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Who Gets Into ISB PGP 2025? Admissions, Curriculum and Career Impact

Feb 116 min read

Updated: Feb 23

When ISB launched its Post Graduate Programme back in 2001, its founders dreamed of creating a truly world-class business school. There are so many questions about how ISB PGP delivers an MBA experience right up there with any offered by leading global powers such as Harvard and Wharton.


ISB PGP


As a very agile school the ISB PGP program has been ever evolving and so has been the class diversity and the ISB application process. Here we bring the latest updates for the ISB aspirants for the 2025 intake. Read the FAQs of the ISB PGP Application Process as discussed with the ISB admissions team.


ISB PGP


What is PGP in ISB?

The Post Graduate Programme (PGP) in Management at ISB is a one-year MBA-equivalent program designed for professionals with at least two years of work experience. The curriculum is industry-focused, with an emphasis on leadership, global exposure, and career transitions.

🔹 Connect with an ISB admissions consultant at GOALisB to craft a strong application.


Is PGP equivalent to an MBA?

Yes, ISB’s PGP is globally recognized as an MBA-equivalent degree. Many ISB graduates secure leadership roles in consulting, finance, and technology, similar to traditional two-year MBA graduates.


Can an average student join ISB?

Yes, ISB evaluates applications holistically. If your GMAT/GRE score is lower, you can compensate with:

  • Strong work experience with leadership exposure

  • Well-crafted essays that highlight career clarity

  • Impressive interview performance

🔹 Not sure if your profile is competitive? Get a profile evaluation at GOALisB.


Does ISB accept freshers?

ISB does not accept freshers for the ISB PGP. It requires at least 2 years of work experience. Freshers can apply via Young Leaders ISB PGP YL and secure admission to the new two year MBA at ISB.


How does ISB evaluate applications?

ISB evaluates applications using a holistic profile score, which includes:

  1. Academics: Class 12 and undergraduate GPA

  2. Test Scores: GMAT or GRE

  3. Work Experience: Minimum 2 years required

  4. Essays: Career goals and self-awareness

  5. Letter of Recommendation (LOR)

Each component contributes to the final selection and scholarship decisions.


Is work experience mandatory for ISB?

Yes, ISB requires a minimum of 2 years of full-time work experience by March 31, 2025 for the ISB PGP applications.

  • Internships and part-time jobs do not count.

  • Candidates with less experience can apply via ISB PGP YL for admission to the 2 year MBA at ISB.


What is the ISB acceptance rate?

The ISB PGP acceptance rate is estimated to be 15-20%. Admissions are competitive, and ISB evaluates candidates holistically, considering GMAT/GRE scores, work experience, and career clarity.


Does ISB offer 100% placement?

ISB has one of the highest placement rates, but it does not guarantee 100% placement.

  • Average CTC: ₹30-35 LPA

  • Top recruiters: McKinsey, Amazon, Goldman Sachs

  • 70% of students switch industries, 74% change job functions

Career transitions are supported by alumni networking, case competitions, and leadership coaching.


What is the ISB PGP fee for 2025?

The total tuition fee for ISB PGP 2025 is approximately ₹45 lakh (excluding living expenses).

Scholarships Available:

  • Merit-Based Scholarships: ₹8.5 - 25 lakh

  • Need-Based Scholarships: Available for families earning <₹18 lakh per year

  • Diversity Scholarships for women and underrepresented groups


Does ISB offer scholarships in all rounds?

Yes, ISB scholarships are available in all three rounds, but applying in Round 1 increases chances due to a larger scholarship pool.

  • 100% tuition waivers possible

  • Scholarships based on merit, need, and diversity


Can I apply to ISB with a second MBA?

Yes, ISB accepts second MBA applicants.

  • Candidates must justify why a second MBA is needed.

  • Strong career clarity and upskilling goals improve admission chances.


Does ISB accept online GMAT scores?

No, ISB does not accept online GMAT/GRE scores. Only test-center-based GMAT or GRE scores are considered for PGP 2025 admissions.


What is the minimum GMAT score accepted at ISB?

  • Lowest GMAT score for ISB last admitted: 610

  • Median GMAT: 710-720

  • Median GRE for the last cycle: 330

A higher score improves scholarship chances, but a holistic profile can offset a lower score.


How does the ISB international exchange program work?

ISB has 56+ partner schools, including Kellogg, Wharton, INSEAD, and Fletcher.

  • Students bid for exchange slots using points.

  • Placements in Europe, the U.S., Australia, and Southeast Asia.

This allows students to gain global exposure and networking opportunities.


Want to maximize your chances at ISB? Get expert guidance on ISB essays, interviews, and scholarships with an ISB admissions consultant at GOALisB.


Can I request an online interview for ISB?

Yes, candidates can request an online ISB interview if they are located in a remote city or international location.


What industries recruit the most ISB graduates?

ISB placements sees strong recruitment in:

  • Consulting: McKinsey, BCG, Bain

  • Finance: Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan, PE firms

  • Technology: Amazon, Microsoft, Google

  • General Management: Tata, Reliance, Aditya Birla

Around 70% of ISB graduates switch industries, leveraging ISB’s strong alumni network.


ISB Application Process & Eligibility


What is the role of undergraduate grades in ISB admissions?

  • ISB considers undergraduate GPA as part of the academic evaluation.

  • Class 10 scores are not required in the application.

  • More emphasis is placed on recent academic performance and professional experience.


How does ISB handle applicants with a gap year?

  • Gaps in work experience are not an issue, but candidates must justify them in their essays and interviews.

  • If a gap was taken to prepare for GMAT/GRE, candidates should explain why they needed time off.

  • ISB focuses on what the candidate has achieved during and after the gap.


How do re-applicants improve their ISB applications?

  • They must write a re-applicant essay detailing improvements since their last attempt.

  • Areas to improve include a higher GMAT/GRE score, better essays, leadership experience, and clearer career goals.

  • Past applications are not considered, meaning a fresh approach is required.


Does ISB prefer younger candidates?

No, ISB does not have an age preference.

  • The average age in the ISB PGP class is 26 years.

  • Work experience ranges from 2 to 22 years, showing ISB accepts both early-career and senior professionals.


What type of work experience is valued by ISB?

  • ISB values a mix of corporate, entrepreneurial, and social impact work.

  • Leadership roles, industry exposure, and domain expertise carry more weight than just years of experience.

  • Freelancing and startup experience can be considered if properly structured in the application.

What is the Experiential Learning Program (ELP) at ISB?

The Experiential Learning Program (ELP) is a live consulting project where students:

  • Work with real companies to solve business challenges

  • Gain hands-on consulting experience

  • Conduct market research and strategic analysis

  • Present their findings to company executives

Many firms use ELP as a pre-recruitment opportunity, allowing students to land job offers based on their work.


Does ISB PGP provide opportunities to participate in business competitions?

Yes, ISB PGP students participate in top B-school case competitions such as:

  • Amazon ACE Challenge

  • Google Case Challenge

  • HUL LIME

  • Mahindra War Room

  • P&G CEO Challenge

  • Flipkart WiRED

These competitions allow students to network with industry leaders.


How does the ISB PGP international exchange program work?

  • Outbound Exchange: ISB students can study abroad for one or two terms at a partner university.

  • Inbound Exchange: Students from top international business schools study at ISB, enriching classroom diversity.

  • Selection Process: Students bid for exchange opportunities based on their academic performance and industry focus​.


What career support does ISB PGP provide?

ISB offers dedicated career services, including:

  • One-on-one resume reviews

  • Mock interviews with alumni

  • Placement coaching for career switchers

  • Industry networking events

Career Advancement Services (CAS) helps students leverage ISB’s strong recruiter network.


Get a free ISB profile evaluation from an expert at GOALisB.


Does ISB PGP offer executive coaching for career advancement?

Yes, ISB provides career coaching and mentoring through:

  • Industry mentors & alumni connections.

  • Mock interviews & resume reviews.

  • Placement workshops for career switchers​


ISB PGP Class of 2024 Class Profile

  1. Class Size - 845

  2. Average GMAT - 720

  3. Males in Class - 59%

  4. Age Representation in Class profile

  5. Age 22 years to 26 years - 45%

  6. Age 26 years to 30 years - 42%

  7. Age above 30 years - 13%

  8. Average Age in Class - 27.09 years


Work Experience Representation in ISB PGP Class Profile 2024

  1. 2 years to 5 years - 70%

  2. Above 5 years - 30%

  3. Average Work Experience in class - 4.07 years

  4. Engineers in Class - 49%

  5. Non Engineers in Class - 51%


Industries Diversity in ISB Class of 2024

  1. Consulting 18%

  2. Banks, Financial Institutions 15%

  3. IT and IT enabled Services 11%

  4. New Age Technologies 7%

  5. FMCG, retail 6%

  6. Capital Goods 4%

  7. Energy utilities, chemicals 4%

  8. Advertising, media 4%

  9. E Commerce 4%

  10. Commercial and professional services 3%

  11. Pharma, biotech 3%

  12. Transportation and logistics 3%

  13. Others 14%

Functional Background in ISB Class of 2024


  1. Consulting - 14%

  2. Sales and marketing - 13%

  3. Finance - 13%

  4. General Management and strategic planning - 11%

  5. Engineering - 8%

  6. Product Management - 8%

  7. Analytics - 5%

  8. Operations - 5%

  9. Product Development - 3%

  10. Technology - 3%

  11. Research and development - 3%

  12. Human Resources - 2%


In order to secure its stature with all types of companies, ISB partnered strategically with some of the most prestigious names in management education. Among them were the London Business School; MIT Sloan; Wharton at Penn; and Northwestern's Kellogg School. With their help, ISB developed a demanding and hands-on curriculum!


ISB has two campuses- one in Hyderabad and another one in Mohali. Both locations meet the same high standards that place ISB among the top Asian and global business schools. This expansion allows more students to access a premier management degree. 


Maximize your chances of ISB admission success! Get in touch ISB admissions consultants.


It's worthwhile to share some applicant profiles who we have worked together with for their selection to ISB.


This will definitely exemplify that there is always a range of GMAT scores which get admitted, so GMAT alone is not a roadblock.


  • ISB PGP Admit: Merchant Navy Background, 3.5 years work experience.

  • ISB PGP Admit: Second MBA applicant.

  • ISB PGP Admit: Work Experience 3 years, Merchant Navy.

  • ISB PGP Admit with 50% Scholarship.

  • ISB PGP Admit: Work experience 3.5 years, Consulting, GRE 331, selected to ISB

  • ISB PGP Admit: IT Sector

  • ISB PGP Admit: Work experience 10 years, retail consulting sector.

  • ISB PGP Admits: International work experience, CA background, Merchant Navy, Finance Sector

  • ISB PGP Admits: Women Professionals - IT, Investment Banking, Oil&Gas

  • ISB PGP Admit: Work Experience 3.5 years, IT engineering, GMAT 750.

  • ISB PGP Admit: Work experience 2.5 years, financial services sector, GMAT 680, selected to ISB.

  • ISB PGP Admit: Work experience 8.5 years, IT sector, GMAT 720, selected to ISB.

  • ISB PGP Admit: Work experience 3 years, Tech Sector.

  • Work experience 6 years, Consulting sector, GMAT 760, selected to ISB.

  • Work experience 4 years, Entrepreneur, GMAT 760, selected to ISB.

  • Work experience 5 years, Consulting sector, GMAT 700, selected to ISB

  • Work experience 3.5 years, Financial services sector, GRE 327, selected to ISB

  • Work experience 3 years, Financial services sector, GMAT 700, selected to ISB.

  • Work experience 4.5 years, CA/ CS, GMAT 700, selected to ISB.

  • Work experience 6 years, CA, Consulting sector, GMAT 760, selected to ISB.

  • Work experience 5 years, IT freelancing, GMAT 330, selected to ISB.

  • Work experience 5 years, PSU sector, GMAT 700, selected to ISB.

  • Work experience ~10 years, Retail sales, GMAT 690, selected to ISB.

  • Work experience 6 years, IT sector, GMAT 690, selected to ISB.

  • Work experience 6 years, IT startup, GRE 321, selected to ISB

  • Work experience 3 years, public policy, GMAT 650, selected to ISB.

  • Work experience 5 years, Education Freelancer, GMAT 740, selected to ISB.

  • Work experience 5.5 years, Startup marketing, GMAT 700, selected to ISB.


Some further cases where applicants were awarded scholarships at ISB are:

  • Work experience 3.5 years, IT Development, GMAT 750, Full tuition fee waiver

  • Work experience 5 years, IT software engineering, GMAT 750, Merit Scholarship of INR 5 Lacs

  • Work experience 6 years, Automotive, International, GMAT 690, Diversity waiver of 14 Lacs (approx)

  • Work experience 2 years, GMAT 680, YLP applicant, Consulting experience, Need based waiver of INR 5 Lacs


Global Recognition of ISB

ISB's Post Graduate Programme now stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the world's elite MBAs and its creators once enviously eyed. ISB’s Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP) has been ranked 39 globally in the Financial Times Global MBA Ranking 2023. ISB also earned accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).  Students gain the same caliber of business education from ISB PGP as the leading MBAs that inspired its founding.


Indian School of Business (ISB) – General Information

While its flagship Post Graduate Programme (PGP) garners much attention, ISB offers several pathways beyond the standard MBA equivalent. There are focused options for senior professionals, family businesses, and research-minded students.


  • For those with established careers looking to move to leadership roles, the Post Graduate Programme in Management for Senior Executives (ISB PGPMAX) and the ISB PGPpro offer an executive MBA-style curriculum.

  • Budding scholars keen on a research-intensive path can pursue a PhD-equivalent with ISB’s Fellow Programme in Management (FPM).

  • Recognizing family businesses as an engine of the Indian economy, ISB designed a custom Management Programme for Family Business enterprises seeking to develop their next generation of leaders and owners.


So whether you're a seasoned executive, an inquisitive academic, or a successor in a family operation, ISB has a targeted management program to advance your trajectory.


Schedule a consultation about your ISB application today.


ISB PGP Application Deadline 2025 intake:


Indian School of Business’s Post Graduate Programme attracts the nation’s top business talents vying for a world-class credential. Competitive admissions mean applicants should target submission by one of three deadlines.


  • Round 1 closes in September 2025, marking the first application batch. Submitting early allows the best chance to claim a coveted PGP seat.

  • The final Round 2 deadline falls on December 2025, for any remaining candidates.

  • Round 3 deadline for ISB PGP 2025 is expected to be in January 2026.


Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria and submit a completed application package before these deadlines may claim an offer to join ISB’s PGP 2024 class. 


ISB PGP Fees – Cost of Attendance

The Indian School of Business’ Postgraduate Programme requires a significant two-year investment from incoming students. However, ISB’s strong reputation with recruiters means graduates see excellent placements and salary growth to rapidly offset costs.


Breakdown of ISB PGP Fees and Expenses

The all-in cost of attendance for ISB PGP students choosing shared accommodation currently stands at:

  • Tuition Fee: INR 45,00,000

  • On-Campus Accommodation: INR 2,00,000

  • Other Charges: INR 60,000 (library/alumni fees etc.)

  • One-time Non-Refundable Admission Fee: INR 2,00,000


Extra expenses like laptops, course materials, meals, and other daily needs average around INR 2,00,000 more.


In total, the 24-month program costs approximately INR 51,60,000 for Indian students. International participants pay more. Corporate or education sponsorships can ease this financial burden.


Maximize your chances of ISB admission success. Get in touch with the best ISB admission consultants!


ISB PGP Course Curriculum

The Indian School of Business (ISB) Post Graduate Programme curriculum evolves continuously to develop the comprehensive skill sets tomorrow’s leaders need. With students from diverse fields, ISB divides coursework methodically over 8 terms to support different learning requirements.


  • The first three terms focus exclusively on core business disciplines like marketing, finance, analytics, operations, and strategy. This foundation aligns the capabilities of students from varying backgrounds. 

  • Term 4 then blends ongoing core training with initial electives in chosen specializations.

  • The remaining terms enable complete elective customization around student interests, from entrepreneurship to global economics. This structure facilitates both broad fundamental coverage plus tailored advanced study in domains of passion or utility.


At all stages, the curriculum sharpens leadership, critical thinking, integrative abilities, and ethical aptitude. Elective choices allow personalizing the PGP pathway based on individual goals. 


This carefully constructed curriculum, honed over 20+ years, enables PGP students to emerge as principled, socially conscious executives able to navigate multilayered business challenges.


Student Exchange Programs at ISB: Broadening Horizons Through ISB’s Global Exchange

The Indian School of Business runs a vibrant student exchange program to supplement in-class learning. By experiencing different business cultures firsthand, participants build a global mindset and expand their professional network.


Exchange Opportunities at ISB PGP

ISB maintains partnerships with 42 leading worldwide business schools. Students pick an exchange destination aligned to academic and career goals from options like:

  • USA – Berkeley Haas, UCLA Anderson

  • Europe – London Business School, HEC Paris

  • Asia – National University of Singapore, Tsinghua University

The exchange window runs during Term 3 through the final electives. ISB also enables swapping between its Hyderabad and Mohali campuses to compare regional dynamics.


Key Benefits

These global exchanges:

  • Widen perspective on business approaches across cultures

  • Build international relationships

  • Reinforce foreign language abilities

  • Demonstrate adaptability crucial for leadership


Administration Details

ISB simplifies the exchange process through:

  • No added tuition fees

  • Visa assistance

  • Transfer of credits and grades


By intermixing terms in India with immersion abroad, participants return as well-rounded candidates with an international edge. They integrate learnings from ISB’s rigorous curriculum with firsthand experience navigating new regions.


This exposure shapes creative thinkers able to thrive within the complexity and lead across the global business.


Achieve your ISB goals with tailored ISB admission consulting. Get in touch!



Over 99% of recent PGP graduates received job offers at graduation. The Class of 2024 saw exceptional hiring including:


  • 1609 total offers

  • 324 registered recruiters

  • 30+ first-time hiring companies

  • 31 international offers


The top domains were operations, finance, sales/marketing, consulting, and technology. Average salaries showed 154% growth over pre-ISB compensation – reflecting the rapid return on investment.


Who Gets Into ISB PGP?

To understand who gets selected to ISB PGP, we must evaluate the ISB PGP class profile. When we decode the ISB PGP class profile over the last two years i.e. Class profile for 2024, 2023 and 2024, there are quite a few revelations here:


If we want to define who gets selected to ISB PGP it's important to note what's important to ISB:


1. ISB values diversity in professional background.

The class of 2024 has applicants from various sectors like:

1. Consulting sector - 18%

2. BFSI - 15%

3. IT/ ITES/ New age technologies - 18%, in addition to retail, e-commerce, PSU, energy, media and others.

2. ISB values diversity in education background.

Unlike many MBA programs ISB MBA has more non engineers than engineers. The ISB class of 2024 has 51% non engineers and 49% engineers.

3. ISB values gender diversity.

The male-female ratio in the ISB Class of 2024 is better than most business schools in India. Females comprise 40% of the class while males are 60% of the class.

4. ISB PGP is open to all eligible age groups.

A common question we are asked is am I too old for an MBA or am I too young for ISB? If you look at the ISB class of 2024, the work experience range starts from 2 years and goes upto 24 years of work experience, with the average work experience being 4.4 years. This is very much an evidence that ISB PGP is open to all work experience ranges.

5. ISB values academic performance.

The GMAT or the GRE score is an evidence of the academic potential of applicants. At ISB PGP the average GMAT score is 710/ 720 , while the average GRE score is 328. This shows that academic performance is equally important to get into ISB.


Get in touch with an expert at GOALisB to discuss your chances at the ISB MBA.


It's worthwhile to share some applicant profiles

Get to know more profiles admitted to ISB on the recommendation section at LinkedIn


1. There is always a range of the GMAT or the GRE scores that gets admitted to the ISB cohort.

2. A high GMAT or GRE score is not an indicator of the success that the candidate will have in the ISB admission process.

3. There are two parts of the profile of ISB PGP admits - Academic profile and Leadership profile.

4. An equal focus on both the academic profile and the leadership profile are the best indicators of success in the ISB PGP admissions process.

5. The story that your application communicates to the admissions committee surely matters.


More Updates from ISB:


January 2024 Updates on ISB PGP:

  1. ISB PGP students proudly secured third place at the 11th Schlesinger Global Family Enterprise Case Competition (SG-FECC) held by the University of Vermont Grossman School of Business, USA. Celebrated as a premier event in the family enterprise domain, SG-FECC challenges participants to apply classroom knowledge to solve intricate family business cases.

  2. The Bharti Institute of Public Policy at ISB recently hosted the Public Policy Dialogues 2024 in Hyderabad, offering a vibrant platform for discussions on human development. The event, enriched with expert panels and research presentations, fostered significant knowledge exchange on public policy.

  3. ISB is calling on emerging entrepreneurs with tech-driven business ideas to apply for the NIDHI Entrepreneur-in-Residence Program. As a partner, AIC ISB will support the venture with extensive mentorship and resources.

  4. The 4th edition of the Data Science Summit at ISB focused on 'Generative AI', brought together experts to discuss its vast potential and address privacy and security challenges.

  5. The inaugural ISB Insights Forum at Mohali campus offered valuable insights from faculty and industry leaders on healthcare, AI, and financial inclusion, among other topics.

  6. ISB Mohali campus was honored with the Silver Award for sustainability practices at the 2nd CII Northern Region competition, recognizing our commitment to environmental stewardship.

  7. ISB Hyderabad hosted 'VoltAge', an electric mobility conclave by WION, discussing the future of electric vehicles in India with industry leaders and government officials.

  8. The finance conclave 'Artha'23' at ISB Mohali engaged industry experts in discussions on democratizing finance, reflecting on innovative financial practices and future trends.

  9. The ISB Leadership Summit, themed 'Futureproof Leadership', brought together diverse voices from business, government, sports, and more, offering students a wealth of leadership insights.

  10. ISB PGP in 2024 announced the Vidula Jalan Scholarship, starting with the Class of 2025, in memory of alumna Vidula Jalan. This need-cum-merit-based scholarship supports promising ISB PGP students, reflecting ISB's commitment to nurturing future leaders.


Get a profile review for the ISB PGP from an MBA admission consultant at GOALisB.


Comprehensive ISB Resource Guide


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Programs Offered by ISB


Industry-Specific ISB Application Advice


Financial Information and ROI Considerations


ISB Interview Prep and Profile Building


Career Pathways After ISB


Comparing ISB with Other Programs


Additional ISB Resources


Life at ISB


ISB Admission Consulting and Professional Guidance

 
 
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