodology that assesses faculty experience, industry exposure, and career outcomes. This method provides a balanced analysis of the best programs.
*CollegeVidya
Why Opt for a One-Year MBA Program?
A one-year MBA program in India​ is a suitable option for professionals seeking quick career advancement and a favorable return on investment (ROI). Contrary to other programs, such as one-year MBA courses, they are formulated to provide a solid business education in a condensed duration, allowing professionals to get back to work with ease and stay ahead of the competition.
The best one-year MBA programs in India are best suited for those who already have some work experience and wish to upskill and assume leadership positions. Since these programs deal with an intense curriculum, working professionals can advance their careers by bypassing their professional breaks and studying at an accelerated pace. Further, it is also possible to pursue a one-year online MBA as a flexible choice for continuing work while gaining the degree. Furthermore, a one-year online MBA program allows total comfort and flexibility for working professionals.Â
Against the background of one-year MBA programs in India compared to conventional two-year MBAs, the major contrasts are in time efficiency, cost savings, and faster ROI. A one-year MBA is ideal for career accelerators—those who want to advance within the same industry—as well as career switchers who intend to shift into new professions with specialized expertise.Â
For career-driven professionals looking for faster career progress, a one-year MBA in India is the ideal combination of quality learning, industry interface, and career development.
*mbaandbeyond
Criteria for Selecting the Best One-Year MBA Programs in India
– Reputation & Global Rankings: Use rankings from the Financial Times, QS, and The Economist to select the best one-year MBA in India.
– Fees & Affordability: Compare tuition fees and analyze the ROI of various one-year MBA programs.Â
– Requirements for Admission: Consider GMAT/GRE scores, professional experience, and essays that the best one-year MBA programs in India mandate.Â
– Employment Results: Evaluate placement rates, salary increases, and career opportunities following a one-year online MBA or on-campus program.
– Industry Exposure & Network: Select one-year MBA programs in India with strong alumni networks and corporate links.
Best One-year MBA Programs in India​
Look at some of the best one-year MBA programs in India, along with their fees, eligibility, and career scope.
1. IIM Ahmedabad – Post Graduate Program in Management for Executives (PGPX)
The one-year MBA in India by IIM Ahmedabad is one of the top one-year MBA programs in India, meant for mid-to-senior-level executives. This one-year MBA program is 12 months long and needs a GMAT/GRE score along with 4+ years of work experience to be eligible for admission.Â
With a fee of Rs. 32-35 lakh, the program offers a high ROI, with graduates commanding an average salary of Rs. 33-35 LPA. The top recruiters are Tata, Accenture, PwC, and Deloitte, which offer excellent placement opportunities. For career professionals seeking growth, IIM Ahmedabad’s PGPX is a suitable option, backing up its rigorous program with strong industry ties.
2. IIM Bangalore – Executive Post Graduate Program (EPGP)
IIM Bangalore’s one-year MBA in India is one of the best one-year MBAs in India, specifically for mid-career professionals looking to advance their careers. The one-year MBA program is 12 months long, with a need for 5+ years of work experience and a GMAT/GRE score to join the program.
With a fee structure of Rs. 31-35 lakh, the program provides a high ROI, as the graduates receive an average salary of Rs. 30-33 LPA. The top recruiters are EY, Flipkart, Infosys, and Goldman Sachs, offering excellent career prospects. For working professionals aspiring to take on leadership positions, IIM Bangalore’s EPGP provides an international-level curriculum, industry exposure, and excellent networking opportunities, making it a top priority for executives.
3. IIM Kozhikode - Executive MBA
Based in Kozhikode, Kerala, IIM Kozhikode provides a one-year MBA in India (Executive) and two-year full-time MBA courses that are globally recognized for their rigorous academic curriculum and robust industry links. The cost of the MBA program is between Rs. 20-30 lakh (approx.), and candidates should have a bachelor’s degree with valid GMAT/GRE/CAT scores. A minimum of three to five years of work experience is mandatory for an executive MBA. IIM Kozhikode alumni fetch some of the best pay scales in the field with an average compensation of Rs. 25-35 LPA, and top recruitment partners are McKinsey, Amazon, Goldman Sachs, Microsoft, and BCG.
4. IIM Calcutta – MBA for Executives (MBAEx)
The one-year MBA in India by IIM Calcutta is one of the best one-year MBAs in India, a program suited for professionals who have considerable work experience. The one-year MBA program is 12 months long and has a 5+ years of work experience requirement along with a GMAT score to get in.Â
With fees between Rs. 31-32 lakh, the program offers a favorable ROI, as the graduates command an average salary of Rs. 28-32 LPA. KPMG, ICICI, Reliance, and IBM are among the top recruiters with excellent placement prospects. For those seeking to advance their careers at a faster pace, IIM Calcutta’s MBAEx offers a challenging course structure, international exposure, and industry networking, making it an excellent option for executives.
5. IIM Lucknow – International Programme in Management for Executives (IPMX)
The one-year MBA from IIM Lucknow is one of the best one-year MBAs in India, especially for middle-to-upper-level working professionals. The one-year MBA program is held on the Noida (Delhi NCR) campus and requires 5+ years of work experience along with a GMAT score for admission.
At a fee of Rs. 26-28 lakh, the program guarantees a healthy ROI, with alumni securing an average salary of Rs. 25-29 LPA. Premier recruiters are HCL, Cognizant, HDFC, and Wipro, with excellent career prospects. For business professionals aspiring for leadership positions and international exposure, IIM Lucknow’s IPMX offers a thorough curriculum and industry-oriented learning experience.
6. XLRI Jamshedpur – Executive PGDM (General Management Programme - GMP)
This one-year MBA in India by XLRI Jamshedpur is among the best one-year MBAs in India, and the program is ideal for career-driven professionals who aim for successful career growth. This 15-month, one-year MBA program is made with a need for 5+ years of experience coupled with a GMAT/XAT score as the prerequisites to get into this program.Â
With fees ranging from Rs. 24-26 lakh, the program offers a solid ROI, with graduates earning an average salary of Rs. 22-27 LPA. Top recruiters include Aditya Birla, TCS, HSBC, and Capgemini, providing excellent job opportunities. XLRI’s Executive PGDM (GMP) is ideal for professionals seeking leadership roles, industry exposure, and a globally recognized business education.
7. SP Jain Institute of Management & Research (SPJIMR) – PGPM
The one-year MBA in India by SP Jain Institute of Management & Research (SPJIMR) is one of the best one-year MBA programs in India for working professionals who want to boost their careers. This one-year MBA program is for 12 months and demands 5+ years of work experience and a GMAT score for enrollment.
With fees between Rs. 22-25 lakh, the course offers a good ROI, with graduates receiving an average salary of Rs. 20-25 LPA. Top recruiters are Asian Paints, Nestlé, PwC, and Deloitte, providing great placement opportunities. SPJIMR’s PGPM is perfect for working professionals who want leadership positions, industry interfaces, and a holistic business education.
8. Dayanand Sagar University
Dayananda Sagar University (DSU) is a top-tier university in Bangalore, India. DSU offers an MBA course of 17 months’ duration designed to deliver an industry-oriented curriculum, guidance by expert faculty, and corporate experience. The program fee is between Rs. 2-3 lakh (approx.), and the candidates should possess a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50% marks. DSU graduates have great career prospects with an average salary package of Rs. 6-12 LPA and are hired by leading companies like Infosys, Wipro, TCS, Deloitte, and Accenture.
9. Loyola Institute of Business Administration
LIBA is India’s leading business school, located in Chennai. LIBA’s two-year MBA course gives students in-depth knowledge of modern business trends and functional problem-solving skills. The program cost is between Rs 3 and 4 lakhs (approx.), and candidates with a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50% marks and valid CAT/XAT/GMAT scores are suitable to be admitted. Top companies highly value LIBA graduates, offering an average salary package of Rs. 10-18 LPA, with major recruiters such as EY, HDFC Bank, Cognizant, ITC, and PwC.
10. Indian School of Business (ISB) – Post Graduate Program in Management (PGP)
The Indian School of Business’s (ISB) one-year MBA program in India is one of the best, with facilities in Hyderabad and Mohali. The one-year MBA in India is for 12 months and is open to professionals who have 2+ years of work experience. Admission needs a GMAT/GRE score.
The fees for the program are Rs. 39-42 lakh, but the high ROI makes it a worthy investment. The graduates of ISB enjoy an average salary of Rs. 34-38 LPA, and top recruiters are McKinsey, BCG, Amazon, Google, and Microsoft. ISB also provides a one-year online MBA and career growth through networking opportunities.
How to Get Admitted into a Top One-Year MBA Program?
Admission to an MBA institution in India for one year can be guaranteed only if your profile is strong and well-matched to the program’s selection criteria. GMAT/GRE scores must compete with each other, even if they are different for each program. Example: A GMAT score in the range of 650+ would typically be good for a top one-year MBA program in India. Others might use a lower score for great work experience.Â
Most one-year MBA programs demand 5+ years of work experience, ideally in leadership or management positions. A strong industry background with a history of accomplishments adds strength to an applicant. Those pursuing a one-year online MBA must also emphasize their effectiveness in juggling professional and academic responsibilities.Â
One way to a successful application is to write excellent essays, get strong recommendations, and be positive during the interviews. In their essays, applicants need to vividly show their interest in the profession, what opportunities for leadership they have now or aspire to in the future, and what the reasons for enrolling in a one-year MBA program in India are. It’s crucial that supervisors curate reference letters that attest to the candidate’s business contribution.
To succeed in the interview, candidates must study their desired schools, be definite about their career path, and highlight how the one-year MBA supports their goals. Rigorous preparation can substantially improve your chances of admission in India’s best programs.Â
Upskill, Lead, Succeed—Begin Your MBA Journey with Jaro!
Get your MBA journey started with Jaro Education, India’s most trusted e-learning platform, offering the best MBA, UG, and PG courses. Jaro is partnering with the top institutions, such as LIBA and DSU, to provide its learners with a great, world-class experience. Additionally, students can take advantage of one-on-one counseling sessions, where the experts from Jaro will help them to make the appropriate career decision that suits them. Connect with Jaro Education today and bring your career to the next level with field-based learning and expert mentorship.
Conclusion
A one-year MBA in India is a decent option for professionals who dream of excelling in their careers and climbing the corporate ladder. In such one-year MBA institutions, one is trained how to think as a successful businessperson, how to work in teams, and how to lead and be creative. Thus, they are ideal for both the fast-paced and the conversion of career paths. The top one-year MBA programs in India provide internationally recognized education, excellent placements, and beneficial networking opportunities. For individuals who want flexibility, a one-year online MBA is a suitable option. With judicious choice and thorough preparation, professionals can utilize one-year MBA programs in India to attain career development, salary increases, and leadership positions in the best organizations.
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