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How is ISB Hyderabad for MBA aspirants?

Updated: Feb 7

ISB Hyderabad is a leading business school in India. The full form of ISB is the Indian School of Business which started with it's main campus in Hyderabad. ISB has a rich history that dates back to January 19, 1995, when the idea for the school was conceived. In this blog we will discuss the progression of ISB i.e. Indian School of Business since its inception and why it is worth it for an MBA in India. We will also discuss the ISB campuses and the courses that ISB offers.


How was ISB Hyderabad established?

  1. The ISB Board was formed on January 19, 1996.

  2. The school's association with The Wharton School and The Kellogg School of Management was established on November 19, 1997.

  3. On September 19, 1998, an MoU was signed with the Government of Andhra Pradesh for the establishment of ISB Hyderabad, and on December 20, 1999, the foundation stone for ISB Hyderabad laying ceremony was held.

  4. ISB Hyderabad associated with the London Business School was established on December 20, 2000.

  5. On December 2, 2001, the former Prime Minister of India, A B Vajpayee, inaugurated ISB Hyderabad, and the first student exchange program commenced on September 1, 2001.

  6. The first class of the Post Graduate Programme in Management for ISB Hyderabad started on campus with 128 students on July 1, 2001.

  7. Dr. Pramath Sinha was appointed as the ISB's Founding Dean on June 30, 2001.

  8. The Alumni reunion, Solstice, was held on December 12, 2002, and on July 20, 2003, the host family network, Aikya, was launched. Today, ISB Hyderabad is one of the most respected business schools in India and attracts students from all over the world.

What makes ISB worth it?

1. ISB Hyderabad has had the privilege of hosting several distinguished personalities over the years.

  1. President-Elect A P J Kalam, who presided over the First Graduation Day on June 24, 2002, and

  2. President S R Nathan of Singapore visited ISB on January 2, 2002.

  3. On December 5, 2006, the school was visited by Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh.

  4. George Bush, former President of the USA, also visited ISB Hyderabad on March 1, 2006.

  5. In 2011, ISB Hyderabad hosted the President of India at an event commemorating its tenth year.

  6. The school celebrated its 20th anniversary and the graduation ceremony for the PGP Class of 2022 on May 26, 2022. The Hon'ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, presided over the event, which saw 923 students graduating from the school.


2. Distinguished Deans at ISB:

  1. ISB Hyderabad has had several notable deans over the years.

  2. Shri Vijay Mahajan was appointed as the Dean on June 20, 2002,

  3. Shri M R Rao on June 1, 2004.

  4. Shri Ajit Rangnekar served as the Dean starting from January 8, 2010, and

  5. Was succeeded by Rajendra Srivastava on January 1, 2016.

  6. Most recently, on December 30, 2020, ISB Hyderabad announced the appointment of Professor Madan Pillutla as its 6th Dean. Professor Pillutla brings with him a wealth of experience in management education and research, having previously held faculty positions at several prestigious institutions, including the London Business School and the Singapore Management University.

3. Research and industry events at ISB:

  1. For a series of yearly conferences with the theme "Economic Policy and the Indian Economy," ISB announced its association with the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER), a group of academic economists with US bases that conducts and disseminates economic research. On December 17–18, 2022, the inaugural conference will take place at the ISB Hyderabad campus.

  2. Interactions between a number of entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, government officials, and corporates took place at I-Connect@ISB in June 2022, an entrepreneurial ecosystem meetup organized by I-Venture at ISB in collaboration with Kalaari Capital and Endiya Partners. The purpose of the event was to provide a forum for networking with other business owners and startups.

  3. On July 28, 2022, ISB Women held a "Power Hour with ISB Women" session with Divya Kapoor, PGP Co'02, Sustainable Development and Policy Expert - The World Bank, Anjali Patel Mehta, PGP Co'06, Founder, CEO, and Creative Director - Verandah - Asian Court Holdings, Inc., Sushma Kaushik, PGP Co'06, and Partner - Aavishkaar Capital,

  4. The ISB's alumni engagement programs were once again honored by the Council for Progress and Support of Education in July 2022, a global non-profit organization devoted to educational advancement in alumni relations and communication. The ISB Women: Empowered Women, Empowered Women initiative received the gold medal in 2022.

  5. The APAC prize for 2021 went to "The CEO Story: An Experiential Storyboard" and "Wellness and Beyond: By the Alumni for the Alumni." Special Interest Groups (SIGs) for Alumni (Alumni) were given honorable mention. The jury gave PGPMAX Focus Groups an honorable mention in 2020.

  6. According to an announcement from ISB, the first round of "Shadow an Alum" will take place in various locations and verticals from July 29 to 30, 2022. Alumni who take part in the "Shadow an Alum" program provide PGP Co' 23 students a behind-the-scenes look at their professional backgrounds, job experiences, and industries.

  7. The first session of "Growth Tunes" has been announced by ISB and IntelStartupProgram. The unique live webinar will include insights on "Product management for development and scalability" and is "by invitation only." With its tested frameworks, useful perspectives on cutting-edge techniques, and useful insights, it will support startups. On June 30, 2022, Mr. Vish Krishnan, Professor and Endowed Chair at the University of California, will deliver the keynote address. He is also a Professor Affiliate at the Harvard University Lab for Innovation Science.

4. Distinguished Faculty at ISB:​

In the last 5 years, the Indian School of Business has added extensively to the intellectual capital at ISB. The residential faculty ranks 20 globally in terms of per capita productivity in leading journals in the World.

  1. Professor of Operations Management and Executive Director of the Max Institute of Healthcare Management at ISB MBA - Professor Sarang Deo's paper on “Improving HIV Early Infant Diagnosis Supply Chains in Sub-Saharan Africa: Models and Application to Mozambique”. This paper written by Jónas Oddur Jónasson, Sarang Deo, and Jérémie Gallien has attained a position in the FT papers on social impact amongst the list of top 100 papers.

  2. At ISB PGP, Professor Sarang Deo teaches courses in Operations Management like:

  3. Statistical Methods for Management Decisions

  4. Process Excellence in Healthcare Organisations

  5. Designing and Managing Effective Healthcare Delivery Systems

  6. Distinguished faculty from ISB PGP, Professor Sarang Deo, and Professor K Vaidyanathan also contributed proactively to the medium and longer-term post-COVID economic strategy for Punjab.

  7. Another stellar faculty at ISB PGP, Professor Apoorva Javadekar who teaches MBA courses in International finance and fixed income securities at ISB, has published a paper on “The Allocation of Talent Across Mutual Fund Strategies” which was adjudged with the “Best Paper Award”.

Is ISB Hyderabad worth it? Life at ISB is tantamount to transformation for those pursuing ISB MBA either in the ISB Hyderabad or the ISB Mohali campus. This change in an individual is facilitated by the high-impact environment that ISB MBA through its faculty, initiatives, and alumni facilitates. Here we explore the top reasons why ISB Hyderabad is good for MBA.



Finally, Is ISB Hyderabad good for MBA?

​ISB MBA is surely a good option for the following 15 reasons:

1. ISB MBA is a one year MBA, so anybody needs to be out of work just for one year, since it is a course for people with work experience.

2. It is a course for professionals with work experience so the concepts that you learn in the class come to life from the perspectives of different industry professionals.

3. ISB MBA offers International exposure to the students.

4. ISB MBA offers practical learning experiences.

5. ISB as an institution has a deep connection with the industry and brings industry leaders to campus to connect with students.

6. ISB MBA is proactive with alumni and students offering lifelong learning.

7. International faculty enriches the curriculum making it contemporary. Clubs and activities at ISB are equally engaging.

8. ISB focuses on the leadership development of students.

9. ISB sensitizes students to upcoming world perspectives through the latest electives offered on campus.

10. Tie-ups with Global Institutions. ISB Hyderabad has collaborated with several top management schools such as Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, Wharton School of Management, and London Business School. This is the reason why ISB students get an International MBA experience while studying in India.

11. Furthermore, ISB Hyderabad works closely with corporate partners and has 10 research centers across areas like analytical finance, healthcare management, and infrastructure management which gives complete exposure to MBA students across industries.

12. ISB has achieved global accreditation from AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA.

13. Alumni leading in every sphere. The ISB alumni network will expand to 12,500+ with the graduation of Co 21.

14. Ranks among the top 100 schools in terms of research as per UT-Dallas rankings in the world’s top 24 management journals. ISB ranks 23rd in the FT Global MBA Ranking 2021. In addition, ISB ranks 1st in India, 5th in Asia, and 3rd Globally (in salary growth)

15. Three of the 16 unicorns from India this year have ISB alumni as co-founders.


How is ISB Mohali vs. ISB Hyderabad?


ISB Hyderabad:

The Hyderabad campus of the ISB boasts a stunning location, featuring expansive fields, picturesque landscaping, and verdant greenery, all punctuated by magnificent boulders. The architects behind the campus' design have seamlessly integrated the elegant buildings and top-tier facilities with the surrounding natural beauty, preserving the existing rock formations and tree canopies. Covering an impressive 260 acres, this world-renowned campus provides students and faculty with the finest amenities for the duration of their course. At the heart of the campus lies the academic center, home to state-of-the-art lecture theatres, classrooms, faculty offices, a learning resource center (LRC), and an awe-inspiring 500-seat auditorium.


ISB Mohali:

The Mohali campus of the ISB showcases a harmonious blend of modern and natural elements through its contemporary yet simplistic architecture, conceived by renowned New York-based design firm, Perkins Eastman. The ISB Mohali campus stands as an ideal architectural marvel for advanced education. The tall edifices embody a cutting-edge, state-of-the-art aesthetic, infused with Indian art, while the campus' centerpiece, the atrium, along with its expansive green lawns and trees, imparts a spacious ambiance. The design and architecture adhere to the LEED GOLD standards, with the campus spreading over a vast 70-acre area and boasting complete self-sustainability. All necessary amenities and facilities for students, faculty, and staff are located within a ten-minute walk from the campus center. The ISB Mohali academic block features well-equipped lecture theaters, faculty offices and lounges, and a learning resource center. The atrium serves as a hub for students and faculty, featuring a 500-seater auditorium and a coffee shop.


More differences between ISB Mohali vs ISB Hyderabad:

  1. ISB Mohali has approximately 350 students, whereas ISB Hyderabad has approximately 550 students.

  2. ISB Mohali hosts alumni on the Equinox which is held in March every year, while ISB Hyderabad hosts alumni on the Solstice which is held in December every year.

Apart from the differences in capacity and operational aspects, major events like AIKYA, ISL, Students Clubs, and placements (integrated placements) are common across the two campuses.


How can I get into ISB?


To initiate the application process for ISB, the first step is to determine which intake mode you qualify for. ISB offers three intake modes: ISB YLP, ISB EEO, and ISB PGP. Your eligibility will depend on the intake mode you choose.

To understand the eligibility criteria for each intake mode, review the following:

  • ISB YLP Eligibility: Final year or pre-final year applicant

  • ISB EEO Eligibility: Graduates with less than two years of work experience

  • ISB PGP Eligibility: Graduates (or equivalent) with at least 2 years of work experience.

Once you have determined that you are eligible for ISB PGP or ISB EEO, the following steps will apply to the application process:

  1. Create a plan for when you will take the GMAT or the GRE.

  2. Based on this timeline, choose an admission round. ISB EEO and PGP offer three rounds during the application year.

  3. Take the GMAT or GRE exam as soon as possible.

  4. Prepare for online application submission.

  5. Fill in personal and identification information in the application form.

  6. Submit academic credentials (undergraduate and postgraduate).

  7. Add work experience with details of duration, roles, responsibilities, and achievements.

  8. Submit valid GMAT/GRE score, and TOEFL score (if applicable) using the relevant codes (GMAT code: N2D-J5-01, GRE code: 7892, and TOEFL code: 9047).

  9. Write two ISB essays (plus an additional essay for re-applicants).

  10. Provide details of one letter of recommendation.

  11. Choose scholarship options and submit essays (if applicable).

  12. Add extracurricular activities, awards, achievements, and hobbies to the application.

  13. Submit the application fee and submit the application.

  14. Monitor the application status through the ISB admission portal.


Is GMAT required for ISB?

ISB requires GMAT test scores for admission to the following programs:

  1. ISB YLP - submit GMAT or GRE scores

  2. ISB EEO - submit GMAT or GRE scores

  3. ISB PGP - submit GMAT or GRE scores

ISB does not require GMAT for the following programs:

  1. ISB PGPpro - No test scores required

  2. ISB PGPMAX - No test scores required

  3. ISB MFAB - No GMAT or GRE score is required but a BAT test is required


3. What is the highest package in ISB?

ISB Placements:

ISB MBA graduates enjoy an edge over other MBA graduates both in on-campus and off-campus ISB placements. The ISB Hyderabad MBA placements cell invites various International and National level reputed companies.

Average CTC offered in the ISB MBA placements Class of 2022:

  1. Advertisement/ Media Industry ISB MBA Placements 2022 - INR 32,72,727

  2. BFSI Industry ISB MBA Placements 2022 - INR 36,82,710

  3. Conglomerate Industry ISB MBA Placements 2022 - INR 25,04,286

  4. Consulting Industry ISB MBA Placements 2022 - INR 34,25,089

  5. Technology Industry ISB MBA Placements 2022 - INR 38,01,875

  6. Urban Mobility Industry ISB MBA Placements 2022 - INR 37,18,519

  7. Pharma/ Biotech Industry ISB MBA Placements 2022 - INR 31,34,575

  8. IT/ ITES Industry ISB MBA Placements 2022 - INR 35,15,260

  9. Manufacturing Industry ISB MBA Placements 2022 - INR 27,70,000

  10. Govt/ PSU Industry ISB MBA Placements 2022 - INR 15,00,000

  11. High Technology Industry ISB MBA Placements 2022 - INR 23,00,000

  12. IT Consulting Industry ISB MBA Placements 2022 - INR 30,28,571

  13. Education Industry ISB MBA Placements 2022 - INR 25,92,502

  14. Infrastructure Industry ISB MBA Placements 2022 - INR 28,00,000

  15. Oil/ Energy Industry ISB MBA Placements 2022 - INR 34,00,000

  16. Transportation/ Logistics Industry ISB MBA Placements 2022 - INR 36,40,000

  17. Others - INR 39,69,292

Function wise average CTC at ISB MBA Placements 2022

  1. Analytics function recruitment at ISB placements 2022 - INR 33,47,231

  2. Consulting function recruitment at ISB placements 2022 - INR 34,35,711

  3. Finance function recruitment at ISB placements 2022 - INR 30,58,922

  4. General Management - INR 32,55,028

  5. Human Resources - INR 37,00,000

  6. Project Management recruitment at ISB placements 2022 - INR 31,00,000

  7. Product Management recruitment at ISB placements 2022 - INR 35,39,664

  8. Product Development - INR 32,50,000

  9. Technology function recruitment at ISB placements 2022 - INR 45,26,577

  10. Services - INR 22,00,000

  11. Sales and Marketing - INR 30,67,812

  12. Operations function recruitment at ISB placements 2022 - INR 32,78,724

  13. Others - INR 36,27,816


Am I too old for an ISB MBA?

Admits to the ISB class of 2022 range from 22 years of age to 44 years of age with the average age being 27 years. Who gets into ISB?

If we consider the ISB class of 2020, we find that the age group range was 22 years of age to 46 years of age with the average age of the ISB Class of 2020 being 26.25 years.


Admits to the ISB class of 2022 comes with a work experience of 2 up to 23 years at ISB Hyderabad and a work experience range of 2 to 22 years at ISB Mohali. This makes the average work work experience of the class of 2022 at ISB at around 4.6 years.

However, in the ISB class of 2020, we observed that the work experience range was 2 years to 20 years with the average work experience being 4.3 years.


Do only engineers get admitted to ISB?

The class of 2022 at ISB constitutes 58% engineers and 42% non-engineers, while at ISB Mohali the engineers constitute 56% and the non-engineers constitute 44% of the class.

If we compare this to the data about the class of 2020 at ISB the percentage of engineers was approximately 68% and that of non-engineers was 32%. Therefore there has been a considerable shift in the class composition over the period.


Does ISB accept GRE or GMAT?

For ISB PGP admissions there is no cutoff for the GMAT or the GRE scores. The cut-offs are calculated on the profile scores which are calculated taking into consideration the academics, the GMAT or GRE scores, the essays, the recommendation letters and the work experience. Read more about the ISB admission process 2022.


Long Term ROI Benefits That Will Inspire You to Pursue an ISB MBA. How is ISB Hyderabad MBA placements?


Established in 2001, the Indian School of Business is distinguished for its reputed Management Programs. With its campuses located at Hyderabad and Mohali, the institute has collaborations with several International Business Schools and offers Post Graduate Programs (ISB PGP) along with short-term courses.

The competition for admission to ISB is fierce and the high ISB MBA fees never look a determent for the applicants. Out of the 4,000 students who apply for the ISB MBA every year on an approximate, only 22% get selected. In the ISB Hyderabad MBA placements candidates are offered admits based on their GMAT score, and academic and professional background.


Such tough competition arises a question in most aspirants – Is ISB MBA worth all the competition and the ISB fees worth its while?


And the answer from the industry experts is a big Yes! So you can definitely vouch for the ISB Hyderabad MBA placements.


Sounds interesting, doesn't it?

Move on to know about long-term ROI Benefits that will inspire you to pursue an ISB MBA.

ISB Hyderabad offers multiple programs in Management streams such as ISB PGP, ISB PGPMAX, ISB PGPPro, ISB AMPBA, and ISB MFAB.

The curriculum of ISB has been set up to give ISB PGP students international exposure at various levels. ISB MBA also hires faculty who have experience working in leading International Business schools.


Contact an ISB admission consultant at GOALisB for assistance on application essays or write to us at contact@goalisb.com or call at +91 7719497187 to discuss your profile.



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