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MBA at ISB vs MBA in INSEAD

Mar 76 min read

Updated: 6 days ago

By Shruti P, MBA Admission Consultant – GOALisB, Featured in Forbes & Poets & Quants.


The Indian School of Business (ISB) and INSEAD are both highly regarded business schools that offer MBA programs.


Let's break down ISB vs INSEAD comprehensively using the 2025 FT MBA rankings data:


Global Rankings and Recognition:

  1. INSEAD: Rank 4 globally

  2. ISB: Rank 27 globally

Clear advantage to INSEAD in global standing


Salary & Financial Returns ISB vs INSEAD:

  1. INSEAD: $209,992 (weighted salary)

  2. ISB: $185,885 (weighted salary)

Difference of ~$24,000 in favor of INSEAD


Employment Metrics:

  1. INSEAD: 61% employed at three months

  2. ISB: 95% employed at three months


Significant advantage to ISB in employment rate

  1. Alumni Network:

  2. INSEAD: Rank 20

  3. ISB: Rank 4


ISB has a stronger alumni network ranking

  1. International Exposure:

  2. INSEAD:

    • 97% international students

    • 88% international faculty

    • 85% international board

  3. ISB:

    • 1% international students

    • 15% international faculty

    • 29% international board

INSEAD offers significantly more international exposure


Value for Money INSEAD vs ISB:

  1. INSEAD: Rank 30

  2. ISB: Rank 59

Better value proposition at INSEAD


Satisfaction Scores INSEAD vs ISB:

  1. INSEAD: 9.048

  2. ISB: 8.926

Slightly higher satisfaction at INSEAD


Career Progress Ranks ISB vs INSEAD:

  1. INSEAD: Rank 44

  2. ISB: Rank 33

Better career progression at ISB


Key Differentiators ISB vs INSEAD:

INSEAD's Advantages:

  1. Higher global ranking

  2. Better salary potential

  3. Stronger international exposure

  4. Better value for money

  5. Presence in multiple campuses (France, Singapore, Middle East)


ISB's Advantages:

  1. Better employment rate

  2. Stronger alumni network

  3. Better career progression

  4. Stronger regional (India) network

  5. Lower total cost of education


Choice Factors ISB vs INSEAD:

  1. Career Goals:

  2. Global career → INSEAD

  3. India/Asia focused career → ISB

  4. Investment:

  5. Higher investment but global exposure → INSEAD

  6. Lower investment with strong regional returns → ISB

  7. Location Preference:

  8. Multiple global locations → INSEAD

  9. India-focused → ISB

  10. Program Duration:

  11. INSEAD: 10 months

  12. ISB: 12 months

Work Experience Requirements:

  1. Both schools prefer candidates with significant work experience

  2. INSEAD typically expects more international exposure


Recommendation Framework: Choose INSEAD if:

  • Seeking a truly global career

  • Can manage higher investment

  • Want maximum international exposure

  • Planning to work in Europe/Singapore


Choose ISB if:

  • Focusing on Indian/Asian markets

  • Seeking stronger employment security

  • Want strong regional alumni network

  • Planning to work in India


The choice between ISB and INSEAD should ultimately depend on:

  1. Career goals (global vs regional)

  2. Budget considerations

  3. Desired location post-MBA

  4. Industry preferences

  5. Cultural fit preferences


ISB vs INSEAD


Here are some more differences to consider when deciding between an MBA at ISB and an MBA at INSEAD:

  1. Location: ISB is located in Hyderabad, India, while INSEAD has campuses in France, Singapore, and Abu Dhabi. The location of the program may be an important factor to consider, as it can impact the cultural and professional experiences you have during the program, as well as your job prospects after graduation.

  2. Curriculum: Both ISB and INSEAD offer MBA programs that cover a range of business-related subjects and include practical coursework and experiential learning opportunities. However, the specific curriculum and course offerings may differ between the two schools. It is important to review the curriculum and course offerings of each program to determine which one is the best fit for your goals and interests.

  3. Cost: The cost of an MBA at ISB and INSEAD can vary depending on various factors such as location, duration of the program, and financial aid options. It is worth comparing the tuition fees and other costs associated with each program to determine which one is more affordable for you.

  4. Reputation: Both ISB and INSEAD are highly ranked business schools with a strong reputation. However, the specific reputation and ranking of each school may vary depending on the ranking criteria and the region in which the school is located.

Ultimately, the decision of which MBA program to attend will depend on your personal and professional goals, as well as your budget and location preferences. It is important to carefully research and compare the different MBA programs available to determine which one is the best fit for you.


You can also find more comparisons IIM Vs ISB here


Career options after MBA at ISB vs MBA at INSEAD:

An MBA degree from the Indian School of Business (ISB) or INSEAD can open up a wide range of career opportunities, but the specific job prospects may differ depending on the individual's skill set, experience, and network. Here are some factors to consider when comparing career options after an MBA at ISB and an MBA at INSEAD:

  1. Industry: Both ISB and INSEAD have strong connections to a variety of industries, including consulting, finance, and technology. However, the specific industries that may be more accessible to graduates of each program may vary depending on the location of the school and the specific course offerings and experiential learning opportunities available.

  2. Location: The location of the MBA program may impact the job opportunities available to graduates. ISB is located in Hyderabad, India, which may offer more job opportunities in the Indian market. INSEAD has campuses in France, Singapore, and Abu Dhabi, which may offer more job opportunities in these regions. However, MBA graduates from both schools may have the opportunity to work internationally, as both schools have strong global networks.

  3. Network: Both ISB and INSEAD have strong alumni networks and relationships with top companies, which can help MBA graduates secure internships and job opportunities after graduation. However, the specific companies and industries that may be more accessible to graduates of each program may vary depending on the location and reputation of the school.

Overall, the career options available to MBA graduates from ISB and INSEAD will depend on a range of factors, including the individual's skill set, experience, and network, as well as the location and reputation of the school. It is important to research and consider these factors when deciding which MBA program is the best fit for your career goals.


You can find more about INSEAD and ISB here.


Your Ultimate Guide to Global MBA Programs

Whether you're considering an MBA in the USA, Canada, Europe, Germany, or specialized master's degrees, this guide provides well-structured insights into admissions, rankings, scholarships, career prospects, and more.


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MBA in Europe

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This guide serves as a one-stop resource for aspirants considering MBA and Master’s programs worldwide. Whether you are targeting a traditional MBA, an Executive MBA, or a specialized finance or analytics degree, these articles provide actionable insights.


About the author:

Shruti P is a leading MBA admissions consultant at GOALisB, a top-tier consulting firm specializing in MBA and Executive MBA applications. With over a decade of experience, she has successfully guided 5,000+ applicants to admissions at Oxford, INSEAD, Cambridge, Wharton, ISB, IIMs, and other top business schools.


Her insights on business education, MBA admissions, and career transitions have been featured in Forbes, Poets & Quants, Hindustan Times, and The Week, solidifying her expertise in the field:

Poets & Quants Consultant Profile: Shruti Parashar on Poets & Quants 


As a mentor at ISB and XLRI, Shruti has helped MBA admits navigate post MBA careers.

Need expert MBA application guidance? Book a free consultation today.


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