As artificial intelligence transforms how professionals learn, work and advance their careers, a pressing question is emerging across India’s workforce: what kind of management education truly matters today? With information now instantly accessible, the focus is shifting from acquiring knowledge to building judgement, leadership capability and strategic perspective. Keeping pace with this change, SVKM’s NMIMS School of Business Management has opened admissions for its MBA NEx (NMIMS Executive MBA), Batch 2026, aimed at experienced professionals seeking advanced leadership development alongside their careers.
Recent remarks by a prominent start-up founder questioning the relevance of MBA degrees in an AI-driven world have further fuelled debate around management education in India. While such views echo growing scepticism towards traditional, early-career MBA programmes, educators note that the conversation shifts significantly when it comes to working professionals in leadership roles. Supporting this trend, a recent College Vidya study reported by Shiksha indicates that nearly 60 per cent of working professionals in India now view Executive MBA programmes as a strategic lever for career advancement, reflecting a growing preference for structured, experience-led learning at the mid-career stage.
The two-year MBA NEx is conducted on weekends, with intensive in-person sessions at the main NMIMS Mumbai Campus, allowing participants to continue working while pursuing management education. Founded in 1981, NMIMS has grown into a multidisciplinary Deemed-to-be University, with 17 specialised schools across seven campuses. Its School of Business Management (SBM) ranks among India’s top 10 business schools, known for academic rigour, industry connections, and global recognition. The MBA NEx curriculum follows a problem-solving approach that integrates theory with real-world application, covering Executive Leadership, Data Analytics, Marketing, Finance, and Digital Transformation. Delivered through experiential, peer-based learning, the programme equips professionals for senior leadership and C-suite roles in complex business environments.
“AI has democratised access to information, but leadership still demands context, judgement and the ability to take decisions in uncertain environments,” said Dr. Ramesh Bhat, Vice Chancellor, SVKM’s NMIMS Deemed-to-be University. “Executive education must go beyond content delivery and focus on shaping leaders who can integrate technology with strategy, ethics and long-term value creation.”
Applicants must have more than four years of full-time work experience in an executive, supervisory, or managerial role. For additional eligibility criteria, please refer to the admission handout. Selection will follow a merit-based process, including an MCQ-based written test, personal interview, evaluation of academic background, and work experience. The University has reiterated that there is no management quota for MBA programmes.
“At the mid-career stage, professionals are not looking for information alone; they are looking for perspective,” said Dr. Subhashish Mazumdar, Program Chair MBA NEx, SBM, SVKM’s NMIMS, Mumbai. “The executive classroom enables experienced professionals to learn from peers, engage with industry experts and apply concepts directly to real business challenges.”
As organisations recalibrate leadership expectations in an AI-driven economy, executive education is emerging as a critical enabler of leadership readiness. With admissions now open for MBA NEx Batch 2026, SVKM’s NMIMS positions its executive programme as a timely pathway for professionals looking to sharpen leadership capability while remaining rooted in real-world practice.
Candidates are advised to refer to the admission information handout for all other details, available on the official website.
