ISB PGP YL vs IIMA PGP

The ISB Post Graduate Programme for Young Leaders - ISB PGP YL and IIM Ahmedabad Post Graduate Programme in Management are two of India's most prestigious management programs. Although both cater to young talent, they differ significantly in terms of structure, audience, curriculum, and career outcomes. Below is a nuanced comparison to guide aspirants.

1. Target Audience - ISB PGP YL vs IIMA PGP

Parameter	ISB PGP YL	IIM Ahmedabad PGP
Experience Level	Designed for candidates with up to 2 years of full-time work experience​.	Primarily for fresh graduates or those with limited experience (0–2 years)​.
Age Range	Typically aged 21–24 years​.	Broader age range, with most participants between 21–25 years​.
Target Profile	High-potential young professionals looking to build early leadership and management capabilities.	Graduates from diverse academic disciplines aiming for foundational management training.

2. Admissions Process - ISB PGP YL vs IIMA PGP

Parameter	ISB PGP YL	IIM Ahmedabad PGP
Entrance Test	Accepts GMAT, GRE, or CAT scores; only test-center-based scores are valid​.	CAT scores only; sectional and overall cut-offs apply​.
Selection Stages	Application review (essays, test scores, academic/professional achievements) and personal interview​.	Shortlisting based on CAT scores; Analytical Writing Test (AWT) and Personal Interview (PI)​.
Eligibility Criteria	Bachelor’s degree in any discipline, with no more than 24 months of full-time work experience by June 15 of the enrollment year​.	Bachelor’s degree with 50% minimum marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD)​.
Evaluation Methodology	Holistic, focusing on leadership potential, achievements, and essays​.	Heavy emphasis on academic performance and CAT scores​.

3. Program Structure and Curriculum - ISB PGP YL vs IIMA PGP

Parameter	ISB PGP YL	IIM Ahmedabad PGP
Duration	20 months (includes summer internship)​.	24 months, with internships between the first and second years​.
Focus Areas	Leadership development, data analytics, innovation, and problem-solving​.	Comprehensive management education emphasizing analytical rigor and foundational knowledge​.
Learning Pedagogy	Combination of case studies, experiential learning (e.g., iDEAS and PiVOT modules), and industry projects​.	Case-based pedagogy with classroom discussions, simulations, and project work​.
Electives and Customization	Wide array of electives tailored to personal career goals, especially in the second year​.	Broad electives spanning various management domains, chosen in the second year​.
Global Perspective	Includes international immersion programs and faculty from global business schools​.	Some global exposure through exchange programs and visiting faculty​.

Here's a snapshot of the comparison of ISB PGP YL vs the IIM Ahmedabad PGP program.

4. Placement and Career Outcomes - ISB PGP YL vs IIMA PGP

Parameter	ISB PGP YL	IIM Ahmedabad PGP
Placement Support	Dedicated Career Advancement Services (CAS) team providing end-to-end support for internships and final placements​.	Comprehensive placement cell managing internships and final job placements​.
Placement Metrics	Average CTC: INR 28–30 LPA (estimated for 2025 cohort)​.	Average CTC: INR 32–35 LPA (2024 cohort)​.
Top Industries	Consulting, technology, marketing, finance, and product management​.	Consulting, BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, Insurance), FMCG, and general management​.
Alumni Network	16,000+ alumni across 60+ countries​.	35,000+ alumni globally with a significant presence in India​.

5. Fees and Financial Aid - ISB PGP YL vs IIMA PGP

Parameter	ISB PGP YL	IIM Ahmedabad PGP
Program Fees	INR 21.65 lakh + GST​.	INR 26.5 lakh (2024–26 batch)​.
Scholarships	Merit-based, need-based, and ISB Develop India scholarships​.	Need-based scholarships and financial aid​.
Loan Support	Partnerships with major banks for collateral-free loans​.	Banks provide loans with favorable terms for IIMA students​.

6. Global Exposure - ISB PGP YL vs IIMA PGP

Parameter	ISB PGP YL	IIM Ahmedabad PGP
International Faculty	Significant global faculty participation​.	Primarily resident faculty, with occasional international inputs​.
Exchange Programs	Short-term global immersion options​.	Exchange programs with leading global institutions​.

7. Key Differentiators - ISB PGP YL vs IIMA PGP

Criteria	ISB PGP YL	IIM Ahmedabad PGP
Program Design	Tailored for early-career professionals aiming for accelerated leadership roles​.	Traditional MBA format emphasizing analytical and strategic thinking​.
Flexibility	Allows GMAT/GRE/CAT scores for admission, providing more options for aspirants​.	Exclusive reliance on CAT scores, ensuring uniformity in the applicant pool​.
Legacy and Reputation	A newer entrant with a strong reputation in global management education​.	India’s oldest and most prestigious MBA program with a storied legacy​.

Which is Right for You? ISB PGP YL or IIMA PGP?

• Choose ISB PGP YL if:

  • You are a young professional with limited work experience looking to fast-track your career.

  • You value experiential learning, leadership development, and global exposure.

  • You want flexibility in admission requirements (GMAT/GRE/CAT scores).

• Choose IIM Ahmedabad PGP if:

  • You are a recent graduate seeking a rigorous, traditional MBA experience.

  • You prefer an established legacy program with a strong domestic and international reputation.

  • You excel in structured academic environments with a focus on case-based learning.

Ultimately, both programs are exceptional, but your choice depends on your career stage, aspirations, and learning preferences.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How is ISB PGP YLP good?

ISB PGP YLP (Young Leaders Program) is good because it offers early admission to ISB’s MBA for students in their final undergraduate year, securing a seat before gaining the required work experience.

Detailed Answer:

The ISB PGP YLP (Young Leaders Program) is designed for talented undergraduates who want to lock in a place in ISB’s flagship PGP (MBA equivalent) early, while still in college.

Key Advantages of ISB PGP YLP

1. Early Admission Security

   • Students apply in their pre-final or final year of graduation.

   • If selected, they get a deferred admission to ISB’s PGP, subject to completing 20–24 months of work experience.

2. Brand Advantage

   • ISB is one of India’s top MBA schools, globally ranked in the Financial Times MBA Rankings.

   • YLP ensures you don’t need to compete later in the open application pool.

3. Structured Exposure

   • Selected YLP candidates attend learning weekends and mentorship sessions during their work years before starting the MBA.

4. Competitive Edge

   • Provides a clear career path, networking opportunities, and professional grooming right after graduation.

   • Enhances job prospects during the 2-year work-experience phase before PGP.

Things to Consider

• Admission is highly competitive—selection depends on academic excellence, leadership potential, and essays.

• You still need to gain 20 months of work experience before joining ISB.

• The PGP fee (₹29,69,700 for 2025) applies, the same as regular admission.

Bottom Line: ISB PGP YLP is excellent for ambitious undergraduates who want an early pathway to a globally ranked MBA, combining admission security, structured mentorship, and career acceleration.

What GMAT score is needed for ISB YLP?

The average GMAT score for ISB YLP admits is around 710–730, though the official eligibility requires a valid GMAT/GRE/CAT score without a fixed cutoff.

Detailed Answer:

The ISB Young Leaders Program (YLP) admission process involves two stages:

1. Early application during the final year of undergraduate studies (essays, academics, leadership profile).

2. Submission of a GMAT or GRE or CAT score after securing admission, along with 20 months of work experience before joining the full-time PGP.

GMAT/GRE Score Insights

• No minimum cutoff is officially prescribed by ISB.

• However, based on past admitted student profiles:

  • Average GMAT score: 710–730

  • Competitive range: 700+ is strongly recommended to maximize admission chances.

• GRE scores are also accepted, with 325+ considered competitive.

Why High Scores Matter

• Since YLP applicants are younger with limited work experience, a strong GMAT/GRE/CAT score helps demonstrate academic readiness for the PGP.

• Essays, leadership qualities, and overall profile still weigh heavily in selection.

Bottom Line: For ISB YLP, while there is no official cutoff, aiming for a GMAT 710+ (or GRE 325+) significantly boosts your chances of admission.

What is the acceptance rate for ISB YLP program?

Acceptance Rate Insights

• According to an admissions support source, ISB YLP receives roughly 3,000 to 3,500 applications, with 140–150 offers extended each year—implying an acceptance rate in the 5%–7% range. 

• Similarly, a community Q&A reports that ISB receives 2,000–3,000 YLP applications annually, with up to 150 admits, also suggesting an acceptance rate of about 5–7.5%. 

Less Reliable Estimates

• Some sources estimate a broader acceptance rate between 20% and 25%, but these appear to be anecdotal and not corroborated by official or high-credibility data

Who can apply for YLP ISB?

Final-year or pre-final-year undergraduate students from any discipline can apply for ISB YLP, provided they complete their degree before joining ISB’s PGP and gain 20–24 months of work experience.

Detailed Answer:

The ISB Young Leaders Program (YLP) is a deferred admission route into ISB’s flagship Post Graduate Program in Management (PGP). It is targeted at students who want to secure an MBA seat before entering the workforce.

Eligibility for ISB YLP

1. Education Requirement

   • Applicants must be in their pre-final or final year of undergraduate or postgraduate studies (any discipline).

   • Degrees accepted: Engineering, Arts, Commerce, Medicine, Law, etc.

2. Work Experience

   • No work experience is needed at the time of application.

   • After selection, candidates must complete 20 months of full-time work experience before enrolling in the PGP.

3. Standardized Tests

   • Applicants must submit a valid GMAT or GRE or CAT score after securing conditional admission.

   • There is no fixed cutoff, but competitive applicants usually score GMAT 710+ or GRE 325+.

4. Selection Process

   • Stage 1: Online application (essays, academic scores, achievements).

   • Stage 2: GMAT/GRE/CAT score submission + interview.

   • Final selection is based on academic record, leadership potential, essays, and test score.

Bottom Line:

 Anyone in their final or pre-final year of graduation/post-graduation from any discipline can apply for ISB YLP, making it one of the most accessible deferred MBA pathways in India.

Is YLP being discontinued?

Yes, ISB’s YLP has been officially discontinued as of 2024, replaced by a new PGP YL (Post Graduate Program for Young Leaders)—a full-time residential MBA-equivalent program starting mid-2025.

Detailed Answer:

ISB’s earlier deferred entry schemes—Young Leaders Program (YLP) and Early Entry Option (EEO)—allowed pre-final/final-year students to secure admission to the PGP after completing work experience. These have now been discontinued.

In their place, ISB has launched a 20-month full-time residential program called PGP YL (Post Graduate Programme in Management for Young Leaders), targeting fresh graduates and early-career professionals with up to 2 years of full-time work experience.

The university has confirmed that applications are now open directly to PGP YL, and the deferred entry model (YLP) is no longer in effect.

Why the Change Matters

• Shift in structure: Rather than a deferred admission, the new PGP YL is a complete residential MBA-equivalent program, providing immediate immersion and business training without waiting periods.

• New eligibility: Applicants can apply if they have up to 2 years of work experience, expanding eligibility while eliminating the deferred trajectory of YLP/EEO.

Bottom Line:

• Yes, ISB’s traditional YLP has been discontinued.

• In its place, ISB has launched PGP YL, a 20-month, full-time MBA-equivalent program, for early-career professionals starting mid-2025.

How long is the ISB YLP program?

The original ISB YLP was a deferred admission route into the 1-year ISB PGP, but it has now been discontinued and replaced by PGP YL, a 20-month full-time program starting in 2025.

Detailed Answer:

Previously, the Young Leaders Program (YLP) at ISB was not a separate program—it was a deferred entry path into ISB’s 1-year PGP (MBA equivalent). Students applied in their pre-final/final year, secured admission, then worked for 20–24 months before enrolling in the 12-month PGP.

That meant the YLP route led to the same 1-year PGP as regular applicants, just with earlier admission security.

Major Update (2024–25 Onwards)

• ISB has officially discontinued YLP and EEO.

• In their place, ISB launched PGP YL (Post Graduate Programme in Management for Young Leaders).

• Duration: The new PGP YL is a 20-month full-time residential MBA-equivalent program (longer than ISB’s standard 12-month PGP).

• Eligibility: Fresh graduates and early-career professionals with 0–2 years of work experience.

Bottom Line:

• Old YLP = Deferred entry → 1-year PGP (now discontinued).

• New PGP YL = 20-month full-time MBA-equivalent program starting 2025.

  
  

What is the latest program of ISB?

The newest offering from ISB is the PGP YL (Post Graduate Program in Management for Young Leaders)—a 20-month, full-time residential MBA-equivalent program for fresh graduates and early-career professionals.

Detailed Answer

1. PGP YL – Post Graduate Program for Young Leaders

• Launch & Start: Officially launched in September 2024; the first cohort began in mid-2025.

• Duration: Spans 20 months, longer than ISB’s standard 12-month PGP. 

• Format & Location: Fully residential and full-time, conducted at ISB’s Hyderabad campus.

• Eligibility: Open to fresh graduates or professionals with up to 2 years of full-time work experience (0–24 months).

• Curriculum Highlights: Blends foundational business knowledge with advanced modules in technology, data, analytics, and innovation, supported by experiential learning like a Business Design Lab, Innovation Lab, and a mandatory 2-month summer internship.

• Admission Requirements: Applicants must submit a valid GMAT, GRE, or CAT score, followed by essays and an interview.

• Fees & Scholarships: Tuition is ₹21.65 lakh + GST, and accommodation is ₹3.95 lakh. Around 40–50% of the class receives scholarships, with eligible candidates possibly earning full tuition waivers.

• Inaugural Batch Profile: The first cohort includes 130 students, with 50% women, average age of 23, and 36% receiving full or partial waivers. Test averages include CAT percentile of 99.1, GMAT Classic of 731, GMAT Focus of 677, and GRE of 327. 

Summary Table

Program Name	Duration	Format	Eligibility	Highlights
PGP YL	20 months	Full-time, Residential at Hyderabad	0–24 months work experience	Strong emphasis on tech/data, labs, internship, high scholarship support

Additional Insight

ISB has also launched a high-level executive offering:

• ISB–NUS Global Advanced Management Programme: A modern executive education initiative designed in collaboration with the National University of Singapore to prepare senior leaders for navigating disruption and driving sustainable growth.

Bottom Line: The PGP YL is ISB’s most recent full-time, MBA-equivalent program tailored for early-career professionals and fresh graduates, offering deep business, tech, and innovation-focused learning over 20 months. Additionally, for senior executives, the ISB–NUS Global Advanced Management Programme is a notable newly launched offering.

Does ISB PGP YLP accept CAT?

Yes, ISB’s new PGP YL accepts CAT scores, along with GMAT and GRE, as part of its admissions process.

Detailed Answer:

With the discontinuation of ISB’s earlier YLP (Young Leaders Programme) and its replacement by the PGP YL (Post Graduate Programme in Management for Young Leaders) starting 2025, the entrance test requirements have been updated.

Accepted Tests for ISB PGP YL

• GMAT (Classic or Focus Edition)

• GRE

• CAT (officially accepted for the new PGP YL)

This is a significant change because:

• The old ISB YLP only required GMAT/GRE scores.

• The new ISB PGP YL now explicitly lists CAT as an eligible test for admission, widening access for students who already take CAT for IIMs and other B-schools.

Why It Matters

• Students who appear for CAT (the most widely taken MBA entrance in India) can now also apply to ISB without separately taking the GMAT or GRE.

• This makes ISB PGP YL more accessible to Indian applicants in their final year or with up to 2 years of work experience.

Bottom Line: ISB’s PGP YL accepts CAT, GMAT, and GRE scores for admission, making it more flexible than the old YLP.

How much does ISB MBA YLP cost?

PGP YL programme fee for the academic years 2026–28 is ₹29,69,700 (including GST) for shared accommodation and single-installment payment, along with a refundable security deposit. This amount includes admission, commitment, and tuition fees.