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How to apply to ISB YLP?

ISB YLP Application process takes place in three stages. Let's see a step by step guide on how to apply to ISB YLP.


What is the admission procedure to apply to ISB YLP?

The ISB Young Leaders Programme (YLP) is a foundation programme for final year and pre final year students to secure a seat at the Indian School of Business's Full-Time MBA programme. ISB YLP admits get a deferred entry to join the ISB PGP program when they complete 20 months of work experience.


The next application deadline for Stage 1 Round 2 Application for ISB YLP is 31 March 2024.


ISB YLP 2024
ISB YLP 2024

The ISB YLP 2024 application process is divided into three stages:


First of all the candidate has to register himself/herself on the ISB admissions portal. Then

  1. ISB YLP Stage 1 - Applicants submit one essay, awards and achievements online application form and ISB YLP application fee.

  2. ISB YLP Stage 2 - Shortlisted applicants need to submit GMAT/GRE scores, one more essay and one recommendation letter with the online application form.

  3. ISB YLP Stage 3 - Shortlisted applicants are invited for an interview with the ISB alumni.

Watch the video for more details about ISB YLP program.


How can I get selected in ISB YLP ?


To get selected in ISB YLP following are the steps required to be fulfilled by the applicants.

Application form details for ISB YLP 2024 stage 1 application:

  1. Submit your academic details i.e. 10th 12th and graduation scores,

  2. Awards and achievements, Extracurriculars.

  3. One essay

  4. The ISB YLP 2023 stage 1 application submission deadline : March 31 2024.

  5. ISB YLP Stage 2 Deadline is 31 August 2024.

ISB YLP 2022 Stage 2 Application requirements:


  1. Only the applicants who have been shortlisted post stage 1 application submission can apply to the ISB YLP 2023 stage 2 application.

  2. The deadline for ISB YLP stage 2 application is August 31, 2023 for the 2023 admission cycle

  3. ISB YLP stage 2 applicants will have to submit a GMAT or GRE score.

  4. The GMAT code for score submission for ISB YLP is : N2D-J5-99

  5. The GRE code for score submission ISB YLP is: 7891

  6. One more ISB essay needs to be submitted.

  7. This stage also requires one letter of reference.


ISB YLP Admit shares her journey:


In her interview, Ms. Vani Mukundan shared her experience of getting into the ISB YLP program. Here, she has shared some insights about her journey to becoming an ISB YLP Admit.


Educational Background and Work Experience: Vani holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and has also done internships at startups. She is currently working in the risk management department of a multinational company.


GMAT preparation: Vaani started preparing for the GMAT in December, when she got a position with a company. She found the GMAT to be a very stressful process, but she was able to score well by focusing on the fundamentals, checking error logs, and analysing her weak areas. She didn't prepare for the CAT either because she hoped her GMAT score would be good.


Essay preparation: Ms. Vani worked with Shruti, an MBA admissions counsellor, with GOALisB to develop her essay. Brainstorming, editing, and revising helped her to tell her story in a concise and convincing way.


Interview preparation: Vani also found the mock interview very helpful, as it helped her improve her interviewing skills.


ISB YLP interview experience: Vani interviewed with two ISB alumni who were in the same field she wanted to be in. The interview was conversational, and Vani was able to tailor the conversation. She felt that the mock interviews gave her extensive practice on how she could present her responses during the ISB interview.



Advice for future ISB YLP applicants: Vani's advice for future ISB YLP applicants is to stay focused during stage two prep, stay comfortable with your story, and learn to take on new interests or talk about things to make you stand out. She also recommends working with an MBA admissions counsellor, as they are experienced and work with many applicants. Watch the complete ISB YLP admit interview recording here.


ISB YLP Essay 2023:


Everyone is inclined towards a particular interest/goal which they are passionate about, be it in the field of academics or extra-curriculars. What is that one thing that you are passionate about? What are your current efforts in pursuing it , and what efforts will you put in the future to achieve that goal?



For assistance on your MBA application get in touch with an experienced MBA admissions consultant at GOALisB.


FAQs regarding ISB YLP 2023


How many students are selected for ISB YLP and ISB EEO admissions?


ISB does not specify any fixed percentage of seats for the intake of ISB YLP and ISB EEO admits. The number of seats is dependent on the cumulative candidates applying through these admission cycle each year.


Is GRE accepted for the ISB YLP 2023 application process?

Yes, GRE is accepted as a valid test score for applying to the ISB YLP. A good GRE score is something close to or higher than the school average i.e. 326/ 328. We have compiled more information on the ISB YLP here


Who can be the recommender for the ISB YLP application?

Applicants can choose to take the ISB YLP evaluation from a college professor or Dean, or from their reporting manager from their internship.

ISB YLP 2022 Stage 3:

  1. Another shortlisting process follows and ISB releases interview calls which is the stage three of the ISB YLP process.

  2. The information about the ISB interview is available on the same ISB YLP login as for stage 1 and stage 2.

  3. The ISB interview is conducted by the ISB alumni.

  4. After the ISB YLP interview the results will start to roll out.

How do I write the ISB YLP essay ?

ISB YLP 2022 Essay Topic For Stage 1:

What is the ideal career which you always wanted to pursue? Do you still want to pursue the same or has it changed? How do you plan to make your ideal career a reality? (300 words max)


Approach this ISB essay topic pragmatically. For example consider the paragraph below:

I love the idea of being able to design and build things that make people's lives better. I would love to be able to work on cars, or build homes, or even just design and create furniture for people. I have always loved tinkering with things, from taking apart old electronics to building structures out of Legos. When I was younger, my parents had me take some classes in woodworking and metalworking at the local community college. I loved it so much that I even took a course in welding after high school before deciding what major to pursue at university. I would love the opportunity to be able to use my skills as an engineer.


Now the paragraph above does show your passion and engagement with your career choice.


After taking a woodworking course in high school, I developed an appreciation for the way wood could be shaped and used. I would love the opportunity to work in product design or architecture.


This is an engaging start and gives you an opportunity to build further and discuss the remaining part of the question for the ISB Essay.


The MBA essay is an important aspect of your ISB YLP application. It's the opportunity to share your story with the admissions committee and it's important that you tell it in a way that is compelling and relevant to the program you're applying for.


The content of your MBA application essay should have some essential elements:

  1. Your personal story: what drives you, what motivates you, and why you want an MBA

  2. Why this specific program/ career: why do you want this degree from this school? What will it mean for your career? What will it mean for your life?

  3. How will your experiences at this school help you advance your career?

  4. What skills, talents, or attributes do you have that the program is looking for?

  5. What keeps driving you, motivating you, and why the MBA is important for your life?

Need more help with your ISB YLP 2022 application or ISB Essay? Get in touch with our ISB admission consultant or write to us at contact@goalisb.com or call us at +91 7719497187.

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