If the ISB Hyderabad MBA beckons is your aspiration, then you are at the right place. In this blog we explore Ritwik's successful journey to ISB Hyderabad MBA, sharing his experiences, strategies, and invaluable tips for future ISB applicants. Whether you're beginning your MBA preparation or in the midst of your ISB application process, Ritwik's story will provide you with practical insights and inspiration.
I am from a computer science background. I completed my graduation in computer science and then got a campus placement at Shell as a business analyst. It was a techno-functional role where I enabled software for the entire organization. I was involved in the business operation side of Shell. I wanted to get into a business school where I could learn about strategy, marketing, and operations to take a step towards running a business.
GMAT Preparation for the ISB Hyderabad MBA
Q. When you started off with the MBA preparation, you first took the GMAT exam and got a score. What were the apprehensions with respect to the score or your profile? If you look at the average work experience, yours is slightly lesser than what ISB typically looks for.
I understand that my work experience was less, but ISB considers a minimum of two years, which means it is not impossible to get in with two years of experience. I also focused on my GMAT score for ISB, taking three attempts over almost a year to reach the score I wanted. My initial attempt was a 640, which was quite disappointing. I changed my strategy and scored a 700, and finally, I got a 710. I felt that a 710 would do me justice for the B-schools I was applying to. Since I want to be an entrepreneur and my goals are to build a business in India, I wanted to stay in India and learn from one of the best schools here. ISB was the only school I applied to, and I believed I could get in. That belief really helped keep me motivated and work as much as I could.
What were the GMAT preparation strategies?
Sticking to a schedule was most important. Many people have full-time jobs and need to find time to study for the GMAT, which can be very hectic. I am a morning person and can easily wake up at 6:00 or 7:00 in the morning. My work starts at 10:00, so I had two to three hours in the morning to prepare for my GMAT and maybe an hour in the evening. This schedule helped me feel a sense of achievement early in the day. Taking continuous mock exams to understand my key strengths and weaknesses really helped me focus on my weak areas.
Application and Interview Preparation for the ISB Hyderabad MBA
When it comes to the application and ISB interview preparation, what are the important steps in this preparation? How did you work on your personal brand and tell your story in the application?
The introspection part really helped me. Initially, sitting and thinking about what I have done in life might not bring out many stories. However, when you shared a questionnaire with me, going through those questions and spending time on them helped me brainstorm what I actually did in those circumstances and why I considered them successes. By the time I completed that questionnaire, I had many instances from my life that I could easily identify and highlight as my strengths.
Healthcare professionals bring a unique perspective to ISB’s cohort. Our ISB application strategies for healthcare professionals outline how to emphasize industry insights and healthcare challenges within your application.
Q. For future MBA applicants for the ISB Hyderabad MBA, what tips or insights would you like to share?
The entire reason I wanted a professional consultant was that I needed guidance. I did not know how it happened or how to write an effective application. My first task with you was to just write whatever I knew, but there were so many changes, and the final version of my essay was nowhere near the original version. That was because of perspectives. I could have a perspective and keep writing about it, but it could be very different from what a person reading it might have. Having that professional perspective really helped me change my thoughts and draft an effective application.
For future MBA applicants, I would say that yes, the GMAT is a really important part of the MBA journey, but it's not everything. Even if you have a decent GMAT score, like anything above a 700, it should do. However, how you present yourself to the MBA school, how you highlight your stories, and how you showcase the challenges you have faced and what you have learned from them would really help the school understand where you are coming from and how much potential you have.
The ISB MBA eligibility criteria include specific work experience, academic background, and test score requirements. Ensure you meet each factor to improve your chances.
The most important thing would be actually believing that you can do it because sometimes manifestation does help. Even if there are doubts and other people tell you that it's very difficult and you might not be able to get in, it's important to believe that you can and then you need to make that kind of effort to actually reach your goals. Without believing, having a half-hearted approach might affect your chances a lot.
ISB Hyderabad MBA Application Process 2025-26
Step | Description |
ISB Eligibility 2025-26 | Requirements: bachelor's degree or equivalent; 2+ years full-time work experience by March 31, 2025; GMAT/GRE (test centre scores only); TOEFL/IELTS if bachelor's degree was not in English. |
ISB Application Submission | Submit a complete application by the deadline. Incomplete applications won't be considered. |
Application Fee | Pay the non-refundable fee in full for your application to be evaluated. |
Recommendation | Submit an online recommendation from a professional contact by the deadline. No recommendations from friends or family. |
GMAT Score for ISB | Only test centre-based scores are valid. Scores must be reported by the deadline and are valid for 5 years. |
GMAT Score Report | Upload a PDF scan of the official GMAT score report as part of your application. |
GRE Score Report | Upload a PDF scan of the official GRE score report or a screenshot of your unofficial scores. If unavailable, upload the test confirmation email. |
Official Scores | Request GMAC/ETS to send official scores to ISB (GMAT code: N2D-J5-01, GRE code: 7892) within two weeks of the deadline. |
Score Validity | Ensure your GMAT/GRE score is valid for 5 years and valid on the application deadline. |
ISB Interview Process | Be available for a face-to-face or Zoom interview on specified dates. |
ISB Admission Deadliness 2025-26 | Three application rounds: Round 1: September 2024, Round 2: November 2024 (Tentative), Round 3: January 2025 (Tentative). Current round deadline: September 15, 2024, 23:59 IST. |
Evaluation | ISB uses a merit-based admissions policy, evaluating education, work experience, achievements, essays, recommendations, test scores, and interviews (if shortlisted). |
ISB Essay Topics | Essay 1: Describe situations that have shaped your journey, highlighting your strengths and weaknesses. (400 words) |
ISB Essay Topics | Essay 2: Discuss intellectual experiences that influenced your learning approach and led you to pursue an MBA. Use anecdotes from your experiences. (400 words) |
ISB Essay Topics | Essay 3 (Optional): Explain how you plan to use the PGP at ISB to achieve your professional goals. (250 words) |
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What would be your dos and don’ts for applicants to the ISB Hyderabad MBA?
Firstly, have clear expectations of what you are looking for from an MBA. Another tip is not to self-reject. ISB was the only college I applied to because I knew it had everything I was looking for and I could provide value. Thorough research and knowing the fitment is crucial. Don’t just chase brands; know why you want to apply to a specific college. It’s a two-way street. Focus on what you are doing, take it one day at a time, and believe in yourself. Self-doubt is common, but in retrospect, these small pieces of advice can make the journey easier. Believe in yourself and take it one day at a time. Read more stories about ISB about entrepreneurs.
This brings me to another question. People often ask, "I have this GPA and GMAT score, what are my chances of getting into ISB?" How relevant is this question, and what’s your take on it?
I have strong opinions about this. It’s the worst mistake to make at any point in your journey. B-schools have a holistic application process, and no single aspect of your profile can make or break it. If you have a low GPA, there are multiple other factors considered. It’s a strength-based evaluation, looking at what you bring to the table. My GMAT score was below average, but my work experience and leadership projects compensated for it. It’s never the deciding factor. Don’t let specific numbers define your worth. The evolution of ISB essay topics over the years reflects shifts in focus and industry trends. See how essay prompts have changed and what ISB looks for in each new prompt.
Partner with GOALisB for expert guidance and personalized support to enhance your application and boost your chances of success. Contact GOALisB today to get started on your path to ISB Hyderabad MBA!
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