According to the Financial Times (FT) Global MBA Ranking 2023, the Indian School of Business (ISB) has once again earned the #1 ranking in India for its PGP. ISB has consistently performed well in these rankings, and it remains the only Indian B-school to be included in the top 50 worldwide, ranking #39 globally and #6 in Asia.
In addition to its strong performance in the MBA rankings, ISB has also been recognized for its research excellence. The institution has been ranked #1 in India and #61 globally for its research output, aligning with its mission to be a research-led management institution. This impressive research ranking is a testament to the high-quality work produced by ISB year after year. Here we are addressing important questions regarding ISB admission process.
Understanding ISB's Admission Criteria:
What is the admission criteria in ISB?
Here are the eligibility criteria for admission to the ISB Post Graduate Programme:
Possess an undergraduate or post-graduate degree in any field.
Have at least two years of full-time work experience (preferably for regular admission or less than 24 months for Early Entry Option).
Submit a valid GMAT/GRE score.
If from a non-English speaking country, provide a TOEFL/IELTS score as proof of English language proficiency.
All applicants who meet these criteria will be interviewed as part of the selection process.
If you're considering applying to the Indian School of Business (ISB), it's essential to understand the admissions criteria. Here are the ten key points that applicants are evaluated on:
1. Academic Credentials: The ISB seeks candidates with a strong academic background, including grades from 12th standard, graduation, post-graduation, and certifications.
2. GMAT scores and GRE scores: GMAT/GRE scores are also considered, but there are no strict "cut off" criteria for academic credentials or test scores.
3. Work Experience: Applicants must have a minimum of two years' full-time work experience (for the PGP regular admissions) and less than 24 months of full-time work experience (for a deferred admission through the Early Entry Option).
4. Leadership Demonstrated: They evaluate leadership potential through past initiatives, responsibilities handled, and career progression.
5. Professional Recommendation: The evaluation includes a professional recommendation that gauges the applicant's leadership potential in a professional setting.
6. Personal Characteristics: ISB seeks applicants who are versatile, well-rounded, and can contribute positively to society.
7. Extracurricular Activities: Extracurricular activities and interests beyond work life are also considered to gain insight into the applicant's personal qualities.
8. Diversity: The school encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds, including work experience, educational background, and nationality, among others.
9. Interview is an integral part of the ISB admission process.
10. Holistic Evaluation: Overall, the ISB seeks applicants who demonstrate a strong potential for academic excellence, leadership, and personal growth. The admissions team reviews each application holistically and selects candidates who have the ability to make a positive impact in their chosen fields.
Understanding the ISB admissions criteria is crucial to prepare a strong application that showcases your potential for academic excellence, leadership, and personal growth. The school seeks applicants who can contribute positively to society and bring diverse perspectives to the class. With the right preparation and a strong application, you could be on your way to a life-changing educational experience at the Indian School of Business.
Preparing for the GMAT/GRE:
Does ISB accept CAT score?
ISB does not accept the CAT score. Instead ISB accepts the GMAT score or the GRE score as a valid test score for the ISB admission criteria. The CAT score is valid only for the year that the test is written in, however the validity for the GMAT or the GRE score is five years from the date of writing the test.
1. The ISB application can be submitted with the unofficial scores however, the official score report from GMAC or the ETS must be submitted to ISB for a complete application.
GMAT code for submitting scores to ISB : N2D-J5-01
GRE code for submitting scores to ISB : 7892
2. The IR (Integrated Reasoning score from the GMAT report is not considered for the ISB admission criteria.
What is the minimum score for ISB?
There is no minimum GMAT or GRE score specified by the ISB eligbility criteria.
GMAT score range accepted into ISB: 600 - 780
GRE score range accepted into ISB: 311 - 335
Average GMAT accepted into ISB - 710/720
Average GRE accepted into ISB- 326
Our previous students have provided inputs and tips for preparing for the GMAT/GRE, such as enrolling in a test prep course, taking practice exams, and familiarizing oneself with the test format.
What is the application process for ISB PGP 2022?
ISB has an online application process which requires the applicants to submit:
their Academic history like grades, college etc,
Work profile including job responsibilities, achievements, CTC, Industry etc
Two ISB essays
One recommendation letter
Interview invite upon selection in the application stage.
Writing Effective Essays:
ISB essays are a critical component of the admission process, and the admissions committee uses them to evaluate the applicant's ability to articulate their goals, leadership potential, and fit with the school's culture. The essays also allow applicants to showcase their unique perspectives, experiences, and achievements, and to differentiate themselves from other candidates.
How do I write an ISB essay?
GOALisB Mentor Shruti P discusses ISB essays and how to write impressive essays with GMATClub on Instagram Live.
Tips for Writing ISB Essays:
Understand the essay prompts: The essay prompts for ISB change every year, and it's important to read them carefully and understand the questions being asked. The prompts typically ask for information about your goals, leadership potential, and fit with ISB's culture.
Be specific: ISB essays require applicants to provide specific examples of their experiences and achievements, rather than making general statements. Be sure to provide concrete examples and quantify your accomplishments where possible.
Showcase your uniqueness: ISB is looking for candidates who can contribute to the school's diverse and inclusive community.
Be authentic: It's essential to be authentic and genuine in your essays. Don't try to present a false image of yourself or try to guess what the admissions committee wants to hear.
Grammatical errors, typos, and spelling mistakes can detract from your message and reflect poorly on your attention to detail.
ISB essays are an integral part of the admission process and an opportunity for applicants to showcase their unique perspectives, experiences, and achievements. By following these tips and guidelines, you can write effective essays that demonstrate your fit with ISB's culture and contribute to your admission into the program.
Read more about ISB admission process.
What are the essay topics for ISB?
ISB Essay 1:
Peer Learning is a major building block of PGP at ISB. Help us in understanding how will you be able to add value to the PGP peer group through your personal and professional qualities/capabilities?
ISB Essay 2:
What are your short term and long term career goals? How will Post Graduate Program at ISB assist you in achieving your goals?
ISB Essay 3 (Optional - reapplicant essay) :
How has your profile changed from the time you last applied to the ISB?
What is the goal of the ISB essay?
The Indian School of Business (ISB) places a significant emphasis on peer learning in their Post Graduate Program (PGP), making it an important aspect for applicants to consider when applying. The ISB essay prompt is asking for a reflection on how an applicant's personal and professional qualities and capabilities will enable them to add value to the PGP peer group. This is an opportunity for the applicant to showcase their unique strengths and experiences, and demonstrate their understanding of the value of peer learning in the MBA program.
An effective strategy to approach this ISB essay would be to first analyze the qualities and capabilities that the ISB values in their applicants. These may include:
Industry expertise: A diverse range of professional experiences and knowledge in different industries can provide valuable insight and perspective in class discussions and group projects.
Leadership experience: Demonstrating experience in leading teams and managing projects can indicate an ability to effectively collaborate and contribute to the peer learning experience.
Cultural awareness: Understanding and respecting different perspectives and cultures can contribute to a positive and inclusive learning environment for all classmates.
Strong communication and teamwork abilities: Clear and effective communication and the ability to work well in a team are crucial for sharing knowledge and collaborating on group projects.
A desire to learn and grow: Being open-minded, receptive to feedback, and actively seeking out opportunities for self-improvement can indicate a commitment to continuous learning and development.
Next, the you should reflect on your personal and professional qualities and capabilities, and how they align with the values listed above. You can include specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate their points. You should also demonstrate their understanding of the importance of peer learning in the MBA program and how your unique strengths and experiences will contribute to the peer learning experience.
It's important to note that the essay should be well-written, clear, and concise. The ISB essay should be tailored to the specific MBA program, it's best to research about ISB and it's program. Also, the essay should demonstrate a strong understanding of the importance of peer learning in MBA education, and how the applicant's unique strengths and experiences will contribute to the peer learning experience at ISB.
Contact an experienced ISB admission consultant for assistance on reviewing and writing impressive essays.
Are scholarships offered in round 3 at ISB PGP 2022?
Yes, ISB offers scholarships in the Round Three application cycle. All the scholarships applicable in ISB PGP Round One and Round Two are also available for Round Three applicants. The only difference is that applicants for Round one admission cycle are eligible for a maximum of 100% of tuition fee waivers. However the maximum tuition fee waivers offered to Round two and Round three applicants are up to 75% of the tuition fee, apart from this the parameters remain the same with respect to scholarships at ISB.
What is the deadline to defer my offer of admission to ISB PGP?
ISB offers admits at different times during the admission cycle. The dates for applying for deferral are specified in the specific offer letter/ email for every individual. There is no common date or deadline for applying for a deferral at ISB PGP.
How can I get into ISB MBA?
Getting into the ISB MBA requires you to first qualify for a GMAT score or a GRE score. Once this score is ready, you have to apply through an online form. The online application form requires submission of academic data, work experience related information, 2 or 3 essays, recommendation letters, information about awards and extracurricular activities. Once this form is submitted, the next step is the interview call. Based on all the above information submitted an applicant is chosen for admission by the school.
What kind of profile is required for ISB application?
There's no specific answer for a profile which is required for ISB. However evaluating certain benchmarks definitely helps identify a potential applicant.
Some criteria for a successful profile at ISB are:
1. Academic potential - a one year MBA is a rigorous course, applicants with substantial academic potential perform well in this environment.
2. Leadership qualities - leading teams, organisations, initiatives is key.
3. Clarity of goals and consistently working towards them.
When does the ISB Hyderabad admission process start?
The application cycle for ISB Hyderabad is conducted over 2 or 3 cycles with the first round deadline sometime in mid September and the last cycle deadline usually around January every year. The specific deadlines should be checked for every year from the school application portal.
What is the entrance exam for ISB Hyderabad?
ISB Hyderabad accepts the GMAT score or the GRE score for admission to its full time MBA course.
Can I get into ISB without the CAT?
Applying to ISB does not require the submission of a CAT score. The ISB application process requires the GMAT or the GRE score to be submitted along with an online application, essays and a letter of recommendation.
Is ISB better or IIM?
It is difficult to determine which institute is "better" as both the Indian School of Business (ISB) and the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) are highly respected institutions in India and have their own unique strengths and characteristics.
The Indian School of Business, also known as ISB, is a private institution of higher education for business that is situated in Hyderabad, Telangana, India. It was established in 2001 and offers a range of postgraduate management programs, including the Postgraduate Programme in Management (PGP), the Postgraduate Programme in Management for Working Professionals (PGPMAX and PGPpro), and the Fellow Programme in Management (FPM).
There are twenty public institutions in India which comprise the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). In the 1960s and 1970s, they were founded with the intention of filling a need for a superior management education in India. Postgraduate Programme in Management (PGPM), Fellow Programme in Management (FPM), and Executive Postgraduate Programme in Management are just some of the graduate management courses available at the IIMs.
Ultimately, the choice of which institute is better for you will depend on your personal goals, interests, and career aspirations. It is important to research both institutes carefully and consider factors such as the curriculum, faculty, location, and alumni network before making a decision. A profile evaluation with an expert at GOALisB can also help in understanding which program will be better for your background.
Is ISB degree valid abroad?
Currently ISB is recognised by World Education Services (WES) only. It is equivalent to the Post Graduate Diploma. This would provide around 7 point lesser than a Master's Degree.
How to build a good profile for ISB?
To build a good profile for ISB pay attention to everything that you engage in - whether it is academics, extra curricular activities or work. Growth and leadership qualities are very important for an admit to ISB. At every stage of life and profession one must be fully involved in creating an impact in the society around them. Work on your communication skills, practical knowledge, holistic personality development and build your vision as a world leader if you aspire for ISB.
What is a good GMAT score for ISB?
The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a standardized test used by business schools as part of the admissions process for their MBA and other graduate management programs. A good GMAT score for the Indian School of Business (ISB) will depend on a number of factors, including the competitiveness of the program and the overall strength of the applicant pool. According to data from ISB's website, the median GMAT score for the incoming class of 2021 was 700 - 710. This means that a huge number of the students in the class scored above 700 and half scored below 700.
However, it is important to note that the GMAT score is just one factor that is considered as part of the admissions process at ISB. Other factors, such as work experience, academic performance, and essays, are also taken into account. It is worth noting that the GMAT score is just one aspect of the admissions process at ISB and other business schools. Admissions committees also consider other factors such as work experience, academic performance, and essays. Therefore, it is important to put effort into all aspects of the application process and not just focus on the GMAT score.
Scholarships for R1 ISB Admission process 2022:
AT&T Scholarship - Declaration of work experience in IT/Technology/Media/Communication Industry
Bridge to India Tuition Waiver - Essay Question - Justify why you deserve this Scholarship. (For applicants working abroad for more than 1 year and plan to return to India) (200 words max)
ISB - AIESEC Tuition Waiver - Essay question : Justify why you deserve this Scholarship. Also, provide your contribution to the AIESEC. (This scholarship is for AIESEC alumni) (Upload proof of your association with AIESEC along with Proof of Income for Self in the upload section) (200 words max)
ISB need based waiver - Essay Question: Justify by stressing on the need & your family financial condition (For applicants with household incomes less than INR 12 Lacs) (200 words max)
PGPMAX Co 2012 Scholarship - Essay question: Explain how do you plan to give back to the society? (For applicants working in the social sector only and household income less than INR 12 Lacs.) (200 words max)
Ramesh C. Khanna Nurture India Scholarship - Essay question: Justify why you deserve this Scholarship. (For applicants who are the sole income earners in their family and household income less than INR 12 Lacs). (200 words max)
Let's look at the ISB admission process. Once you are sure that you fulfil the prerequisites for admission into ISB, it's time to look into the detail of what is required for admission to ISB.
Online application form
Details about your educational qualifications
Details on your employment - past and current. The admission process in ISB requires you to submit your achievements and roles in the organisations you have worked for.
ISB admission essays - mostly 2, a third one - the reapplicant essay may be applicable if you are reapplying for admission into ISB.
One recommendation letter
Statement of integrity
Proof of qualifications, GMAT score and work experience
GMAT score or the GRE score
Details of your extracurricular activities and hobbies
Further we have compiled a checklist for MBA admission aspirants to evaluate if they are ready.
Once you have the above ready, it's time to complete the admission process in ISB by submitting the online application. The next part to get the ISB admission is the ISB interview.
An important part of the process for admission to ISB is the application essays. It takes ample thought and time to write your ISB essays while you prepare an ISB application. While the applicants are busy preparing to achieve their highest GMAT score for ISB MBA, they should start simultaneously start working on the application. The GMAT score or the GRE exam score is a data point for the ISB MBA applicant which portray the academic potential of the applicant.
How difficult is it to get into ISB?
To build a good profile for admission into ISB the applicant must look into the skills you have upgraded in this while, some popular career options post ISB have been product manager,
supply chain or operations manager, or consulting.
Our ISB admission consulting expert advocates a sound strategy for the application process goes a long way to ensure successful admission into ISB.
How much GMAT score is required for ISB Hyderabad?
There is no ideal GMAT score for ISB Hyderabad as it is not the only criteria to ensure a seat. The ISB MBA application essays play a very crucial role in communicating your credentials in the process for admission in ISB.
What is required for ISB Hyderabad admission?
The campuses whether ISB Hyderabad or ISB Mohali are allotted by the admissions team at the time of offering the admit. Therefore there is no specific requirement which needs to be fulfilled if the applicant wants to get into ISB Hyderabad. The admission in ISB is largely profile based. One has to prove to the ISB admissions team that they have what takes to be there. The ISB MBA application is the presentation that brings forward the personality of the applicant to the ISB Admissions committee with an important constituent being the essays you have submitted to ISB and the interview. ISB Hyderabad admission or admission to ISB Mohali is decided by ISB according to the balance of profiles on both the campuses.
So, according to ISB admission consultant at Goalisb the right time to start working on the ISB MBA essays is the exact moment that you decide to prepare for the ideal GMAT score.
What else should I know when I start the ISB Application Process?
The ISB MBA admission process is almost similar for the ISB MBA, Executive MBA from ISB - ISB PGPpro , the ISB AMPBA or the ISB YLP.
Most of us wonder what lands an admit letter to an applicant's inbox. Many believe that the GMAT score or the GRE scores are the most important for ISB admission. Some wonder if GPA does the job and there are others who think that certificates of appreciation from stellar organisations give an extra edge.
It's not just about getting there it's more about what you want to do in life after ISB MBA. ISB MBA application essays change every year.
The main theme of the ISB essays is related to leadership potential, lessons learnt from failures, quality and depth of experiences that the applicant has. These are all equally important for admission to ISB.
Check with our ISB admission consultants if you have the ripe profile for ISB MBA.
What are the ISB Hyderabad MBA Admission Criteria?
The ISB PGP MBA course is a fully residential one year programme delivered at both its campuses, ISB Hyderabad and ISB Mohali. The MBA course is delivered over eight terms spread over the year with each term focussing on its wide offering of core and elective subjects.
The criteria for admission into ISB are as follows:
1. Minimum 24 months of work experience
2. Bachelors or masters degree
3. Submission of complete application form online
The online application requires the following details for admission to ISB:
1. Academic scores,
2. Employment details,
3. GMAT score or the GRE score,
4. Essays,
5. Recommender information.
The ISB MBA deadlines for are announced by the school every year. The current ISB MBA deadlines are available here.
Is a GMAT score of 720 sufficient for me to get admission to ISB Hyderabad?
Sufficient. Yes. Assured. No. Even the best MBA admissions consulting would like to reassert the importance of your complete application for applying to ISB. There is absolutely no part of the application process for ISB that we suggest can be ignored. You can read here about who gets selected to ISB.
Why was my application to ISB Hyderabad rejected?
The best way to evaluate is to brainstorm. Feel free to share your information with us over a call to discuss.
I was rejected at ISB last time, should I reapply?
Yes. ISB doesn't place any penalty on re application. Best MBA admissions consulting suggest that you have to be very clear with the re applicant essay. We have had a 99% success rate with re-applicants.
What is the best thing about ISB MBA? Why ISB Hyderabad?
One year at ISB Hyderabad and ISB Mohali is an exceptional peer to peer learning environment where one gets to interact with the largest pool of the smartest professionals from different walks of life. Admission to ISB is tough because if admitted you are among the best management students in the country. Read here to decide is ISB worth it?