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How to apply to ISB PGP YL?

The Indian School of Business, ISB has introduced a groundbreaking program designed to fast-track the careers of young professionals: the Post Graduate Programme in Management for Young Leaders (PGP YL). This innovative ISB program is reshaping the landscape of management education in India, offering a unique opportunity for early career individuals to accelerate their path to leadership roles.


There are quite a few questions however which a profile evaluation with GOALisB can help you answer.

  1. Should I apply for the ISB PGP YL or wait to apply for the ISB PGP in a year or so?

  2. Is the ISB PGP YL as good as the IIM 2 year MBA?

  3. Should I apply for ISB PGP YL or also apply to specialised Masters Degrees abroad?

  4. What is a good GMAT/ GRE/ CAT score to apply to ISB PGP YL?


These and many more questions will keep on coming up and we will try to bring in perspectives for you in this blog.


ISB PGP YL

What is the application deadline for ISB PGP YL?


The deadline for ISB PGP YL for Round 1 is 15 December 2024.


ISB PGP YL FAQs 2025 - 27 Intake


ISB PGP YL Eligibility


  1. What are the basic eligibility criteria for ISB PGP YL?


    The basic eligibility criteria for ISB PGP YL includes:


    • An undergraduate/bachelor's degree in any discipline, or CA/CA equivalent

    • Final year students of bachelor's/integrated degree are eligible if they complete the degree by June 15, 2025

    • Up to 24 months of full-time work experience as of June 15, 2025

    • A valid GMAT/GRE/CAT-2024 score

    • TOEFL/IELTS score if English was not the primary language of instruction for the bachelor's degree


For assistance on your ISB PGP YL application get in touch with an experienced ISB admission consultant at GOALisB.


  1. Can final year students apply to ISB PGP YL?


    Yes, final year students can apply if they complete their degree by June 15, 2025, and can produce the degree certificate/provisional certificate at the time of enrollment.


  2. Is there a work experience limit for ISB PGP YL?


    Yes, candidates should have up to 24 months of full-time work experience as of June 15, 2025. Those with more than 24 months of experience are not eligible.


GMAT Score For ISB PGP YL Application


  1. Is the GMAT score mandatory for ISB PGP YL?


    GMAT is one of the accepted test scores, along with GRE and CAT-2024. At least one of these test scores is mandatory.


  2. Are online GMAT scores accepted?


    No, only test center-based GMAT scores are accepted. Online or at-home test scores are not valid.


  3. What is the GMAT code for ISB for the ISB PGP YL Application?


    The GMAT code for ISB is N2D-J5-01.


  4. How long are GMAT scores valid?


    GMAT scores are valid for five years from the date of the test.


GRE Score Submission for the ISB PGP YL Application


  1. Is GRE accepted for ISB PGP YL?


    Yes, GRE is one of the accepted test scores along with GMAT and CAT-2024.


  2. Are online GRE scores accepted for ISB PGP YL Application?


    No, only test center-based GRE scores are accepted. Online or at-home test scores are not valid.


  3. What is the GRE code for ISB for the ISB PGP YL Application?


    The GRE code for ISB is 7892.


  4. How long are GRE scores valid?


    GRE scores are valid for five years from the date of the test.


CAT Score Submission for ISB PGP YL 2025:


  1. Is CAT-2024 accepted for ISB PGP YL?


    Yes, CAT-2024 is one of the accepted test scores along with GMAT and GRE.


  2. How do I submit my CAT score?


    You need to provide your CAT registration number and the name registered for writing CAT in your application. ISB will get the scores directly from the CAT testing authority.


  3. How do I provide my CAT information for the ISB PGP YL application?


    You need to provide the CAT registration number and the name registered for writing CAT in your application to the PGP-YL.


  4. Do I need to submit my CAT scores separately?


    No, post submission of the application, ISB will get the scores directly from the CAT testing authority.


  5. When was the registration deadline for CAT 2024?


    The closing date for the registration for CAT 2024 Examination was September 20, 2024. Candidates should follow the CAT advertisement/website for registration details.


  6. Does ISB collaborate with IIMs for the PGP YL selection process?


    No, ISB uses the CAT score independently for short-listing/selecting candidates for PGP YL. IIMs have no role in the selection process or the conduct of the programme.


  7. What CAT-related documents do I need to upload?


    Uploading the confirmed CAT registration letter, which must include the CAT ID/Registration number, is mandatory.


  8. Which CAT exam scores are accepted for ISB PGP YL?


    Only CAT 2024 scores will be accepted for PGP YL Co 2025-27.


ISB PGP YL Essays


  1. How many essays are required for the ISB PGP YL application?


    There are three essays required for the ISB PGP YL application.


  2. What are the ISB PGP YL essay topics and word limits?


    The essay topics and word limits are:

    1. Essay 1: Describe a leadership experience (400 words)

    2. Essay 2: Unique experiences and contributions to diversity (400 words)

    3. Essay 3: Post-PGP YL impact and career plans (250 words)


  3. How important are the essays in the ISB PGP YL Application process?


    Essays are a crucial part of the application as they allow you to showcase your experiences, perspectives, and goals. They contribute to ISB's holistic evaluation process.


Letter of Recommendation for ISB PGP YL Application


  1. How many recommendations are required?


    One recommendation is required for the ISB PGP YL application.


  2. Who should I choose as my recommender?


    The Admission Committee suggests choosing a direct supervisor from an internship, part-time job, full-time employment, or a faculty member who can comment on your work and potential.


  3. Can I submit a recommendation from an ISB alumnus?


    While you can, recommendations from ISB alumni do not receive any special consideration or priority. All recommendations are evaluated equally.


  4. How is the ISB PGP YL recommendation submitted?


    The recommender will receive a link via email to fill out an online recommendation form.


  5. What is the deadline for submitting the ISB PGP YL recommendation?


    The recommendation submission deadline (as per IST) is 9-Dec-2024.


ISB PGP YL Interview


  1. Is an interview part of the ISB PGP YL admission process?


    Yes, shortlisted applicants will be invited for a personal interview as part of the evaluation process.


  2. Can I choose my interview date and location for ISB PGP YL?


    Interview dates will be provided along with application timelines. While you can share your preferred interview location, ISB may not be able to accommodate requests for changes in interview location, date, or timing.


  3. What documents do I need for the ISB PGP YL interview?


    You need to present an original document as proof of identity (Passport / Driving License / PAN card / Aadhar Card) on the day of the interview.


  4. What are the available interview locations for the ISB PGP YL Application?


    Interview locations can be selected from Delhi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Online.


Fees for the ISB PGP YL Application


  1. What is the application fee for ISB PGP YL?


    The application fee amount is INR 2500. However, it is mentioned that the application fee is non-refundable.


  2. What is the admission fee for ISB PGP YL?


    The admission fee is INR 2,00,000 plus applicable taxes (currently GST).



Professional Experience in the ISB PGP YL Application


  1. How should I list my professional experiences?


    List your current or most recent professional experience first. If you have multiple current professional experiences, list your primary role first.


  2. Will ISB verify my employment information?


    Yes, if you are selected, ISB will verify the employment information you provide. Ensure you accurately report the facts and recheck before submitting.


  3. Can I list two activities as full-time in the same period?


    No, you cannot enter two activities as full-time in the same or overlapping period. For example, if you studied full-time for an undergraduate degree, internships during that period cannot be listed as full-time.


  4. How should I list multiple concurrent work experiences?

    If you worked for an organization as an employee and simultaneously in your own startup, family business, or were self-employed, mark only one of the activities as full-time. Others should be marked as part-time.


  5. What if I worked part-time in multiple organizations?


    If you worked part-time in multiple organizations in the same period, and the total work hours add up to 40+ per week, mark one of the organizations as full-time and list the others as part-time.


  6. How should I enter the dates for my current work profile in the ISB PGP YL Application?


    Enter the 'from' date as per the facts. The 'to' date will be calculated according to the cut-off date: June 15, 2025. ISB will assume you would work in the same organization until a week before the start of the PGP YL classes.


  7. How is work experience calculated for those with a medical education background in the ISB PGP YL Application?


    If you hold a bachelor's medical degree (MBBS, BDS, or equivalent in physiotherapy), your one-year mandatory internship/house surgeon duty can be considered as full-time professional experience. For those with a master's degree in these fields, you can enter the degree as 'part-time' in the Education section, and the entire duration can be recorded as 'full-time' professional experience.


  8. How should CAs report their articleship/internship in the ISB PGP YL Application?


    CA articleship/internship of a minimum of three years is a mandatory requirement for obtaining the CA qualification. In the Education section, enter that period as 'part-time'. In Professional Experience, enter that same period as 'full-time'. However, CA articleship will not be considered towards work experience while determining eligibility.



ISB PGP YL Program Overview

ISB PGP YL Duration and Location

  • Duration: 20 months

  • Location: ISB's Hyderabad campus


ISB PGP YL Target Audience

  • Fresh graduates and early career professionals

  • 0-24 months of work experience


Key Objectives

  • Prepare high-potential aspirants for accelerated management careers

  • Develop future-ready leaders equipped with cutting-edge business skills


ISB PGP YL Curriculum Highlights


Core Components

  1. Analytical Foundations: Business theory, critical thinking, data science

  2. Functional Expertise: In-depth management courses integrated with technology and analytics

  3. Leadership Development: Communication, team management, workplace dynamics

  4. Customized Learning Pathways: Electives aligned with industry demands


Innovative Learning Approaches

  • iDEAS (Innovation through Design Exploration and Actionable Solutions): Real-world business challenges

  • Mandatory Summer Internship: 8-10 weeks of industry immersion

  • PiVOT (Platform for Innovation and Venture Oriented Thinking): Entrepreneurial skill development


Global Perspective

  • International faculty from top global business schools

  • Exposure to global business practices

  • Cross-cultural competencies development


Career Acceleration


5.1 Career Development Track

  1. Exploration and Foundation: Understanding various industries and roles

  2. Excelling at Workplace: Practical skills workshops and coaching

  3. Career Mastery: In-depth preparation for chosen career paths


5.2 Placement Support

  • Assistance with summer internship placements

  • Support for final placements


ISB PGP YL Program Fees and Financial Aid


ISB PGP YL Fee Structure (2025-27 Academic Year)

  • Program fee: INR 21,65,000 + 18% GST

  • Accommodation fee: INR 3,95,000


ISB PGP YL Scholarships

  • Merit-based scholarships (up to 100%)

  • Need-cum-merit scholarships

  • ISB Develop India Scholarship





Need more help with your ISB PGP YL 2025 application or ISB Essay? Get in touch with our ISB admission consultant or write to us at contact@goalisb.com or call us at +91 7719497187.

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