ISB vs. SDA Bocconi: A Deep Dive
- Administrator
- Oct 18, 2025
- 12 min read
In the crowded and competitive world of global MBA programs, the Financial Times Global MBA Rankings 2025 offers a crucial benchmark for aspirants making high-stakes decisions. Two standout institutions from very different geographies: ISB MBA and SDA Bocconi School of Management —appear on the list, but a closer look reveals a nuanced comparison that goes beyond their headline ranks.
In this blog, we move past surface-level stats to compare ISB and SDA Bocconi on metrics that truly matter: financial return, career advancement, sustainability, diversity, and program value. If you’re evaluating top global MBA programs, this comprehensive breakdown will help you choose based on your goals, not just rankings.
1. ISB vs. SDA Bocconi Global Rankings & Prestige
School | Global Rank (FT 2025) |
SDA Bocconi | 4 (tied with INSEAD) |
ISB | 27 |
SDA Bocconi’s surge into the Top 5 globally, tied with a juggernaut like INSEAD, signals not only European excellence but global appeal. ISB, while at a respectable number 27, continues to be India’s premier business school on the FT charts, reflecting its strong global brand and regional dominance.
2. ISB vs. SDA Bocconi Financial Returns: The ROI Breakdown
For many MBA aspirants, return on investment (ROI) is the deciding factor. Let’s examine how ISB and SDA Bocconi compare on salary-related outcomes:
Metric | SDA Bocconi | ISB |
Weighted Salary | $217,241 | $185,885 |
Salary Today | $217,241 | $186,238 |
Salary Increase (%) | 124% | 247% |
While SDA Bocconi leads in absolute salary, ISB delivers an extraordinary 247% increase, almost double Bocconi’s. This speaks volumes about ISB’s ability to transform careers, particularly for applicants from industries or geographies with initially lower compensation benchmarks.
Key Insight: If you're looking to leapfrog your compensation and switch to high-paying industries, ISB is a strong contender.
3. ISB vs. SDA Bocconi Career Advancement & Employment Outcomes
Career Metric | SDA Bocconi | ISB |
Career Progress Rank | 18 | 33 |
Employed at 3 Months | 91% (95% incl. those not seeking) | 95% (97% incl. those not seeking) |
SDA Bocconi ranks higher on career progress, indicating stronger promotion rates, title changes, or organizational prestige gains post-MBA. However, ISB slightly outpaces Bocconi on employment at three months, signaling faster job market absorption—a critical point for career switchers.
Consider This: If you prioritize immediate employment after your MBA, ISB is ahead. For long-term career progression, Bocconi appears to hold the edge.
4. ISB vs. SDA Bocconi Value for Money: The Hidden Twist
Value Metric | SDA Bocconi | ISB |
Value for Money Rank | 15 | 59 |
Despite ISB’s tremendous salary jump, it lags significantly in perceived value. This could be due to higher opportunity costs, tuition relative to local earning potential, or cost of living. SDA Bocconi, on the other hand, seems to offer a well-balanced cost-to-return ratio.
What This Means: If you're evaluating MBA programs purely on financial value, SDA Bocconi delivers stronger value relative to what you pay.
ISB vs. SDA Bocconi Environmental Sustainability & Diversity
Metric | SDA Bocconi | ISB |
Carbon Footprint Rank | 1 | 23 |
Sector Diversity Rank | 21 | 80 |
SDA Bocconi is setting global benchmarks in sustainability with its 1 Carbon Footprint Rank. Its curriculum and campus policies reflect a deep commitment to ESG principles. Meanwhile, its high sector diversity rank highlights versatility in post-MBA industry placements.
ISB, though improving, is still more concentrated in sectors like consulting and tech, particularly focused on India’s economic ecosystem.
For applicants who value sustainability leadership and industry flexibility, SDA Bocconi offers a wider playing field.
6. Geographic Influence & Industry Connections
SDA Bocconi is deeply embedded in the European business fabric, with strengths in luxury, fashion, design, and finance, especially relevant in Italy’s industrial ecosystem.
ISB connects you to India’s booming economy, massive startup growth, and leadership roles in consulting, technology, and e-commerce across Asia.
Choose SDA Bocconi if: You want a Europe-based career with exposure to industries like luxury, sustainability, and global finance.
Choose ISB if: You aim to tap into India's high-growth sectors or build a pan-Asian leadership career.
7. Which School is Right for You?
Here's a quick summary to help align your priorities:
Priority | Go for SDA Bocconi if... | Choose ISB if... |
Global Ranking | You want Top 5 brand prestige | You want the best in India |
Salary Increase | You value absolute salary | You seek highest % growth |
Sustainability | You care deeply about ESG | It's not a key driver |
Industry Diversity | You want more varied career paths | You're focused on consulting/tech |
Value for Money | You want solid ROI globally | You’re open to higher relative costs |
Location & Market | You want a Euro-centric network | You aim for South/SE Asia dominance |
Final Thoughts: What the FT 2025 Rankings Reveal
The FT MBA Rankings 2025 reveal two world-class programs with distinct advantages:
ISB is a career accelerator for those targeting dramatic financial growth and strong placement in the Indian and Asian job markets.
SDA Bocconi is a value-rich, globally sustainable choice for those seeking long-term career diversity, a European network, and global prestige.
In the end, your MBA choice should be strategic, not emotional. Use the data—but more importantly—align it with your career vision, industry interest, and global mobility goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the owner of ISB Hyderabad?
1. ISB Is Not Privately Owned — It's a Not-for-Profit Institution
ISB is structured as a private, not-for-profit business school established under the legal framework of the ISB Society — governed by a board rather than owned by any individual or corporation.
It is legally registered as a non-profit company under the Indian Companies Act with Corporate Identity Number (CIN): U80100TG1997NPL036631, headquartered in Hyderabad.
2. Governance — Run by a Board of Eminent Leaders
The institution is overseen by a Board of Governors (Executive Board) comprising distinguished leaders from academia, industry, and philanthropy.
Its first Chairman was Rajat Gupta (former MD of McKinsey), succeeded by Adi Godrej in 2011. As of recent sources, Harish Manwani (former global COO of Unilever) serves as the current Chairman.
3. Founders Behind ISB’s Creation
ISB was co-founded in the mid-1990s by a collective of business leaders and academics, including:
Rajat Gupta and Anil Kumar from McKinsey & Company.
An executive board was formed with luminaries like Adi Godrej, Rahul Bajaj, YC Deveshwar, KV Kamath, among others.
Summary Answer
ISB Hyderabad is not owned by any person or company.
It operates as a private, not-for-profit entity, registered under Indian law (CIN: U80100TG1997NPL036631).
Governance is carried out by a Board of Governors, with Harish Manwani as the current Chairman.
The school was founded by a consortium of prominent business leaders and academics, not through private ownership.
Is ISB MBA 1 year or 2 year?
The ISB MBA (Post Graduate Program in Management – PGP) is a one-year full-time program, unlike the two-year MBAs at IIMs.
At the Indian School of Business (ISB), the flagship Post Graduate Program in Management (PGP) is designed as a one-year, full-time residential MBA-equivalent.
Key Features of ISB PGP:
Duration: 12 months (April to March cycle).
Curriculum: Mirrors global accelerated MBAs (like INSEAD, IMD), compressing core and elective courses into one intensive year.
Eligibility: Minimum 2 years of work experience required (average ~4–5 years in recent batches).
Recognition: Accredited by AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA, making it globally recognized as an MBA-equivalent degree.
Placements: Conducted immediately after graduation, with average salaries of ~₹34 LPA (Class of 2024).
Comparison with IIMs:
IIMs (PGP/PGDM): 2-year MBA equivalent, open to fresh graduates, includes summer internships.
ISB (PGP): 1-year MBA equivalent, targeted at professionals with prior work experience, no summer internships.
Does ISB offer a 2-year MBA?
No, ISB does not offer a 2-year MBA. Its flagship program, the Post Graduate Program in Management (PGP), is a 1-year full-time MBA equivalent.
The Indian School of Business (ISB) has built its reputation on a 1-year, globally recognized MBA-equivalent program. Unlike IIMs, ISB does not run a traditional 2-year MBA.
ISB MBA Program Options:
PGP (Post Graduate Program in Management): 1-year full-time MBA equivalent (flagship program).
PGPpro: Modular 18-month program for mid-career professionals (weekend classes in metro cities).
PGPMAX: 15-month program for senior executives (10+ years’ experience).
Which is better, IBS or ISB?
ISB (Indian School of Business) is far better than IBS (ICFAI Business School) in terms of global ranking, faculty, placements, and average salary. ISB’s average package is ₹34 LPA, while IBS Hyderabad offers around ₹8–9 LPA.
When comparing ISB (Indian School of Business) with IBS (ICFAI Business School), the two are very different in reputation, ranking, and outcomes.
1. Reputation & Ranking
ISB Hyderabad/Mohali
Consistently ranked among the top 30 global B-schools (Financial Times Global MBA Rankings).
Recognized internationally, with strong academic alliances (Wharton, Kellogg, LBS).
IBS Hyderabad
Among India’s private B-schools, but not in global MBA rankings.
Primarily known for large batch sizes and domestic reach.
2. Program Format
ISB PGP: 1-year full-time MBA equivalent, designed for professionals with 2–10 years’ work experience.
IBS MBA/PGPM: 2-year program, accepts fresh graduates (CAT/GMAT/NMAT/IBSAT entrance).
3. Placements & Salary
ISB (Class of 2024):
Average CTC: ₹34.21 LPA
Recruiters: 400+ companies, 1,200+ offers
IBS Hyderabad (2023):
Average CTC: ₹8–9 LPA
Highest CTC: ~₹22 LPA (select roles)
Large batch (~1,200 students), making placements competitive.
4. Fee & ROI
ISB: Fee ~₹43–45 lakh, high ROI due to salaries in top consulting, tech, and global firms.
IBS Hyderabad: Fee ~₹16–18 lakh, ROI moderate, best for students targeting Indian corporate roles.
Thus,
Choose ISB if you are an experienced professional aiming for elite global careers, consulting, or leadership roles.
Choose IBS if you are a fresher or early-career student seeking an affordable, accessible MBA option within India.
Is MBA of 2 years or 3 years?
In most cases, an MBA is 2 years in India (like IIMs, XLRI, FMS), while some global MBAs (like ISB, INSEAD, IMD) are 1 year. A 3-year MBA is usually offered in part-time or executive formats, not as the standard full-time degree.
The duration of an MBA depends on the country, school, and program type.
1. India (Standard MBA Programs)
IIMs, XLRI, SPJIMR, FMS, MDI: 2 years full-time (PGP/PGDM equivalent to MBA).
ISB, Great Lakes, IIM Ahmedabad PGPX, IIM Bangalore EPGP: 1-year MBAs for professionals with prior experience.
Part-time/Executive MBAs (NMIMS, Symbiosis, IGNOU): Often 2–3 years, designed for working professionals.
2. Global (US, Europe, Asia)
US B-schools (Harvard, Wharton, Stanford): 2 years full-time MBA.
Europe/Asia (INSEAD, IMD, Cambridge, Oxford, ISB India): 1-year MBAs are common.
Part-time/Online MBAs (Kellogg, Booth, Warwick, etc.): Usually 2–3 years, depending on study pace.
3. Key Insight
2 years → Standard in India & US, allows internships.
1 year → Global accelerated model, best for experienced professionals.
3 years → Rare, mostly part-time/online/executive formats for working managers.
Thus, an MBA is usually 2 years in India and the US, 1 year at ISB and global schools like INSEAD, and only 3 years in part-time or executive programs.
Does ISB accept GMAT?
Yes, ISB accepts GMAT (and GRE) scores for admission to its flagship 1-year PGP (MBA equivalent)
The Indian School of Business (ISB) requires a standardized test score for admission to its MBA-equivalent programs.
Accepted Tests at ISB
GMAT: Widely accepted for ISB PGP.
GRE: Also accepted as an alternative to GMAT.
EA (Executive Assessment): Accepted for certain executive programs like PGPMAX and PGPpro.
ISB PGP (Flagship MBA Equivalent)
Duration: 1 year full-time.
Eligibility:
Minimum 2 years of work experience by program start.
A valid GMAT or GRE score.
Recent Class Profile (2024):
Average GMAT: ~710
GMAT range: 600–770
What percentile do you need for ISB?
ISB requires GMAT or GRE or CAT scores, where competitive admits typically score GMAT 710–740 (roughly the 90th+ percentile).
Typical Score Ranges for ISB Admits:
GMAT: Admitted candidates usually fall in the 710–740 range, though ISB’s middle 80% range is approximately 680–750. A score above 700 is generally considered competitive.
GRE: Equivalent GRE scores typically range from 320–330+.
Key Insights:
ISB evaluates applicants holistically—academic record, work experience, essays, recommendations, and interviews matter along with test scores.
While there is no minimum cutoff, higher scores improve chances, especially for candidates with less work experience or weaker academics.
For ISB’s PGP-YL (Young Leaders Program), which does accept CAT, a 99+ percentile CAT score would be considered competitive given the peer pool.
Which is easier, GMAT or GRE?
Neither GMAT nor GRE is objectively easier; GMAT is generally favored by business schools, while GRE offers more flexibility. For ISB, both are accepted equally, so the easier test depends on your strengths—GMAT suits quant-strong candidates, GRE suits verbal-strong candidates.
ISB accepts both GMAT and GRE scores for its flagship PGP admissions, and it has stated that it does not prefer one test over the other. Choosing between them depends on your individual skill set and test-taking style.
GMAT vs GRE Comparison for ISB:
Factor | GMAT | GRE |
Quant Section | More logic-based, data sufficiency | More straightforward, calculation-heavy |
Verbal Section | Critical reasoning focus | Heavier on vocabulary and reading |
Score Range | 200–800 | 260–340 |
Global MBA Use | Traditional MBA test, widely used | Accepted at both MBA + non-MBA grad programs |
ISB Treatment | Accepted equally | Accepted equally |
How to Decide:
If you are quantitative/analytical and prefer reasoning over heavy vocabulary → GMAT may feel easier.
If you are verbal-strong with strong vocab skills or want flexibility to apply to non-MBA programs as well → GRE may be easier.
ISB converts GRE scores into a GMAT equivalent using ETS’ conversion tool, so admission standards remain balanced.
Key Insight for ISB Applicants:
While the exam choice matters, ISB evaluates applicants holistically. A competitive score (GMAT 710+ / GRE 325+), along with strong work experience and essays, is far more important than the test you pick.
Can I apply to ISB without a GMAT score?
Yes, you can apply without a GMAT if you submit a GRE score or, for the PGP-YL (Young Leaders Programme), a CAT score; but for the flagship ISB PGP, you must provide either GMAT or GRE.
The Indian School of Business (ISB) has different test requirements depending on the program you apply to:
1. Flagship ISB PGP (1-Year MBA-equivalent)
Mandatory test: Either GMAT or GRE (test-center based).
CAT is not accepted.
You cannot apply without submitting one of these scores.
2. ISB PGP-YL (Young Leaders Program)
Designed for students in their pre-final/final year or with up to 24 months of experience.
Accepts GMAT, GRE, or CAT (2024/2025).
Here, you can apply without GMAT if you choose GRE or CAT.
Key Insight:
For the flagship PGP, you cannot avoid GMAT/GRE completely—one of them is compulsory. For PGP-YL, CAT provides an alternative.
What is the lowest GMAT score for ISB?
There is no official minimum GMAT score for ISB, but for the current PGP class, scores as low as 530 (old scale) have been admitted—the lowest reported within the class range is 530–780.
ISB does not impose a strict cut-off on GMAT scores for its flagship Post Graduate Program in Management (PGP). Admission decisions are made holistically, considering your GMAT or GRE score alongside academic background, work experience, leadership, essays, and recommendations.
According to ISB’s official FAQ, the GMAT scores for the current class range from 530 to 780, indicating the lowest admitted GMAT score was 530.
Additional Context & Trends:
While 530 is the lowest recorded score, aiming for a score of 700 or above significantly improves your chances, especially if your profile does not have exceptionally strong compensatory strengths such as high-impact work experience or leadership achievements.
External analyses stress that a higher GMAT score can compensate for other areas of weakness. However, candidates with scores in the 600–650 range have still gained admission when their profiles were compelling—particularly those with extensive work experience and outstanding accomplishments.
The middle 80% of admitted GMAT scores typically fall between 680 and 750, so these ranges are considered much safer targets.
Headliner Table
Metric | Value / Range |
Lowest reported score admitted | 530 (old GMAT scale) |
Official minimum required | None — no cut-off required |
Typical competitive range | 680–750 (middle 80%) |
Recommended safe target | 700+ |
Does ISB offer an executive MBA?
ISB does not offer a traditional Executive MBA (EMBA), but it offers the PGPpro and PGPMAX, which are executive-format MBA-equivalent programs.
The Indian School of Business (ISB) does not have a degree titled "Executive MBA" like some global business schools. Instead, ISB offers specialized executive-format programs designed for working professionals:
PGPpro: A weekend executive program for mid-career professionals with 5+ years of work experience, conducted in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. It allows professionals to continue working while earning an MBA-equivalent credential.
PGPMAX: An intensive, globally benchmarked program for senior executives with 10+ years of work experience, delivered in modules across 15 months. It is India’s only program of its kind accredited by AACSB and comparable to global EMBAs.
Both programs are positioned as ISB’s answer to the Executive MBA market, offering flexibility, leadership-focused curriculum, and global exposure.
How much does Executive MBA cost from ISB?
PGP PRO Fees
Instalment-Wise Fee Payment Schedule
Instalment | Amount (INR) | GST (INR) | Total (INR) | Due Date |
Admission Fee | ₹3,00,000 | ₹54,000 | ₹3,54,000 | As per the admission offer |
1st Instalment - Tuition Fee | ₹7,12,750 | ₹1,28,295 | ₹8,41,045 | May 25, 2026 |
Security Deposit (Refundable) | ₹20,000 | - | ₹20,000 | May 25, 2026 |
2nd Instalment - Tuition Fee | ₹7,12,750 | ₹1,28,295 | ₹8,41,045 | September 30, 2026 |
3rd Instalment - Tuition Fee | ₹7,12,750 | ₹1,28,295 | ₹8,41,045 | March 25, 2027 |
4th Instalment - Tuition Fee | ₹7,12,750 | ₹1,28,295 | ₹8,41,045 | August 20, 2027 |
Total Program Fee inclusive of GST: ₹37,38,180
PGP MAX Fees
Instalment-Wise Fee Payment Schedule
Instalment | Amount (₹) | GST (₹) | Total (₹) | Due Date |
Admission Fee | ₹3,00,000 | ₹54,000 | ₹3,54,000 | As per the admission offer |
1st Instalment — Tuition Fee | ₹9,69,500 | ₹1,74,510 | ₹11,44,010 | May 31, 2026 |
Security Deposit (Refundable) | ₹20,000 | — | ₹20,000 | May 31, 2026 |
2nd Instalment — Tuition Fee | ₹9,69,500 | ₹1,74,510 | ₹11,44,010 | September 30, 2026 |
3rd Instalment — Tuition Fee | ₹9,69,500 | ₹1,74,510 | ₹11,44,010 | January 28, 2027 |
4th Instalment — Tuition Fee | ₹9,69,500 | ₹1,74,510 | ₹11,44,010 | July 15, 2027 |
Total Program Fee inclusive of GST: ₹49,50,040
Explore More:
ISB Hyderabad Details, Deadlines & Placement Stats
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