Getting into the Indian School of Business (ISB) is no easy feat. After all, its screening process is as prestigious as its reputation. ISB is a top-ranked institution among business schools carrying its world-class flagship post-graduate program (PGP). Thus, it demands nothing less.
Those aspiring to get in must qualify in various stages and aspects, including passing their graduate management admission test (GMAT).
There is no specific GMAT score strictly required to get into the PGP. But a good score for ISB is above 710, the latest average score. You’re chances of getting the final admission letter increase, as GMAT weighs high in the list of admission factors.
Keep reading to learn more about the ISB GMAT score and how you can secure one that could help you get into your dream school.
About ISB
ISB is home to MBA (Masters in Business Administration) holders participating in the global arena. This international business school transforms mid-level professionals into top-tier leaders through its carefully formulated programs, research-based curriculums, practical ideologies, and industry-specific applications.
You can choose between its two campuses in Hyderabad and Mohali. The admission requirements, including the ideal score to get into both campuses, are pretty much the same.
GMAT Score for ISB Admission
By analyzing the average scores of GMAT passers in the last five years or so, you’ll get an idea of what ISB looks for as far as this standardized testing is concerned. The chart below shows the trend of the average GMAT scores of admitted applicants in the last five years.
ISB average GMAT scores from 2018 to 2022
ISB GMAT average scores have increased from 2018 to 2022, proving that the competition gets steeper every year. This can be linked to the booming availability of reviewers, consulting services, and various examination resources.
Additionally, the GMAT score range within the same timeframe remains between 600 and 780. Hence, getting a score below this interval and still getting on the interview stage is an outlier, which an impeccable profile and professional background can drive.
Pro Tip: Preparing for your ISB GMAT is just one aspect of your application journey. Get into the forefront of the competition when you avail of our comprehensive MBA admission consulting, where you’ll get proactive guidance on all aspects of applying to your dream school.
Why Your GMAT Score Matters?
With hundreds of ISB applicants each year, the admission committee only gets about 30% of the aspirants to enter their premiere one-year PGP, equivalent to an MBA.
Although on paper, there is no ISB GMAT cut-off, getting a good score moves you closer to getting admitted. Hence, it should not be taken for granted by settling for a minimum passing rate.
What Is a Good GMAT Score for ISB?
Aiming for a GMAT score of 700 is a recommended strategy to make your admission journey less challenging. But targeting 730 and above will help you stand out from the sea of applicants yearly. More than 80% of people who scored over 730 immediately got an interview and received their final admission letters.
However, it’s essential to know that getting high GMAT score alone does not guarantee ISB admission. Likewise, you can have the lowest GMAT score for ISB or something below 700. Still, it does not mean you’ve completely lost your chance of qualifying for an ISB PGP.
Your ISB GMAT score is one factor of many that the screening committee looks for. Admission, as a whole, will be based on the combination of your profile, work experience (resume), letter of recommendation, GMAT score, and interview results.
Is There a CAT Score for ISB?
ISB does not require or accept scores from the common admission test (CAT), unlike other schools. This is because the GMAT aligns with the standards and criteria of ISB and any business school, for that matter, and adding CAT can be futile for the screening process.
How To Score High in ISB GMAT?
With a target GMAT score in mind, you must prepare for the exam within ample time and schedule. In other words, you can’t apply and take the test the next day. That’s not how it works.
Instead, you must review for about three months on average to secure a good score. Other students prepare even longer than that.
GMAT is an established standardized test based on the ideal skills and knowledge required for business programs worldwide. Thus, it’s imperative to ensure you acquire these requirements.
ISB recommends that applicants take their GMAT when they are ready. Once you do, your score will be valid for up to five years, which means you can take your GMAT this year and apply for the program next year without retaking.
1. Make sure you are holistically ready
Taking the GMAT or any exam, in general, means you are ready physically, mentally, and emotionally. You may come well-reviewed, but if you’re sick or too anxious, you may forfeit your chances of getting a high score.
Likewise, you must be sure that the business graduate program is exactly what you want and your target school – ISB or otherwise. Keep in mind that the PGP is a crucial career move. If you’re unsure, you can always speak to an MBA admission consultant to be certain of your goals.
2. Get a good reviewer or enroll in a review program
You can choose to study on your own or get into a reputable review program when preparing for the GMAT. As far as books go, the GMAT Official Guide is a good resource if you’re looking for a reviewer that covers all areas of the exam and more.
There are also free resources found online, especially for specific topics. But whichever path you take, ensure you understand the overall picture of taking the test, including the number of items, time limit, topic weights, and so on.
Pro Tip: When preparing to get a good GMAT score for ISB, it’s always great to hear from previous takers and those who successfully got into the PGP. Learn about exam prep tips from past admits, including the best resources to score high in GMAT.
3. Identify which topics you’re having trouble with
The GMAT touches on four sections, particularly: math, integrated reasoning, verbal, and essay. If you ace all these parts, you could get a perfect GMAT score of 800.
While you may be good at verbal and essay, you may struggle to answer math questions and integrated reasoning questions. If that’s the case, form your study time allocation so that you spend more reviewing quantitative and reasoning topics.
4. Create a realistic study schedule
Some applicants may have the time to just review for the GMAT, but for those who are working and preparing for the test at the same time, working around a realistic schedule is highly recommended.
For example, within three months or more, allot at least a couple of hours a day for studying. Don’t aim for more if it means you’ll lose your sleep. Additionally, take advantage of your free time to sneak in a short but meaningful review session.
5. Take multiple mock exams
Reading or watching learning resources for the ISB GMAT is not enough. While it improves your knowledge about the subject matters involved in the test, it may not prepare you well for the external factors that could affect your score.
In short, you have to experience how it would be when you’re already answering the questions. This is why answering practice questions and taking mock exams become valuable. It allows your brain to train for the situation involving time limit, length of analysis, etc., and not just provide the answers to the questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 680 a Good GMAT Score for ISB?
As a rule of thumb, a good GMAT score for ISB is 700 and above. A score of 680 may not be highly competitive, but it does not mean you won’t have the chance to get admitted into ISB. It’s still possible to receive your final admission letter if you excel in other areas of the admission requirements.
Can I get into ISB with a 750 GMAT?
A GMAT score of 750 gives you a high likelihood of getting into ISB, but it does not automatically guarantee admission. You may not get in if you lack educational and professional credentials. Fortunately, GMAT scores remain valid for five years. So if you got denied admission, you can work on your profile within the said time and use your score again once you’re ready.
Are there MBAs in India without GMAT?
Yes, there are MBA programs that don’t need a GMAT. But you may have to look for other business schools that ISB, as the latter requires GMAT for its PGP. Find out more about these programs when you read our article on executive MBA in India without GMAT.
Takeaway
There is no minimum GMAT score for ISB. But there is an ideal score that helps you get into the gateway of this premier business school. Aim for a score of at least 700 if you want to get to the interview stage. Then a score of 730 and above if you want to lead the pack.