Business School Preparatory Classes: 2026 Guide
A business school preparatory class (known in France as a "prépa") is an intensive post-secondary program, typically lasting two years, designed to prepare students for the competitive entrance exams of top French business schools (such as emlyon business school). It combines rigorous theoretical instruction in mathematics, economics, general culture, modern languages, and intensive study methods to develop skills in analysis, synthesis, and time management.
Students can choose between scientific, economic, or commercial tracks based on their academic profile and goals. These programs offer a structured environment, regular mock exams, and personalized support to maximize admission chances into the most prestigious institutions. It is a critical gateway for candidates aiming for the top tier of French business education.
Types of Business School Preparatory Classes
The ECG track is intended for general high school graduates who took "Mathematics" in their final two years of school. Multidisciplinary profiles are highly valued. The curriculum consists of a core set of subjects with two elective pairings in mathematics and social sciences:
- Mathematics: Advanced Mathematics (Maths Approfondies) or Applied Mathematics (Maths Appliquées).
- Social Sciences: History, Geography, and Geopolitics of the Contemporary World (HGG) OR Economics, Sociology, and History of the Contemporary World (ESH).
The Four Possible ECG Pathways:
- Advanced Mathematics + ESH
- Advanced Mathematics + HGG
- Applied Mathematics + ESH
- Applied Mathematics + HGG
Weekly Timetable (27 to 29 hours):
- General Culture (Humanities, Literature, Philosophy): 6 hours
- LVA (First Language): 3 hours (English is mandatory for one of the two languages)
- LVB (Second Language): 3 hours
- Mathematics: 8 or 9 hours (depending on choice)
- Social Sciences (ESH or HGG): 7 or 8 hours
Additionally, students attend "khôlles" (oral practice exams), weekly 4-hour written assessments, and full-scale mock exams.
The ECT track is designed for students with a technological baccalaureate (STMG) who have strong, balanced academic results.
- General Core: Culture/Philosophy (6h), LVA (4h), LVB (4-5h), Math & Computer Science (6h).
- Technological Core: Management-Accounting (5h), Economics (3h), Law (3h).
The B/L track is the most multidisciplinary. It requires a strong foundation in mathematics. It offers deep dives into:
- Mathematics (5.5h to 7.5h)
- Literature, Philosophy, and History (4h each)
- Social Sciences and Languages.
This track focuses on classical or modern literature and is open to diverse profiles.
- First Year (Hypokhâgne): Multidisciplinary (French, History, Philosophy, Ancient Languages, Modern Languages).
- Second Year (Khâgne): Students choose between Classical Khâgne (mandatory ancient language) and Modern Khâgne.
Post-Prep Competitive Entrance Exams
After two years, students aim for one of the 23 top business schools via two main exam "banks":
- BCE (Banque Commune d’Épreuves): Includes 18 schools (including emlyon), offering approximately 4,990 places in 2026.
- ECRICOME Prépa: Includes five management schools, offering approximately 1,970 places for ECG/ECT and 195 for literary tracks.
2026 Written Exam Calendar (Example: ECRICOME)
| Date | Morning (8am - 12pm) | Afternoon (2pm - 5pm) |
|---|---|---|
| Tue, April 14 | Mathematics (Advanced/Applied) | LV2 (Second Language) |
| Wed, April 15 | HGGMC / ESHMC | LV1 (First Language) |
| Thu, April 16 | General Culture | Text Summary (until 4pm) |
Oral Examinations and Admission (Focus on emlyon)
Oral exams take place in June and July. They are the final hurdle before admission.
Key Dates for emlyon 2026:
- Eligibility Results: Tuesday, June 9
- Oral Exams: June 15 to July 6 (at the Lyon campus)
- Final Admission Results: Thursday, July 9
- SIGEM (Final School Selection): July 13 to July 15
The emlyon Oral Format
- Personality Interview (25 mins):
- Part 1: Intro and drawing 4 cards (Themes: Experience, Personality, Creativity, Project).
- Part 2: Dialogue based on the cards, evaluated on emlyon’s values (Excellence, Responsibility, Integrity, Diversity, Solidarity).
- Part 3: Open exchange on further experiences.
- Language Orals (45 mins): 25 minutes of preparation on a text followed by a 20-minute presentation and discussion.
Weighting (Coefficients):
- Personality Interview: 9
- LVA (Language 1): 3
- LVB (Language 2): 3
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Prep school graduates primarily enter top business or engineering schools. Career paths include:
- Business: Consulting, Marketing, Project Management, Financial Analysis.
- Engineering/Science: R&D, Data Science, IT.
- Public Sector: Administration, Teaching, Diplomacy.
- Public Prep Schools: Nearly free (State-funded at ~€18,560/student). Students only pay the CVEC (~€105) and university registration (~€170).
- Private Schools (under contract): Approx. €2,000 per year.
- Private Schools (independent): Can reach several thousand euros.
- Understand the expectations: Analyze past exam papers (annales).
- Organization: Create a weekly schedule balancing theory and practice.
- Active Learning: Use summary sheets, mind maps, and spaced repetition.
- Stress Management: Ensure sufficient sleep and physical activity.
Typically two years. Some students choose to redo the second year (known as "cubing" or "5/2") to aim for a higher-ranked school, extending the duration to three years.