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Elevate Your Family Business: Enroll in the ISB MFAB Program

  • Writer: Shruti P, Lead Consultant at GOALisB
    Shruti P, Lead Consultant at GOALisB
  • May 25, 2025
  • 5 min read

Updated: Sep 1, 2025

The ISB MFAB is a transformative 15-month Post Graduate Programme in Management for Family Business at ISB, Hyderabad. This program is designed specifically for family business owners or second-generation professionals who wish to enhance their management skills.



Application Deadlines for ISB MFAB 2025 Intake


Round 1: 9 November 2025


Round 2: 8 March 2026

The ISB MFAB program is tailored to meet the unique needs of family businesses in India. Alumni of this prestigious program benefit from being part of the expansive 10,000+ strong global ISB community. This inclusion opens doors to course audits, conferences, seminars, and various workshops conducted at ISB.


Applying to the ISB MFAB


Steps to Application


  1. The ISB MFAB application consists of several components:

    • A detailed account of your academic performance.

    • An overview of your work experience.

    • Business family details and business prospects.

    • A series of essays that will showcase your capability and vision.


  2. ISB PGP MFAB Essays:

    • Why do you wish to pursue the ISB PGP MFAB program?

    • Identify the main challenges faced by your business and propose solutions.

    • Describe a significant initiative undertaken by your business in the past five years and explain its importance.


  3. Optional Essay:

    • Use this space to explain any gaps in your work or education, or to highlight achievements that enhance your application.


Start your ISB MFAB application journey with the guidance of an ISB admission consultant for a more robust application.


ISB MFAB Eligibility Criteria


  1. No work experience is essential, but 2–3 years of work experience is preferred.

  2. A Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification is required.

  3. Completion of the BAT test is mandatory.

  4. Applicants must belong to a family business setup.


ISB MFAB Fees Breakdown


  1. The application fee is INR 15,000, which also covers the BAT test.

  2. The total program cost is INR 41,98,000, inclusive of taxes. This fee covers lodging, meals, books, and instructional materials.

  3. Travel expenses are not included.

  4. A refundable security deposit of INR 20,000 is required.

  5. A fee of INR 15,000 grants lifetime access to the ISB Recreation Centre.

  6. Alumni Association Membership costs are INR 25,000.


ISB MFAB

Understanding the ISB MFAB BAT Test


The Business Admission Test (BAT) is a critical component of the admission process. It assesses candidates' analytical thinking and problem-solving skills critical for success in the ISB MFAB program. Sample tests are available in the admission section of the school’s website.


Why Pursue the ISB MFAB?


  1. Gain deep insights into family enterprises. The program emphasizes the nuances of family businesses, benefiting from the expertise of qualified faculty.

  2. Address the multitude of challenges in family business contexts, such as attracting talent and unlocking company value. The curriculum prepares students to identify opportunities and navigate the complexities of decision-making.

  3. Enhance management and decision-making capabilities within a family business setup. This program nurtures leadership skills to drive business growth effectively.


The ISB MFAB program fosters a rich environment for networking with peers and corporate leaders, enhancing personal growth and career advancement.


Exciting New Developments at ISB MFAB in 2024


  1. A Masterclass on August 26, 2023, hosted by Prof. Siddharth S. Singh, offered participants a glimpse into the ISB classroom environment.

  2. An Orientation event on August 4, 2023, at ISB's Mohali Campus, aimed to cultivate unity and teamwork through various interactive exercises.

  3. The inaugural CII Karnataka Family Business Conclave 2023 facilitated meaningful discussions on managing change and expectations.

  4. ISB PGP MFAB recently shared insights on the book 'The Cartiers' by Francesca Cartier Brickell and its relevance to family businesses.

  5. A session with Prof. Dr. Chandan Chowdhury emphasized sustainable business models for the future.

  6. A masterclass led by Prof. Vishwakant Malladi discussed inventory management in a post-pandemic context.


Who Should Apply to ISB MFAB?


Ideal candidates for the ISB MFAB program typically possess around three years of work experience, with an average age of 25 years. Alumni include impactful business leaders such as:


  • Sirisha Limkar, Director, Limkar Group

  • Priyanka Mechineni, Director, Excelleur Solutions Pvt. Ltd.

  • Alekhya Nandendla, MD, Rvan Ventures Pvt Ltd.

  • Chetan Chikkamarranahally, Director, Shakti Precision Components Pvt. Ltd.



ISB MFAB Program Structure


  1. International Immersions:

    • Two international immersions to Kellogg School of Management and a European Business School.

  2. On-Campus Learning:

    • 12 weeks on campus, with one week of classes every sixth week.

  3. Extensive Curriculum:

    • The ISB MFAB includes 24 comprehensive courses over 15 months.


Application Requirements for 2024


  1. Application Fee: ₹ 15,000

  2. BAT (Business Admissions Test)

  3. Bachelor's degree or equivalent

  4. Work experience is preferred but not mandatory

  5. Total program fee: INR 41,98,000 plus taxes


ISB MFAB Class Profile


  • Revenue Representation:

  • Up to INR 10 Crores: Maximum

  • 12%: INR 500 to 1000 Crores

  • 10%: INR 100 to 500 Crores

  • 17%: INR 50 to 100 Crores

  • 45%: INR 10 to 50 Crores


  • Age Distribution:

  • 23% aged 29 - 31 years

  • 7% aged 25 - 28 years

  • 70% aged 20 - 24 years


  • Work Experience:

  • 6% with 6 to 8 years experience

  • 29% with 4 to 6 years experience

  • 65% with 2 to 4 years experience


  • Industry Representation:

  • 33% from manufacturing

  • 8% from infrastructure

  • 8% from real estate

  • 6% from textile and fashion

  • 6% from trading

  • 5% from automobile

  • 5% from education

  • 36% from various other sectors



Is the ISB MFAB Worth It?


The true value of an MBA from ISB lies in its diverse exposure. The class comprises students from various sectors such as manufacturing, trading, textiles, real estate, pharma, FMCG, and logistics. Interaction among students fosters a collective perception of industry dynamics and potential opportunities.


The ISB MFAB program is paramount for family business owners. The program not only provides local insights but also international exposure through partnerships with prestigious schools like Kellogg. The real ROI lies in the global knowledge acquired, a robust peer network, and the credibility of being an ISB alumnus.


Discover more about the ISB MFAB program and hear what past students have experienced.


Conclusion


Consider the ISB MFAB program seriously if you seek to grow both personally and professionally in the family business domain.


Connect with an ISB admission consultant at GoalisB. Discuss your application preparation and interview strategies for the ISB MFAB admissions 2024-25.


Unlock the potential for your ISB application journey with expert guidance. Whether you need a profile review or tips for your ISB essays and interview preparation, GOALisB is ready to assist you.


Contact GOALisB Today! WhatsApp: +91 7719497187, Email: contact@goalisb.com.


FAQs About ISB MFAB


Where are the classes for the ISB MFAB program held?


Classes are conducted at the ISB campuses in Hyderabad and Mohali. Some international terms may also take place outside India.


Is ISB MFAB conducted online?


No, the ISB MFAB is not an online program. It is classroom-based, with sessions occurring face-to-face for a week every sixth week.


Author Bio:

Shruti P is the Lead Consultant at GOALisB, with over 12 years of experience in successful MBA admissions. An alumnus of ISB and Stanford, she specializes in guiding candidates for ISB, IIM, and top global MBA programs.

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