IIM Lucknow PGPWE 2027 phase 2 admissions open; apply by December 31

The Indian Institute of Management Lucknow (IIM Lucknow) has announced the commencement of Phase 2 admissions for its Post Graduate Programme for Working Executives (PGPWE) 2027-29. The programme, a two-year MBA designed for working executives, entrepreneurs, and professionals, is offered at the IIM Lucknow Noida Campus.

The Phase 2 application window, which opened following an announcement on October 16, 2026, requires prospective candidates to submit their completed online applications by December 31, 2026, at 5:00 PM IST. The PGPWE aims to enhance managerial knowledge and leadership skills while allowing participants to continue their full-time careers.

Eligibility Criteria and Application Process

To be eligible for the PGPWE 2027-29, applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree (10 + 2 + 3 or 4 years of formal education) in any discipline or an equivalent academic qualification, with a minimum of 50% marks or an equivalent CGPA. In addition, a minimum of three years of full-time post-qualification work experience, calculated as of March 31, 2027, is mandatory.

The application fee for Phase 2 is INR 1,000, which is non-refundable. Only online applications are accepted through the official portal. Candidates who applied in PGPWE Phase-1 and were not selected after the Personal Interview (PI) process are not eligible to apply in PGPWE Phase-2. There is no upper age limit for applying to the programme.

Entrance Examination and Accepted Scores

Applicants are required to submit valid scores from either GMAT, GRE, CAT (2024 & 2025), or GATE (2025 & 2026). It is specified that online GMAT/GRE (At Home) scores are not accepted; only test center-based scores are considered valid. IIM Lucknow’s GMAT code is J39-VT-47, and the GRE Designated Institution (DI) Code is 4988.

Candidates without these scores must appear for the PGPWE Entrance Exam, which is tentatively scheduled for December 2026 / January 2027 at the IIM Lucknow Noida Campus. This offline, English medium examination consists of 100 multiple-choice questions across three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). The exam duration is 120 minutes.

Selection Process and Programme Structure

The selection process for the PGPWE 2027-29 programme is many-sided, with various components contributing to the final evaluation. The entrance test score carries a 30% weightage, while the academic and professional profile accounts for another 30%. A Writing Ability Test contributes 10%, and the Personal Interview holds a significant 30% weightage. Shortlisted candidates will receive notification approximately seven days before their scheduled PGPWE Entrance Exam.

Approximately 140 seats are available for the PGPWE 2027-2029 programme, divided into two batches of around 70 students each. The programme is non-residential, although campus accommodation may be available upon request. The PGPWE, formerly known as the Working Managers’ Programme (WMP), has been running since 2005, with eighteen batches having graduated. The programme commences in the first week of April 2027.

Fees and International Immersion

The fee for the PGPWE 2025-2027 batch was INR 11,00,000, on top of a refundable caution money of INR 10,000 and an Alumni membership fee of INR 5,000, plus applicable taxes. The programme includes an international immersion module, typically a 1-2 week immersive experience at a leading business school in Europe or East Asia. The approximate cost for this international module is Rs. 4.50 Lakhs, with Rs. 2.00 Lakhs to be paid along with the Term IV fee. An additional charge of INR 6,000 per term is levied for lunch, tea, and snacks.

Written by Nishit Kumar

Nishit Kumar is a senior EdTech industry leader with over a decade of experience in building and scaling education platforms, shaping their product, content, and growth strategy. At FindMyCollege, Nishit oversees content and editorial strategy, guiding topic selection and content frameworks to ensure accuracy, relevance, and student-first value across the website.

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