6 
2025
TH RANK IN
MANAGEMENT 2025 
Two-Year MBA (Creative Industries)
From IIM Mumbai
In Association with Whistling Woods International
Duration
2 year
2 year
Mode
Offline
Offline
Schedule
Weekdays (Monday to Friday)
Weekdays (Monday to Friday)
IIM Mumbai + Whistling Woods International
Alumni Status
Alumni Status
Duration 2 year
Mode Offline
Schedule Weekdays (Monday to Friday)
IIM Mumbai + Whistling Woods International Alumni Status
Programme Overview
First-of-its-Kind Programme from IIM Mumbai
The programme, the first of its kind among IIMs in India, is jointly developed with Whistling Woods International to meet the evolving demands of the global media and entertainment industry.
Where Business Meets Media & Entertainment
A two-year flagship MBA programme designed to build future leaders in the global media and entertainment industry, combining creative industries with strong management foundations.
Learn in a Dual-Institution Ecosystem
A unique collaboration between IIM Mumbai and Whistling Woods International, integrating business education with creative industry exposure.
Build Scalable Media Careers
Learn how to create, manage, and scale media ventures across film, television, OTT, gaming, animation, and digital platforms.
Subhash Ghai
Film Director,
Founder, and Chairman of
Whistling Woods International
An Ecosystem of Learning, Leadership, and Industry Integration
A structured academic programme that brings together
Management frameworks from the Indian Institute of Management Mumbai
Creative and technical excellence from Whistling Woods International
A leadership-driven approach for the Creative Industries ecosystem
A peer network of multidisciplinary professionals across media domains
Direct access to industry mentors, filmmakers, creators, and media practitioners
Collaborative projects and lifelong association with the IIM Mumbai-WWI ecosystem
Message from the Programme Chairperson
Dr. Nikhil K Mehta
Programme Chairperson,
MBA (Creative Industries)
Faculty Member at IIM Mumbai
At the Indian Institute of Management Mumbai, we view the Creative Industries as a powerful intersection of creativity, technology, and business that shapes culture and influences global narratives. The MBA (Creative Industries), delivered in collaboration with Whistling Woods International, is designed to equip future leaders with both creative insight and strategic acumen to thrive in this dynamic ecosystem. Blending structured management education with immersive industry exposure, the programme enables participants to understand and operate across the entire media value chain from content creation and production to distribution and monetisation. Through mentorship, real-world projects, and continuous engagement with industry practitioners, learners are prepared to navigate evolving platforms, audiences, and business models effectively. With a strong interdisciplinary focus across film, television, digital media, gaming, and emerging formats, the programme develops versatile professionals and entrepreneurial leaders. We look forward to shaping talent that will drive innovation, build scalable media ventures, and define the future of the global Media & Entertainment industry.
Programme Objectives
Build leadership capability to manage complex, fast-evolving creative industries.
Conceptualise and execute content that balances creative vision with commercial viability.
Create, distribute, and monetise content across film, OTT, digital, and emerging platforms.
Develop a deep understanding of audience behaviour, platform dynamics, and media economics.
Engage with a strong network of industry professionals, creators, and peers across the media ecosystem.
Build a lasting professional identity to collaborate, lead, and grow within the global media industry.
Programme Highlights
Entertainment & Digital Media
Explore opportunities across Films, Television, OTT platforms, and the dynamic digital entertainment industry.
Communication & Storytelling
Build expertise in communication, documentary filmmaking, storytelling, and social narratives.
Advertising & Brand Influence
Learn how brands communicate and influence audiences through creative campaigns and strategic media planning.
Educational Media
Create impactful learning experiences through educational TV, podcasts, online courses, and digital content.
Industry Ready skills for real-world success
Pre-Production Planning
Resources Management
Team Coordination
Production Quality Control
Legal & Finance Control
Structure & Curriculum
The programme is structured across 7 modules over 2 years, combining academic rigor, industry exposure, and applied learning.
Key Academic Components
Dual-campus exposure (IIM Mumbai + WWI)
Capstone Project
Classroom learning, industry-focused courses, and academic credits
Industry internship and case studies.
Total programme structure: 120 credits and 1200 learning hours
Multidisciplinary Media Learning
Module 1–3: Core Management + Media Foundations
Focus: Build strong business + media foundation
Module 4: Industry Internship
Focus: Real-world exposure
Module 5–7: Advanced Media & Strategy + Capstone
Focus: Specialization + execution
After Semester 1
Certificate
Certificate after one semester
After One Year
Post Graduate Diploma
Post graduate diploma upon successful completion of the 1 year
After Two Years
MBA Degree
Graduate with an MBA degree from prestigious IIM Mumbai after 2 years
After Semester 1
Certificate
Certificate after one semester
After One Year
Post Graduate Diploma
Post graduate diploma upon successful completion of the 1 year
After Two Years
MBA Degree
Graduate with an MBA degree from prestigious IIM Mumbai after 2 years
Programme Flexibility is in line with NEP-2020.
Options for industry internships, field projects, research immersion, or entrepreneurial projects within the one-year framework.
Flexible payment terms – candidates can choose a yearly or a module-based fee payment.
Admission Process
1
2
3
1
Application
- • Pay the ₹2,500 Application Fee
- • Complete the online application form
- • Upload required documents
2
Selection
- • Take the Creative Industries IMAT or submit a valid CAT, GRE, or GMAT score.
- • Appear for the Group Discussion and Personal Interview (GD-PI)
- • Receive your offer letter upon securing a place in the final merit list.
3
Admission
- • Secure your seat
- • Classes start on August 2026
1
Application
- • Pay the ₹2,500 Application Fee
- • Complete the online application form
- • Upload required documents
2
Selection
- • Take the Creative Industries IMAT or submit a valid CAT, GRE, or GMAT score.
- • Appear for the Group Discussion and Personal Interview (GD-PI)
- • Receive your offer letter upon securing a place in the final merit list.
3
Admission
- • Secure your seat
- • Classes start on August 2026
Total intake
70 seats
- Eligible candidates must apply online through the application portal within the admission window.
- A non-refundable application fee of ₹2,500 is payable at the time of registration.
Eligibility
Educational Qualification
- Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline
- Minimum 50% marks or equivalent CGPA (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates)
- Degree must be from a recognised university/institution as per UGC/Ministry of Education norms
- Candidates should submit a valid CAT, GRE, or GMAT score or appear for the Creative Industries IMAT exam
Work Experience
- No minimum work experience is required
Preferred For
- Aspiring leaders seeking careers at the intersection of business and the creative industries.
Important Dates
Final Result Declaration 
To Be Announced
To Be Announced Batch Start date August 17 2026
August 17 2026 Fees Structure
Full Payment Structure
Fee Category
Amount
Application fee (Non-refundable)
₹2,500
Seat Booking
₹1,00,000
Remaining Program Fee
₹20,00,000
Total
₹21,00,000
inclusive of all taxes
(application fee not included)
inclusive of all taxes
(application fee not included)
Instalment Payment Structure
Option A: 2 Instalments
Fee Category
Amount
Application fee
(Non-refundable) ₹2,500
Seat Booking ₹1,00,000
Instalment 1 ₹10,00,000
Instalment 2 ₹10,00,000
Total
₹21,00,000
inclusive of all taxes (application fee not included)
Option B: 4 Instalments
Fee Category
Amount
Application fee
(Non-refundable) ₹2,500
Seat Booking ₹1,00,000
Instalment 1 ₹5,00,000
Instalment 2 ₹5,00,000
Instalment 3 ₹5,00,000
Instalment 4 ₹5,00,000
Total
₹21,00,000
inclusive of all taxes (application fee not included)
Withdrawal & Refund Policy
Withdrawal before programme commencement
Fee refunded after a deduction of ₹1,000
Withdrawal after commencement of classes
No refund applicable
Refunds, if applicable, are processed as per the institute's guidelines
About Whistling Woods International (WWI)
Whistling Woods International is one of India’s premier institutes for media, entertainment, design, and creative arts education. Established with a vision to nurture future-ready talent for the global creative economy, the institute offers industry-aligned programs across filmmaking, animation, media management, fashion, music, acting, and emerging digital domains. Known for its world-class infrastructure, strong industry linkages, and hands-on learning approach, Whistling Woods International has built a reputation for producing professionals who excel across leading creative industries in India and beyond.
About IIM Mumbai
Indian Institute of Management Mumbai is one of India’s leading management institutions, recognized for academic excellence, rigorous pedagogy, and strong industry relevance. With a legacy of developing future leaders in management, operations, analytics, and public policy, the institute combines cutting-edge research with practical business education. IIM Mumbai is committed to shaping professionals who can lead organizations in a rapidly evolving global economy through innovation, strategic thinking, and responsible leadership.
FAQs
What is the Two-Year MBA (Creative Industries)?
The Two-Year MBA (Creative Industries) is a specialized management program by IIM Mumbai and Whistling Woods International that develops strategic leaders and entrepreneurs for the fast-evolving media, entertainment, and digital industries. It combines business management fundamentals with domain-specific knowledge across film, television, digital media, music, gaming, and event management, preparing participants for leadership roles in creative and corporate environments.
Who is eligible to apply?
Candidates must hold a Bachelor's Degree with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA (45% for SC, ST, and PwD categories) from a recognized university or an equivalent qualification recognized by the Ministry of Education, Government of India. Candidates must also submit a valid CAT score. Shortlisted candidates will appear for a Group Discussion and Personal Interview conducted by IIM Mumbai and WWI faculty members, after which the final selection list is announced.
Do I need to appear for an entrance exam?
Yes. Admissions are based on the candidate's CAT score.
What is the selection process?
The selection process consists of:
- Online application submission (including Statement of Purpose and Resume)
- Profile assessment by the Admissions Committee
- Personal Interview (online or in-person)
- Final selection based on overall merit
What is the program structure?
The in-campus component at IIM Mumbai and the WWI campus comprises seven modules. Modules 1–3 and 5–7 each offer several courses for a total of 18 credits, covering 180 hours of instruction. The fourth module is a 60-hour industry-relevant internship project, and a 6-credit capstone project (60 hours) runs across Modules 5–7. Overall, the program covers 120 credits and 1,200 program hours.
Where will the classes be held?
The program follows a blended learning model, combining on-campus sessions for key modules, workshops, and networking with live online classes for theoretical and managerial components. In-person classes are conducted at the IIM Mumbai & WWI campus.
What qualification will I receive after completion?
Upon successful completion, participants will be awarded a "Postgraduate Executive MBA in Media & Entertainment" by IIM Mumbai, signifying advanced managerial proficiency in the creative and entertainment sector.
What are the program highlights?
- Industry-driven curriculum designed by media and management experts
- Interaction with top media professionals and creative entrepreneurs
- Case studies, live industry projects, and field immersions
- Capstone project or media venture development
- Career guidance, mentorship, and placement support
What is the application fee?
The application fee is ₹2500, payable online at the time of application submission. The fee is non-refundable and must be paid before the application deadline.
What career benefits can I expect?
Graduates can pursue diverse career paths across the media and entertainment value chain, such as:
- Media Managers / Producers / Creative Directors
- Brand & Content Strategists
- Digital Marketing Managers
- Business Development Managers (Media Houses, OTT Platforms)
- Talent & Event Management Professionals
- Media Entrepreneurs / Founders of Start-ups