ISB Hyderabad vs ISB Mohali: Which Campus is Right for You?
- Goalisb
- Sep 10
- 12 min read
Choosing the right business school for pursuing a postgraduate program is a critical decision that can shape your future career. In India, the Indian School of Business (ISB) offers two prominent campuses - Hyderabad and Mohali. In this blog post, we will provide an in-depth analysis and comparison of the PGP (Post Graduate Program) class profiles for the year 2023 at ISB Hyderabad and ISB Mohali. By examining key metrics such as class size, GMAT/GRE scores, age range, work experience, and class composition, we aim to help prospective students make an informed choice.
The Indian School of Business exemplifies thoughtful campus design through its two distinctive locations, each offering unique advantages while maintaining ISB's commitment to world-class education. Let's examine their defining characteristics:
ISB Hyderabad vs ISB Mohali Campus
The ISB Gachibowli campus represents a harmonious blend of natural heritage and modern educational infrastructure. Its 260-acre expanse demonstrates several key features:
Architectural Philosophy: The ISB Hyderabad campus design uniquely preserves indigenous rock formations and existing tree canopies, creating an organic learning environment that respects the local ecosystem while providing modern amenities.
Academic Infrastructure: The centralized academic hub houses comprehensive facilities including lecture theaters, faculty offices, and a 500-seat auditorium, offering seamless interaction between faculty and students.
Environmental Integration: The campus leverages Hyderabad's natural landscape, including large boulders and open fields into its design, creating an atmosphere that promotes both contemplation and collaboration.
ISB Mohali Campus The Mohali campus, while smaller at 70 acres, showcases a different but equally impressive approach to educational space:
Modern Design Ethos: Designed by Perkins Eastman, the campus represents contemporary architecture while incorporating elements of Indian artistry, creating a unique cultural-modern fusion.
Sustainability Focus: The campus adheres to LEED GOLD standards, demonstrating ISB's commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable operations.
Functional Layout: The campus is designed with efficiency in mind, with all facilities accessible within a ten-minute walking radius from the central atrium, promoting community interaction and overall efficiency.
Common Strengths Both campuses share essential characteristics that define the ISB experience:
Self-contained ecosystems providing comprehensive student support
State-of-the-art learning resource centers
500-seat auditoriums for large-scale events and lectures
Wi-Fi enabled environments supporting digital learning
Integration of natural elements with modern educational infrastructure
This thoughtful approach to campus design reflects ISB's understanding that physical environment plays a crucial role in shaping the educational experience and professional development of future business leaders.
ISB recently celebrated the 2 campuses one school belief and numerous alumni shared their perspectives on ISB Hyderabad vs ISB Mohali. Its evident that ISB treats both the campuses as equal. This is also evident in the numbers and class composition which is very competitive and balanced on both the campuses. Finally whether it is ISB Hyderabad or ISB Mohali the students have an exceptional educational experience of a world class institute at both the campuses.
ISB Hyderabad vs. ISB Mohali: A Comparative Analysis of PGP Class Profiles 2023:
ISB Hyderabad PGP Class Profile 2023:
Class Size: The PGP class at ISB Hyderabad consists of 604 students, indicating a large and diverse student body.
GMAT Range: The GMAT scores at ISB Hyderabad range from 530 to 780, reflecting a wide spectrum of aptitude and potential.
Average GMAT Score: The average GMAT score at ISB Hyderabad is 710, which indicates a highly competitive and academically proficient cohort.
GRE Range: The GRE scores at ISB Hyderabad fall between 319 and 339, offering an alternative standardized test option for applicants.
Average GRE Score: The average GRE score at ISB Hyderabad is 329, reinforcing the high academic standards of the program.
Age Range: Students at ISB Hyderabad have an age range of 22 to 44 years, showcasing the diversity of experiences and perspectives within the class.
Work Experience Range: The PGP class at ISB Hyderabad comprises individuals with work experience ranging from 2 to 24 years, creating a rich environment for peer learning and collaboration.
Average Age: The average age of students at ISB Hyderabad is 27 years, indicating a balance between early-career professionals and those with more substantial industry exposure.
Average Work Experience: The average work experience of students at ISB Hyderabad is 4.5 years, highlighting the emphasis on practical knowledge and industry relevance.
Class Composition: The class composition at ISB Hyderabad is divided between 49% engineers and 51% non-engineers, promoting interdisciplinary learning and diverse skill sets. ISB admissions 2024 is now open for application. The round 1 deadline is 10 September 2023, Round 2 deadline was 3 December 2023 and Round 3 Deadline was 21 January 2024.
ISB Mohali PGP Class Profile 2023:
Class Size: The PGP class at ISB Mohali consists of 277 students, offering a smaller and more intimate learning environment.
GMAT Range: The GMAT scores at ISB Mohali range from 530 to 780, aligning with the range at ISB Hyderabad.
Average GMAT Score: The average GMAT score at ISB Mohali is 710, suggesting a highly competitive applicant pool.
GRE Range: The GRE scores at ISB Mohali vary from 320 to 337, indicating a comparable alternative to GMAT scores.
Average GRE Score: The average GRE score at ISB Mohali is 330, reflecting the academic caliber of the students.
Age Range: Students at ISB Mohali have an age range of 22 to 42 years, slightly narrower than that of ISB Hyderabad.
Work Experience Range: The PGP class at ISB Mohali comprises individuals with work experience ranging from 2 to 18 years, demonstrating a diverse mix of career backgrounds.
Average Age: The average age of students at ISB Mohali is 27 years, consistent with the average age at ISB Hyderabad.
Average Work Experience: The average work experience of students at ISB Mohali is 4.3 years, aligning closely with ISB Hyderabad. Read about life at ISB.
Class Composition: The class composition at ISB Mohali is divided between 47% engineers and 53% non-engineers, similar to the composition at ISB Hyderabad.
Comparing ISB Mohali vs ISB Hyderabad:
Class Size: ISB Hyderabad admission has a larger class size compared to ISB Mohali, providing more extensive networking opportunities and a broader network.
GMAT Scores: Both campuses exhibit similar GMAT/GRE score ranges, indicating that the admission criteria and academic standards are aligned. The average GMAT score for both campuses is 716, which is very high. This means that you will need to have a strong GMAT score in order to be competitive for admission to either campus.
The average GRE score for both campuses is 329, which is also very high. If you are not a strong test taker, you may want to consider taking the GMAT instead of the GRE, as the GMAT is generally considered to be a more forgiving test.
Age Range: ISB Hyderabad has a wider age range, potentially offering greater diversity in terms of professional experiences and perspectives. The average age for both campuses is 27 years. This means that most of the students in the program are recent graduates with a few years of work experience.
The average work experience for both campuses is 4.5 years. This means that most of the students in the program have had some time to gain experience in the workforce before starting their MBA.
Work Experience: The average work experience is slightly higher at ISB Hyderabad, suggesting a greater presence of mid-career professionals.
Class Composition: While both campuses maintain a balance between engineers and non-engineers, ISB Mohali has a slightly higher proportion of non-engineers.
Choosing between ISB Hyderabad and ISB Mohali depends on various factors such as preferred class size, location, curriculum, and personal aspirations. As you can see, the class profiles of ISB Hyderabad and ISB Mohali are very similar. The average GMAT and GRE scores are the same, and the average age and work experience are also the same.
The only real difference is the class composition. ISB Hyderabad alumni have a slightly higher percentage of engineers, while ISB Mohali has a slightly higher percentage of non-engineers.
While ISB Hyderabad courses offers a larger and more diverse student body, ISB Mohali provides a smaller number of students than Hyderabad. Ultimately, both campuses offer exceptional educational experiences and a pathway to career growth and success.
To apply to ISB MBA for 2025 get in touch with us for professional ISB admission consulting services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ISB Mohali better or ISB Hyderabad?
ISB Mohali and ISB Hyderabad are identical in academics, faculty, curriculum, placements, and rankings, since ISB operates a “one school, two campuses” model. The choice mainly comes down to location preference and batch size, not quality differences.
Detailed Answer:
The Indian School of Business (ISB) runs both its Hyderabad (est. 2001) and Mohali (est. 2012) campuses under a single integrated system:
Curriculum & Faculty: The curriculum, teaching model, and global visiting faculty pool are identical across campuses. Faculty are rotated, so both locations get equal access to ISB’s professors and international collaborations.
Placements: Recruitment is common for both campuses. Recruiters do not distinguish between Mohali and Hyderabad — placement processes are centralized.
Rankings: Global rankings like the Financial Times MBA Rankings apply to ISB as a whole, not to one campus separately.
Infrastructure: Both campuses offer state-of-the-art facilities, though Hyderabad is larger with an established alumni base (older campus), while Mohali is newer but designed with advanced infrastructure and four specialized institutes of excellence (e.g., Healthcare, Manufacturing, Infrastructure, and Public Policy).
Batch Size: Hyderabad typically has a larger intake (~600+), while Mohali admits fewer students (~300+), offering a slightly more intimate peer network.
Key Point: ISB itself confirms that there is no difference in brand value, placements, or academics between the two campuses. The only factors that differ are the geographical location (South vs. North India) and the student intake size.
In short: Neither ISB Mohali nor ISB Hyderabad is “better” — they are equal by design. The choice depends on whether you prefer a larger, older campus (Hyderabad) or a smaller, newer campus with special research centers (Mohali).
What is the fees of ISB Mohali?
According to ISB’s official site for the post-graduate PGP Suite, the program fee for academic year 2025–26 is ₹33,16,000 + taxes (for shared accommodation and a single-installment payment).
2. Detailed Answer:
Official Fee from ISB for PGP Suite (Hyderabad & Mohali)
Related Programs (Official ISB Site)
ISB’s official site also provides fees for several related programs (covering both Hyderabad and Mohali locations), though not all are specific to Mohali:
Program | Fee (₹) + Taxes | Notes |
PGP Suite (shared accom.) | 33,16,000 | Full-time, applies to both campuses (2025–26) |
PGP MAX (Senior Executive) | 41,78,000 | + GST, modular delivery |
PGP MFAB (Family Business) | 42,13,000 | + GST, modular format |
Summary of Official Fee Figures
PGP (full-time, shared accommodation): ₹33,16,000 + taxes (2025–26)
PGP MAX: ₹41,78,000 + taxes
PGP MFAB: ₹42,13,000 + taxes
What is the package of ISB students?
For the ISB PGP Class of 2023, the average CTC was ₹34.21 LPA, the median CTC was ~₹32 LPA, and the highest domestic CTC exceeded ₹66 LPA.
Detailed Answer: ISB (Hyderabad & Mohali) follows a common placement process and publishes official placement reports each year.
ISB Placements – Class of 2023
Average CTC: ₹34.21 lakhs per annum
Median CTC: ~₹32 lakhs per annum
Highest Domestic CTC: ₹66+ lakhs per annum
International CTCs: Often higher, with some crossing ₹1 crore in global roles
Offers Made: 1,609
Participating Recruiters: 222
Key Trends
ISB consistently reports one of the highest average packages in India for MBA/PGP programs.
Consulting, technology, finance, and product management are the top recruiting sectors.
The school highlights salary percentage increase, where graduates often see a 100%+ jump from pre-ISB roles.
What is ISB Mohali?
ISB Mohali is the second campus of the Indian School of Business (ISB), established in 2012 in Punjab, offering the same 1-year Post Graduate Program in Management (PGP) and other executive programs as ISB Hyderabad.
Detailed Answer: The Indian School of Business (ISB) operates on a “one school – two campuses” model with locations in Hyderabad (founded in 2001) and Mohali (launched in 2012). Both campuses are academically integrated and share:
Faculty: Professors rotate between Hyderabad and Mohali.
Admissions: A single application process and common admission criteria.
Placements: A unified placement process, ensuring identical opportunities.
Curriculum: The 1-year PGP (MBA equivalent) and other programs like PGPpro, PGPmax, MFAB, and executive education are delivered across both campuses.
Special Centres at ISB Mohali
The Mohali campus also houses specialized research and learning centers:
Munjal Institute for Global Manufacturing
Bharti Institute of Public Policy
Max Institute of Healthcare Management
Punj Lloyd Institute of Physical Infrastructure Management
Key Facts
Location: Knowledge City, Sector 81, SAS Nagar (Mohali), Punjab
Established: 2012
Programs Offered: PGP, PGPpro, PGPmax, MFAB, Executive Education
In essence, ISB Mohali = ISB Hyderabad in academics and career outcomes, with additional sector-focused institutes to complement research and policy initiatives.
What is the full form of ISB?
The full form of ISB is Indian School of Business.
Detailed Answer: The Indian School of Business (ISB) is a premier management institute in India, founded in 2001. It operates on a two-campus model with locations in Hyderabad (Telangana) and Mohali (Punjab).
Key Facts about ISB
Type: Private, independent, non-profit business school
Flagship Program: Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP), a 1-year MBA-equivalent
Other Programs: PGPpro, PGPmax, MFAB, Young Leaders Programme (YLP), and Executive Education
Global Partnerships: Collaborates with top international schools like Wharton, Kellogg, London Business School
Rankings: Consistently among the top 50 MBA schools globally (Financial Times Global MBA Rankings)
The name “Indian School of Business” reflects its mission to create a world-class business school in India with global recognition.
How can I get into ISB Mohali?
To get into ISB Mohali’s 1-year PGP (MBA equivalent), you must apply through ISB’s common admissions process with a bachelor’s degree, 2+ years of work experience, a GMAT/GRE/CAT score, essays, and recommendations.
Detailed Answer: ISB Mohali and ISB Hyderabad share a single admissions process, so applicants do not choose the campus—allocation happens after admission.
Step-by-Step Admission Process for ISB PGP (Mohali & Hyderabad)
Meet Eligibility Criteria
Bachelor’s degree (any discipline)
Minimum 24 months full-time work experience (by program start)
Valid GMAT/GRE/CAT score
English proficiency test (TOEFL/IELTS/PTE) if the undergrad was not in English
Prepare Application Components
Online application form
GMAT/GRE score submission
Two application essays (leadership, goals, etc.)
One recommendation (professional referee preferred)
Resume & academic transcripts
Submit Application in Rounds
ISB accepts applications in 3 rounds (typically September, December, and January deadlines).
Interview Stage
Shortlisted candidates are invited for personal interviews, conducted by ISB alumni or admissions officials.
Final Selection
ISB follows a holistic evaluation, considering academics, test scores, leadership, professional achievements, and personal attributes.
Campus Allocation
Once selected, ISB allocates Hyderabad or Mohali campus—but both offer identical curriculum, faculty, and placements.
In summary, to get into ISB Mohali, focus on strong academics, competitive GMAT/GRE scores (700+ preferred), impactful essays, and proven leadership potential.
What is the criteria for ISB Mohali selection?
The selection criteria for ISB Mohali’s 1-year PGP include a bachelor’s degree, minimum 24 months of work experience, a valid GMAT/GRE score, application essays, recommendation, and a personal interview.
Detailed Answer: Since ISB Hyderabad and ISB Mohali follow a single admissions process, the selection criteria are identical. ISB evaluates candidates on academic ability, leadership potential, and personal attributes.
ISB Mohali Selection Criteria – PGP 2025
Educational Qualification
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in any discipline.
Work Experience
At least 24 months of full-time work experience by the program start date.
Test Scores
A valid GMAT or GRE score is required.
Competitive scores typically fall in the GMAT 700+ or GRE equivalent range.
English Proficiency (if required)
TOEFL/IELTS/PTE, if the undergraduate degree was not taught in English.
Application Components
Online form with academic transcripts
Essays (career goals, leadership, personal story)
One recommendation (preferably professional)
Resume
Interview
Shortlisted applicants undergo a personal interview, often conducted by alumni or admissions officials.
Evaluation Parameters
Academic Strength: Past academic performance + GMAT/GRE score
Leadership Potential: Professional achievements, extracurriculars, and impact
Personal Attributes: Communication skills, career clarity, and cultural fit
Final admission decisions consider the overall profile, not just test scores, making ISB’s process holistic.
Who is eligible for admission in ISB?
To be eligible for ISB’s flagship 1-year PGP (MBA equivalent), you must have a bachelor’s degree, at least 24 months of full-time work experience, and a valid GMAT/GRE score.
Detailed Answer: The Indian School of Business (ISB) has two campuses—Hyderabad and Mohali—and follows a single admission process.
Eligibility Criteria for ISB PGP (2025 intake)
Academic Requirement
A bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification in any discipline.
Work Experience
Minimum of 24 months of full-time work experience by the program start date.
Standardized Test Scores
A valid GMAT or GRE score is mandatory.
The ISB PGP Class of 2024 had an average GMAT score of 720, with accepted scores ranging from 530 to 780.
Official GMAT/GRE Score Range and Averages
Score Range (GMAT): For the current class, accepted GMAT scores range from 530 to 780. Similarly, GRE scores range from 319 to 330, with no minimum cut-off specified.
Average GMAT (Class of 2024): The PGP Class of 2024 has an average GMAT score of 720, reflecting strong academic performance among admitted candidates.
English Language Proficiency (if required)
Applicants whose undergraduate education was not in English must submit TOEFL/IELTS/PTE scores.
Application Materials
Online application form
Essays (career goals, leadership, personal narrative)
One recommendation (preferably professional)
Resume & academic transcripts
What is the minimum package for ISB Hyderabad (PGP)?
There is no officially reported minimum package at ISB Hyderabad; however, offers below ₹25 LPA are extremely rare, and 80% of the Class of 2024 received compensation above ~₹35 LPA.
Detailed Answer:
According to ISB placement trends, there is no published “minimum salary” for the PGP cohort in official placement reports.
Alumni and student community insights—such as those from Reddit—indicate that although there's no fixed floor for compensation, salaries below ₹25 LPA are exceedingly uncommon: “There is no minimum salary as such … there are rarely any offers below 25 LPA CTC.”
Placement analysis sources further confirm that 80% of the Class of 2024 earned compensation exceeding ₹35 LPA, underscoring the high salary range for most graduates.
Summary
Metric | Value/Insight |
Official minimum package | Not defined by ISB |
Offers below ₹25 LPA | Very rare per alumni accounts |
Compensation for 80% of cohort | Above ~₹35 LPA for Class of 2024 |
What is the average package after ISB Hyderabad?
The average CTC for ISB Hyderabad PGP Class of 2024 was ₹34.07 lakh per annum.
Detailed Answer: The Indian School of Business (ISB) reports placement outcomes jointly for its Hyderabad and Mohali campuses, as placements are conducted centrally.
ISB Placements 2024 (PGP Class of 2024)
Average CTC: ₹34.07 LPA
Median CTC: ₹32.00 LPA
Top 25% Average CTC: ₹44.57 LPA
Top 10% Average CTC: ₹50.56 LPA
Offers Made: 1,485 offers to 869 students
Comparison with Previous Year (Class of 2023)
Average CTC: ₹34.21 LPA
Median CTC: ₹30.21 LPA
Key Highlights
Recruiters include McKinsey, BCG, Bain, Amazon, Microsoft, Goldman Sachs, among others.
Domains: Consulting, Tech, Finance, Product Management, and General Management dominate placements.
Conclusion: Graduates of ISB Hyderabad (and Mohali, via the same process) earn an average package of ~₹34 LPA, placing ISB among the top MBA schools in India for ROI.
