ISB vs Berkeley Haas: A Guide for MBA Aspirants in 2025
- Goalisb
- 7 hours ago
- 15 min read
The decision to pursue an MBA represents a significant investment in your future, with the potential to transform your career trajectory, leadership capabilities, and earning potential. For ambitious professionals evaluating top-tier business schools in 2025, the Indian School of Business (ISB) and UC Berkeley's Haas School of Business emerge as compelling options with distinct value propositions.
As an MBA admissions consultant who has guided hundreds of applicants through this critical decision-making process, I've analyzed the latest Financial Times MBA Rankings 2025 data to provide a comprehensive, evidence-based comparison that goes beyond institutional marketing to reveal the true strengths, opportunities, and considerations for each program.
This strategic analysis will help you determine which program better aligns with your specific career aspirations, geographic preferences, and financial objectives.
ISB vs Berkeley Haas Global Positioning and Institutional Prestige
Understanding where these institutions stand in the global landscape provides important context:
UC Berkeley Haas: Ranked number 15 globally (tied with Shanghai University of Finance and Economics), representing one of America's most prestigious public universities and a cornerstone of the innovative Bay Area ecosystem.
ISB: Ranked number 27 globally, establishing it as India's premier business school and a rising force in global business education with increasing international recognition.
While Berkeley Haas maintains a 12-position advantage in the rankings, both institutions represent world-class business education options firmly positioned in the global top 30.
ISB vs Berkeley Haas Financial Return on Investment Analysis
For many MBA candidates, the financial outcomes of their investment represent a crucial consideration:
Weighted Salary Comparison
UC Berkeley Haas: $219,388
ISB: $185,885
Berkeley Haas graduates command approximately 18% higher weighted salaries, reflecting the school's strong placement capabilities, particularly in high-paying technology and consulting sectors.
Salary Percentage Increase
UC Berkeley Haas: 115%
ISB: 247%
This metric reveals one of ISB's most extraordinary advantages - its graduates experience salary increases that are more than double their Berkeley counterparts. This remarkable financial transformation makes ISB particularly attractive for professionals seeking dramatic career acceleration and compensation growth.
Current Salary Figures
UC Berkeley Haas: $219,008
ISB: $186,238
The approximately $33,000 annual salary differential favors Berkeley Haas, though this should be contextualized against the significantly different cost of living between typical employment destinations for graduates of each program.
ISB vs Berkeley Haas Career Advancement and Professional Development
Beyond compensation, the ability of a program to advance your career and open new opportunities deserves careful consideration:
Career Progress Rank
UC Berkeley Haas: number 49
ISB: number 33
Surprisingly, ISB outperforms Berkeley Haas in career progression metrics, suggesting potentially faster advancement to senior leadership roles post-MBA. This advantage may be particularly valuable for mid-career professionals seeking accelerated paths to executive positions.
Employment Success at Three Months
UC Berkeley Haas: 84% (95% including those not seeking employment)
ISB: 95% (97% including those not seeking employment)
ISB demonstrates superior immediate employment outcomes, with 11 percentage points more graduates securing employment within three months. This advantage may be crucial for candidates with financial obligations or those prioritizing minimal career interruption.
ISB vs Berkeley Haas Value Proposition and Program Economics
The relationship between program costs and outcomes provides essential insight into the value equation:
Value for Money Rank
UC Berkeley Haas: number 81
ISB: number 59
ISB offers a significantly more favorable cost-to-benefit ratio according to FT's methodology, making it the stronger choice for budget-conscious applicants or those seeking to optimize return on their educational investment.
ISB vs Berkeley Haas Environmental and Diversity Considerations
Modern MBA candidates increasingly factor sustainability and diversity metrics into their decision-making:
Carbon Footprint Rank
UC Berkeley Haas: number 66
ISB: number 23
ISB demonstrates substantially stronger environmental credentials, which may align better with applicants prioritizing sustainability and environmental responsibility in their educational choices.
Sector Diversity Rank
UC Berkeley Haas: number 71
ISB: number 80
Both schools show comparable sector diversity metrics, with Berkeley Haas holding a slight edge in this category.
ISB vs Berkeley Haas Key Strategic Differentiators
Financial Transformation Potential
ISB's exceptional salary percentage increase (247% vs Berkeley's 115%) represents a dramatic financial transformation that may be particularly compelling for professionals from emerging economies or those seeking to maximize their compensation growth.
Silicon Valley Integration
Berkeley Haas offers unparalleled access to the Silicon Valley ecosystem, with its concentration of technology companies, venture capital firms, and entrepreneurial opportunities. For those targeting careers in technology, innovation, or startups, this strategic location advantage is difficult to overstate.
Career Advancement Trajectory
ISB's superior career progress ranking (number 33 vs Berkeley's number 49) suggests that its graduates may experience faster advancement to senior leadership positions. This advantage could be particularly valuable for professionals with clear executive ambitions.
Value Optimization
ISB's better value for money ranking (number 59 vs Berkeley's number 81) indicates that it delivers more educational and career advancement value relative to its cost, making it an excellent choice for candidates seeking to maximize their return on investment.
Sustainability Leadership
ISB's substantially stronger environmental performance (carbon footprint rank number 23 vs Berkeley's number 66) positions it as the more sustainable choice, which may align with the values of environmentally conscious applicants.
ISB vs Berkeley Haas Industry and Functional Specialization Opportunities
Berkeley Haas Strengths
Berkeley Haas demonstrates particular excellence in preparing students for careers in:
Technology and Digital Transformation: Leveraging its Silicon Valley proximity and deep industry connections
Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Supported by a vibrant startup ecosystem and venture capital network
Sustainable Business: Through its leadership in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) education
Consulting: With strong placement records at top strategy consulting firms
ISB Strengths
ISB excels in preparing graduates for opportunities in:
Emerging Markets Leadership: Particularly in fast-growing Asian economies
General Management: With accelerated paths to executive roles
Financial Services: Including investment banking and financial technology
Family Business Transformation: Through specialized programming for next-generation leaders
ISB vs Berkeley Haas Geographic Considerations and Network Effects
Your post-MBA geographic preferences should significantly influence your decision:
North American Focus
Berkeley Haas provides superior access to:
Silicon Valley and West Coast opportunities
US-based multinational corporations
American venture capital and private equity firms
A robust alumni network throughout North America
Asian and Emerging Markets Focus
ISB offers advantageous positioning for:
Indian corporations and multinationals
Asian regional headquarters roles
Emerging market expansion opportunities
Business development in high-growth economies
ISB vs Berkeley Haas Strategic Decision Framework for Applicants
Consider Berkeley Haas if:
You're targeting careers in technology, innovation, or entrepreneurship
The Silicon Valley ecosystem is central to your career aspirations
You value the prestige and connections of a top US business school
You're planning a long-term career in North America
You prioritize absolute salary figures over percentage increase
Your career interests align with Berkeley's sustainability, technology, or entrepreneurship strengths
Consider ISB if:
You're focused on emerging markets, particularly in Asia
You seek maximum salary transformation (with its remarkable 247% increase)
Faster career progression to senior leadership roles is a priority
Rapid employment post-graduation is important for your circumstances
Value optimization is critical given your financial constraints
You plan to leverage India's growing economy and business opportunities
ISB vs Berkeley Haas Application Strategy Considerations
Berkeley Haas Application Insights
Berkeley Haas values:
Innovative thinking and questioning the status quo
Confidence without attitude and intellectual humility
Social impact orientation and community leadership
Collaborative leadership styles and team orientation
Strong applications typically demonstrate these values through concrete examples and authentic storytelling.
ISB Application Insights
ISB prioritizes:
Demonstrated leadership potential and achievement
Academic excellence and analytical capability
Career vision with clear progression goals
Diversity of perspective and experience
Contribution to the ISB community
Successful ISB applications articulate a compelling case for how the program will accelerate the candidate's specific career objectives, particularly in emerging market contexts.
ISB vs Berkeley Haas: Complementary Excellence for Different Career Trajectories
Both ISB and Berkeley Haas represent excellence in business education, with complementary strengths that appeal to different applicant profiles and career aspirations. Your optimal choice depends on aligning these institutional strengths with your personal circumstances, geographic preferences, and professional goals.
Berkeley Haas offers prestigious US-based business education, higher absolute salary figures, and exceptional Silicon Valley connections. Meanwhile, ISB provides superior relative salary growth, better immediate employment outcomes, stronger career progression metrics, and better value for money.
As an experienced MBA admissions consultant, I recommend evaluating these factors against your unique career goals, financial situation, and personal preferences. The "right" choice isn't universal but depends entirely on your individual circumstances and aspirations.
Both institutions can serve as powerful catalysts for your career—the key is selecting the one that best complements your specific situation and ambitions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How difficult is it to get into ISB Mohali?
Getting into ISB Mohali is highly competitive, with an average GMAT score of ~710–720, acceptance rates around 20–25%, and a holistic selection process based on academics, work experience, leadership, and personal fit.
Detailed Answer: Admission to ISB Mohali is as competitive as ISB Hyderabad, since both campuses share a single admission process.
Factors That Make ISB Admission Competitive
High Test Score Benchmarks
Average GMAT: ~710–720 (range: 530–780)
Average GRE: ~325 (range: 319–330)
Acceptance Rate
Estimated acceptance rate: 20–25% (varies by year).
Thousands apply for ~900 seats across Hyderabad and Mohali combined.
Work Experience
Minimum: 2 years
Average: 4.3 years (Class of 2024)
Diverse Applicant Pool
Engineers, consultants, bankers, entrepreneurs, doctors, lawyers, and even armed forces officers apply, increasing competition.
Holistic Evaluation
ISB looks beyond academics, emphasizing leadership potential, career clarity, essays, recommendations, and interview performance.
Key Takeaway
ISB Mohali is difficult to get into, but not impossible—candidates with strong leadership stories, impactful career achievements, and competitive GMAT/GRE scores stand a good chance.
Does ISB consider 12th marks?
Yes, ISB does consider 12th-grade marks in admissions; selection is based on bachelor’s degree, work experience, GMAT/GRE, essays, and interview.
Detailed Answer: The Indian School of Business (ISB) follows a holistic evaluation process for its flagship PGP (MBA equivalent). Unlike undergraduate admissions in India, ISB does not use Class 10th board exam marks as selection criteria.
Can I get into ISB without GMAT?
A. Yes, you can get into ISB without GMAT but should have a valid GRE score.
Detailed Answer: For the flagship Post Graduate Program in Management (PGP) at ISB Hyderabad and Mohali, a valid GMAT or GRE score is compulsory. ISB does not waive this requirement, even for applicants with strong academic or professional backgrounds.
ISB PGP Admission Requirements
Mandatory: GMAT or GRE score (no minimum cut-off, but competitive scores are 700+ GMAT or 325+ GRE).
Other criteria: Bachelor’s degree, minimum 24 months of work experience, essays, recommendation, and interview.
Exceptions (Programs Without GMAT/GRE Requirement)
PGPpro (for working professionals with 5+ years’ experience): GMAT/GRE not required.
PGPMAX (for senior executives with 10–15 years’ experience): GMAT/GRE not required.
MFAB (for family business leaders): Requires BAT (Business Admissions Test) instead of GMAT/GRE.
👉 For the flagship 1-year PGP (MBA equivalent), GMAT or GRE is non-negotiable. But for executive or specialized programs, ISB offers alternatives.
Which score does ISB accept?
ISB accepts GMAT and GRE scores for admission to its flagship 1-year PGP (MBA equivalent) program.
Detailed Answer: The Indian School of Business (ISB) requires applicants to submit a valid GMAT or GRE score for the Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP) at both Hyderabad and Mohali campuses.
Accepted Test Scores for ISB PGP
GMAT – widely used by MBA applicants globally.
GRE – accepted as an alternative to GMAT.
👉 ISB does not have a minimum cutoff, but competitive scores are:
GMAT: 700+ (Class average ~710–720; range 530–780)
GRE: 325+ (range 319–330)
Other ISB Programs – Score Requirements
PGPpro (for mid-career professionals): No GMAT/GRE required.
PGPMAX (for senior executives): No GMAT/GRE required.
MFAB (for family business leaders): Requires Business Admissions Test (BAT) instead of GMAT/GRE.
Key Point
For ISB’s flagship MBA program (PGP), only GMAT and GRE scores are valid. Applicants can choose either test.
Who is eligible for admission in ISB?
ISB offers multiple programs with varying eligibility: PGP (Bachelor’s + 2 years’ work + GMAT/GRE), PGPpro (Bachelor’s + 5 years’ work, no GMAT/GRE), PGPMAX (Bachelor’s + 10–15 years’ work, no GMAT/GRE), MFAB (Bachelor’s + family business background + BAT exam), YLP (final-year undergraduates with deferred admission).
Detailed Answer: The Indian School of Business (ISB) has a portfolio of programs tailored to professionals at different career stages.
1. ISB PGP (Post Graduate Program in Management – MBA equivalent)
Eligibility:
Bachelor’s degree in any discipline
Minimum 24 months work experience
Valid GMAT or GRE score
English proficiency if degree not taught in English
2. ISB PGP YLP (Young Leaders Programme – deferred MBA)
Eligibility:
Final-year undergraduates in any discipline
GMAT/GRE/CAT scores
Maximum 24 months’ work experience
3. ISB PGPpro (for mid-career professionals)
Eligibility:
Bachelor’s degree
Minimum 5 years of work experience
No GMAT/GRE required
Designed for working professionals (weekend format)
4. ISB PGPMAX (for senior executives)
Eligibility:
Bachelor’s degree
Minimum 10–15 years of full-time work experience
No GMAT/GRE required
Designed for CXOs, entrepreneurs, senior leaders
5. ISB MFAB (Management Programme for Family Business)
Eligibility:
Bachelor’s degree
Must be a member of a business-owning family
Requires Business Admissions Test (BAT) instead of GMAT/GRE
Focused on family business leadership
✅ Summary:
PGP YL → GMAT/GRE/CAT mandatory
PGPpro/PGPMAX → GMAT/GRE not required
MFAB → BAT exam instead of GMAT/GRE
Q: Does ISB accept CAT scores for admission?
It depends—for the flagship 1-year PGP, ISB accepts only GMAT or GRE; however, for the newer PGP-YL (Young Leaders) program and the Fellow Program in Management (FPM), ISB does accept CAT as well.
Detailed Answer
Official ISB Admissions Policy
For the 1‑Year Post Graduate Program in Management (PGP), which requires 24+ months of work experience, ISB mandates submission of a GMAT or GRE score and does not accept CAT scores.
For the PGP‑YL (Young Leaders) program, designed for candidates with 0–2 years of work experience, ISB does accept CAT scores, along with GMAT and GRE. ISB obtains CAT scores directly from the testing authority when provided.
For the Fellow Program in Management (FPM), ISB also accepts CAT, besides GMAT, GRE, or JRF.
Summary by Program
Program | Work Experience | Accepted Scores |
1-Year PGP (Flagship) | ≥ 2 years | GMAT or GRE only |
PGP-YL (Young Leaders) | 0–2 years | GMAT, GRE, or CAT |
FPM (Fellow Program) | — | GMAT, GRE, CAT, or JRF |
Why This Matters
Flagship PGP: ISB targets professionals seeking a one-year MBA equivalent; hence, it sticks to globally recognized standards like GMAT/GRE.
PGP-YL: Offers access to early-career candidates (including fresh grads), thus adding flexibility by accepting CAT.
FPM: As a research-oriented track, it aligns with other academic assessments like CAT or JRF.
Who is the ideal candidate for ISB?
The ideal ISB candidate has a strong academic record, 2–6 years of work experience, a competitive GMAT/GRE score (700+/325+), demonstrated leadership potential, and clarity of career goals.
Detailed Answer: The Indian School of Business (ISB) looks for candidates who bring academic ability, professional achievements, leadership, and diversity to its flagship PGP class.
Profile of an Ideal ISB Candidate
Academic Strength
Solid undergraduate performance (no strict GPA cutoff).
Competitive GMAT (700+) or GRE (325+) score.
Work Experience
Minimum: 2 years.
Average: 4–6 years.
Diverse backgrounds: consulting, finance, tech, healthcare, entrepreneurship, armed forces, etc.
Leadership & Impact
Evidence of career progression, team leadership, or initiative.
Professional achievements that show problem-solving and influence.
Personal Attributes
Clarity of career goals (explained in essays).
Strong communication skills (evaluated in interview).
Ability to contribute to peer learning.
Diversity Factor
ISB values non-traditional profiles—artists, entrepreneurs, social sector leaders, doctors, lawyers, etc.—to enrich classroom perspectives.
Key Takeaway
An ideal ISB candidate is not just an academic topper but someone who combines intellectual ability, work experience, leadership, and future potential.
What is a good score for ISB?
A good score for ISB is typically GMAT 710+ or GRE 325+, as these fall in line with the average of admitted students.
Detailed Answer: The Indian School of Business (ISB) evaluates applicants holistically, but test scores play a crucial role in strengthening an application.
ISB GMAT/GRE Score Insights
Average GMAT score (Class of 2024): ~710–720
Middle 80% GMAT range: 660–760
Average GRE score: ~325 (verbal + quant combined)
Middle GRE range: 319–330
What Counts as a “Good Score”?
Safe Zone: GMAT 710+ / GRE 325+ (aligns with class average).
Competitive Zone: GMAT 730+ / GRE 328+ (helps stand out).
Acceptable Zone: GMAT 660–700 / GRE 319–324 (admissible if backed by strong work experience, leadership, and essays).
Key Point
A “good” score is not just about crossing a cutoff (since ISB has none).
ISB admits candidates with lower scores (below 700 GMAT) if they show exceptional work experience, leadership, or unique profiles.
However, a 710+ GMAT or 325+ GRE significantly boosts admission chances.
What is the average age for MBA students at ISB?
The average age of MBA students at ISB is 27 years.
Detailed Answer: The Indian School of Business (ISB) attracts young professionals with a few years of work experience for its flagship 1-year Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP).
ISB Class Profile (2024)
Average age: 27 years
Age range: 22 – 40 years
Average work experience: 4.3 years
Minimum required experience: 2 years
Why 27 is the Average Age
ISB’s model is designed for early to mid-career professionals, unlike U.S. MBA programs, where the average age is ~28–30.
Many students join ISB after 2–6 years of experience, making their late 20s the natural average.
Key Takeaway
If you’re between 25–30 years old with solid work experience, you fit the typical ISB student profile. However, ISB also admits both younger achievers (via YLP) and experienced professionals (via PGPMAX, PGPpro).
Who is the gold medalist at ISB?
The ISB Gold Medal is awarded each year to the student with the best all-round performance in the Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP).
Detailed Answer: At the Indian School of Business (ISB), the Gold Medal is the highest honor conferred on a graduating student. It recognizes not just academics, but also leadership, extracurricular contributions, and peer impact.
ISB Gold Medal – Key Facts
Criteria: Best all-round performance (academics + leadership + contribution to ISB community).
Selection Process: Based on faculty evaluation, peer input, and overall achievements.
One Medal per Class: Awarded at both Hyderabad and Mohali campuses during graduation.
Notable Recipients (Recent Years)
2023 – Manan Agrawal (Mohali)
2022 – Aastha Dhingra (Hyderabad), Amit Agarwal (Mohali)
2021 – Anurag Mishra (Hyderabad), Nidhi Kesarwani (Mohali)
(Names vary each year since it is class-specific.)
👉 In short, the ISB Gold Medalist is the top student of each graduating batch, judged on overall excellence.
Does ISB consider CAT scores?
A: Yes—ISB accepts CAT for PGP YL (test-center only) and for the FPM; the 1-year PGP accepts only GMAT/GRE.
Detailed Answer: As of September 2025, ISB’s policy varies by program. For the flagship one-year PGP, CAT is not accepted; applicants must submit a GMAT or GRE (test-center) score.
For PGP YL (Young Leaders Program)—ISB’s 20-month MBA-equivalent for 0–24 months’ experience—CAT is accepted, alongside GMAT/GRE, but only test-center scores (no online/home-based versions).
ISB also specifies CAT 2025 for the 2026–28 cohort.
Pathway update: ISB has discontinued the old YLP and EEO deferred routes and now directs early-career applicants to PGP YL.
Other ISB programs: The doctoral-level FPM accepts CAT (as well as GMAT/GRE/JRF).
The AMPBA allows a test-waiver request using GMAT/GRE/CAT/NMAT.
What is the cutoff for Indian School of Business Mohali?
ISB Mohali does not have any fixed cutoff scores, and there is no minimum GMAT, GRE, or CAT score required. Admissions are based on a holistic evaluation of the applicant’s entire profile—test scores are just one of many factors.
2. Detailed Answer
PGP (Post Graduate Program in Management – Hyderabad & Mohali)
ISB does not set any minimum GMAT or GRE score for applying. Admissions are based on a holistic assessment that includes academics, work experience, essays, recommendations, and more—not test scores alone.
In official FAQs, ISB confirms that there is no specific minimum GMAT/GRE score. However, recent PGP classes have seen score ranges of 530 to 780 for GMAT, and 319 to 330 for GRE.
PGP-YL (Young Leaders)
For applicants with 0–2 years of work experience, ISB accepts GMAT, GRE, or CAT, but again, no minimum score is required. The evaluation remains holistic across all test types.
FPM (Fellow Program in Management)
ISB accepts GMAT, GRE, CAT, or JRF (UGC NET) for FPM admissions, but no cutoff score is specified on the official FPM page. The decision depends on the overall academic and research profile strength.
Summary Table
Final Thoughts
ISB’s official stance is clear: there is no minimum test score cutoff for admission to any of its flagship or research programs, including those at the Mohali campus. Instead, ISB uses a holistic selection approach, where test scores are considered alongside academic credentials, professional accomplishments, essays, and recommendations.
Is ISB better than IIM?
A: ISB is considered better than many IIMs for a 1-year MBA due to its global ranking and strong placement outcomes, while IIMs are stronger for 2-year MBA programs and wider alumni networks.
Detailed Answer: The ISB vs. IIM comparison depends on your career stage, program type, and long-term goals.
1. Program Structure
ISB PGP: 1-year, full-time MBA equivalent, designed for professionals with 2+ years’ work experience.
IIM PGP (flagship): 2-year program, ideal for freshers or those with <2 years’ experience.
IIM Executive MBAs (e.g., IIM Ahmedabad PGPX, IIM Bangalore EPGP): Closer to ISB in format (1 year).
2. Global Rankings
ISB PGP: Consistently in the Financial Times Global MBA Top 50.
IIMs: Executive programs (PGPX/EPGP/IPMX) appear in global rankings, but flagship 2-year PGPs (taken after CAT) are not ranked globally.
3. Placements & Salary
ISB (2024): Average package ~₹34.2 LPA, strong consulting, tech, and leadership hiring.
IIMs (Top 3): Average packages ₹30–35 LPA for 2-year MBAs; executive MBAs average ₹28–32 LPA.
4. Alumni Network
IIMs: Larger, older alumni base (established since the 1960s).
ISB: Younger but globally connected alumni (~16,000+).
5. Admission Test
ISB: GMAT/GRE.
IIMs: CAT (for 2-year PGP) or GMAT/GRE (for executive MBAs).
✅ Summary:
If you want a globally ranked, 1-year MBA for professionals: ISB > IIM.
If you want a 2-year MBA with the biggest alumni base in India: IIMs > ISB.
About the Author: This analysis was prepared by a leading MBA admissions consultant with extensive experience guiding applicants to top business schools worldwide. For personalized guidance on your MBA application journey, contact us for a consultation.
