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How good is ISB PGPpro for Executive MBA in 2024 ?

ISB PGPpro is an 18 month General Management program offered by the Indian School of Business. Is ISB PGPpro worth it? If your goals are aligned with what the school offers. Yes, it is definitely worth it.


ISB PGPpro has two cohorts (Bangalore-Mumbai and Delhi-Hyderabad) with three application rounds for each. The deadlines for the cohorts are as follows:


  • ISB PGPpro Bangalore-Mumbai Cohort:

    • Round 1: May 19, 2024

    • Round 2: August 18, 2024

    • Round 3: October 27, 2024


  • ISB PGPpro Delhi-Hyderabad Cohort:

    • Round 1: November 24, 2024

    • Round 2: February 23, 2025 (tentative)

    • Round 3: May 03, 2025 (tentative)


In this blog post, we will discuss the different aspects of the ISB PGPpro program which will help you make a decision whether it aligns with your career goals. Our admission consultants have a 96% success rate with ISB PGPpro applications and have assisted professionals across domains with experience ranging from 5 years upwards with the ISB PGPpro applications. Get application assistance from an experienced ISB admissions consultant at GOALisB.


The year 2024 has been marked by dynamic changes that have compelled working professionals to reevaluate their career strategies. The first change is the ISB PGPpro eligibility has changed. Now, professionals with a work experience of a minimum work experience of 5 years plus of work experience can apply for the ISB PGPpro. This means that the cohort at ISB PGPpro is envisioned to be richer in experience, ensuring an enriched MBA experience to admits.


The ISB PGPpro login for the Delhi and Hyderabad cohort intake has changed recently.


Further let's explore what makes ISB PGPpro worth it?

From a recent admit to ISB PGPpro, Dr. Shaliga Bhatnagar, who we worked with recently and our ISB Admission consultant interviewed her about her review of the ISB PGPpro.



Inspired by Dr. Bhatnagar's success? Let GOALisB help you write your own ISB story.


Pursuing the ISB PGPpro program provides an opportunity to professionals to upgrade their skills and strategically prepare for career growth. Let's explore why ISB PGPpro has gained value in 2024:

  1. The ISB PGPpro is an ideal program for working professionals who aspire to earn an esteemed MBA degree while maintaining their current employment. This makes the ISB PGPpro a highly convenient option for pursuing an MBA during 2024.

  2. ISB PGPpro brings together a very diverse cohort which is evident from the recent changes in the eligibility criteria.

  3. In 2024, industries are undergoing rapid changes and the ISB PGPpro program offers a multitude of events throughout the year.

  4. Attaining the status of ISB alumni is one of the advantages of completing the ISB PGPpro program, which enables them to distinguish themselves in the professional world and establish their individual brand.

  5. ISB PGPpro is a popular option among MBA equivalent programs as it does not mandate the GMAT score for admission. This is a great advantage for working professionals with significant work experience who find it challenging to dedicate time to prepare for GMAT.


Curious about ISB PGPpro? Explore your options with a free consultation.


What is the ISB PGPpro eligibility?


ISB PGP pro 2024 - 25 eligibility requirements are:

  1. Educational Qualifications:

    • A bachelor’s degree in any discipline, or

    • A CA/CS qualification, or

    • An equivalent certification.

  2. Work Experience:

    1. For applying to the ISB PGPpro Mumbai-Bengaluru cohort: You should have at least five years of full-time work experience by December 31, 2024.

    2. For applying to the ISB PGPpro Delhi-Hyderabad cohort: You must have at least five years of full-time work experience by June 30, 2025.

  3. No GMAT or GRE or Test Scores required.



ISB PGPpro Class Profile:

  1. Women students in the ISB PGPpro cohort - 24%

  2. Average Age in the class of ISB PGPpro - 33 years

  3. Average Work Experience in the ISB PGPpro - 10.1 Years


Some professionals who we have worked with to help them achieve success in the ISB PGPpro application process.



ISB PGPpro Application Process 2024:

  1. Submit an online application form with academic details and work experience details.

  2. Submit one main ISB essay and addition scholarship essay along with the online application.

  3. Two letters of recommendation.

  4. Shortlisted applicants are invited for the ISB interview.


Get in touch with an experienced ISB Admissions Consultant at GOALisB for the ideal package to ensure your successful application to ISB PGPpro.


Top ten reasons which make ISB PGPpro a good program for Executive MBA in India are:


1. ISB PGPpro is ideally suited for working professionals with at least 8 years of experience with in class sessions with ISB faculty and online modules during the intervening weekends. The weekend classes for Bangalore cohort of the ISB Executive MBA are conducted at Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway and for the Mumbai the classes are conducted at Taj Lands End, Bandra. Apart from the campus immersion which happens at ISB campuses at Hyderabad or Mohali the rest of the ISB PGPpro course is conducted at locations within the city.


2. A student of ISB PGPpro can shift to any of the four locations that are offered. According to the course start schedules, Mumbai or Bangalore vs. Delhi or Hyderabad are conducted in sync i.e. if a students moves from Mumbai or Bangalore (begins in January) to Delhi or Hyderabad (begins in July) one would face a six months lag in the course.


3. ISB Executive MBA offers students of the ISB PGPpro immense exposure through a plethora of activities and industry interactions. This contributes to the worth of ISB PGPpro as an executive MBA program.


4. ISB PGPpro is suitable for working professionals who wish to gain skills in Strategy and Leadership and the program offers two specialisations - Finance and Marketing. If you are looking at senior management or C Suite leadership roles in an organisation, ISB PGPpro will equip you with the skills required to get there.


5. The opportunity to engage with the upcoming industries at the ISB Executive MBA makes it a unique learning experience and definitely worthwhile. Some of the recent events that students of the ISB Executive MBA participated in are:


  1. LAKSHY-A: A Day with Alumni - to be held on 9 June 2024, this event is an ISB Alumni Exclusive networking event organised by the PGPpro Co24 students.

  2. Upcoming Event: Power-Packed Panel Discussion on Impact Investments & Career Opportunities Date: July 22, 2023 | Location: Taj Lands End, Mumbai There is an upcoming panel discussion on 'Impact Investments & Career Opportunities' hosted by the ISB PGPpro Mumbai Cohort 2024.

  3. CMO Diaries Series: Special Guest Speaker - Siddhant Narayan, Head of Marketing at Nike Date: July 2023 | Hyderabad Campus

  4. Exclusive Resume Review Sessions with Alumni Dates: July 8th and 9th, 2023. For the first time in PGPpro history, ISB PGPpro is organizing exclusive Resume Review Sessions in collaboration with the alumni.

  5. The first reunion of ISB PGPpro Bengaluru cohort was organised from 30 June to 1 July 2023.

  6. Day 1 of 'Utkrisht' promises to be an enriching experience with a focus on hands-on learning and networking opportunities. On May 20th 2023, attendees had the opportunity to participate in two engaging workshops. The first workshop, "Roadmap to Consulting," was led by Mr. Pavan Sathiraju, Co-founder of Blue Chapter. The workshop provided hands-on experience with a case study, preparing attendees for future consulting interviews. The second workshop, "Finance Modeling and Valuations," was conducted by Ms. Sloka Balasubramanyan, Director at EY, and Mr. Arun Rathnam, Director (Valuations) at EY. This workshop delved into industry best practices in finance modeling and valuations.

  7. On Thursday, March 30th, 2023, the ReIgnite Peer Learning sessions at ISB PGPpro conducted an online session focused on "Emotional Intelligence." The session will be facilitated by Anuradha Nithisha K. We look forward to an informative and engaging session.

  8. An exciting event took place on March 20th, with ISB PGPpro students in attendance. The session featured Mr. Paul Levy and Prof. Luis Martins, who shared their expertise on "Building Organizations and Change Management." Attendees gained valuable insights into managing organizational changes, conflict resolution, leadership, effective communication, and change management in the workplace.

  9. On March 28, 2023, the ISB PGPpro's Women-Led Initiatives hosted a session featuring Ms. Vibha Paul Rishi. The topic of discussion was "Leading Innovation in Diverse and Large Teams," with the cohort as the audience.

  10. The ISB PGPpro Co'24 program is hosting an intriguing event on the subject of innovation and entrepreneurship, featuring a session titled "The Founding Story of Livofy." The event will take place on February 20th, 2023.

  11. ISB PGPpro played host to an upcoming Masterclass on Strategy and Business Models featuring Piyush Sharma, on January 28, 2023.

  12. 'Antarya', a new series centred on consulting and case solutions, was presented by the Finance & Consulting Club at ISB PGPPro class of 2023.


Get Application assistance for ISB PGPpro from an experienced ISB admission consultant. Schedule A Call.


6. The ISB PGP pro program is structured in phases to equip applicants with a structured progression on the business concepts. Therefore, from a long term and short term perspective it is definitely worth it.


7. A prime benefit of the ISB PGPpro program for professionals is that they are awarded the full alumni status by ISB and they are a part of a selective cohort at ISB.


8. Another key advantage that the ISB PGPpro offers is that working professionals can network with professionals without having to take a break from their career. In addition to the curriculum the students of the ISB PGP pro go through three campus residences which are one week long. The first one being at the ISB Hyderabad campus, second being the International immersion - NUS, Singapore and the third is at the ISB Mohali campus.


9. The work experience for applying to ISB PGPpro has risen to 8 years till 15 years of experience giving a more enriched senior cohort to engage with.



10. ISB PGPpro offers its students an International immersion program which adds to their global exposure. ISB PGPpro curriculum covers 24 courses dispersed in 4 categories focused on Leadership & Strategy - i.e. preparatory courses, foundation courses, core courses, advanced and elective courses in Marketing and Finance.


To sum it all, the ISB PGPpro program is specifically suitable for a mid level professional who cannot leave his current job to pursue a full-time MBA.


Share your profile with an experienced MBA admission consultant at GOALisB to discuss on a one on one call about your fit and the application process to ISB PGPpro.


These are the kind of events and industry network that one gains from the ISB PGPpro program.



What are the electives provided by ISB PGPpro?

When it comes to choosing electives for the ISB PGPpro program, students have the opportunity to specialize in different areas of business, such as marketing and finance. Both specializations offer a range of advanced courses that delve into specific topics and equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their chosen field.


Here, we will compare the elective courses available in marketing and finance to help students make an informed decision.


Elective Courses in Finance in ISB PGP pro:

1. Options & Futures ( ISB PGP pro Finance Elective ) :


The "Options & Futures" course focuses on valuing options, forwards, and futures. Students learn about different valuation models and techniques. By analyzing numerous numerical examples, students gain practical insights into the world of options and futures.


2. Capital Control, Merger & Acquisition ( ISB PGP pro Finance Elective ):


Students explore the reasons behind corporate diversification and the principles that contribute to successful diversification. The course also examines M&As, their success rates, and the factors that differentiate successful growth strategies from unsuccessful ones.


3. Portfolio Management ( ISB PGP pro Finance Elective ):


In the "Portfolio Management" course, students learn about security pricing, portfolio optimization, and the trade-off between risk and return. The course focuses on equity portfolios and covers topics like choosing an optimal portfolio of risky assets, allocating wealth across asset classes, and analyzing investment performance.


4. Capital Raising Strategies in Corporations ( ISB PGP pro Finance Elective ):


This advanced course in corporate finance examines the capital raising and financing strategies of firms at different stages of their life cycles. Students gain a comprehensive understanding of capital markets and corporate financing.


Not sure if PGPpro is right for you? Talk to an expert who understands your goals.


Elective Courses in Marketing offered in ISB PGPpro:

1. Marketing Services ( ISB PGP pro Marketing Elective ):


The "Marketing Services" course focuses on service strategies and leadership. Students analyze the differences between service and product firms and examine how world-class service firms are built. The course challenges traditional notions about services and explores new models of service systems. Through critical evaluation and analysis, students develop a deep understanding of service marketing and management.


2. New Product Development & Marketing ( ISB PGP pro Marketing Elective ):


This course the strategic marketing issues related to new product development and marketing. The course aims to change students' thinking and evaluation of new product opportunities, equipping them with the skills to drive successful product launches.


3. Business Model Innovation ( ISB PGP pro Marketing Elective ):


The "Business Model Innovation" course focuses on pricing as a fundamental aspect of marketing strategy. Students learn about key concepts and strategic alternatives for pricing decisions. The course provides frameworks and analytical foundations for designing profitable pricing policies.


4. Customer Behaviour & Branding ( ISB PGP pro Marketing Elective ):


In this course, students dive into the world of brands and customer behavior. They explore how brands can stand out, differentiate themselves, and achieve growth. The course covers topics like building, measuring, managing, and leveraging brand equity.


Whether students choose the finance or marketing specialization, the ISB PGPpro program offers a range of elective courses that provide in-depth knowledge and practical skills. By carefully considering their career goals and interests, students can select the electives that align with their aspirations and equip them for success in their chosen field.


What are the other comparable programs to ISB PGPpro for working professionals?


How do the Executive MBA from IIM and the EMBA program at ISB differ from each other?

If you are considering pursuing a management program in India, you may be weighing the pros and cons of an MBA from IIM and an EMBA from ISB.

  1. Duration: The Executive MBA from IIM is a one-year program, while the EMBA from ISB is offered in two formats - a 18-month PGPpro program and a 15-month PGPMAX program.

  2. Mode of Program: The MBA from IIM for executives is a full-time program, while the EMBA from ISB is designed for working professionals and is offered in a part-time, weekend, or modular format.

  3. Audience: The MBA from IIM for executives requires a minimum of 4-5 years of work experience and an average work experience of 8-8.5 years, while the EMBA from ISB requires a minimum of 8 years of work experience for PGPpro and 15 years for PGPMAX, with a higher average work experience.

  4. Test Scores Required: The MBA from IIM for executives requires the submission of the GMAT or GRE scores, while the ISB Executive MBA does not require test scores to be submitted.

  5. Placement Support: The MBA from IIM for executives provides placement support, while the ISB Executive MBA is designed for working professionals and does not offer placement support.

  6. Loans: The MBA from IIM for executives admits are eligible for a moratorium period from banks for education loans, while ISB Executive MBA students usually do not get a moratorium period and repayment starts immediately. When it comes to career prospects, both programs have their advantages.


The full-time MBA from IIM is ideal for career transitions and can open up new opportunities in a shorter amount of time. However, it requires taking a break from work to pursue the program, which can be a drawback for some. On the other hand, the EMBA from ISB is designed for working professionals and offers career advancement options without the need to leave your job.


This means that you can continue to earn while pursuing the program, avoiding any loss of income. In summary, both the MBA from IIM and the EMBA from ISB have their own unique advantages and disadvantages. It's important to carefully consider your goals, work experience, and financial situation before making a decision.


Alternatively in case you want to opt for the full time MBA programs for experienced professionals there are many options for the One Year EMBA in India.


Need help deciding between ISB PGPpro and other executive MBAs? Get personalized advice from GOALisB.


What are the differences in the faculty in Hyderabad or Mumbai cohort at ISB PGPpro?​

The calendars of the program in Mumbai and Bangalore are synced. The faculty for the different cohorts are the same depending on the subjects offered during the period. The expertise of the faculty and their availability is synchronised for all the four cities offering the ISB PGPpro program.


How does one decide whether to apply for ISB PGPpro or ISB PGPMAX ?


This decision should be made on the quality of work experience the applicant has gained so far. ISB PGP Pro is suitable for professionals working at mid to senior level in their organizations.


ISB PGP Max on the other hand is structured for professionals who are already engaged in leadership roles or those who have had good experience in leadership positions in their organizations.


Still wondering about how good is ISB PGPpro program?


If you are wondering how good is ISB PGPpro you should check if your goals are in line with what the school and the ISB PGPpro program offers. Connect with an ISB admission consultant to discuss your goals and profile to evaluate the ISB PGPpro program fit with your profile. We asked a few graduates about how good is the ISB PGPpro, they have all valued it most for the long term value addition that it gives and at the same time they value the peer network they build at ISB PGPpro.


Some other FAQ about the ISB PGPpro:


What is the placement assistance post the ISB PGPpro?


The applicants to the ISB PGPpro program are already working so there is no provision for a scheduled placement process. The school provides learning and development activities on career profile building throughout the year and access to opportunities which the graduates can avail.

ISB PGPpro offers many tools you can utilise to move towards a career change. ISB PGPpro does not offer campus placements as the program is intended for working professionals. ​

  1. Career support services is a series of personalised workshops done by the L&D team. These workshops are not a part of the curriculum but a part of the program. These include developing a job search action plan, build a stronger resume, mock interviews, building a personal brand, negotiating a job offer, work on your weaknesses etc.

  2. Career transition services by the corporate relations team networking side profile book for the students are collated and circulated among the corporate relations which float the relevant lateral placement opportunities.

  3. Leveraging the alumni network is a very important tool. ISB PGPpro offers a full alumni status for the students enabling them in outreach to alumni for connect.

  4. The alumni job portal is an exclusive job networking site for ISB graduates available for the ISB PGPpro alumni.


Is there a benefit of applying early to ISB PGPpro application?

There is a maximum scope of qualifying for the scholarships when applying in the Round 1 of the application itself.


What are some ISB PGPpro reviews, application process?


We have compiled details on the ISB PGPpro application process and interviewed the applicants as below.


Q. How did you shortlist the schools to apply to? What were the key points that you were looking for? What resources did you refer to while making the decision?


Ans.


1. ISB PGPpro Applicant Response. The ISB course PGP Pro was pretty intriguing and I wasn't exploring too many options against this course. The PGP Pro course content was pretty interesting and addressed most of the challenges I faced in last few years was a key factor in choosing this course.


2. Another ISB PGP pro applicant responded to the question above as: I was looking for a program that offered flexible timing, faculty, peer knowledge.


3. An ISB PGPpro applicant with 11 years of experience in IT services responded as: First of all, based on institution ranking followed by curriculum and diversity of peer groups

The ISB PGPpro application process is designed to fit its selection criteria. ISB Hyderabad selects high potential professionals based on their academic performance, personal characteristics like ethics, interpersonal communication skills, goals and global vision.


The Executive MBA from ISB Hyderabad is suited for professionals with a track record of strong achievements at work. The ISB PGPpro application checks if they stand out due to their managerial experience and their contributions to organisations. A successful ISB PGPpro application must be able to demonstrate leadership potential and the impact.


The application to the Executive MBA from ISB Hyderabad, PGPpro is accepted in two cycles each for Delhi, Hyderabad and Mumbai, Bengaluru.


What is the test score required for ISB PGPpro application?


There is no specific test mandated by ISB for admission to the Executive MBA from ISB, the ISB PGPpro. The application to ISB PGPpro, Executive MBA from ISB Hyderabad, requires the submission of a detailed work experience, recommendation letters and essays.


How important is the ISB PGPpro interview?


The last part is the ISB PGPpro interview. One should never underestimate the importance of the ISB PGPpro interview process. ISB does not give a lot many days for you to start your interview preparation. The time that you would usually get for an ISB PGPpro interview is around 2 - 7 days. The interview panel usually comprises alumni who try to ascertain the fit of the applicant with the program.


The application process for admission to the Executive MBA from ISB Hyderabad, ISB PGPpro actually starts with a thorough profile evaluation of the applicant. Once the fit is clear, the applicant should spend a lot of time brainstorming to get his thoughts and experience together. The rest of the process follows after that.


What are the ISB PGPpro interview questions?


The ISB PGPpro application process results in the selection of a very selective pool of applicants. The ISB PGPpro interview questions revolve around the different experiences that the applicant has asked The main theme of the ISB PGppro interview questions is to address the fit of the applicant to the school and the program. The ISB PGPpro interview questions definitely probe the motivations and experiences of the applicant to check if they fit into the ISB PGPpro program.


Which program is better suited for Indian professionals, the INSEAD ILPSE or ISB PGPpro?


The INSEAD Leadership program for senior executives is a one year program structured to groom the next generation senior executives in India. This program has a part time format with a part of the course held at International locations, i.e. France or Singapore. This program caters to the leadership skills, management concepts and advanced specialisation as does the ISB PGPpro program. However the suitability of either program depends on the individual professional, the costs involved and the goals you have.


There are 5 main differences in ISB PGPpro vs INSEAD ILPSE:

  1. Minimum work experience required: ISB PGPpro is 8 years while INSEAD ILPSE is 10 years.

  2. Fees: ISB PGPpro costs around INR 34 Lacs, while INSEAD ILPSE costs around SGD 66,000.

  3. Duration of the program: ISB PGPpro is 18 months in duration while the INSEAD ILPSE is one year in duration.

  4. Locations: ISB PGPpro has cohorts at 4 locations in India + One International while the INSEAD ILPSE is conducted conducted across 3 locations Internationally.

  5. Program Inception: ISB PGPpro is present since 5+ years while INSEAD ILPSE is present since 12+ years.


Can an Executive MBA from ISB PGPpro help me transition towards a product management career?


Yes. A majority of our applicants seek a transition to the product management roles within or outside their organisations and they do achieve this goal successfully.


If you are entering the ISB PGPpro program with a background of technical aspects of product management, this education would surely help you transition to a product management role. However, if your background prior to the ISB PGPpro application is not related to the product management in any sector or domain, it can't be said for sure that you would be able to transition to product management career roles.


Don't miss the next deadline! Secure your future with ISB PGPpro. Schedule a consultation with GOALisB today.


Here is a comprehensive list of GOALisB resources related to the Indian School of Business (ISB):


ISB Application Process and Essays


ISB Programs and Specializations


ISB Application Strategies for Professionals


ISB Financial Information


ISB Interview and Profile Building


ISB Career Options and Comparisons


ISB Admissions and Preparation



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