In this blog post, we will discuss the eligibility criteria for the various MBA programs offered by ISB. Whether you are a recent graduate or a working professional, ISB offers a range of programs to suit your career goals. We will cover the eligibility requirements for the regular Post Graduate Program (PGP), the Post Graduate Program in Management for Senior Executives (PGPMAX), and the Management Program for Family Business (MFAB). If you are considering applying to ISB MBA, this blog post will help you understand the requirements and start preparing for your application.
ISB MBA Eligibility for the 2025 intake: ISB PGP
Here are the three key eligibility requirements for the PGP program at ISB:
Graduate or undergraduate degree or an equivalent qualification like a CA from a recognised university.
Valid GMAT/GRE Score i.e. the test must have been written within five years before the start of the program. The GRE or the GMAT test score must be a test centre score to apply to ISB PGP for the 2025 intake.
Minimum 24 Months of full-time work experience: To be eligible for ISB PGP you must have a minimum of 24 months of full-time work experience as on 31st March 2025. The work experience should be post-graduation and should be in a managerial or leadership role.
These are the three key eligibility requirements for the PGP program at ISB.
ISB MBA Eligibility : ISB Early Entry Option
Here are the requirements for the ISB EEO program:
Bachelor's or equivalent degree: You must have completed your undergraduate studies before applying for the EEO program. For the 2025 intake the ISB EEO has been discontinued for now.
Valid GMAT/GRE score: Just like the regular PGP program, a valid GMAT or GRE score is required for the EEO program. This score helps the admissions committee evaluate your quantitative, verbal, and analytical skills.
Less than 24 months of full-time work experience: Unlike the regular PGP program, the EEO program is designed for candidates with limited work experience.
If you meet these requirements, the EEO program could be a great opportunity to kick-start your career with a world-class business education.
ISB MBA Eligibility: ISB Young Leaders Programme
The ISB YLP is a deferred admission program that allows you to secure your seat in the business school's MBA program before gaining full-time work experience. Here are the eligibility criteria for ISB YLP:
Pre-final or final year students. For the 2025 intake the ISB YLP stage 1 process has not been announced yet by ISB.
No work experience is required to apply.
ISB MBA Eligibility: ISB PGpro
A graduate or undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification from a recognized institution.
A minimum of five years of full-time work experience, which should be relevant to the program.
No GMAT/GRE/CAT score.
ISB MBA Eligibility: ISB PGPMAX
To qualify for the ISB PGPMAX, the applicant must meet the following criteria:
An undergraduate or graduate degree or an equivalent qualification, which may include CA, ICWA, and CS.
Work Experience: The candidate must have at least 10 years of full-time work experience after completing their bachelor's degree, as of the start date of the program.
No GMAT or GRE or CAT score to be submitted.
ISB MBA Eligibility: ISB MFAB
If you're interested in pursuing an MBA at the Indian School of Business (ISB) and come from a family business, the ISB has a program tailored just for you. Here are the eligibility requirements for the ISB PGP MFAB program:
Bachelor's Degree: You must have completed your bachelor's degree or an equivalent qualification such as CA at the time of submitting your application.
Work Experience: While there is no mandatory work experience required for admission, the ISB highly recommends having at least 2-3 years of experience as it can add significant value to the program.
Family Business Member: To be eligible, you must be a member of a family business intending to carry it forward.
No GMAT or GRE or CAT score needs to be submitted.
ISB conducts a BAT test instead, which is mandatory for the applicants.
FAQ about ISB MBA Eligibility:
Does ISB MBA eligibility consider part-time work experience?
No, to be eligible for the ISB MBA application you must count your total period of work experience post completion of the undergraduate or graduate studies.
In terms of ISB MBA eligibility, is CA article-ship considered as work experience during the admission process?
The period of article-ship while pursuing Chartered Accountancy is not considered as relevant work experience for the ISB application process.
If I have pursued CA directly after class 12 and have no undergraduate degree, am I eligible for ISB MBA?
Yes, The University Grant Commission (UGC) recognised that the Chartered Accountancy (CA) qualification will now be recognized as equivalent to a Post Graduate degree. This decision allows CA members to pursue an MBA or a Ph.D. in all Indian universities. As of April 2021, the UGC has also recognized the qualifications of ICWA and CS as equivalent to a PG degree.
Does a freelancer fulfil the requirements of ISB MBA eligibility?
Yes, if through contractual engagements the requirement of two years of full time work experience is completed you are eligible to apply.
Being from a Merchant Navy background, I have 6 months on ship and 6 months off. Am I eligible for ISB?
Yes, you can consider the period of full time service / contract with the shipping firm you are employed with.
Can Army service be considered as work experience in the ISB MBA eligibility criteria?
Yes, work experience in the Armed forces is acceptable for the ISB MBA application all the programs like ISB PGP, ISB PGPpro and ISB PGPMAX provided it fulfils the other criteria for the number of years, kind of work experience etc.
Can family business experience be taken into consideration during the ISB MBA admission process?
Yes, family business experience is acceptable for the ISB MBA application provided the family business experience is full-time and relevant. The applicant must provide supporting documents to apply. However, recommendations from family and friends will not be accepted.
How significant are extracurricular activities such as volunteering or sports in the ISB admission process?
Participation in extracurricular activities demonstrates a well-rounded personality so it is always beneficial to have engaged in them.
Can someone who has already done an MBA apply to ISB MBA program?
Yes. You should think about your learning goals, work experience, timing, and return on investment before deciding to pursue a second MBA. You can apply for a second MBA if the application communicates clear as to why you want to go for a second MBA.
Can I apply for a second MBA without any intermittent work experience?
It is recommended that you should gain some work experience post the first MBA before getting into a new one. Admissions committees prefer applicants who have developed their careers, gained new skills and experiences, and have a clear idea of what they want to achieve from a second MBA.
Can I pursue a second MBA in a different field than my first MBA?
Yes, you can pursue a second MBA in a different field from your first one. The admissions process for a second MBA is similar to that of a first MBA. However, admissions committees will be looking for evidence that you have developed your career and gained new skills and experiences since your first MBA.
Will having a second MBA give me an advantage in career growth?
Yes, Having a second MBA can give you an advantage in the job market, particularly if it is in a different field than your first MBA. However, you should also consider the cost of the program and the opportunity cost of not working during the program.
Is someone with a three-year diploma course but no undergraduate degree eligible for the ISB MBA program?
No, the eligibility criteria requires an valid undergraduate degree.
It is crucial to understand the eligibility criteria for each program and ensure that you meet the requirements before applying.
To get started with a profile evaluation or get assistance on your ISB MBA application, get in touch with our ISB admission consultant at GOALisB. You can also whatsapp us at +91 7719497187 or write to us at contact@goalisb.com.