6 
2025
TH RANK IN
MANAGEMENT 2025 
Two-Year MBA (Creative Industries)
From IIM Mumbai
In Association with Whistling Woods International
Duration
2 years
2 years
Mode
Full-time, on campus
Full-time, on campus
Schedule
Monday - Tuesday at IIM Mumbai Campus
Wednesday - Saturday at Whistling Woods International
Monday - Tuesday at IIM Mumbai Campus
Wednesday - Saturday at Whistling Woods International
IIM Mumbai and Whistling
Woods International
Alumni Status
Woods International
Alumni Status
Intake
70 seats
70 seats
Duration 2 years
Mode Full-time, on campus
Schedule Monday - Tuesday at IIM Mumbai Campus
Wednesday - Saturday at Whistling Woods International
Wednesday - Saturday at Whistling Woods International
IIM Mumbai and Whistling
Woods International Alumni Status
Woods International Alumni Status
Intake 70 seats
Programme Overview
The Two-Year MBA (Creative Industries) is a full-time, on-campus MBA from IIM Mumbai, offered with Whistling Woods International, Mumbai. It is the first MBA among the IIMs built for the creative industry. The programme runs Monday to Saturday over 7 modules and 120 credits, includes an industry internship and capstone, and admits 70 students through CAT, GMAT, GRE or the Creative Industries IMAT. Total fee: ₹21 lakh inclusive of taxes.
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 careers across films, television, OTT, and digital entertainment. Build skills in content strategy, programming, production, and studio management.
Communication & Storytelling
Develop expertise in communication, documentary filmmaking, and storytelling. Prepare for roles in content creation, editorial, creative communication, and digital narratives.
Advertising & Brand Influence
Learn how brands engage audiences through creative campaigns and media strategy. Explore roles across advertising, brand marketing, digital media, and creative strategy.
Educational Media
Create impactful learning experiences through TV, podcasts, online courses, and digital content. Develop skills for careers in educational media, content, and edtech.
Industry Ready skills for real-world success
Pre-Production Planning
Plan scripts, schedules, budgets, and resources.
Resources Management
Manage people, equipment, vendors, and resources.
Team Coordination
Coordinate creative and production teams effectively.
Production Quality Control
Maintain quality across production and delivery.
Legal & Finance Control
Understand budgets, contracts, copyright, and IP rights.
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
Students who leave after one semester receive a Certificate
After One Year
Post Graduate Diploma
Students who leave after one year receive a Post Graduate Diploma
After Two Years
MBA Degree
Students graduate with an MBA degree from prestigious IIM Mumbai after 2 years
After Semester 1
Certificate
Students who leave after one semester receive a Certificate
After One Year
Post Graduate Diploma
Students who leave after one year receive a Post Graduate Diploma
After Two Years
MBA Degree
Students 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 ₹3,000 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 January 2027
1
Application
- • Pay the ₹3,000 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 January 2027
Total intake
70 seats
- Eligible candidates must apply online through the application portal within the admission window.
- A non-refundable application fee of ₹3,000 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 January 2027
January 2027 Fees Structure
The total fee for the Two-Year MBA (Creative Industries) is ₹21 lakh, including all taxes, payable in full, in 2 instalments of ₹10 lakh or 4 of ₹5 lakh after a ₹1 lakh seat booking.
Full Payment Structure
Fee Category
Amount
Application fee (Non-refundable)
₹3,000
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) ₹3,000
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) ₹3,000
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.
Founded: 2006 by Subhash Ghai | Location: Film City, Goregaon, Mumbai
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.
Formerly: NITIE | Established: 1963 | Location: Powai, Mumbai | NIRF 2025 Management Rank: 6
FAQs
What is the IIM Mumbai MBA in Creative Industries?
It is a two-year, full-time, on-campus MBA from IIM Mumbai offered in association with Whistling Woods International. It trains managers and entrepreneurs for film, television, OTT, gaming, animation, advertising and digital media, and is the first such MBA among the IIMs.
What is the fee for the IIM Mumbai MBA Creative Industries?
The total fee is ₹21 lakh inclusive of all taxes: a ₹1 lakh seat booking plus ₹20 lakh, paid in full, in two installments of ₹10 lakh, or four of ₹5 lakh. The ₹3,000 application fee is separate and non-refundable.
Who is eligible for the MBA in Creative Industries at IIM Mumbai?
Graduates in any discipline with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA (45% for SC/ST/PwD) from a recognised university. No work experience is required.
Which entrance exams are accepted?
A valid CAT, GMAT or GRE score, or the Creative Industries IMAT conducted for this programme. Shortlisted candidates then attend a Group Discussion and Personal Interview.
How many seats are there?
The programme has an intake of 70 seats.
Where are classes held?
The classes will be held from Monday-Tuesday at IIM Mumbai Campus & Wednesday - Saturday at Whistling Woods International
What degree will I get? Is there an early exit option?
An MBA from IIM Mumbai after two years. In line with NEP 2020, students who exit after one semester get a Certificate and after one year a Post Graduate Diploma.
What careers can I pursue after this MBA?
Content strategy, production and studio management, OTT programming, media marketing, talent management, media entrepreneurship, etc.
When does the next batch start and when do applications open?
Applications are open for Batch 2. Starts January 2027
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.
What qualification will I receive after completion?
Upon successful completion, participants will be awarded a "Full time MBA (Creative Industries)" 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 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
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