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The leap from executing tasks to shaping strategy marks a pivotal moment in any professional's career. A marketing executive who once managed campaigns may suddenly find themselves responsible for brand architecture across markets.
A finance professional accustomed to building models might now need to advise the C-suite on cross-border investments. This transition requires more than technical mastery. It calls for strategic thinking, cross-functional fluency, and the confidence to lead in complex, multi-dimensional environments.Research from Deloitte's 2023 study reveals that while 94% of executives recognise cross-functional leadership as critical for organisational success, very few feel truly equipped for such roles. This preparedness gap presents both a challenge and an opportunity. IIM Lucknow's 2-Year MBA for Working Executives (PGPWE) bridges this divide, offering professionals the strategic frameworks, global perspective, and collaborative networks essential for senior leadership transitions.It stands for Post-Graduate Programme in Management for Working Executives. Continuing education without career interruption

Advancing one's capabilities while maintaining professional momentum presents a significant challenge for mid-career professionals. Conventional MBA pathways typically demand career pauses that many cannot afford, making alternative learning formats increasingly valuable. PGPWE answers this need through a thoughtfully structured approach that respects both professional commitments and educational ambitions.Operating on alternate weekends at the Noida campus, the programme allows participants to remain actively engaged in their careers while pursuing advanced management education. Through real-world projects, leadership dialogues, case-based learning, and international study experiences, participants expand their strategic capabilities and prepare for elevated responsibilities without workplace interruption.Building strategic capabilities: The PGPWE experience

IIM Lucknow's Post Graduate Programme in Management for Working Executives targets professionals seeking to deepen their management acumen while maintaining career continuity. Based at the Noida campus with sessions held on alternate weekends, this two-year curriculum merges academic excellence with practical flexibility, enabling participants to advance professionally while enhancing their leadership toolkit.What distinguishes PGPWE:Programme architecture:
- Two-year structure: Seven terms total (four in year one, three in year two) combining foundational coursework with specialised electives.
- Weekend format: Classes run Friday afternoon through Sunday afternoon on alternating weekends, preserving career momentum.
- Campus engagement: Seven campus visits per term over three months ensure consistent learning and immediate workplace application.
Year one curriculum:Core disciplines include finance, operations, marketing, economics, human resources, and strategy.Foundational modules covering financial reporting, operations management, marketing management, and strategic management-I establish robust functional knowledge.Year two curriculum:Specialised electives spanning decision sciences, finance, strategy, marketing, HR, information technology, and general management.Capstone components featuring a dissertation project and an international immersion experience.Courses in leadership and legal aspects of management reinforce practical decision-making abilities.Programme outcomes:
- Comprehensive credit framework: 28 total credits distributed across 18 core course credits, 7 elective credits, 2 dissertation credits, and 1 international immersion credit, ensuring both comprehensive coverage and specialised depth.
- Integrated learning approach: Participants develop functional expertise alongside the ability to synthesise knowledge across business domains, a critical competency for leadership positions.
- Adaptable timeframe: While structured as a two-year programme, participants may extend completion to four years when professional or personal circumstances require flexibility.
Extended learning ecosystem:Student Advisory Services providing guidance on elective selection, programme events, and career development.Corporate interface initiatives offering networking opportunities, industry connections, and hands-on business exposure.The PGPWE's integration of weekend sessions, intensive coursework, and industry engagement delivers not only sophisticated business knowledge but also the global perspectives and professional networks that propel participants into leadership trajectories.International perspectives through cross-border learning

The PGPWE's signature international module stands as a defining programme element, offering a two-week intensive experience at a premier European business institution.
This goes well beyond traditional coursework, weaving together academic instruction, practical workshops, and company visits with direct access to global business leaders, providing participants with an authentic understanding of international business operations.Recent participants (20th batch) engaged with IESEG School of Management in Paris, a globally ranked institution, where the curriculum covered international mergers, global talent management, and emerging business paradigms.
This exposure refines cross-cultural competencies while building the confidence and insight necessary for leadership in international and diverse organisational settings.Eligibility criteria for the 2026-28 batchProspective applicants for IIM Lucknow's PGPWE must present:
- An undergraduate degree (10+2+3 or 4-year programme) with minimum 50% marks or equivalent CGPA.
- A qualifying score from GMAT/GMAT Focus Edition/GRE (test-centre based), CAT 2023/2024, GATE 2024/2025, or the PGPWE Entrance Exam (December 2025, Noida). GMAT code: J39-VT-47, GRE DI code: 4988.
- A minimum of three years of full-time, post-graduation professional experience (calculated as of March 31, 2026).
Applications may be reviewed and revised multiple times before submission, though modifications are not permitted following final submission.Programme details:
- Application fee: INR 1,000 (non-refundable)
- Programme fee: (2026-27): INR 11,00,000*
- Programme start: First week of April 2026
- Format: Two-year programme at IIM Lucknow's Noida Campus
- Application deadline: November 20, 2025
- Application form: Click here
Advancing into strategic leadershipThe progression from operational roles to strategic leadership positions requires more than professional drive, it necessitates sophisticated strategic thinking, international business understanding, and the capacity to guide teams across varied contexts. IIM Lucknow's PGPWE synthesizes academic depth, adaptable weekend instruction, cross-border learning experiences, and peer collaboration to create a transformative pathway for professionals positioned for advancement.
This represents not merely an educational programme but a catalyst to broaden your worldview, accelerate career progression, and become part of an influential leadership community. Discover IIM Lucknow's PGPWE programme and participate in the upcoming webinar to understand how you can reshape your professional future.Know more about IIM Lucknow’s 2-Year MBA for Working Executives (PGPWE) programme in this interview with Prof. Priyatam Anurag:
Know About PGPWE Programme at IIM Lucknow, Noida Campus: Interview with Prof. Priyatam Anurag
References:1. https://www.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/topics/talent/human-capital-trends/2023/human-capital-leadership-outlook.htmlDisclaimer: The article has been produced on behalf of the Indian Institute of Management Lucknow by the Times Internet's Spotlight team.


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