IIM Lucknow Launches Second Batch of Blended MBA and EFPM Programmes for Working Professionals
Lucknow, August 27, 2026: The Indian Institute of Management Lucknow (IIM Lucknow) has inaugurated the second batch of its Blended MBA Programme (2026–28) and the Executive Fellow Programme in Management (EFPM) at its campus.
The programmes are part of IIM Lucknow's efforts to expand access to management education through flexible learning formats designed to meet the needs of working professionals and management researchers.
Focus on Flexible Management Education
Addressing the new cohort, Prof. M.P. Gupta, Director, IIM Lucknow, highlighted the growing relevance of flexible management programmes for professionals who want to pursue higher education without stepping away from their careers.
He said blended and executive programmes allow professionals to continue working while upgrading their knowledge, developing new capabilities and adapting to changing workplace requirements.
The Blended MBA combines academic learning with participants' professional experience, while the EFPM provides experienced professionals and management practitioners with an opportunity to engage in advanced research.
Learning Alongside Professional Experience
Chief Guest Sandeep Asthana, Country Head – India, Sun Life Financial and IIM Lucknow alumnus, encouraged participants to make full use of the learning opportunities offered by the programme.
He highlighted the advantage of the Blended MBA in allowing students to apply classroom concepts directly to situations they encounter in their professional lives.
The programme therefore enables participants to connect management theory with workplace experience and real-world business challenges.
Industry Perspectives for New Cohort
The inaugural programme featured sessions by IIM Lucknow alumni and industry professionals.
Ashutosh A. Sinha, Business Head, Putzmeister India, addressed participants on “Management of IQ × EQ × NQ = Career Potential,” focusing on the role of intelligence, emotional quotient and professional networks in career development.
Subodh Vardhan, Independent Consultant – Business Strategy and Market Access, spoke on “Making the Most of Your MBA for Career Success.”
The sessions offered participants perspectives on leadership, career development and skills required in a changing professional environment.
Case Studies and Experiential Learning
The inaugural programme also included a session on learning through case studies, highlighting the practical application of management concepts.
Prof. Omkarprasad S. Vaidya, Chairperson, Blended MBA, IIM Lucknow, said the programme is designed to bring together academic learning, professional experience and practical application.
Participants can draw on their own workplace experiences while engaging with contemporary management concepts and case-based learning.
IIM Lucknow Expands Lifelong Learning Opportunities
The Blended MBA and EFPM programmes represent IIM Lucknow's broader focus on creating multiple pathways for lifelong management learning.
While the Blended MBA provides working professionals with an opportunity to strengthen their managerial capabilities alongside their careers, the EFPM supports advanced research and knowledge creation in management.
The second batch was welcomed by IIM Lucknow faculty and officials, including Prof. Sanjay Kumar Singh, Dean (Programmes); Prof. Omkarprasad S. Vaidya, Chairperson, bMBA Programme; and Prof. Sanjeev Kapoor, Dean (Faculty).
Key Highlights
- Institute: IIM Lucknow
- Programmes: Blended MBA and EFPM
- Blended MBA batch: 2026–28
- Batch: Second
- Focus: Flexible management education
- Target group: Working professionals and management practitioners
- Learning approach: Blended, case-based and work-integrated learning
- EFPM focus: Advanced management research and academic engagement
- Industry exposure: Insights from senior professionals and alumni
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