ISB Admission Process 2025-26
- Goalisb
- Sep 10
- 13 min read
The ISB PGP is one of the most sought-after management programs in India. As the application cycle for the 2025 intake approaches, it's crucial for aspiring candidates to understand the nuances of the application process. In this blog post, we'll dive deep into the eligibility criteria, deadlines, admission process, and specific sections of the application form, with a special focus on the education section.
ISB Eligibility Criteria:
To be eligible for the ISB PGP 2025 intake, candidates must meet the following requirements:
1. Hold an undergraduate degree (Bachelor's degree, CA, CS, or equivalent qualification)
2. Have at least two years of work experience as of March 31, 2025
3. Submit a valid GMAT exam or GRE score
Note: The early entry option will not be available through the same portal as of now. Updates regarding this option will be announced by the school soon.
ISB Application Deadlines 2025-26:
While exact dates are yet to be announced by ISB, candidates should keep the following tentative deadlines in mind:
- Round 1: September 15, 2024
- Round 2: November/ Dec 2024
- Round 3: January 2025
It's advisable to plan your GMAT or GRE attempts and retakes accordingly. ISB MBA offers a globally recognized MBA program. Learn more about the program structure, admissions, and career opportunities that await ISB graduates.
ISB Admission Process:
The ISB admission process evaluates candidates based on several factors:
1. Educational background
2. Test scores (GMAT or GRE)
3. Work experience
4. Awards and achievements
5. Essays
6. Recommendation letter
7. Performance in the ISB interview
ISB Application Form Sections 2025-26:
The ISB application form consists of the following sections:
1. Personal details
2. Education details
3. Awards and recognitions
4. Professional experience
5. Other courses
6. Essays
7. Recommender details
8. Test scores (including language proficiency test scores, if applicable)
ISB Application 2025-26 Deep Dive: Education Section
The education section of the application form has some specific requirements and considerations:
1. Mandatory Degree Entry:
- At least one bachelor's, integrated, or professional degree must be added in this section.
2. Institution Not Listed:
- If your institution is not in the drop-down menu, raise a service request within the application form.
- The ISB admission team will add your institution details.
3. Study Abroad/Exchange Programs:
- No need to add these separately; they should be part of your transcripts.
4. College Transfers:
- List only the final institution that awarded your degree.
5. Non-English Documents:
- Get them translated and attach the translated versions along with the originals.
6. Other Courses:
- Courses that are not bachelor's or master's degrees should be listed in the "Other Courses" section.
7. Multiple Undergraduate Degrees:
- Add only one in the education section.
- List the other in the "Other Courses" section.
8. Chartered Accountants:
- The three-year articleship period should be entered as part-time education.
- It can also be listed under professional experience as full-time experience.
- Note: This will not count towards the calculation of eligibility for work experience.
9. Medical Background:
- The one-year internship period can be added as full-time work experience.
- It should also be listed in the education section as part-time education.
10. Avoid Overlapping Information:
- Ensure clear demarcation between full-time and part-time periods in your educational history.
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Some admits who aced the ISB Admission Process:
Tips for a Strong ISB Application:
1. Start early: Begin preparing your application well in advance of the deadlines.
2. Be thorough: Fill out each section of the application form with care and attention to detail.
3. Highlight achievements: Showcase your awards, recognitions, and unique experiences.
4. Craft compelling essays: Use the essay section to tell your story and demonstrate your fit with ISB.
5. Choose recommenders wisely: Select individuals who can speak to your professional abilities and potential.
6. Prepare for the interview: If shortlisted, be ready to discuss your application and career goals in depth.
The ISB PGP application process for the 2025 intake is comprehensive and requires careful preparation. By understanding the requirements of each section, particularly the education details, you can submit a strong and competitive application. Remember to stay updated with any additional information or changes announced by ISB regarding the application process.
Dreaming of a consulting role post-MBA? ISB consulting careers provide ample networking and placement support for aspiring consultants. See how ISB’s curriculum supports consulting skills and career paths.
If you need assistance with your ISB application, essays, or interview preparation, don't hesitate to seek help from our ISB admission consultant at GOALisB.
Special cases in the ISB Application 2025-26
Special Considerations for Chartered Accountants (CAs) in the ISB Application 2025-26:
1. Articleship Period:
- The mandatory three-year articleship period should be entered in two places:
a) In the education section as part-time education
b) In the professional experience section as full-time experience
- This dual entry reflects the unique nature of CA training, which combines education and practical experience.
2. Work Experience Calculation:
- Important: Despite listing the articleship as full-time experience, it will not count towards the calculation of eligibility for work experience.
- Applicants should ensure they have at least two years of post-qualification work experience (after completing CA) by March 31, 2025, to meet the eligibility criteria.
3. Educational Qualification:
- CAs should list their CA qualification in the education section as equivalent to a bachelor's degree.
- If you have completed any other bachelor's degree before or after your CA, you can mention that as well.
4. Supporting Documents:
- Be prepared to submit your CA final marksheets and certificate.
- Include documentation of your articleship, such as completion certificates or letters from your articling firm.
5. Skills Highlight:
- In your application essays or interview, emphasize the diverse skills gained during articleship, such as auditing, taxation, financial management, and client interaction.
Ready to make your MBA aspirations a reality? Contact us today and let's work together to make it happen.
The ISB essays are an essential part of your application, giving you a platform to share your story. Learn the dos and don’ts to craft an essay that captures your personality and aspirations effectively.
Special Considerations for Medical Professionals in the ISB Application:
1. Internship Period:
- The one-year internship period should be entered in two places:
a) In the education section as part-time education
b) In the professional experience section as full-time work experience
- This approach recognizes the dual nature of medical internships as both educational and professional experiences.
2. Work Experience Calculation:
- Unlike the CA articleship, the medical internship year can count towards the required two years of work experience.
- Ensure that you will have at least two years of total work experience (including internship) by March 31, 2025.
3. Educational Qualification:
- List your MBBS or equivalent medical degree in the education section.
- If you have completed any additional medical qualifications or specializations, mention these in the appropriate sections.
4. Residency and Specialization:
- If you've completed a residency or specialization program:
a) List it in the education section if it led to an additional degree (e.g., MD, MS).
b) Include it in the professional experience section if it was primarily work-based training.
5. Supporting Documents:
- Be prepared to submit your medical degree certificate and internship completion certificate.
- If you have any publications or research experience, highlight these in the relevant sections of the application.
6. Unique Perspective:
- In your essays or interview, emphasize how your medical background provides a unique perspective for business studies, particularly in areas like healthcare management, biotech, or pharmaceutical industries.
Additional Tips for Both CA and Medical Applicants for the ISB Application Process:
1. Interdisciplinary Skills:
- Highlight how your specialized background has equipped you with valuable skills for business, such as analytical thinking, problem-solving, and ethical decision-making.
2. Career Transition:
- If you're looking to transition from a purely CA or medical role to a business-focused career, clearly articulate your motivations and goals in your application.
3. Relevant Projects:
- Showcase any projects or experiences where you've demonstrated leadership, management, or business acumen within your professional context.
4. Continuous Learning:
- Mention any business-related courses, workshops, or certifications you've undertaken to supplement your primary qualifications.
5. Industry Insights:
- Leverage your insider knowledge of the finance or healthcare sectors to demonstrate your potential value in business discussions and projects at ISB.
By following these specific guidelines, CA and medical professionals can present their unique backgrounds effectively in their ISB PGP applications. This tailored approach will help the admissions committee understand the full scope of your experiences and how they align with the program's objectives.
Remember, while these instructions provide a framework, each applicant's journey is unique. Contact GOALisB for professional guidance if you have any doubts about how to best present your specific experiences in the application.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is an ISB degree worth it?
Yes, an ISB MBA is worth it for professionals seeking a 1-year, globally ranked program with strong ROI and ₹34–37 LPA average salaries, though it requires a high upfront cost of ~₹43–45 lakhs.
Detailed Answer:
The Indian School of Business (ISB) offers one of the most prestigious 1-year MBAs (PGP) in India and Asia. Its value depends on your career stage, goals, and expectations.
Why ISB is Worth It
Global Rankings & Recognition
Consistently ranked in the Financial Times Global MBA Rankings (Top 30–40 worldwide).
Provides international credibility similar to INSEAD or LBS.
Strong ROI (Return on Investment)
Fee (2025): ~₹43–45 lakhs.
Average CTC (Class of 2024): ₹34.07 LPA; top salaries cross ₹70 LPA.
ROI achieved in 3–4 years for most graduates.
Career Acceleration
Large alumni base (16,000+ globally).
Strong placements in consulting, tech, finance, and leadership roles.
Companies like McKinsey, BCG, Amazon, Microsoft, and Goldman Sachs recruit.
1-Year Format
Saves 1 year of salary compared to 2-year MBAs.
Ideal for professionals with 4–8 years of work experience.
Challenges & Limitations
High Upfront Cost: ₹43–45 lakhs + living expenses.
No Internship: Harder for career switchers compared to 2-year IIM/US MBAs.
Competitive Admissions: Median GMAT ~710; acceptance rate ~20–25%.
Best for Experienced Candidates: Not ideal for fresh graduates (<2 years work experience).
Who Benefits Most from ISB
Professionals with 4–8 years of work experience.
Candidates seeking career acceleration in consulting, product management, finance, or leadership roles.
Those looking for global exposure while staying in India.
Quick Takeaway: Yes, an ISB MBA is worth it if you have relevant work experience and want a fast-track, globally respected MBA with strong ROI and top-tier placements. But if you’re a fresher or seeking an internship-based career switch, a 2-year IIM or US MBA may be better.
Who is the ideal candidate for ISB?
The ideal ISB candidate has a bachelor’s degree, 4–8 years of work experience, a GMAT/GRE score (median GMAT ~710), strong leadership potential, and clear career goals.
Detailed Answer:
The Indian School of Business (ISB) looks for a holistic profile beyond just test scores. Its admissions are designed to create a diverse, high-achieving class.
Profile of an Ideal ISB Candidate
Academic & Test Scores
Bachelor’s degree (any discipline, minimum 50%).
Strong GMAT/GRE score:
Median GMAT: ~710 (Class of 2025).
Range: 600–780.
Work Experience
Minimum: 2 years (at admission).
Ideal range: 4–8 years of full-time experience.
ISB values professionals who have shown career progression, leadership, and impact.
Leadership & Achievements
Evidence of team leadership, project ownership, or entrepreneurial work.
Extra-curricular or social impact activities add strength.
Career Clarity
Clear short-term and long-term goals in essays and interviews.
Alignment between past experience, MBA learning, and post-MBA plans.
Diversity Factors
ISB values non-traditional backgrounds (arts, healthcare, public policy, startups, family business).
Female candidates and international profiles are strongly encouraged.
Who May Not Be Ideal
Fresh graduates with <2 years of experience.
Applicants with only average test scores + weak leadership exposure.
Candidates unsure of post-MBA goals.
Quick Takeaway: The ideal ISB candidate combines a 710+ GMAT/GRE, 4–8 years of impactful work experience, strong leadership, and clear goals, making them stand out in a highly competitive applicant pool.
Does ISB give placement?
Yes, ISB provides 100% placement assistance, with the Class of 2024 reporting 1,578 offers for 874 students and an average CTC of ₹34.07 LPA.
Detailed Answer:
The Indian School of Business (ISB) has one of the strongest MBA placement records in India.
1. Placement Statistics (Class of 2024)
Students placed: 874
Total offers: 1,578
Average CTC: ₹34.07 LPA
Median CTC: ~₹31.0 LPA
Top sectors: Consulting, Tech, Product Management, BFSI, E-commerce.
2. Key Recruiters
Consulting: McKinsey, BCG, Bain, Deloitte.
Tech & Product: Amazon, Microsoft, Google, Flipkart.
BFSI: Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, Citi.
Others: Adani, Tata Group, Reliance, Unilever.
3. Placement Process
ISB runs a structured campus placement drive called the Day 1 system, similar to IIMs.
Students can access domestic + international roles.
Alumni network (16,000+) also supports lateral placements.
4. Important Notes
ISB ensures placement assistance, but actual offers depend on candidate profile + performance.
The school has consistently achieved 100% placement for flagship PGP in the past decade.
Quick Takeaway: Yes, ISB offers structured placement support with top recruiters and ₹34 LPA average salaries (2024), making it one of the most successful MBA placement ecosystems in Asia.
How much do ISB graduates earn?
ISB graduates from the Class of 2024 earned an average CTC of ₹34.07 LPA, with a median of ~₹31 LPA and top offers exceeding ₹70 LPA.
Detailed Answer:
The Indian School of Business (ISB) publishes annual placement reports showing salary outcomes for its PGP graduates.
ISB Class of 2024 Placement Salaries
Average CTC: ₹34.07 LPA
Median CTC: ~₹31.0 LPA
Highest Offers: ₹70+ LPA (domestic and international roles)
Total Offers: 1,578 for 874 students
Salary Trends Over Years
Class of 2023: Avg. ₹32.79 LPA
Class of 2022: Avg. ₹34.08 LPA
Class of 2021: Avg. ₹28.29 LPA (COVID impact year)
Sectors Offering Top Salaries
Consulting: McKinsey, BCG, Bain – ₹35–45 LPA avg packages.
Tech/Product Management: Amazon, Microsoft, Google – ₹30–40 LPA.
Finance (BFSI): Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, Citi – ₹35–50 LPA.
General Management/Leadership Roles: Adani, Reliance, Tata – ₹30–40 LPA.
International Packages
Some global offers cross USD $120,000–150,000 (~₹1–1.2 Cr), though limited in number.
Quick Takeaway: ISB graduates typically earn ₹34 LPA on average, with consulting, tech, and finance driving the highest packages. ROI is strong, with payback in 3–4 years after graduation.
What is the lowest salary of CS?
Official Salary Data from Glassdoor
According to Glassdoor, the lowest recorded annual salary for a Company Secretary in India is approximately ₹5,47,750, which breaks down to around ₹45,646 per month.
Other Data Points & Averages
Although the Glassdoor data provides a reliable benchmark, other reputable sources reflect similar ranges for freshly qualified CS professionals:
GeeksforGeeks reports entry-level monthly salaries between ₹30,000–₹50,000, which equates to ₹3–6 lakh per annum.
JurisHour suggests freshers can earn ₹30,000–₹60,000 per month depending on firm size and location.
Marg ERP Blog sets fresh annual earnings at ₹3.5–₹6 lakh.
Unstop aligns closely, estimating ₹3–5 lakh per year for entry-level CS.
AmbitionBox shows a broader pay distribution: from ₹3 lakh to ₹17.9 lakh annually, based on thousands of submissions.
Summary Table
Data Source | Lowest Annual Salary for CS |
Glassdoor | ₹5,47,750/year (~₹45K/month) |
Other Averages | ₹3 – ₹6 lakh/year |
Broad Range | ₹3 – ₹17.9 lakh/year |
Final Answer
The lowest confirmed CS salary from a credible source (Glassdoor) is around ₹5.48 lakh per annum (~₹45,600 per month). However, many new entrants report starting salary packages ranging between ₹3–6 lakh annually, depending on factors like firm size, location, and specialization.
Is ISB a private university?
Yes, ISB (Indian School of Business) is a private, independent business school, established in 2001 as a non-profit institution and not affiliated with any university.
Detailed Answer:
1. Nature of Institution
ISB is a private, not-for-profit business school, registered under the Societies Act, 1860.
It is not a government or state university and does not fall under the IIM Act.
Its programs are autonomous, with global accreditations.
2. Accreditations & Recognition
Accredited by AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA (triple crown accreditation).
Recognized internationally, featuring in Financial Times Global MBA Rankings.
Degrees are technically “certificates” (PGP, PGPMAX, PGPMFAB) but carry the same value as MBAs in global rankings and industry.
3. Governance
Founded by eminent corporates and academics (e.g., McKinsey, Kellogg, Wharton).
Governed by a board of industry leaders, not by the government.
Campuses in Hyderabad and Mohali.
4. Difference from IIMs
IIMs: Public institutions, created under the IIM Act, offering MBA degrees.
ISB: Private, independent, offers Post Graduate Programs (PGP) equivalent to MBA.
Quick Takeaway: Yes, ISB is a private, autonomous, not-for-profit business school, globally accredited and independent from Indian government universities.
Can I study in ISB for free?
No, ISB does not offer free education, but students can pursue it at reduced or zero personal cost through scholarships and financial aid covering partial or full tuition.
Detailed Answer:
The Indian School of Business (ISB) charges a fee of around ₹43–45 lakhs (PGP 2025), but several scholarships and financial aid options help students manage costs.
1. ISB Scholarships
Merit-based Scholarships – awarded to top applicants with exceptional GMAT/GRE scores, academics, or leadership.
Need-based Scholarships – for students with financial constraints (require income proof).
Diversity Scholarships – for women, non-engineers, or underrepresented backgrounds.
Corporate/Alumni Sponsored Scholarships – supported by ISB alumni and industry donors.
Full Tuition Waivers – very rare, awarded to outstanding candidates (typically <5% of class).
2. External Scholarships
Aditya Birla, OP Jindal, Inlaks, and Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation also support ISB students.
International students may apply for Fulbright or Commonwealth scholarships (for specific programs).
3. Financial Aid
ISB has tie-ups with leading Indian banks (SBI, HDFC, ICICI, Axis) for collateral-free education loans covering full tuition + living costs.
EMI repayment typically starts after course completion.
Quick Takeaway:
You cannot study at ISB entirely free, but with scholarships (partial/full) and education loans, many students complete ISB with little or no upfront cost.
ISB Admissions & MBA Programs - Complete Resource Guide
This category includes all key resources related to ISB’s MBA programs, admissions guidance, interview preparation, and placement insights.
