ISB Essays 2025-26: Expert Tips
- Shruti P, Lead Consultant at GOALisB
- May 24
- 8 min read
Updated: Jun 22
ISB Essays are a window for the admissions committee to know you as a professional and as an individual. With so many well qualified applicants aiming for their seat at ISB PGP, the ISB essays are your opportunity to stand out and show what you are made of.
Table of Contents:
ISB Essay Topics 2025: Official Prompts & What They Mean
If you're applying to the ISB PGP in 2025, the essays are an opportunity to demonstrate more than just achievements. These prompts test your clarity of purpose, self-awareness, and fit with ISB’s learning environment.
Here Are The Official ISB Essay Topics for 2025:
Essay 1: Your Personal Journey (Mandatory – 400 words)
Contemplate situations that have shaped your personal journey. Present what these situations have taught you about your strengths and weaknesses and how they have shaped your personal and professional journey.
What it tests: Self-reflection, personal growth, and the ability to link life experiences to career decisions.
Essay 2: Your Approach to Learning (Mandatory – 400 words)
What intellectual experiences have influenced your approach to learning and have led you to pursue an MBA? Please describe using anecdotes from your own life.
What it tests: Curiosity, depth of thought, and maturity in processing new ideas.
Essay 3: Why ISB, Why Now? (Optional – 250 words)
Given your experience and aspirations, how do you plan to use the PGP at ISB to fulfill your professional goals?
What it tests: Clarity of goals, understanding of the ISB ecosystem, and how well you've mapped your next steps.
Reapplicant Essay: What's Changed? (250 words)
What are the key personal and professional developments since your previous application at ISB that you would like to highlight to the admissions committee?
What it tests: Progress, self-improvement, and the willingness to reflect and act on feedback.
Changes in the Cycle
Every cycle, ISB looks for more intentionality, depth, and alignment with their vision of global-ready, grounded leaders.
Ready to Craft a Winning ISB Essay?
Your ISB application deserves more than just good writing — it needs strategy, storytelling, and structure. Whether you're a first-time applicant or a reapplicant, our expert guidance ensures your essays reflect who you are and what ISB looks for.
Check the MBA Essay writing service and get ISB Essay help from an expert writer or. editor at GOALisB.
Whatsapp "ISB Essays" at +919988625294 to know more.
ISB Interview Essays / On-The-Spot Essays – Format, Tips, and What ISB Looks For
Many ISB applicants—especially in Round 3—encounter the on-the-spot essay task during the admissions process. This component assesses how you think under pressure, not just how well you write under timed conditions.
Format of the ISB On-the-Spot Essay
You'll craft 2 short essays in 20 minutes total.
Complete Essay 1 before moving to Essay 2.
Essays are typically situation-based or reflective.
Suggested pacing: 10 minutes per essay (not officially enforced, but ideal).
Prompt Examples
“You are leading a project with a tight deadline. Two key team members quit. What do you do?”
“Describe a time when you had to choose between ethics and results.”
“How would you convince someone to support a cause they disagree with?”
These topics tend to be abstract, professional, or ethical—not technical.
What ISB Is Testing in On-The-Spot Essays?
Here’s a look at what the ISB admissions team is assessing in these essays:
| Skill | Why It Matters |
|-------|----------------|
| Structured Thinking | Can you maintain clarity and logic under pressure? |
| Situational Judgment | Do you possess a decision-making framework? |
| Originality | Are your ideas your own or borrowed from samples? |
| Self-Awareness | Can you connect decisions to values and outcomes? |
Common Mistakes to Avoid in the ISB Interview Essays
Rushing Without Clarity: You need flow, not flair.
Rehashing Prepared Lines: These essays aim to reveal your thinking in real-time.
Going Off-Topic: Stick closely to the prompt—structure is more crucial than creativity.
Preparation Tips for ISB On-The-Spot Essays
Practice writing 2 essays in 20 minutes: simulate real conditions.
Reflect on your values and workplace judgments.
Use a simple structure: Situation → Response → Reasoning → Outcome.
Final Word on ISB Interview Essays
These essays can greatly influence the impression you leave. If your writing is unclear, you risk losing your chance. Consistency across all application elements showcases maturity and readiness for ISB.
Want to practice with real prompts and receive expert feedback?
Tips and Strategies for ISB Essays
Based on the insights shared by Mr. Amit Tyagi, ISB Associate Director in the Q&A session, here’s a detailed guide on effective essay writing:
Introspection is Key: Reflect on your experiences and career goals. Understand your strengths and weaknesses.
Start Early and Iterate: Begin writing well in advance of deadlines.
Initial Brainstorming: Create an unconstrained draft without word limits at the start.
Ruthless Editing: Cut down to impactful experiences and insights.
Seek Feedback: Ask trusted mentors for diverse perspectives, keeping the final voice authentically yours.
Align with Your Narrative: Ensure all essays complement your application.
Showcase Self-Awareness: Clearly understand how your experiences shape your career goals.
Directly Address Prompts: Stay focused on what each essay requires.
Be Authentic: Write sincerely about your experiences and aspirations.
10. Show, Don't Just Tell: Use specific experiences to illustrate your points.
11. Consider Your Reader: Make your essays engaging and easily understood.
12. Prepare for Interviews: Be ready to discuss points raised in your essays.
13. For Reapplicants: Focus on highlighting growth and improvements.
14. Sleep On It: Allow time between drafts for fresh perspectives.
15. Discipline with Word Limits: Your final drafts should comply with given limits.
Remember, writing ISB essays is a journey of self-reflection. The ISB application process is multi-faceted and worth careful strategic planning to achieve application success.
Purpose of Each ISB Essay
Understanding the purpose of each essay helps you write impactful responses:
| Essay | Purpose |
|-------|---------|
| Essay 1 | To understand your personal and professional journey so far. |
| Essay 2 | To see how your learning mindset has shaped your decisions. |
| Optional Essay | To assess your perception of ISB’s role in your career goals. |
| Reapplicant Essay | To evaluate how you’ve progressed since your last application. |
What ISB Is Trying to Understand in the Essays
Here's a summary of key focus areas:
| Essay | Focus Area |
|-------|------------|
| Essay 1 | How life experiences shaped you. |
| Essay 2 | What inspires your intellectual curiosity. |
| Optional Essay | How well you’ve researched ISB. |
| Reapplicant | Your response to feedback and personal growth. |
ISB Essay Submission Details
Be mindful of the submission requirements:
| Essay | Word Limit | Mandatory? |
|-------|------------|------------|
| Essay 1 | 400 words | Yes |
| Essay 2 | 400 words | Yes |
| Optional Essay | 250 words | No |
| Reapplicant Essay | 250 words | Only for reapplicants |
GOALisB ISB Essay Review Framework: 6 Dimensions of Evaluation
At GOALisB, we evaluate ISB essays on six dimensions that mirror what the admissions committee values:
| Dimension | What We're Looking For |
|-----------|-------------------------|
| Clarity | Does the reader understand what drives you? |
| Authenticity | Does your voice come through as uniquely yours? |
| Depth of Thought | Are your insights reflective and nuanced? |
| Fit with ISB | Does your essay show that ISB is the right next step? |
| Strategic Cohesion | Does it align with your resume and goals? |
| Emotional Connection | Does your story resonate with the reader? |
Want Your Essay Assessed Using This Model?
Our expert consultants use the GOALisB Framework to evaluate and enhance ISB essays. Book an Essay Review with GOALisB.
Writing ISB Essays in the Age of AI, Reddit, and Free PDFs
When Everyone Has the Same Tools, What Makes You Stand Out?
You might have downloaded “55 successful ISB essays” or asked ChatGPT to draft your response. While many do the same, if everyone has the same tools, essays can start to sound indistinguishable.
The Illusion of the Perfect ISB Essay
You might think that using AI to draft essays is great, but admissions see the same phrases repeatedly:
“Ever since I was young, I’ve always believed in leadership...”
The Problem Isn't AI, It's Indistinctiveness
AI can’t convey:
Why you chose a specific role.
Why you care about your work.
What you learned from failures.
A Real Story Isn’t Always Polished, But It’s Yours
Great essays carry intention, groundedness, and authenticity. They are more likely to resonate with readers.
Final Thought
Anyone can write. But only you can create the essay that ISB readers will remember.
ISB Essay Samples
ISB Essay Analysis Series: Pitfalls to Avoid
This series will analyze ISB essay structures, pointing out common mistakes and showcasing real-world examples.
The "Forrest Gump" ISB Essay Structure:
Often, candidates fall into the trap of narrating unplanned career moves, making it sound accidental.
“During my last year of engineering, I was moved by a cloud computing lecture. I joined Microsoft soon after...”
Why Does This Structure Fail?
No Clear Rationale: Indicates a lack of planning and intentionality.
Success as Coincidence: Fails to show strategic decision-making.
Vague Goals: Weak alignment with future aspirations and ISB's program expectations.
Common Mistakes in ISB Essay Writing
Even strong candidates commit errors. Here are some to avoid:
Following Templates: This leads to generic writing.
Rehashing Resumes: Essays should reflect your thoughts, not just your actions.
Overusing Jargon: Buzzwords obscure genuine insights.
Last-Minute Writing: Rushed essays lack depth.
What ISB Looks for in Essays
They value:
A clear sense of self and direction.
A track record of learning and leadership.
A compelling story that blends competence with potential.
Crafting Your ISB Application Process Timeline
Understanding when to begin working on your ISB essays is crucial. Here are scenarios with suggested timelines:
Scenario 1: Reapplicants
Timeline: Start 4-5 months before the deadline.
Scenario 2: GMAT/GRE Ready
Timeline: Start 3-4 months before the deadline.
Need More Personalized Guidance?
The ISB essay writing process can be nuanced. For expert feedback, consider booking a free consultation with our experienced ISB consultants.
FAQs About ISB Essays
Q1. Is Essay 1 mandatory?
Yes, it's mandatory and an essential aspect of your application.
Q2. What is the purpose of ISB Essay 1?
It evaluates your self-awareness and growth journey.
Q3. Should I include personal and professional stories?
Choose stories that best illustrate personal growth.
Q4. Can I write about a failure in my essay?
Absolutely! Failure stories that highlight growth can be powerful.
Q5. How should I address weaknesses in the essay?
Highlighting your growth shows maturity and self-awareness.
This comprehensive guide aims to equip you with the knowledge to craft compelling ISB essays, highlighting your journey authentically and strategically. Your story matters—let's make it resonate!
Author:
By Shruti Parashar, Lead Consultant at GOALisB
GOALisB MBA Admission Consultants
Helping MBA applicants craft winning stories for ISB, IIM, and top global MBA programs.
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