IIM Kozhikode and Times TSW’s Executive Post-Graduate Programme in Management Records Unprecedented Enrolments

Kozhikode : The 14th batch of the Executive Post Graduate Programme in Management (EPGP), offered by Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode, in association with Times TSW, a brand of Times Professional Learning (TPL) has recorded the highest-ever enrollment for any executive MBA at IIM Kozhikode, with 530 candidates enrolled. The two-year course is the flagship executive education programme of IIM Kozhikode and is offered online through Times TSW’s platform. The programme is recognised globally by the Association of MBAs (AMBA) and supported by the Business Incubator and Entrepreneurship Centre through IIMK LIVE.

530 participants were chosen through a rigorous selection process, where the applicants had to appear for the Executive Management Aptitude Test, followed by a personal interview. Most of the candidates possess an education background in BE or B.Tech. and have up to 30 years of work experience. The candidates come from varied functional areas and sectors, including Information Technology, Automotive, Banking, Insurance, Telecommunication, Manufacturing, Electronics, Defence, and Sales & Marketing.

EPGP also involves a one-week immersive session on-campus three times during the programme for learners who will learn core subjects like strategic thinking, international business, M&A and strategic alliances, leadership, and corporate accountability, among others. The programme is developed and aimed at working professionals and allows learners to opt between two class schedules as per their convenience.

They also have the option of taking a temporary break, for a maximum period of a year, after which they can re-join to complete the programme. Candidates can attend their classes through assigned learning centres at their chosen location. They have the option to attend classes remotely till pandemic restrictions apply. Upon completing the course, candidates will be awarded an MBA degree from IIM Kozhikode.

Commenting on the high enrolments, Prof. Debashis Chatterjee, Director, IIM Kozhikode, added, “It is very encouraging to see the high number of enrolments for Executive Post Graduate Programme in Management. This year, we see candidates coming from varied backgrounds and functional areas. It shows the importance of continued skill development among working professionals and enterprises necessitated across sectors. Our objective with EPGP is to groom leaders who can help steer their organisations in a rapidly changing business environment. This programme developed by IIM-K focuses on build candidates’ leadership competencies while at the same time also providing learners with well-rounded expertise in modern practices and theories in management.”

Mr Anish Srikrishna, Chief Executive Officer, Times Professional Learning, said, “The high number of enrolments for the Executive Post Graduate Programme in Management reveals the rising recognition of Executive MBAs in leadership development across every sector. Many of our candidates already are experienced and hold senior management to executive roles. IIMK EPGP supports them to further build holistic management acumen and leverages their experience to help them gain a managerial perspective, thereby facilitating their transition to leadership roles in their organisations. With 91 per cent recruiters reportedly preferring MBA graduates, this programme offers our candidates a rich opportunity to ascend the corporate ladder.”

The diverse cohort allows for peer-to-peer learning and collaboration, as well as networking opportunities. The largest sub-group of the candidates belong to the IT/ITES industry, which affirms the trend of increasing demand for management professionals in the software sector – as per a recent survey by Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), 96 per cent of recruiters from the technology sector said they planned to hire MBA graduates. Learning for the EPGP programme is imparted through an interactive learning platform that facilitates synchronous learning through multiple mediums.