ISB vs Kellogg School of Management: Choosing Between Asia’s Rising Star and a Global Powerhouse
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When prospective MBA applicants consider their next big leap, the decision often narrows down to two seemingly contrasting but equally prestigious institutions: the Indian School of Business, ISB Hyderabad and Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management.
Both are globally ranked. Both are transformational. And both attract top talent. Yet, the value they deliver, the ecosystems they operate in, and the outcomes they unlock differ significantly.
If you're weighing the ISB MBA and the Kellogg MBA, this in-depth comparison will help you think beyond rankings—and align your MBA decision with your career strategy, geography, and ROI expectations.
ISB vs Kellogg Where They Stand — Rankings & Reputation
School | FT Global MBA Rank 2025 |
Kellogg School of Management | 10 |
Indian School of Business (ISB) | 27 |
Kellogg is a world-renowned Ivy League peer in the US MBA landscape. Known for its excellence in marketing, management, and collaboration-driven culture, it enjoys a decades-long global reputation.
ISB, located in Hyderabad, India, has grown into Asia’s most prominent one-year MBA program, ranked number 1 in India and recognized globally for emerging markets focus and return on investment.
ISB vs Kellogg ROI and Salary Impact
While prestige matters, financial transformation often makes or breaks an MBA decision, especially for self-funded candidates or professionals in high-growth economies.
ISB vs Kellogg Salary & ROI Comparison
Metric | Kellogg | ISB |
Weighted Salary | $219,487 | $185,885 |
Salary Today | $223,305 | $186,238 |
Salary Increase (%) | 118% | 247% |
Key Insight: ISB delivers more than double the salary growth percentage compared to Kellogg. For professionals in India or Asia, ISB offers one of the highest ROI MBA programs globally.
ISB vs Kellogg Career Momentum — Progress & Employment
Beyond money, an MBA must elevate your role, expand your network, and accelerate your journey into leadership.
Career Indicator | Kellogg | ISB |
Career Progress Rank | 23 | 33 |
Employment at 3 Months | 87% (99% incl. not seeking) | 95% (97% incl. not seeking) |
Kellogg offers a strong global network and brand pull for those targeting consulting, marketing, or strategy roles in the US.ISB’s faster employment turnaround reflects its strength in campus-driven placements and recruiter integration in India and MENA.
ISB vs Kellogg The Cost Equation — Value for Money
Value Metric | Kellogg | ISB |
FT Value for Money Rank | 90 | 59 |
While Kellogg offers higher absolute salaries, ISB significantly outperforms on value-for-money metrics, largely due to its lower tuition, shorter program length, and accelerated career return.
ISB vs Kellogg: The Structure — Program Length and Learning Approach
Feature | Kellogg | ISB PGP |
Program Length | 2 years | 1 year |
Internship Opportunities | Yes | No (accelerated program) |
Academic Focus | Marketing, Strategy, Management | Leadership, Emerging Markets |
Ideal Applicant Profile | Young professionals (3–5 years) | Mid-career professionals (4–8 years) |
Kellogg’s 2-year program allows internships, specializations, and more academic exploration, ideal for candidates seeking career switching or US-based employment.ISB’s 12-month format appeals to candidates who want to accelerate within their industry or geography with minimal time away from the workforce.
ISB vs Kellogg Geography and Career Access
Kellogg’s Ecosystem:
Location: Evanston, Illinois (near Chicago)
Strength: Access to US business giants, tech firms, and consulting firms
Industries: Consulting, Marketing, CPG, Tech
Alumni: Over 60,000 globally
ISB’s Ecosystem:
Location: Hyderabad (ISB Gachibowli)
Strength: Access to India’s rapidly growing economy, unicorn startups, and MNC leadership pipelines
Industries: Consulting, Tech, E-commerce, BFSI
Alumni: Over 14,500 in 60+ countries
Your target geography matters — whether it’s US-based mobility or Asian market leadership.
ISB vs Kellogg: Sustainability & Diversity – Emerging Priorities
Metric | Kellogg | ISB |
Carbon Footprint Rank | 50 | 23 |
Sector Diversity Rank | 76 | 80 |
ISB ranks higher on environmental metrics, reflecting its efforts toward sustainable operations. Sector diversity is similar, though both are improving.
ISB vs Kellogg: Strategic Fit — Who Should Choose Which?
You should choose | If you… |
Kellogg School of Management | Want to build a career in the US, enter global consulting, or seek immersive learning and brand recognition |
Indian School of Business (ISB) | Want maximum ROI, quick career acceleration, and access to Asian leadership opportunities |
ISB vs Global & Indian MBA Comparisons
At GOALisB, we don’t just help you write essays — we help you build a roadmap for your post-MBA career. With a strong track record across both ISB and global MBA programs like Kellogg, we offer:
Application Strategy & Positioning
ISB Essay & Interview Prep
Kellogg MBA Profile Building
Scholarship & Funding Guidance
Final Take: ISB or Kellogg — Which MBA Is Right for You?
Both ISB and Kellogg represent exceptional MBA programs — but they serve different applicant profiles and long-term goals.
Choose Kellogg if your aspirations are rooted in the US job market, and you want brand equity, flexibility, and a collaborative classroom culture.
Choose ISB if you’re looking for maximum financial uplift, rapid ROI, and industry acceleration within Asia or emerging markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
With the discontinuation of ISB’s earlier YLP (Young Leaders Program) and its replacement by the PGP YL (Post Graduate Program 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.
What is the GMAT score for ISB YLP?
The average GMAT score for ISB YLP admits was around 710–730, and under the new PGP YL program (2025 intake), the inaugural batch had an average GMAT Classic score of 731 and GMAT Focus score of 677.
Earlier, the ISB Young Leaders Program (YLP) acted as a deferred entry to ISB’s 1-year PGP, with most successful admits scoring 710+ on GMAT.
Now that ISB has discontinued YLP and replaced it with PGP YL, we have official score data from the inaugural PGP YL 2025–2027 batch:
ISB PGP YL 2025 Batch Test Scores
GMAT Classic (old format): Average 731
GMAT Focus Edition (new format): Average 677
GRE: Average 327
CAT: Average 99.1 percentile
What This Means for Applicants
ISB does not prescribe a minimum cutoff for GMAT/GRE/CAT.
However, based on past YLP trends and the new PGP YL data:
A GMAT 710+ (Classic) or 670+ (Focus Edition) is considered highly competitive.
Equivalent GRE 325+ or CAT 98+ percentile also keeps applicants in the top bracket.
Context
Since YLP/PGP YL targets fresh graduates and early-career professionals, test scores weigh more heavily compared to the regular PGP, where work experience plays a larger role.
Bottom Line: For ISB YLP (old) and PGP YL (new), a GMAT 710+ Classic (or 670+ Focus) score is competitive, with the 2025 batch averaging GMAT 731 (Classic).
Is the 695 GMAT Focus good?
Yes, a 695 GMAT Focus score is very strong for ISB, since the inaugural PGP YL batch average was 677 and the PGP (1-year MBA) average is around 690–700 (Focus equivalent).
With the shift from GMAT Classic to GMAT Focus Edition, ISB (like other global B-schools) evaluates scores on the new scale.
Benchmark Data
ISB PGP YL (2025 batch): Average 677 (GMAT Focus).
ISB 1-Year PGP (2025 class profile): Average GMAT equivalent 710–730 (Classic), which converts to ~690–700 on GMAT Focus.
GMAC Conversion: A GMAT Focus 695 ≈ GMAT Classic 720–730, which is above ISB’s historic average.
What This Means for You
A 695 GMAT Focus puts you above the ISB average for both PGP YL and the regular PGP.
Since ISB follows a holistic evaluation, a 695 score gives you a strong edge, but essays, work experience, and interviews still matter.
For YL applicants (with little or no work experience), this score compensates well by showing academic rigor.
Bottom Line: A GMAT Focus 695 is an excellent score for ISB, well above the average for PGP YL (677) and competitive for the 1-year PGP (≈690–700 Focus equivalent).
What is a top 1% GMAT score?
A top 1% GMAT score is 760 or above on the GMAT Classic (200–800 scale), which corresponds to a GMAT Focus score of about 695–705.
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is percentile-ranked, meaning your score is measured relative to all other test-takers.
GMAT Percentile Data
GMAT Classic (200–800 scale):
760–800 = Top 1% (99th percentile).
730 ≈ 96th percentile, 700 ≈ 88th percentile.
GMAT Focus (205–805 scale):
GMAC adjusted scoring so that 99th percentile now corresponds to ~695–705.
A 655+ Focus score ≈ 90th percentile.
Why It Matters for ISB & Other B-Schools
Top global MBAs (ISB, INSEAD, Wharton, Harvard, LBS) see median admits in the 700–740 Classic range (≈665–685 Focus).
A top 1% score (760+ Classic / 695+ Focus) gives you maximum competitiveness, but schools still admit many candidates below this if their profiles are strong.
Bottom Line: A top 1% GMAT = 760+ Classic or ~695–705 Focus, placing you among the highest-scoring applicants worldwide.
How much does ISB MBA YLP cost?
PGP YL program 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.
Why is ISB ranked higher than IIM?
ISB is often ranked higher than IIMs in global MBA rankings because its 1-year PGP is internationally recognized as a full-time MBA, with strong research output, global faculty, higher average GMAT scores, and international student mix compared to IIMs’ 2-year PGDM programs.
When comparing rankings of ISB vs IIMs, it’s important to note that:
1. Type of Program
ISB PGP (1 year) is classified globally as an MBA equivalent.
Most IIM flagship programs are PGDM (2 years), not always considered MBAs abroad.
Only IIMs with EQUIS/AMBA/AACSB accreditations and 1-year executive MBAs (like IIM Ahmedabad PGPX, IIM Bangalore EPGP, IIM Calcutta MBAEx) are ranked alongside ISB internationally.
2. Global Rankings (FT 2024 MBA Rankings)
ISB PGP: Ranked 31st worldwide.
IIM Ahmedabad PGPX: Ranked 41st worldwide.
IIM Bangalore EPGP: Ranked 47th worldwide.
IIM Calcutta MBAEx: Ranked 67th worldwide.
3. Why ISB Scores Higher
GMAT Scores: ISB average GMAT ≈ 710–730, among the highest in Asia.
Faculty & Research: ISB emphasizes global research publications and attracts international visiting faculty.
Alumni Outcomes: ISB graduates see faster career acceleration and stronger salary growth metrics, which heavily influence FT rankings.
Global Appeal: ISB has a more diverse, international applicant pool compared to IIMs.
4. India Rankings
In NIRF India Rankings, IIMs (Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta) usually rank above ISB because NIRF emphasizes public institution legacy, government recognition, and long-term academic reputation.
Bottom Line: ISB ranks higher than IIMs in global MBA rankings due to its 1-year MBA-equivalent program, international recognition, high GMAT averages, and stronger research/alumni outcomes, while IIMs dominate Indian rankings due to their legacy and government recognition.
Is ISB a good choice for MBA?
Yes, ISB is a top MBA choice in India, ranked 31st globally (FT 2024), with strong placements (average salary ₹34–38 lakh), world-class faculty, and a globally recognized 1-year PGP program.
The Indian School of Business (ISB) is consistently regarded as one of the best MBA destinations in India and Asia. Its flagship Post Graduate Program in Management (PGP) is considered equivalent to a full-time international MBA.
Reasons ISB is a Strong MBA Choice
Global Rankings:
FT Global MBA Ranking 2024 – ISB ranked 31st worldwide, ahead of IIMs in global lists.
Program Format:
ISB PGP is a 1-year full-time MBA, ideal for professionals with 2–10 years of experience who want faster career acceleration.
Placement Outcomes:
Average CTC: ₹34–38 lakh (Class of 2024).
Top recruiters: Consulting (McKinsey, BCG, Bain), Tech (Amazon, Microsoft, Google), Finance (Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan).
Career shifts: 70%+ students successfully switch industry, function, or geography.
Admission Quality:
Average GMAT: 710–730 (one of the highest in Asia).
Diverse cohort: 900+ students across Hyderabad & Mohali campuses, with 35–40% women representation.
Faculty & Research:
ISB attracts international visiting professors from Wharton, Kellogg, LBS, MIT Sloan.
Consistently ranks number 1 in India for management research output.
Global Recognition:
Unlike IIM PGDMs, ISB PGP is directly recognized as an MBA equivalent abroad, making it advantageous for global mobility.
Bottom Line: ISB is an excellent MBA choice if you are a mid-career professional seeking global recognition, strong ROI, and career acceleration in consulting, tech, or leadership roles.
What is the salary of MBA in IBS?
IBS Hyderabad (Donthanapally) – MBA Placements
IBS Hyderabad’s 2025 Placement Highlights:
Historical Trend (2023–2024):
Average Salary: ₹10.42 LPA (2023), ₹9.71 LPA (2024)
Top 10%: up to ₹17.66 LPA (2023)
Top 25%: up to ₹13.97 LPA (2023)
Other IBS Campuses – Comparison Snapshot
Thus,
IBS Hyderabad leads with the highest average salary among IBS campuses—around ₹9.8 LPA in 2025.
Top performers at Hyderabad can reach ₹13–17 LPA, offering solid ROI potential.
Other campuses deliver average placements in the ₹7–8 LPA range, and package ceilings vary from ₹16 LPA to ₹22 LPA, depending on location.
Student Voices (Reddit Insight)
Some candid student feedback paints a mixed picture:
“At IBS Hyderabad, the average package is around Rs 9–10 lakhs. While the top 25% of students earn between Rs 12–13 lakhs.”
Others caution:
“They charge 17 lakhs + 4 lakh hostel for an 8–9 LPA job, that too if you get lucky.” While anecdotal, these reflect common concerns around ROI expectations.
Final Takeaway
The average MBA salary at IBS Hyderabad is approximately ₹10 LPA, with strong upside for top performers. Salaries at other campuses are lower (~₹7–8 LPA) with comparable high-end potential.
Is IBS Bangalore worth it?
Official Placement Statistics – Class of 2025
From IBS Bangalore’s own final placements report:
Placement Rate: ~90% of the class secured placements.
Average Salary (Overall): ₹7.76 LPA
Average Salary (Top 10%): ₹11.07 LPA
Average Salary (Top 25%): ₹9.68 LPA
Highest Domestic Salary: ₹16.42 LPA
International Salary: Not available (indicated by “–”) in official data
Summary Table
Placement Metric | Class of 2025 |
Placement Rate | ~90% |
Average Salary | ₹7.76 LPA |
Top 10% Average Salary | ₹11.07 LPA |
Top 25% Average Salary | ₹9.68 LPA |
Highest Domestic Salary | ₹16.42 LPA |
Highest International Salary | Not reported |
Insights
The average package of ₹7.76 LPA reflects solid placement performance for a mid-tier management institution.
The top 10% performers significantly outperform the average, earning over ₹11 LPA.
The highest domestic package (₹16.42 LPA) showcases potential for standout students in niche roles or sectors.
Is IBS better than symbiosis?
No, Symbiosis (SIBM Pune) is generally considered better than IBS, with higher average salaries (~₹25 LPA vs. ₹9–10 LPA at IBS Hyderabad), stronger alumni network, and higher NIRF/MBA rankings, though IBS offers a larger intake and more campus options.
When comparing ICFAI Business School (IBS) and Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM, Pune), we must separate brand reputation, placements, ROI, and rankings.
Placements Comparison (2024–25 Data)
Metric | SIBM Pune (Symbiosis) | IBS Hyderabad |
Average CTC | ₹25.64 LPA | ₹9.82 LPA |
Highest CTC (Domestic) | ₹38 LPA | ₹21 LPA |
Top 25% Avg | ₹29.09 LPA | ₹11.76 LPA |
Top Recruiters | BCG, Bain, Deloitte, HUL, ITC, Amazon | Deloitte, HDFC, ICICI, PwC, KPMG |
Placement Rate | 100% | 93% |
(Sources: Official SIBM Pune Placement Report 2024; IBS Hyderabad Placement Report 2025)
Rankings & Recognition
SIBM Pune (Symbiosis University):
NIRF 2024: Ranked among Top 20 management institutes in India.
Recognized as a Tier-1 MBA program in India, comparable with NMIMS, TAPMI, XIMB.
IBS (ICFAI Business School):
IBS Hyderabad appears in Top 30–40 Indian B-school lists.
Other IBS campuses (Bangalore, Gurgaon, Mumbai) are lower-ranked, considered Tier-2/Tier-3.
ROI Factor
SIBM Pune Fees: ~₹23–24 lakh → Average salary ₹25 LPA → ROI is very strong.
IBS Hyderabad Fees: ~₹17–18 lakh → Average salary ₹9–10 LPA → ROI is moderate.
When IBS May Still Be a Choice
If you don’t convert Symbiosis (SIBM/SCHMRD) and want a large MBA network, IBS Hyderabad is the strongest IBS option.
IBS has 9 campuses, offering accessibility, but quality varies sharply — Hyderabad >>> others.
Bottom Line: For brand, ROI, global recognition, and placements, Symbiosis (especially SIBM Pune) is better than IBS. IBS Hyderabad is a good mid-tier backup, but other IBS campuses fall below Symbiosis in career outcomes.
What are top 5 IIMs?
The top 5 IIMs in India (NIRF 2024 rankings) are IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Kozhikode, IIM Calcutta, and IIM Lucknow.
The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) are ranked annually by NIRF (National Institutional Ranking Framework) and global bodies like Financial Times. Based on NIRF 2024 (the most authoritative Indian ranking system), the top five are:
Top 5 IIMs – NIRF India Ranking 2024 (Management Category)
IIM Ahmedabad – Consistently number 1, known for academic rigor, consulting & finance placements.
IIM Bangalore – Strong in strategy, tech, and entrepreneurship, with global FT rankings.
IIM Kozhikode – Rising rapidly, known for diverse batch profiles and strong corporate connections.
IIM Calcutta – Finance powerhouse, top global alumni network, and strong international ties.
IIM Lucknow – Excellent placements, leadership pipeline, and parent institute for IIM Jammu & Kashipur.
(Source: NIRF India Rankings 2024 – Management category)
Global FT MBA/EMBA Rankings Context
IIM Ahmedabad (PGPX), IIM Bangalore (EPGP), IIM Calcutta (MBAEx) feature in FT Global MBA rankings.
ISB (non-IIM) also competes in the same list and often ranks higher globally than IIMs.
Bottom Line: The top 5 IIMs in 2024 are Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Kozhikode, Calcutta, and Lucknow, based on NIRF, with A, B, and C still considered the "holy trinity" of IIMs for brand value.
Which is the no. 2 IIM in India?
According to the NIRF 2025 management rankings, IIM Bangalore is ranked as the second top Indian Institute of Management, just after IIM Ahmedabad.
1. NIRF 2025 Rankings (Official Government Framework)
The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025—administered by India’s Ministry of Education—places IIM Ahmedabad in the 1st position and IIM Bangalore in the 2nd position under the Management category.
2. Other Ranking Perspectives (International & Media)
The QS Global MBA Rankings 2025 offer a differing hierarchy, positioning IIM Bangalore as the top Indian business school, followed by IIM Ahmedabad in 2nd place.
These rank shifts reflect different evaluation criteria—NIRF uses composite national metrics like teaching quality, graduation outcomes, and research, while QS emphasizes global reach, alumni outcomes, and employer reputation.
Comparison Table
Ranking Framework | Rank 1 | Rank 2 |
NIRF 2025 (Management) | IIM Ahmedabad | IIM Bangalore |
QS Global MBA India 2025 | IIM Bangalore | IIM Ahmedabad |
Why the Difference?
NIRF: Focuses on domestic metrics including infrastructure, faculty, research output, inclusivity, and placements.
QS: Emphasizes global reputation, alumni success, employer diagnostics, and international visibility.
Though both IIM Ahmedabad and Bangalore consistently rank at the top, the specific ordering can vary based on methodology and the weightage assigned to different performance indicators.
TL;DR
According to NIRF 2025, the No. 2 IIM in India is IIM Bangalore.
However, in QS rankings, Bangalore leads ahead of Ahmedabad.
Which IIM is better for MBA?
IIM Ahmedabad and IIM Bangalore are widely considered the top two IIMs, with Ahmedabad known for academic rigor and consulting placements, and Bangalore for technology, entrepreneurship, and global exposure; the choice depends on your career goals.
Detailed Answer: When asking which IIM is “better” for MBA, the answer depends on what you value: rankings, placements, culture, or specialization.
1. Top IIMs (Based on Rankings & Reputation)
IIM Ahmedabad (IIMA):
Ranked number 1 in NIRF 2025 Management Rankings.
Famous for its case-method teaching, rigorous academics, and strong global brand.
Best known for consulting, finance, and strategy roles.
IIM Bangalore (IIMB):
Ranked number 2 in NIRF 2025, but number 1 in QS Global MBA India 2025 Rankings.
Known for entrepreneurship, tech, and leadership development.
Excellent industry connect with Bangalore’s startup and IT ecosystem.
IIM Calcutta (IIMC):
Often ranked number 3 nationally.
Strong in finance, analytics, and quantitative disciplines, with one of the best alumni networks globally.
2. Specializations & Placement Strengths
Consulting & Strategy: IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore
Finance & Quant-heavy Roles: IIM Calcutta
Tech & Entrepreneurship: IIM Bangalore (due to startup hub ecosystem)
General Management & Leadership: IIM Ahmedabad
3. Culture & Learning Style
IIMA: Structured, academically intense, case-study heavy.
IIMB: Flexible electives, leadership focus, diverse peer network.
IIMC: Strong analytics culture, finance-driven placements.
4. Global Standing
All three (A, B, C) are in the Top 100 of QS Global MBA Rankings 2025, with IIMB often leading in global reputation.
Quick Takeaway
Choose IIM Ahmedabad if you want consulting, finance, or a brand with maximum domestic prestige.
Choose IIM Bangalore if you want technology, entrepreneurship, or global career visibility.
Choose IIM Calcutta if you are finance-focused or want strong international alumni reach.
No matter where you're headed, your MBA is a strategic investment. With GOALisB, you won’t just apply — you’ll apply with clarity, purpose, and confidence.
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