The Ultimate Q&A Guide to ISB PGP 2025-26 Application

 

1. What is the ISB admission process for 2025-26?

Yes, ISB follows a three-round application process where applicants are evaluated holistically.

The steps in the ISB admission process are:

1. Complete the online application (GMAT/GRE, essays, recommendations).

2. Submit the application before the deadline.

3. Shortlisting based on profile evaluation (work experience, academics).

4. Attend an ISB Interview (if shortlisted).

5. Receive the final admission decision.

Round 1 - September 15, 2024

Round 2 - December 08, 2024

Round 3 - January 26, 2025

Applicants can track their application status via the ISB Application Portal.

 

2. What are the eligibility criteria for ISB PGP?

To be eligible for ISB PGP, you must meet the following criteria:

• Educational Qualification: A bachelor’s degree (any discipline) or a CA/CS qualification.

• Work Experience: A minimum of 2 years of full-time work experience by March 31, 2025.

• GMAT/GRE Score: Only test-center-based GMAT/GRE scores are accepted.

• English Language Requirement: TOEFL/IELTS is required if your undergraduate degree was not taught in English.

 

3. Does ISB accept CAT scores for admission?

No, ISB does not accept CAT scores for the PGP program. Only GMAT or GRE scores are valid for ISB PGP admissions.

 

4. What are the GMAT & GRE codes for ISB?

ISB requires applicants to submit official GMAT or GRE scores from the test center.

TestISB Code

GMATN2D-J5-01

GRE7892

Scores must be sent directly by GMAC or ETS. If the official score report is delayed, you may upload a screenshot or test confirmation email as a placeholder.

 

5. Can I submit my ISB application without GMAT/GRE scores?

No, you cannot submit your ISB PGP application without GMAT/GRE scores.

A valid GMAT/GRE score is mandatory at the time of submission. If you are awaiting your official report, you may upload a screenshot of your unofficial score and request GMAC/ETS to send the official score within two weeks.

 

6. How should Chartered Accountants (CAs) enter their education and work experience?

CAs should enter their details as follows:

• Education Section: Enter CA qualification under "Professional Degree" and mark the three-year articleship as ‘Part-time Education’.

• Work Experience Section: The three-year CA articleship/internship can be entered as ‘Full-time Work Experience’.

This ensures that the CA qualification and the professional experience gained during articleship are both correctly accounted for.

 

7. How should doctors (MBBS/BDS/Physiotherapy) enter their education and work experience?

Doctors should enter their details as follows:

• Education Section: The mandatory one-year internship should be listed as "Part-time" in Education.

• Work Experience Section: The same one-year internship should be listed as "Full-time Work Experience".

For doctors with a master’s degree, the entire duration of their postgraduate program should be marked as ‘Full-time Work Experience’ while being entered as ‘Part-time Education’.

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8. What work experience is considered for ISB PGP?

ISB considers only full-time, post-graduation work experience.

• Internships, part-time jobs, and freelance projects are NOT counted.

• No two full-time jobs should overlap.

• Entrepreneurs and family business professionals must provide financial impact details.

 

9. How should entrepreneurs and family business applicants enter work experience?

Entrepreneurs and family business professionals should:

• Clearly describe their role, responsibilities, and contributions.

• Provide financial performance data (e.g., revenue growth, profitability).

• Select a client or vendor as a recommender, as family members are not allowed.

 

10. What are the sections in the ISB application?

The ISB application consists of multiple sections:

• Personal Details: Name, Contact, ID Proof

• Education Details: Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Professional Qualifications

• Work Experience: Employer, Role, Responsibilities

• Awards & Recognitions: Achievements in professional or academic fields

• Essays: Mandatory and optional essays

• Test Scores: GMAT/GRE, TOEFL/IELTS

• Recommendation Letter: Submitted by a professional referee

• Document Uploads: Resume, Transcripts, Proof of Income

 

11. How should I format my ISB resume?

The ISB resume should:

• Follow ISB’s prescribed format (available on ISB’s portal).

• Avoid including: Contact details, social media links, salary information, test scores.

• Focus on achievements, leadership experience, and impact-driven results.

 

12. What documents are required for the ISB PGP application?

You must upload:

• GMAT/GRE score report.

• Resume (in ISB format).

• Proof of income: Latest 3 months’ salary slips or a self-declaration for entrepreneurs.

• Academic transcripts & degree certificates.

• ID Proof: Passport/Aadhaar.

 

13. What is the ISB deferral policy?

ISB allows deferrals in exceptional cases only.

Eligibility for deferral:

• Medical emergencies.

• Unavoidable professional obligations.

Process:

1. Submit a deferral request with valid proof.

2. If approved, pay a non-refundable deferral deposit.

3. The deposit will be adjusted toward tuition fees for the next year.

 

14. What is ISB’s refund policy?

Withdrawal TimeRefund Amount

>90 days before startFull refund minus ₹50,000

60-89 days before startFull refund minus ₹1,00,000

30-59 days before startFull refund minus ₹1,50,000

<30 days before startNo refund

The commitment fee is 100% non-refundable.

 

Notes from GOALisB

• Start Early: Essays, recommendations, and test scores take time.

• Be Authentic: Showcase real leadership, impact, and career clarity.

• Choose the Right Recommender: A supervisor or senior leader who knows your work well.

• Prepare for the Interview: Expect questions on your career goals and MBA motivation.

🔗 Need expert guidance for ISB admissions? Contact GOALisB

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15. What is the ISB recommendation letter process?

Yes, ISB requires one professional recommendation letter as part of the application process.

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16. Who should I choose as my recommender?

ISB prefers recommendations from:
✅ Current direct supervisor (Highly Recommended)
✅ Former manager or senior colleague
✅ Client (for entrepreneurs and family business applicants)

❌ NOT accepted: Friends, family members, junior colleagues, or peers.
❌ No extra weight is given to ISB alumni recommenders.

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17.  How is the recommendation letter submitted?

1. You enter the recommender’s details in the ISB application portal.

2. ISB sends an email link to the recommender with a form to complete.

3. The recommender must submit the letter before the ISB application deadline.

4. The recommender evaluates the applicant on various parameters, including:

• Leadership potential

• Problem-solving abilities

• Teamwork and collaboration

• Professional strengths and growth areas

 Important:

• The recommendation must be submitted online via the email link sent by ISB.

• The recommender must use a professional/corporate email ID.

• If using a personal email (Gmail/Yahoo), provide a justification in the application.

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18. Can I change my recommender after submitting my ISB application?

No, ISB does not encourage changing recommenders after submission.

However, if an emergency situation arises:

1. Email pgp@isb.edu with a valid reason. Put up a query in the Got Queries Section in the ISB application login. 

2. ISB may approve the change, and the update will take up to 48 hours.

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19. What happens if my recommender does not submit the letter on time?

It is your responsibility to ensure the recommendation is submitted before the ISB deadline.

What to do if your recommender hasn’t received the email?

• Check Spam/Junk folders for ISB’s email.

• Ask them to add ‘pgpadmissions@isb.edu’ to their Trusted Contacts.

• If the email is still missing, raise a service request in the ISB portal.

 

20. Can I submit multiple recommendation letters to ISB?

No, ISB only requires one recommendation letter. If you have multiple strong recommenders, choose the one who knows your work best.

 

21. What kind of questions will the recommender be asked by ISB?

ISB asks recommenders to evaluate the applicant on:

1.  Leadership & Teamwork – How well the applicant leads teams and collaborates.

2.  Problem-Solving & Work Ethic – How effectively the applicant overcomes challenges.

3.  Communication & Professional Growth – Strengths and areas of improvement.

4.  Comparison with Peers – How the applicant compares with colleagues in similar roles.

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22. What are the deadlines for submitting the ISB recommendation letter?

The recommendation letter must be submitted before the application deadline.

Round 1 - September 15, 2024

Round 2 - December 08, 2024

Round 3 - January 26, 2025

 

23. What if my recommender does not respond?

• Follow up with them early to ensure timely submission.

• If they are unable to complete it, consider changing your recommender before submission.

📌 Pro Tip: Choose a recommender who has the time and willingness to write a strong recommendation.

 

24. Can a professor provide my ISB recommendation letter?

Yes, but only if they can assess your professional potential.

A professor is not recommended unless they have worked with you in a research, leadership, or mentorship capacity.

✅ Better choices: Current or past supervisors who can speak about your work experience.

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25. What should I do if my university is not listed in the ISB application portal?

If your university name does not appear in the dropdown list:
✅ Raise a service request using the "Got Queries?" feature in the ISB portal.
✅ Enter the full university name correctly to avoid processing delays.
✅ Upload official transcripts and degree certificates for verification.

 

26. How do I enter multiple undergraduate degrees in the ISB application?

ISB allows you to enter only one undergraduate degree in the "Education" section.

If you have two undergraduate degrees:
✅ Enter one in the ‘Undergraduate’ section under Education.
✅ Enter the second degree under the ‘Other Courses’ section.

For dual degrees, enter the degree that granted the final certification.

 

27. How do I list an exchange/study abroad program in the ISB application?

✅ Do NOT list study abroad programs separately.
✅ Ensure that your home institution’s transcript covers the exchange program.
✅ If your exchange coursework significantly contributed to your academic profile, mention it in the Essays or Awards section.

 

28. Can I apply to ISB PGP with a three-year bachelor’s degree?

Yes, ISB accepts three-year bachelor’s degrees from recognized institutions.

✅ Applicants with CA, CS, or ICWA qualifications are considered equivalent to a bachelor’s degree.

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29. Does ISB accept online degree programs for eligibility?

Yes, ISB accepts online bachelor’s and master’s degrees if:
✅ The degree is awarded by a recognized university.
✅ The program follows UGC/AICTE accreditation standards (for Indian institutions).
✅ The transcripts and certification are official and verifiable.

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30. How does ISB evaluate professional experience?

ISB evaluates the quality, not just the duration, of work experience.

Key factors considered:
✅ Leadership experience and career progression.
✅ Impact and contributions in projects, strategy, or decision-making.
✅ Industry relevance and global exposure.

📌 Tip: Clearly highlight achievements and measurable results in the Work Experience section.

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31. Does ISB accept self-employed applicants or business owners?

Yes, ISB accepts entrepreneurs and family business applicants.

To strengthen your application:
✅ Clearly describe your role and responsibilities in the business.
✅ Show business growth, financial impact, or leadership contributions.
✅ Provide tax returns or a financial statement as proof of income.
✅ Choose a client, supplier, or external stakeholder as a recommender.

 Tip: A strong essay about your business challenges and leadership impact will add weight to your profile.

 

32. Can I reapply to ISB if I was rejected in a previous year?

Yes, you can reapply if you were not selected in a previous admission cycle.

✅ Evaluate feedback and strengthen weak areas (GMAT score, essays, recommendations).
✅ Highlight career progress and additional leadership experiences.
✅ Update your essays and work experience with new achievements.

📌 Tip: GOALisB provides expert guidance for ISB reapplications.

🔗 Reapply Successfully to ISB

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33. ​Is there any financial support offered by ISB for the PGP program?

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Yes, ISB offers various scholarships, including a merit scholarship that can cover up to 100% of the tuition fee based on the strength of the candidate's profile. Additionally, upon receiving an offer letter from ISB, candidates can avail a loan up to 40 lakhs from leading banks without any collateral. Read the specific blog about ISB Scholarships .

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34. What is the average conversion rate at ISB in terms of total applications versus the number of intakes?

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The conversion rate, which refers to the number of applicants admitted compared to the total number of applications received, is not disclosed by ISB. The admissions process is conducted separately from the application process, and the exact conversion rate is not made public.

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35. What kind of qualities or experiences does ISB value more in applicants?​

ISB values unique qualities and experiences that go beyond academic and test scores. They look for leadership abilities, initiative-taking skills, involvement in projects or startups, and any other experiences that showcase the applicant's strengths and achievements. Here is a checklist for MBA Applications .

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​​36. I have a GMAT of 600, do I satisfy the ISB Hyderabad MBA eligibility?​​

ISB does not specify a minimum GMAT or GRE score to apply. Since the ISB Admission Criteria are very holistic and consider all the aspects of the applicant profile equally you can apply if you satisfy the minimum eligibility criteria. Read about the GMAT score required for ISB .

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37. What is a valid GMAT or GRE score?​

ISB Hyderabad MBA eligibility requires the applicant to submit a valid GMAT or GRE score. The GMAT or GRE scores are valid for 5 years from the date of writing the test. If you check your GMAT or GRE score report you will get the date of writing the test, the score is valid for five years from then.

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38. What is the weightage of the GMAT score for getting into ISB MBA?​​​

GMAT score is quite important for the application process for ISB. However, it is not all. There are numerous rejections every year for high GMAT scorers as they have not been able to present their credentials in an impressive manner. The importance of the GMAT score is credible upto a point of basic qualification, but we strongly encourage anyone with a score within the school acceptable norms to apply. But, work hard on your application.

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39. What is the weightage of the interview process for getting admission into ISB MBA?​​

The interview process gives a face to your application. Yes, it is important. Anyone applying to ISB should be able to proactively discuss their candidature with the interviewers on why they deserve to be a part of the ISB cohort.

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40. What Is The ISB PGP EEO ( ISB Early Entry Option)?​

ISB Early Entry Option was a deferred entry program to the PGP program. 

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41. Can someone who has already completed an MBA apply to ISB Hyderabad?

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Yes, someone who has already completed an MBA can apply to ISB's programme. However, the application must communicate a clear value as to why they want to pursue a second MBA. If you are looking for consulting career you can check more programs across the world here Consulting Careers.

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42. Is someone with a three-year diploma course but no undergraduate degree eligible for the ISB programme?

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No, an undergraduate degree is a mandatory requirement for admission to the ISB programme. However, in case the diploma is equivalent to a degree as determined by appropriate authorities, it will be accepted.​​