IIM Ahmedabad's BPGP (2026-28): A degree-granting MBA for working professionals in transition to leadership

As organisations grow more complex and interconnected, professionals are being asked to take on broader leadership and managerial decision-making responsibilities across functions, markets and teams.

Mid- and senior-level professionals are often expected to make decisions that cut across strategy, finance, operations and people management, even if their formal training has been largely functional. This shift has made advanced management capability less of a credential and more of a necessity.For many, this creates a clear need to strengthen their management capabilities at a deeper, more strategic level.

Yet stepping away from work to pursue a full-time MBA is not always practical. What they need instead is a learning pathway that allows them to grow without pressing pause on their careers. This is precisely the space that IIM Ahmedabad's Blended Post Graduate Programme in Management (BPGP) has been designed to serve. As IIMA Director Prof. Bharat Bhasker notes, the Institute sees BPGP as part of its effort to stay ahead of the curve by making high-quality management education accessible to professionals who are already on strong career trajectories, without compromising on academic rigour or depth.A career-accelerating MBA from IIM Ahmedabad BPGP is a two-year, degree-granting MBA created for experienced working professionals and entrepreneurs who want to build advanced leadership and strategic capabilities while continuing in their roles. Launched in 2024, the programme reflects the growing shift towards hybrid, technology-enabled learning without diluting the hallmarks of IIMA's classroom experience.The programme follows a blended learning model that reflects how working professionals learn most effectively.

Core concepts are delivered through live, faculty-led online sessions scheduled on weekday evenings and weekends, enabling participants to engage with rigorous academic content without disrupting professional responsibilities. These online interactions are complemented by short, structured campus immersions, with participants spending one week on campus during each of the six academic terms.This combination allows learners to move between theory and application in a sustained manner.

While online sessions provide continuity and analytical grounding, the campus modules offer concentrated opportunities for peer learning, faculty engagement and collaborative problem-solving. Together, the format is designed to support deep managerial learning while allowing professionals to remain actively embedded in their organisational contexts.Prof. Bhasker highlights that this combination of rigour and the blended structure is what makes the programme distinctive, allowing participants to draw on IIMA's faculty, research ecosystem and professional network in ways that fit the realities of working life.

BPGP curriculumThe BPGP curriculum is designed to prepare participants for leadership roles by integrating functional knowledge with organisational perspectives, while maintaining a strong focus on the real-world application of management concepts. The first year of the BPGP focuses on building a robust foundation in general management. Participants engage with the functional core of management while also developing a nuanced understanding of the business, economic and regulatory environment.Through IIMA's case-based pedagogy, learners are encouraged to analyse real business situations, debate alternatives and make data-driven decisions. Analytical tools and frameworks are integrated into this process, helping participants sharpen their ability to navigate uncertainty, complexity, and trade-offs, skills that are increasingly essential for leadership roles.As Prof. Joshy Jacob, Chairperson of the BPGP, explains, the objective in this phase is not only to strengthen managerial fundamentals but also to help participants learn to think across functions and lead teams in ambiguous, fast-changing environments. In the second year, participants build on the foundational knowledge from the first year and choose from a range of advanced and specialised electives across domains such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Science and Analytics, FinTech, Consumer Behaviour Analytics, Entrepreneurship, Rural Marketing, Social Sector Leadership, Policy and Governance, Sustainability, Game Theory and many more. This flexible and forward-looking curriculum equips participants with deep functional expertise, cross-disciplinary insights, and the ability to tackle emerging challenges, ensuring they remain highly relevant in a rapidly evolving business landscape.

Learning that fits real working livesWhat makes BPGP especially relevant to working professionals is its delivery model. The programme follows a blended format, with around 80% of learning delivered through live, synchronous online sessions, supported by VCnow, IIMA's marketing and technology support partner, and 20% through in-person campus immersions. Since classes are scheduled during weekday evenings and weekends, participants can balance demanding work commitments with academic engagement.Each of the six one-week campus modules brings the cohort together at IIM Ahmedabad for intensive learning, collaboration and networking. These in-person sessions help build strong peer relationships and expose participants to the full campus experience. Who should apply The IIMA BPGP is ideally suited for professionals and entrepreneurs seeking to advance into senior leadership roles and make a lasting organisational impact.

The programme is best fit for individuals with strong career trajectory marked by consistent growth and well-rounded achievements, ability to thrive in a demanding academic environment, balancing rigour with professional commitments and unique profiles and perspectives that enrich classroom discussions, fostering diverse and impactful peer learning.

As Prof. Jacob points out, IIMA seeks candidates who demonstrate leadership potential, curiosity and a genuine motivation to grow, without stepping away from their professional journeys.

What sets the programme apart Beyond academics, participants benefit from IIMA's broader ecosystem. Through BPGP Connect+, learners gain exposure to industry leaders, curated networking opportunities, student-led committees and mentorship support. The Institute's case method, research resources and academic infrastructure ensure that learning remains deeply connected to real-world business challenges. On successful completion, participants are granted alumni status of the IIM Ahmedabad, becoming part of its professional alumni network.Preparing leaders for a changing world In an era where organisations are being reshaped by technology, sustainability imperatives and global volatility, leadership requires more than functional expertise. It demands the ability to think strategically, work across boundaries, and make informed decisions in the face of uncertainty. IIM Ahmedabad's BPGP is designed to develop these capabilities. By combining academic rigour with a delivery model that respects the realities of working professionals, the programme enables participants to prepare for the next stage of their careers confidently, and ready to lead.Applications are open for BPGP Batch 2026–28. For more information, visit the programme website. Disclaimer: This article has been produced on behalf of VCnow (Unified Collaboration Services) by Times Internet's Spotlight team.