Comparing ISB PGPpro vs PGPMAX vs Cornell EMBA
- Goalisb
- Oct 14
- 12 min read
Table of Contents
Introduction
Executive education is increasingly becoming popular among experienced professionals who wish to upgrade their skills and knowledge to stay ahead of the competition. Indian School of Business (ISB) and Cornell University Johnson Graduate School of Management are two of the leading business schools that offer executive education programs. In this blog post, we will compare two ISB programs, the PGPpro and PGPMAX, with Cornell's EMBA program based on various criteria.
When it comes to pursuing an Executive MBA program, there are several options available, including Cornell EMBA, ISB PGPpro, and ISB PGPMAX. These programs are designed to cater to experienced professionals looking to enhance their managerial skills and advance their careers. In this blog post, we will compare these three programs based on various factors to help you make an informed decision.
Not sure which Executive MBA program aligns with your career stage? Book a free profile evaluation with GOALisB and get expert guidance.
Cornell EMBA - Cornell-Tsinghua FMBA
Cornell EMBA is a collaborative program offered by Cornell University's Johnson Graduate School of Management and Tsinghua University School of Economics and Management in China.
Here are the program details:
Country/Region: United States/Asia
Total Alumni: 380
Start Months: September
Class Times: Classes meet on weekends twice per month. There are also two international (US based) residential sessions which are each 17 days long.
International Trip: Trip Required
Average Work Experience: 12 years
Average Management Experience: 5 years
Program Length: 17 months
Program Cost: $194,346-$228,916 (USD)
Class Size: 147
Considering an international Executive MBA like Cornell EMBA? Talk to our admissions experts at GOALisB to understand your fit and ROI.
ISB PGPMAX is an Executive MBA program offered by the Indian School of Business. Here are the program details:
Country/Region: India/Asia
Total Alumni: 550
Minimum Work Experience: 10 years
Start Months: August
Class Times: One week of classes every 6th week.
International Trip: 2 Trips Required - NUS and Wharton
Average Work Experience: 18 years
Program Length: 15 months
Program Cost: ₹49,50,040 (INR)
Class Size: 70
With 10+ years of experience, ISB PGPMAX could be your stepping stone to CXO roles. Let GOALisB help you craft a winning application. Schedule a call.
ISB PGPpro is another Executive MBA program offered by the Indian School of Business. Here are the program details:
Country/Region: India/Asia
Total Alumni: Not Available
Minimum Work Experience: 5 years
Start Months: July and January
Class Times: Alternate weekends
International Trip: 1 Trip Required - NUS
Average Work Experience: 10 years
Program Length: 18 months
Program Cost: INR 37,38,180 (plus taxes)
Class Size: 50 - 80
Comparison of Programs - ISB PGPpro vs PGPMAX vs Cornell EMBA
Comparison Table
Particulars | ISB PGP PRO | ISB PGP MAX | Cornell EMBA |
Work experience | 5 + years | 10+ years | Minimum 7 years |
Average work experience | 10 years | 18 years | 12 years |
Program length | 18 months | 15 months | 17 months |
Program cost | ₹37,38,180 | ₹49,50,040 | $194,346-$228,916 |
Alumni network | PGP-Suite Alumni- 17k+ Alumni at CXO / Top Leadership Level- 800+ | 21k+ | |
Class Timelines | Alternate weekend classes (Sat-Sun) Three 5–7-day residencies | One-week campus residencies Every 4-6 weeks at ISB's Hyderabad and Mohali campuses | Weekend courses—in select cities or online Residential sessions—four in total, held on the campuses of Cornell and Queen’s universities |
Selection Criteria | Academics, relevant test scores, professional experience, extracurricular activities, essays, awards and recognitions, recommendations and interview | Organizational excellence, academics(coursework/GMAT), essays and interview |
Now, let's compare these programs based on several factors:
Work Experience: ISB PGPMAX requires a minimum of 10 years of work experience, while Cornell EMBA requires 7 years and ISB PGPpro require at least 5 years of work experience.
Start Months: Cornell EMBA starts in September, while ISB PGPMAX starts in August, and ISB PGPpro starts in July and January.
Class Times: Cornell EMBA has classes twice a month on weekends and two international residential sessions, while ISB PGPMAX has classes one week every six weeks, and ISB PGPpro has classes alternate weekends.
International Trip: Cornell EMBA and ISB PGPMAX both require international trips, while ISB PGPpro requires only one international trip.
Average Work Experience: ISB PGPMAX has the highest average work experience of 18 years, followed by ISB PGPpro with an average work experience of 10 years, while Cornell EMBA has an average work experience of 12 years.
Program Length: ISB PGPpro has a program length of 18 months, while Cornell EMBA has a program length of 17 months, and ISB PGPMAX has a program length of 15 months.
Program Cost Cornell EMBA program cost is $194,346-$228,916 (USD), while ISB PGPMAX program cost is INR 49,50,040, and ISB PGPpro program cost is INR 37,38,180 (plus taxes).
In conclusion, each program has its unique features, and the choice of program would depend on the individual's career goals, budget, and work experience. Cornell EMBA program would be an excellent choice for individuals seeking an international experience and exposure to the US business environment. On the other hand, ISB PGPMAX would be ideal for individuals with extensive work experience seeking an international experience with exposure to Ivy League universities. Finally, ISB PGPpro would be suitable for individuals looking for a weekend program in India that allows them to continue working while pursuing an executive education program.
Numbers tell only part of the story. Choosing the right MBA isn’t just about class size—it’s about fit, goals, and ROI. Our experts at GOALisB can help you make a data-driven decision that maximizes your chances of admission. Contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between PGPmax and PGPpro?
PGPmax is ISB’s 15-month Executive MBA for senior professionals with 10+ years’ experience, while PGPpro is an 18-month weekend Executive MBA for mid-career professionals with 5+ years’ experience.
Both PGPmax and PGPpro are executive MBA programs at the Indian School of Business (ISB), but they target different career stages and formats.
ISB PGPmax (Post Graduate Programme in Management for Senior Executives)
Duration: 15 months.
Format: Modular, residential blocks of 6–7 days every 6 weeks.
Target Audience: Senior executives, entrepreneurs, and leaders with 10+years of work experience.
Curriculum: Leadership, global strategy, innovation, entrepreneurship, governance.
Career Outcome: Board-level roles, CXO positions, global leadership.
ISB PGPpro (Post Graduate Programme in Management for Working Professionals)
Duration: 18 months.
Format: Weekend classes (alternate weekends), non-residential, offered in 4 cities (Delhi, Hyderabad).
Target Audience: Mid-level managers with 5+ years of experience.
Curriculum: General management, functional specialization (Finance, Marketing, Strategy, Ops).
Career Outcome: Career acceleration, functional leadership, transition to management roles.
Key Differences at a Glance
Feature | PGPmax | PGPpro |
Experience | 10+ yrs | 5+ yrs |
Format | Modular, residential | Alternate weekends, city-based |
Duration | 15 months | 18 months |
Audience | Senior leaders, CXOs | Mid-career managers |
Focus | Strategic leadership & global exposure | Career growth & functional leadership |
Location | Hyderabad and Mohali campus | Delhi, Hyderabad |
Summary:
Choose PGPmax if you are a senior professional/entrepreneur seeking CXO-level growth and international exposure.
Choose PGPpro if you are a mid-career manager aiming for career acceleration while continuing your job.
What is the difference between PGP and PGPpro?
PGP is ISB’s 1-year full-time MBA for young professionals with 2+ years’ experience, while PGPpro is an 18-month weekend Executive MBA for mid-career managers with 5+ years’ experience.
Both PGP (Post Graduate Programme in Management) and PGPpro (Post Graduate Programme in Management for Working Professionals) are flagship offerings from the Indian School of Business (ISB), but they serve different career stages and learning needs.
ISB PGP (Flagship MBA Equivalent)
Duration: 1 year (full-time).
Format: Intensive residential program at Hyderabad & Mohali campuses.
Target Audience: Early-to-mid professionals with 2+ years of work experience.
Curriculum: Core + electives across Strategy, Marketing, Finance, Operations, Analytics.
Career Outcomes: Placement-driven, strong campus recruitment in consulting, finance, tech, product management.
Focus: Career switch, acceleration, or international exposure.
ISB PGPpro (Executive MBA Format)
Duration: 18 months.
Format: Alternate weekend classes (non-residential) in Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru.
Target Audience: Mid-level managers with 5+ years’ experience.
Curriculum: General management with optional specialization (Finance or Marketing).
Career Outcomes: Career acceleration within current industry, leadership roles, functional head positions.
Focus: Designed for working professionals who want to keep their job while studying.
Key Differences at a Glance
Feature | PGP | PGPpro |
Duration | 1 year | 18 months |
Format | Full-time, residential | Weekend, non-residential |
Work Experience | 2+ years | 5+ years |
Audience | Early career | Mid-career |
Location | Hyderabad & Mohali campuses | Delhi, Hyderabad |
Placement Support | Full placements | Career services (not full placements) |
Focus | Career switch + placements | Career acceleration while working |
Summary:
PGP: Best for young professionals seeking a career change and campus placements.
PGPpro: Best for mid-career managers aiming for career growth without leaving their current job.
Which is better, PGP or MBA?
PGP (Post Graduate Program in Management) is the Indian equivalent of an MBA, and both are considered equal in value—the difference is mainly in terminology, program format, and location.
The PGP vs MBA debate can be confusing because of naming conventions. Globally, the MBA (Master of Business Administration) is the standard term, while in India, schools like ISB, IIMs, and other B-schools often use PGP for their flagship management program.
PGP (India)
Full form: Post Graduate Program in Management.
Award: Diploma or certificate (not a degree, since many IIMs are not universities; ISB gives a diploma equivalent to an MBA).
Duration: Usually 1 year (ISB PGP, IIM Executive PGPs) or 2 years (IIM PGPs).
Recognition: Equivalent to an MBA in global job markets and higher studies.
Focus: Practical, case-based, and industry-aligned.
MBA (Global)
Full form: Master of Business Administration.
Award: A degree (recognized globally).
Duration: Typically 1 year in Europe/UK, 2 years in the U.S./India.
Recognition: Universally understood academic title.
Focus: Similar content—strategy, finance, marketing, leadership, operations.
Key Differences
Feature | PGP (India) | MBA (Global) |
Credential | Diploma/Certificate (India) | Degree |
Duration | 1–2 years | 1–2 years |
Location | India (ISB, IIMs, XLRI, etc.) | Worldwide (U.S., UK, Europe, Asia) |
Recognition | Equivalent to MBA | Official MBA title |
Placements | Strong campus placements in India | Global placements, wider alumni network |
Summary:
PGP in India = MBA abroad in value and content.
If you want global branding, an MBA degree from a foreign university may carry more weight.
If you want top Indian placements and ROI, IIMs or ISB’s PGP is equally powerful.
What is the duration of PGPpro?
The PGPpro at ISB has a duration of 18 months, delivered through alternate weekend classes in major Indian cities.
The Post Graduate Programme in Management for Working Professionals (PGPpro) at ISB is designed for mid-career professionals (5+ years’ experience) who want to pursue an MBA-equivalent program without leaving their jobs.
Key Facts on Duration & Format
Total Duration: 18 months.
Class Format: Alternate weekends (Saturday–Sunday).
Location: Offered across Delhi and Hyderabad.
Flexibility: Non-residential, allowing professionals to balance work and study.
Structure: General management foundation + specializations (Finance or Marketing).
Why 18 Months?
The weekend format spreads coursework over a longer time than ISB’s 1-year full-time PGP.
Allows participants to apply classroom learning directly to workplace challenges in real time.
Summary: The ISB PGPpro runs for 18 months with alternate weekend classes, making it ideal for working professionals seeking career acceleration while continuing their jobs.
Which is the best Executive MBA program?
The best Executive MBA programs in 2025 include Wharton, INSEAD, London Business School, Chicago Booth, and ISB PGPMAX, as ranked by the Financial Times EMBA Rankings 2024.
“Best” can vary depending on your career goals, geography, and budget, but global rankings provide a reliable benchmark.
Top Global Executive MBA Programs (FT EMBA Ranking 2024)
Kellogg–HKUST (Hong Kong University of Science & Technology & Northwestern Kellogg) – Consistently ranked 1 globally.
CEIBS Global EMBA (China Europe International Business School, Shanghai) – Top-ranked in Asia.
INSEAD Global Executive MBA (France, Singapore, Abu Dhabi) – Strong international exposure.
London Business School EMBA (UK, Dubai, Hong Kong) – Strong in finance and global leadership.
University of Chicago Booth EMBA (U.S., London, Hong Kong) – Data-driven, global cohort.
Wharton EMBA (University of Pennsylvania, U.S.) – Powerful U.S. alumni network.
Best Executive MBA in India
ISB PGPMAX (Post Graduate Programme in Management for Senior Executives)
Ranked among the Top 50 globally (FT 2024).
Designed for professionals with 10–25 years of work experience.
Focus on leadership, strategy, and global exposure.
IIM Executive MBAs (EPGP, GMP, IPMX, etc.) – Highly respected in India, but less globally ranked compared to ISB.
How to Decide Which EMBA is Best for You
If you want global mobility: INSEAD, LBS, Wharton, Booth.
If you want Asia focus: CEIBS, Kellogg-HKUST, ISB PGPMAX.
If you want India focus with global credibility: ISB PGPMAX or IIM Bangalore EPGP.
If you want flexibility while working: ISB PGPpro (weekend program) or modular EMBAs abroad.
Summary: The best Executive MBA globally in 2025 is the Kellogg-HKUST EMBA, while in India, ISB PGPMAX is the top-ranked Executive MBA with strong global recognition.
Is Cornell MBA prestigious?
Yes, the Cornell Johnson MBA is highly prestigious, ranked among the top 15 U.S. business schools and globally respected for finance, consulting, and technology careers.
The Cornell Johnson Graduate School of Management (part of the Ivy League’s Cornell University) is widely recognized as a prestigious MBA program with strong global reputation.
Why Cornell MBA Is Prestigious
Ivy League Brand: Cornell is an Ivy League university, giving the degree global recognition.
High Rankings:
U.S. News (2025): Cornell Johnson MBA ranks 15 in the U.S.
Financial Times (2024): Ranked among the Top 20 MBAs worldwide.
Career Outcomes:
Average base salary for the Class of 2024: $162,000.
Top recruiters include McKinsey, BCG, Bain, Amazon, Citi, and Google.
Special Strengths:
Renowned for finance, consulting, and tech leadership tracks.
Unique One-Year Tech MBA in NYC for professionals aiming at digital/tech roles.
Global Network:
Strong alumni network across Wall Street, Silicon Valley, and Fortune 500 firms.
Prestige Compared to Other MBAs
Not as globally high as Harvard, Stanford, or Wharton (M7 schools).
But considered a target school for consulting, finance, and technology in the U.S. and abroad.
Strong Ivy League credibility ensures global career mobility.
Summary: Yes, the Cornell MBA is prestigious, backed by Ivy League status, top 15 U.S. ranking, strong salaries, and an influential alumni network—especially in finance, consulting, and tech.
What is the best EMBA in the world ranking?
Top EMBA Programs in the World (2024)
According to FT EMBA 2024, the top EMBA programs are:
Rank | School / Program | Notes |
1 | CEIBS Global EMBA (China Europe International Business School) | |
2 | ESCP Business School | |
3 | Washington University in St. Louis: WashU-Fudan EMBA | |
4 | IESE Business School (Global EMBA) | Excellent alumni reach and international reputation. |
5 | TRIUM (HEC Paris / LSE / NYU Stern) | Global partnership; joint expertise from multiple top schools. |
6 | MIT Sloan EMBA | |
7 | Arizona State University: W. P. Carey | Emerging in global reach via joint programs. |
8 | EMBA-Global: Columbia / London Business School | |
9 | INSEAD Global EMBA | |
10 | Fudan University EMBA | Strong presence in Asia; improving global recognition. |
Other Highly Ranked EMBA Programs
ESSEC & Mannheim EMBA – Also in the top ~25 by FT.
Oxford Saïd – Top ranker in QS EMBA 2025.
Programs like TRIUM, Tsinghua-INSEAD, etc. are strong in joint/local-global spread as per QS.
What to Consider When Picking a “Best” EMBA
“Best” depends a lot on your goals, geography, industry, and work experience. Here are some key factors to compare:
Global/Regional Exposure: Programs like CEIBS, ESCP, TRIUM offer modules across continents.
International Diversity: Percent of cohort from outside your home country matters.
Career Impact: Salary increase, seniority change pre- vs post-EMBA.
Faculty Quality & Research Output.
Flexibility & Format: Weekend, modular, hybrid, etc.
Cost vs ROI: Tuition + opportunity cost vs expected salary & role jump.
What is the difference between Cornell EMBA and MBA?
The Cornell EMBA is a part-time, 2-year program for mid-to-senior professionals (10–15 years’ experience), while the Cornell MBA is a full-time, 1–2 year program for early-to-mid career professionals (3–7 years’ experience).
Both Cornell Johnson MBA and EMBA are prestigious, but they serve different career stages and formats.
Cornell MBA (Full-Time)
Duration: 2 years (standard) or 1 year (accelerated track).
Format: Full-time, immersive in Ithaca or NYC.
Target Audience: Early-to-mid career professionals with 3–7 years’ work experience.
Special Options:
Two-Year MBA (Ithaca campus).
One-Year MBA for experienced professionals.
Tech MBA (NYC, for tech/digital careers).
Career Focus: Career switchers, consultants, finance, tech professionals.
Outcomes: Average salary for 2024 grads ~ $162,000 base pay.
Cornell Executive MBA (EMBA)
Duration: 2 years (modular/alternate weekends).
Format: Part-time; classes in NYC, Metro NY, or global partnership formats.
Target Audience: Mid-to-senior level managers with 7 years’ experience.
Special Options:
Cornell Executive MBA Metro NY.
Cornell EMBA Americas (with partner schools).
Career Focus: Career accelerators for those aiming for senior leadership, C-suite roles.
Flexibility: Designed to allow students to work full-time while studying.
Key Differences at a Glance
Feature | Cornell MBA | Cornell EMBA |
Duration | 1–2 years | 2 years |
Format | Full-time, immersive | Part-time (weekends, modular) |
Work Experience | 3–7 years | 7 years |
Audience | Career switchers | Career accelerators (senior professionals) |
Location | Ithaca & NYC | NYC & Americas |
Salary Outcomes | ~$162K average base | Higher, but varies with seniority |
Summary: The Cornell MBA is ideal for early-to-mid professionals seeking career change or growth, while the Cornell EMBA suits senior leaders who want to accelerate into executive roles without leaving work.
What is the ranking of ISB Executive Education?
ISB Executive Education: Key Rankings
In the Financial Times Executive Education Custom Ranking 2025, ISB is ranked 1 in India and 23 globally.
Within that ranking, ISB also holds rank 2 globally for the Future Use parameter.
Other parameters where ISB scores well include Value for Money (12th), Programme Design (22nd), International Clients, Aims Achieved, and Teaching Methods & Materials.
In the Financial Times EMBA (Executive MBA) Ranking 2024, ISB is placed no.40 globally for its EMBA programme (PGPMAX).
Also, ISB ranks well in several EMBA sub-parameters: Alumni Network (8th), Salary Today (17th), % Salary Increase (19th).
In the Executive Education Custom Ranking 2024 by FT, ISB was ranked 26 globally and 1 in India.
What is the acceptance rate for ISB PGP Pro?
PGP-PRO’s acceptance rate is around 15-20%
