Purpose The gaps between what is taught in the classroom and what is required from the management graduates are evident globally. This research suggests that experiential learning has the potential to address this pronounced gap and examines the impact of a long-term experiential learning project in marketing curricula on management graduates in emerging Indian economy. This paper aims to investigate whether experiential learning results in conceptual clarity and application skills, influence positive behavioral change in the students and at the same time make learning an enjoyable and productive experience for management graduates. Design/methodology/approach This paper examines the results of a full-term long experiential learning project designed for the graduate students of the introductory marketing course in the emerging economy of India. The assessment of the experiential learning project was undertaken by using a 14-item survey instrument post activity and analyzed results by using quantitative methods. Findings The results of the study indicate that incorporation of experiential learning project in marketing curricula offers an excellent opportunity for the educators to ensure a high level of engagement, involvement, motivation, interest and satisfaction among Indian students. The project led to more enjoyment and productivity as compared to regular lecture method and assignments. The project provided an opportunity to apply theoretical concepts and theory in a real-life setting. Practical implications This activity is ideal and relevant for marketing educators who are looking for a semester/term long experiential learning activity/group project to be conducted while teaching introduction to marketing course. This activity offers an excellent opportunity for educators to ensure that students are engaged, motivated and are ready to apply the marketing concepts. This activity can be used in both undergraduate- and graduate-level courses. Originality/value “Marketing Challenge,” a long duration (full-term) experiential learning project described in this paper, provides the students an opportunity to experience the new product development process from the product conception, development to selling the developed product. The authors perceive that in the coming future, educators will use experiential learning elements in the classrooms to achieve the learning outcomes of various management courses.