The Common Admission Test (CAT) is widely acknowledged as the primary pathway to prestigious MBA institutes in India, including the renowned Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). Known for its challenging format, achieving a high score on the CAT is critical for admission. However, several MBA programs at IIMs do not mandate CAT scores, including the International Programme in Management for Executives (IPMX) at IIM Lucknow (IIML).This program offers a significant opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals to build a robust understanding of management fundamentals while enhancing their industry expertise. Key details regarding the course and admission criteria for the IPMX program at this elite institution are highlighted below.
IPMX Course from IIM Lucknow: A Bird’s Eye View
The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Lucknow has introduced the International Programme in Management for Executives (IPMX), a one-year residential MBA program, at its Noida campus. Launched in 2008, the program is aimed at mid- to senior-level professionals seeking to advance to leadership roles within the industry. It holds accreditation from both the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and the Association of MBAs (AMBA). Applicants must submit a valid Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), GMAT Focus Edition, or Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) score to be eligible.
For the 2025-26 academic year, the program fee is set at INR 26,00,000, along with a refundable caution deposit of INR 20,000 and an alumni membership fee of INR 5,000.
IPMX Course from IIM Lucknow: Eligibility Criteria
Executives with a bachelor’s degree (10 + 2 + 3 or 4 years of education) in any discipline must have at least 50% marks or an equivalent CGPA. If grades or CGPA are provided, equivalence will follow the institution’s conversion formula or be calculated by IIM Lucknow. Applicants must submit a valid GMAT or GRE score, along with the official scorecard or a test-taker copy, using the respective codes (GMAT: J39-VT-55; GRE: 4988). Only test center-based scores are accepted. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of five years of full-time work experience as of March 31, 2025. The program is open to executives of all nationalities.
IPMX Course from IIM Lucknow: Selection Process
Selection for the Writing Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI) will be based on GMAT, GMAT Focus Edition, or GRE scores. The final selection score for the IPMX program for the 2025-26 batch will be determined using the following weightage: GMAT/GMAT Focus Edition/GRE Score (30%), Academic and Professional Profile (30%), Writing Ability Test (WAT) (10%), and Personal Interview (PI) (30%).
IPMX Course from IIM Lucknow: Admission Tests
Check out the details of the GMAT, GMAT Focus, and GRE exams here.
GMAT
The GMAT is a standardized test designed to assess candidates’ quantitative and verbal reasoning skills for admission to graduate business schools. Business schools utilize GMAT scores to evaluate applicants’ readiness for the rigorous academic demands of MBA programs and to determine eligibility for scholarships and financial assistance. Although not all business schools require the GMAT, it is one of the most widely recognized admissions tests worldwide, particularly among international students. The exam consists of four primary sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Integrated Reasoning, and the Analytical Writing Assessment, totaling 80 questions.
GMAT Focus
Introduced in November 2023, the GMAT Focus Edition is an updated version of the GMAT designed to provide a more streamlined and effective assessment, focusing on the essential skills needed for success in business school. The GMAT Focus Edition includes three sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights, with a total of 64 questions.
GRE
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a widely recognized entrance exam used for admissions to graduate programs, particularly in the United States. It evaluates candidates’ abilities in verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing.