ISB YLP 2023
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ISB YLP Stage 2 is open for 2023 applications
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ISB YLP 2023 Stage 2: 31 August 2023
Does YLP require GMAT?
YLP requires GMAT or the GRE score to be submitted only when they are shortlisted for the second stage. At the first stage of the ISB YLP application the applicant only needs to submit and online form with the academic details, extracurriculars, hobbies and the ISB YLP Stage 1 essay.
Once the applicants are shortlisted on the basis of their stage 1 applications, they need to submit the GMAT or the GRE scores for the ISB YLP stage 2 applications.
There is no minimum GMAT or GRE score which is required to be submitted by ISB YLP applicants. However if the applicant aims to submit a competitive application, they must try to score above the school average GMAT or GRE scores.
What is ISB YLP Program?
ISB YLP is the Only Deferred MBA in India. It is a great opportunity for graduates to secure an admit to the ISB PGP.
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ISB YLP not an MBA Program
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Its an entry route to the full time ISB MBA
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Deferred admit to join ISB PGP after 20 months work experience
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Only for Final and Prefinal Year Students pursuing bachelors, 5 year Program, Post Grad students
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Application process for ISB YLP is conducted in 3 Stages. An applicant can apply to the next stage after being shortlisted for the previous one.
ISB YLP 2023 Essay Topic For Stage 1:
Everyone is inclined towards a particular interest/goal which they are passionate about, be it in the field of academics or extra-curriculars. What is that one thing that you are passionate about? What are your current efforts in pursuing it , and what efforts will you put in the future to achieve that goal?
(300 words max)
What's required for the ISB YLP Stage 2?
For the ISB YLP Stage 2 application the applicants need to submit:
1. GMAT or GRE scores.
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School Code for Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT): N2D-J5-99
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School Code for Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): 9047
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School Code for Graduate Record Examination (GRE): 7891
2. One essay as below:
ISB YLP Stage 2 Essay:
What is the ideal career which you always wanted to pursue? Do you still want to pursue the same or has it changed? How do you plan to make your ideal career a reality? (300 words max)
Get tips on how to write a strong ISB Essay.
3. One Evaluation Letter
ISB YLP - Young leaders program is the deferred MBA program offered by Indian School of Business, Hyderabad for pre final and final year students to join ISB MBA after 2 years of work experience. ISB YLP gives you a guaranteed admission to the FT World ranked ISB MBA program.
ISB YLP 2023 fees, application, eligibility
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ISB YLP 2023 Stage 1 application submission deadline: 15 October 2022
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ISB YLP 2023 Stage 1 shortlist announcement: 10 May 2022
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ISB YLP 2023 Stage 2 application deadline: 31 August 2023
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ISB YLP 2022 Stage 3 shortlists for interview: September 15, 2022 – November 30, 2022
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ISB YLP 2022 admit announcements: Rolling basis from Nov 15, 2022 to Feb, 2023
ISB YLP eligibility
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Any student pursuing any bachelors or masters course in their pre-final or the final year of studies can apply for ISB YLP.
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Students pursuing any out of undergraduate or postgraduate degree can apply.
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To apply to stage 2 an applicant must have submitted ISB YLP stage 1 application.
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Contact us for ISB admission consulting and ISB essay help.
ISB YLP Application
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Stage 1 ISB YLP application requires submission of one essay.
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Describe an event or accomplishment that became a turning point in your life? How did it change your perspective about yourself and others?
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Stage 2 ISB YLP application 2022 requires 1 more essay, 1 recommendation letter and GMAT/ GRE score submission.
ISB YLP 2023

What GMAT score is required for ISB YLP?
The ISB YLP program does not have a minimum GMAT score requirement. The admission criteria for ISB YLP take into account multiple factors such as academic performance, extracurricular activities, and leadership potential. A high GMAT score can strengthen your application, but it is not the only factor considered.
For a competitive application, it is suggested that applicants submit a GMAT or GRE score which is close to or higher than the school average.
The recent average scores for GMAT for ISB intake was 720 with a median score of 710 while the recent average score for GRE for ISB intake was 328.
Since the ISB YLP applicants have very little or nil experience a strong test score would strengthen their application.
Is ISB YLP Worth it?
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ISB offers 42 different exchange programmes with some of the best management schools around the world.
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According to the Global FT MBA Rankings, 2021 ISB is the number one in India, number five in Asia, and number 23, globally.
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ISB ranks number three globally in terms of salary growth. In terms of the salary growth graduates get a 173% increase post ISB.
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In terms of research productivity, according to the American Marketing Association, ISBs research productivity is number one in Asia and number 44 globally, in supply chain management.
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ISB ranks number one in India and top 100 globally.
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Bloomberg also ranks ISB as number one in India, and number five, in the Asia Pacific region.
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The alumni network at ISB is vast with more than 12,500 students, out of which more than 550 alumni have already progressed to the CXOs, ie. the top decision making roles.
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ISB has more than 600 alumni engaged in startups and entrepreneurship and their family business with five unicorns.
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ISB alumni are currently spread across 60 different countries and 400 different cities.
FAQ
How long is the ISB YLP Interview?
In the case of the ISB YLP interview, the duration is around 40 minutes, and the panel typically consists of ISB alumni, most likely the ISB YLP alumni. The interview questions in this case will likely be tailored to the ISB YLP program and its focus on leadership development.
Some common ISB YLP interview questions that candidates can expect to encounter include:
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Tell us about yourself: This question is often used as an icebreaker and is an opportunity for candidates to give a brief overview of their background, experiences, and achievements.
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Why do you want to pursue an MBA? This question is aimed at understanding the candidate's motivations and goals for pursuing an MBA.
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What are your career goals? This question is designed to evaluate the candidate's career aspirations and whether they align with the program's focus and values.
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What are your strengths and weaknesses? This question helps the admissions committee assess the candidate's self-awareness and ability to reflect on their own abilities.
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Can you tell us about a time when you demonstrated leadership? This question is aimed at assessing the candidate's leadership potential and ability to work in a team.
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How do you handle difficult situations or conflicts? This question helps the admissions committee evaluate the candidate's problem-solving skills and ability to handle stress and pressure.
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What do you think you can contribute to the program? This question is designed to evaluate the candidate's fit with the program and how they can add value to the program.
Overall, the ISB YLP interview is an opportunity for candidates to showcase their skills, experiences, and motivation for pursuing the program. With the help of the above information, candidates can prepare well and confidently answer the interview questions in a comprehensive manner.
Does ISB send rejection mail for YLP?
Yes, the rejection mails are sent at the end when the result is declared after the third stage.
What are the deferred MBA programs across the world?
There are many options to pursue a deferred MBA across the world. The list of the schools are as below:
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HBS 2+2
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Stanford GSB Deferred Admission
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Wharton MBA Advance Access Program
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Yale SOM Silver Scholars Program
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Chicago Booth Scholars Program
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UVA Darden Future year admissions
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MIT Sloan MBA Early Admission Program
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Columbia Business School Deferred Enrollment program
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Berkeley Haas Accelerated Access
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Carnegie Mellon Tepper Future Business Leaders
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Kellogg Future Leaders
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IESE – Young Talent Path
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Emory Goizueta Early Admission
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University of Minnesota Carlson
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NYU Stern Berkley Scholars
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Ivey Advanced Entry Scholars MBA Program
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ISB YLP (Young Leaders Program)
Is ISB YLP an MBA?
ISB YLP is a deferred MBA i.e. it is a different entry point to the main ISB PGP program where freshers can secure a guaranteed admit to enter the ISB MBA program once they have completed 20 months of work experience.
Does YLP need work experience?
ISB YLP applicants can either be in their final year or pre final year of education (undergraduate program or graduate program) provided they have no work experience. The ISB YLP applicants must not have any work experience however they can start their MBA at ISB once they have completed 20 months of work experience.
How many seats are there in ISB YLP?
There is no clear number given for the number of admits rolled out for ISB YLP, however it has been observed that around 80-90 students in a batch comprise ISB YLP admits.
Does ISB have a two year MBA?
ISB does not offer a two year MBA program. It offers only a one year MBA program i.e. the ISB PGP. The ISB Executive MBA program ISB PGPpro and ISB PGPMAX are 18 months and 15 months in duration as they are part time/ weekend schedule programs.
Are YLP results out?
The results for Stage 1 shortlisting for ISB YLP 2022 are expected to be released 10 May 2022 onwards .
Is IIM better or ISB ?
ISB and IIM are both leading business schools in India. Which is better totally depends on the preferences of the applicants. In terms of options available for freshers in India ISB YLP vs IIM has some clear differences:
1. ISB YLP is a deferred MBA admit which means that the student begins the MBA education after having gained 20 months of work experience. IIM on the other hand offers an MBA program which they can start right after graduating.
2. ISB MBA is a one year MBA program so it definitely gets done one year earlier than the 2 year MBA at IIM.
3. ISB MBA does not offer a summer internship period which is offered at IIM 2 year MBA programs.
4. ISB MBA accepts the GMAT score or the GRE score while the IIM 2 year MBA accepts the CAT score for the admissions process.
Is GMAT 700 enough for ISB?
Yes, We have had numerous admits at GMAT 700 however the overall profile of the applicant is extremely important to be successful in the application process. Along with the GMAT score, ISB pays attention to the academic profile, extra curricular and leadership initiatives, essays, reference letters, and interview.
What GMAT score is required for ISB YLP?
A GMAT score close to the school average of 710 or above is a good GMAT score
to apply to ISB YLP. There is no minimum cut off for the GMAT score to apply to ISB. The previous range of GMAT scores admitted to ISB has been 600 to 780.
How is the ISB YLP different from ISB PGP?
ISB YLP is ISB Young Leaders Program which is only a different entry mode into the ISB PGP programme. The ISB YLP is not a separate programme altogether. ISB YLP offers a pathway for students in their undergraduate colleges to get into the ISB PGP even before they graduate.
How is the ISB YLP unique?
There are 3 aspects to the ISB YLP that makes it unique for applicants.
The first is the learning weekends where all of the college students will come on to ISB campus for three separate learning weekends. ISB YLP admits sit in the classes, network with current students, have a glimpse of the MBA experience and gain insights about the recent developments in the industry.
Second important aspect is the 20 months of work experience. ISB YLP is a deferred admission because admits get admitted when they apply but they join only after completing 20 months of full time work experience. During the 20 months ISB organises knowledge sessions, webinars with industry leaders, faculty and ISB alumni.
Third, the ISB YLP is a Trisep programme, which brings together a cohort of people from three different universities, one, ISB and two other internationally top ranked programmes. In the past, NUS Singapore and Tsinghua University, China have participated in this program.
The learning model at ISB YLP is designed to enable the students to ace as leaders in their professional work before they start the actual ISB PGP. Learning weekends are regularly scheduled for the selected students for a full fledged overview of the ISB experience.
The learning weekend sessions open the gates to understanding the requirements of an MBA course and opportunities to explore the career options available in the corporate world. There is a specific focus on the enhancement of communication skills and communication skills during the ISB YLP.
Access our comprehensive guide to ISB YLP process for admission 2022-23.
ISB YLP vs IIM ?
This is in other words comparing the one year vs two year MBA program.
In India students who are in the final year of their graduation have the option of opting for the two year MBA admission through the CAT/ XAT/ MAT etc examinations or they can opt for the ISB YLP which gives them a guaranteed admit to the ISB one year MBA. In the 2 year MBA programs from the IIMs one can enter straight after graduation, as a fresher. In the YLP entry in ISB one gets the admission offer from ISB but has to join the program after completing a work experience of at least 20 months.
How is ISB YLP different from IIM? Is ISB better or IIM?
Top 3 differences between ISB YLP and IIM are as follows:
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ISB graduates get back to work in one year rather than two. This also means that apart from the time, effort, other opportunity costs you also lose one year’s salary when you opt for a two year MBA.
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Total number of contact hours: The classroom learning in a two year MBA programme comes to around 730 contact hours. While at ISB MBA the number of contact hours amount to around 640. In all there is roughly a difference of 80 hours in terms of contact hours between a one year and a two year MBA which is not very substantial. In other words during a two year MBA the contact hours come to around 14 while at the one year MBA at ISB the contact hours are 12 months. Therefore the one year MBA at ISB has more or less the same program but completed in a shorter timeframe.
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Another difference is in terms of the class composition. In the two year MBA programs a majority of the class comprises freshers, while at the ISB one year MBA program the class comprises professionals with an experience range from 2 years to 20 years.

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Shruti has been single handedly instrumental in guiding me successfully with my entire application process at ISB.
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