When ISB launched its Post Graduate Programme back in 2001, its founders dreamed of creating a truly world-class business school, one capable of delivering an MBA experience right up there with any offered by leading global powers such as Harvard and Wharton. 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. Learn about the changes in the ISB Class of 2025 which are important for aspirants to take note of when they evaluate ISB PGP as a target program.
To understand who gets selected to ISB, it is important to understand the class profile for ISB Class of 2024. As shown below the ISB PGP class profile 2024 shows the competitiveness of the profiles and the diversity of the backgrounds selected at ISB.
ISB PGP Class of 2024 Class Profile
Class Size - 845
Average GMAT - 720
Males in Class - 59%
Age Representation in Class profile
Age 22 years to 26 years - 45%
Age 26 years to 30 years - 42%
Age above 30 years - 13%
Average Age in Class - 27.09 years
Work Experience Representation in ISB PGP Class Profile 2024
2 years to 5 years - 70%
Above 5 years - 30%
Average Work Experience in class - 4.07 years
Engineers in Class - 49%
Non Engineers in Class - 51%
Industries Diversity in ISB Class of 2024
Consulting 18%
Banks, Financial Institutions 15%
IT and IT enabled Services 11%
New Age Technologies 7%
FMCG, retail 6%
Capital Goods 4%
Energy utilities, chemicals 4%
Advertising, media 4%
E Commerce 4%
Commercial and professional services 3%
Pharma, biotech 3%
Transportation and logistics 3%
Others 14%
Functional Background in ISB Class of 2024
Consulting - 14%
Sales and marketing - 13%
Finance - 13%
General Management and strategic planning - 11%
Engineering - 8%
Product Management - 8%
Analytics - 5%
Operations - 5%
Product Development - 3%
Technology - 3%
Research and development - 3%
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’s Caliber
ISB's Post Graduate Programme now stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the world's elite MBAs and its creators once enviously eyed. The student has become the master.
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).
With its sharp rise, rigorous approach, and worldwide renown, ISB’s Post Graduate Programme provides full equivalency to an MBA. Students gain the same caliber of business education from ISB’s 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 Class Profile 2024
The Indian School of Business attracts top talents from diverse backgrounds for its Post Graduate Programme (PGP) through a holistic evaluation. The 843 students commencing their journey in the PGP 2024 class form a vibrant community that enhances learning through shared experiences.
Class Composition
Key traits of the 2024 class include:
Average GMAT Score: 720
Average GRE Score: 328
Age Range: 24 to 45 years
Average Work Experience: 4.07 years
Mix of Engineering, Humanities, Economics, and Other Graduates
This varied makeup creates an environment where students learn from peers across functions, sectors, and career stages. Shared journeys to leadership supplement world-class faculty and cutting-edge curriculum.
ISB PGP Eligibility Criteria
The Indian School of Business sets high standards for candidates seeking admission to its Post Graduate Programme (PGP). Applicants come from diverse backgrounds but must demonstrate academic excellence, management potential, and professional experience.
While ISB considers the complete application picture, key eligibility factors include:
Test Scores – Applicants require valid GMAT or GRE results. ISB favors higher quantitive scores reflecting analytical aptitude.
Academic Records – Graduation, 12th grade, and any post-graduation marks showcase prior performance. The strength here boosts candidacy.
English Proficiency – International natives need to submit TOEFL or IELTS to demonstrate English communication skills essential for business leadership.
Work Experience – A minimum of 24 months of full-time professional employment is mandatory. ISB wants candidates who can apply classroom learning. If you have less than 24 months of work experience you can apply to ISB PGP through the ISB YLP or ISB Early Entry Option.
The admissions board weighs these factors holistically without explicit cut-off rules. Well-rounded excellence across academics, test scores, communication abilities, and work achievements boost PGP admission chances.
Candidates with under 24 months of work experience can still qualify through ISB’s Early Entry Option. This deferred admission pathway allows recent graduates to secure an ISB PGP seat for 1-3 years later.
During the deferral period, these students gain full-time experience to better absorb ISB’s rigorous business curriculum. The Early Entry option thus expands access to bright, promising applicants who display aptitude but need more professional seasoning first.
Meeting these benchmarks requires dedication from aspiring leaders. But students who do can access ISB’s world-renowned Post Graduate Programme and advancement potential.
Discuss your ISB application strategy with ISB admission consultants.
ISB PGP Application Deadline 2024 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 2024, 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 2024, for any remaining candidates.
Round 3 deadline for ISB PGP 2024 is expected to be in January 2025.
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.
Meeting the fall Round 1 or Round 2 application cutoffs maximizes the probability of admission. It also allows more time for enrollment logistics if admitted then versus a late Round 3 bid. Securing admission early likewise opens more opportunities to apply for scholarships, visas, housing, and other requirements in advance.
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!
Crafting Well-Rounded Business Leaders: 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.
In 2021, ISB supplemented classroom learning with a 10-week starting Digital Headstart Module (DHM). This online primer strengthens key competencies like data skills before on-campus immersion. The hybrid DHM-to-in-class arc enhances student outcomes.
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!
ISB PGP Placement 2023
Over 99% of recent PGP graduates received job offers at graduation. The Class of 2023 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.
Some facts about the ISB PGP program:
Coming to the question of who gets into ISB or who gets selected to the ISB MBA, we can evaluate at 7 different data points as below:
1. Academic profile ie. GMAT or GRE scores
2. Gender representation
3. Undergraduate background i.e. engineers vs non engineers.
4. Age of the applicant
5. Years of experience of the ISB PGP applicant
6. Industry background of the ISB PGP applicant.
7. Function or role of the ISB PGP applicant.
The Global ISB Network:
Alumni across PGP, PGPMAX, PGP MFAB and PGPpro: 13500+
Alumni entrepreneurs / in family business: 600+
Alumni at CXO level / top leadership: 550+
Countries: 60+
USA: 8%
Netherlands: 2%
Europe: 5%
South Africa: 2%
Middle East: 2%
India: 79%
Southeast Asia: 3%
Malaysia: 2%
Singapore: 2%
Not sure if you want to write the GMAT or the GRE? Know about the ISB Executive MBA.
More Updates from ISB Hyderabad:
January 2024 Updates on ISB PGP:
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. Kudos to team members Eashan Trehan, Mukund Marodia, Anura Pareek, and their coach Nupur Pavan Bang from the Thomas Schmidheiny Centre for Family Enterprise at ISB, under the mentorship of Professor Sougata Ray.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
ISB Hyderabad hosted 'VoltAge', an electric mobility conclave by WION, discussing the future of electric vehicles in India with industry leaders and government officials.
The finance conclave 'Artha'23' at ISB Mohali engaged industry experts in discussions on democratizing finance, reflecting on innovative financial practices and future trends.
The ISB Leadership Summit, themed 'Futureproof Leadership', brought together diverse voices from business, government, sports, and more, offering students a wealth of leadership insights.
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
ISB Application Essentials
Expert advice on writing ISB essays that reflect your goals and aspirations.
Step-by-Step Guide to ISB Admissions
Learn about the stages of the ISB admissions process.
Completing the ISB Application
A comprehensive guide to the ISB application process.
Answers to frequently asked questions on ISB admissions.
Eligibility for ISB’s MBA Program
Review ISB’s eligibility criteria to see if you’re a match.
Programs Offered by ISB
Overview of the ISB Hyderabad MBA
Get to know the highlights of the ISB Hyderabad MBA.
Explore ISB’s Executive MBA program and its impact on career growth.
ISB PGP YL: The Young Leaders Program
An introduction to ISB’s PGP YL for early-career applicants.
A flexible MBA option for working professionals.
Information on accessing the PGPpro portal.
ISB MFAB for Family Business Leaders
Learn about the ISB MFAB program, designed for family business leadership.
Industry-Specific ISB Application Advice
Oil and Gas Professionals: Applying to ISB
Guidance for oil and gas professionals creating an ISB application.
Infrastructure Professionals and ISB
Tips for infrastructure professionals building a competitive application.
ISB Applications for Entrepreneurs
Advice for entrepreneurs on presenting their experiences effectively.
Healthcare Professionals Applying to ISB
How healthcare professionals can approach the ISB application process.
E-commerce Professionals and ISB Applications
A guide for e-commerce professionals applying to ISB.
Financial Information and ROI Considerations
Information on available scholarships and financial aid at ISB.
Evaluating ISB’s Return on Investment
Insights into the ROI of an ISB MBA.
A look at the costs associated with an ISB MBA.
ISB Interview Prep and Profile Building
Preparing for the ISB Interview
Tips for preparing confidently for the ISB interview.
A detailed look at the ISB interview format and tips.
Building a Profile for ISB Admission
Strategies for developing a profile that resonates with ISB admissions.
ISB Admission Tips from Alumni
Alumni insights to enhance your ISB Hyderabad application.
Career Pathways After ISB
ISB MBA and Product Management Careers
How ISB prepares graduates for product management roles.
Consulting as a Career Path After ISB
Opportunities in consulting for ISB graduates.
Career Growth and Life After ISB
Career trajectories of ISB alumni.
An exploration of the unique benefits offered by the ISB MBA program.
Comparing ISB with Other Programs
A comparison of ISB and Wharton MBA programs.
Weighing ISB versus IIM MBA options.
Choosing Between ISB and INSEAD
A look at ISB and INSEAD’s program offerings.
A comparison of NUS and ISB.
Understanding the differences between IIMA and ISB.
A side-by-side look at ISB’s PGPpro and IIMB’s PGPEM.
Comparing ISB PGPpro and PGPMAX
Understanding the distinctions between the PGPpro and PGPMAX programs at ISB.
Additional ISB Resources
How ISB essay topics have evolved to meet changing business needs.
Key information on ISB’s 2025 admissions process.
What Makes an ISB Admit Successful?
Traits and experiences of typical ISB admits.
How to enhance your profile for a successful ISB reapplication.
Insights into ISB’s GMAT expectations.
Tips for engineers aiming to transition to ISB.
Advice for banking professionals applying to ISB.
Life at ISB
An overview of student life and campus culture at ISB.
A look at the ISB Hyderabad experience.
ISB’s National and Global Rankings
Explore where ISB stands in the rankings.
ISB Placements and Career Support
A breakdown of ISB’s placement services and career support.
ISB Admission Consulting and Professional Guidance
ISB Admission Consulting Services
How expert consultants can assist with your ISB application.
A guide to ISB’s MBA program structure and benefits.
Learn about ISB’s Executive MBA offerings.
ISB PGPpro Application Process
Steps for applying to the PGPpro program.
ISB PGPMAX for Senior Executives
Details about the PGPMAX, ISB’s program for senior leaders.