The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Lucknow has initiated the application period for its Post Graduate Programme in Management for Working Executives (PGPWE). This two-year MBA program, delivered at IIM Lucknow’s Noida campus, targets professionals seeking to advance their managerial and leadership skills. The application window closes on November 20, 2025 , with classes for the new batch scheduled to begin in April 2026.
Program Overview and Format
Launched in 2005, the PGPWE program has a history of 19 graduating batches. Its alumni hold senior leadership positions across various sectors, including technology, finance, and consulting. The program is specifically structured for working professionals, with classes held every alternate Friday to Sunday. This weekend format allows participants to pursue their education without interrupting their careers.
Eligibility and Selection Criteria
Admission to the PGPWE program is competitive, with approximately 65 participants selected for each batch. Applicants must meet specific academic and professional criteria. The selection process considers scores from recognized entrance examinations or the institute’s own test.
| Requirement Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Academic Qualification | A bachelor’s degree is required, with candidates needing a minimum of 50 percent aggregate marks. |
| Work Experience | Applicants must possess at least three years of professional work experience. This experience is calculated as of March 31, 2026 . |
| Accepted Entrance Exams | Candidates can submit scores from CAT 2023/2024, GMAT, GMAT Focus Edition, or GRE. |
| IIM Lucknow PGPWE Test | Alternatively, applicants can take IIM Lucknow’s proprietary PGPWE entrance test, scheduled for December 2025 . |
Curriculum Structure
The PGPWE is a comprehensive two-year program comprising 28 credits. The curriculum is divided into two distinct phases.
The first year provides a strong foundation in core management disciplines. These include essential subjects such as marketing, financial management, operations, and strategic planning. The second year allows participants to delve into specialized areas of their interest. It also requires the completion of a dissertation project, providing an opportunity for in-depth research and application of learned concepts.
Program Fees and Additional Costs
The total fee for the PGPWE program is ₹11 lakh. An optional international module is available for participants, incurring an additional cost. This module is designed to provide global exposure and covers related expenses.
| Fee Type | Amount (INR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Total PGPWE Program Fee | ₹11,00,000 | Covers tuition and program costs. |
| Optional International Module Fee | ₹4,50,000 | Includes travel, visa processing, and accommodation. |
| Refundable Caution Deposit | ₹10,000 | Submitted at the time of admission. |
| Alumni Membership Fee | ₹5,000 | One-time fee for alumni network access. |
Application and Admission Timeline
Interested candidates must complete and submit their applications online via the official IIM Lucknow PGPWE website. The admission process includes multiple stages after the initial application.
Shortlisted applicants will undergo a written test, followed by a personal interview round. Successful candidates will receive their final admission offers by mid-January 2026. The new academic session for the PGPWE program will commence in April 2026.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Deadline | November 20, 2025 |
| PGPWE Entrance Test | December 2025 |
| Final Admission Offers Issued By | January 19, 2026 |
| New Batch Classes Begin | April 2026 |