Our reputation as a leader in the world of business education continues to grow, but there’s chance you may not know us as well as you think you do. Let’s take a closer look at some of the myths and misconceptions surrounding what it takes to gain admission to the PGP at the ISB.
1. The GMAT number.
Our admissions process focuses on the holistic evaluation of a candidate, not on a test score. The average GMAT score for admitted students ranges between 600 and 780, with a quarter of candidates actually scoring below the mythological number of 700.
So what are we looking for in your application? Our admissions process prioritizes quality and competence over all else. Your application offers you the opportunity to dazzle us with your unique credentials and accomplishments, of which the GMAT is only a small part.
Don’t count yourself out if your GMAT score is less than 700. We’re ready to give you a chance, but you have to give yourself a chance first.
2. The Million Dollar Question.
An MBA is a significant investment in your future as a business leader, and there are indeed associated costs. However, they may not be as steep as you think. ISB’s Rs. 25 lakh fee is all-inclusive, comprising tuition, living and boarding expenses. Compare that to the Rs. 50 to 60 lakhs you might pay in tuition at a comparable global business school — with an additional Rs. 20 to 30 lakhs in living expenses – and ISB starts to look like a deal.
Furthermore, our accomplished visiting faculty from the world’s best b-schools offer premier access and exposure to resources that would cost at least triple anywhere else.
Factor in that salaries for PGP grads start high and grow exponentially in the years following graduation, and attending ISB is clearly money well spent.
3. Placement Matters.
Planning for a career in finance but concerned that your ISB degree won’t make the cut? Our alumni will be the first to tell you otherwise. Firms like Ambit Capital and Kotak Bank regularly recruit ISB grads for sought after careers in research, sales, trading and corporate finance. And with international placements including Goldman Sachs, Deutsche Bank, Citi and a host of others, the PGP opens doors.
Did we happen to mention that in addition to several venture capital and private equity funds which annually cherry pick from PGP grads, Axis Bank returns every year to select 10 women to join their team? Having said that, the ISB is far from an exclusive home for blue-blooded finance types. After all, where else can a dentist become a venture capitalist?
If these or any other myths stand between you and the PGP, we urge you to take a closer look and see for yourself what it takes to become a contributing member of the ISB community. We would be lying if we said your CGPA didn’t play a role, but that part is up to you.
Hi. I am a ISB aspirant. I have done my grads in engineering and currently working with India’s leading private sector bank. I have a total work experience of 3 years. I will be taking GMAT in Dec’14.
Well GMAT score is on my mind but I need to ask what kind of profiles do you usually take in? Like I have been average all my life, be it in academy or extra-curricular. I have no major achievements. But still I want to get into ISB. So please suggest how you evaluate ones’ profile.
Aekagra: There is no selective profiles that ISB looks for to admit. Besides your profile, your essays are what the ISB will look at when evaluating your application. Look at your work experience and the learning from the same which you can talk about in your essays. Your achievements need not be limited to professional/academic experience only. You could share a personal achievement as well which could have had a big impact in your life and you consider it very important. Get in touch with our Counselling team at PGP@isb.edu for any detailed query on the same.
Thanks a lot.
Hi,
I have 3 questions
1. what is cut-off of AWA.(I got a 4 on awa with 710 score. Will that hurt my chances)
2. I have a gap of 10 month after my degree as I my joining date was differed by Techmahindra because of recession in 2008. However I have used that time in learning programming languages. How does this can hurt my candidature.
3. I have teaching experience of 7 months will that count toward my over all experiance.(As teaching is considered as non serious job)
Vivek: To answer your questions,
1. There is not cut off on AWA neither on the total GMAT score. The importance is given to the profile of the candidate & not the GMAT score.
2. The gap of 10 months will not be counted in your total workex. However, the learning programmes you attended and your experience with it can definitely be described in your essays. It does not hurt your candidature in any way.
3. The teaching experience is full-time, will surely be considered in your workex.
When I first took the GMAT I did not do very well because I was missing some foundation items in my life (family was tough). I scored well below what was needed. My counselor suggested I study the Barrons guide to GMAT. I didn’t have very good study habits at the time but someone suggested that as I study cross out what I truly understood and only study what I hadn’t mastered. I took the advice so I wouldn’t keep going over material I knew (like I did in the past wasting valuable study time) and only study what I didn’t know. I devoted one hour a day for a couple of months to being smart about how I studied. Using these study habits for the courses finally helped make me one of the top 3 students in almost every class. I have completed my MBA and now I have a thriving self employed career that I truly love. My story says don’t give up when you feel you have failed. Just find ways to make your dreams happen.
Hi
My GMAT score is 610 (AWA:4, IR:8, QA: 50 & VA:22) and have four years of experience in Bulk material handling. What are my chances??
Regards
Suhail
Suhail – As the blog post mentions, the ‘chances’ of admission are not GMAT score-dependent. The profile of the candidate is what matters. The profile includes the quality of your work experience, personal attributes, leadership potential, achievements, essays, recommendations.
Hi.
i am having more than 2 years of experience and planning to give the GMAT Exam in December First Week .
my question is whether i would be eligible to apply for Nov 30 Deadline without the GMAT score and submit the score once i have given the exam .
or should i reschedule my plan and give the exam in last week of November and apply with the unofficial score ?
Anurag – The GMAT score is mandatory along with your application. You may take the test in the last week of November and apply with the unofficial score. We allow a period of 2-3 weeks for the official scores to reach us. Please get in touch with our team at 040 2318 7474 / 84 / 94 for any application related query.
Dear Sir/Madam,
I have a total pharmaceutical industry experience of 7 years ( 3 years as sales executive & 4 years as manager). Im holding 2 years distance mba from manipal university & 1 year epbm from iim lucknow. Please let me know whether the mentioned academics will hamper or fuel my admit into the Indian school of business.
Sincerely
Mohammad
Mohammad – These academic credentials will not hurt/fuel you admissions into the ISB. However, do have a valid explanation on why after completing these two programmes you feel the need to pursue a management programme from ISB.
Thank you
Hi.
I am planning to appear for ISB next year. I have recently graduated in Computer Science & now i want to prepare for my MBA’s. However currently i am short of finances & i would like to ask that whether ISB Offers any scholarships or is there any way for economically weaker students to get assistance or even loan which they can pay off later in their life ,even if their assets are not enough to mmatch the total fee structure. I am waiting for your kind response.
Narendra – Yes, ISB does offer various merit & need-based scholarships for all PGP applicants. You may take a look at the details here: http://www.isb.edu/pgp/fees-financing/Scholarships
In case you have further queries, do not hesitate to reach out to the team at PGP@isb.edu or call at 040 2318 7474/84/94.
hi sir,
i am presently in my last semester of electrical engineering.I am looking forward for the 1 yr programme at ISB.
Being a fresher what would fuel up my chances of admission.
I have 1 more query.
I have been into organizing national level fests in my college so is there any event management program at isb.
Dear Rishabh ,
Please mail your query to pgp@isb.edu and the Response team will be happy to schedule a counseling session for you .
Regards
Moderator
Dear sir,
I am currently in my final year of graduation in the information technology stream from a reputed college. I have bagged a job as a business analyst in a reputed mnc. i am a 7 pointer with hoards of extra curricular achievements. I took gmat last week and got a score of 650.What are my chances under the early entry option i aspire for.
Please write to pgp@isb.edu for all your queries. In case you want to have a discussion with us, we shall be happy to schedule a call for you.Thanks
Warm Regards,
Team Admissions
Respected sir,
I am currently in my final year of graduation in the
information technology stream from a reputed
college. I have bagged a job as a business analyst in
a reputed mnc. i am a 7 pointer with hoards of
extra curricular achievements. I took gmat last
week and got a score of 650.What are my chances
under the early entry option i aspire for.
Please write to pgp@isb.edu for all your queries. In case you want to have a discussion with us, we shall be happy to schedule a call for you.Thanks
Warm Regards,
Team Admissions
Hi Sir,
I have work experience of 1 year and before this i worked for the same company for 1 year as a part of paid internship before getting converted into a full time employee.So will this 1 year paid internship + 1 year of working as full time employee suffice the admission criteria?
One more question regarding the work experience -Till which month of the year or which phase of application process, work experience is taken into consideration?
Please write to pgp@isb.edu for all your queries. In case you want to have a discussion with us, we shall be happy to schedule a call for you.Thanks
Warm Regards,
Team Admissions
I am having more than 4 years of working experience and planning to give the GMAT Exam this year and I want to get admission as early as possible. Please let me know when the earliest session will start and if I can get admission directly before I for sit for GMAT and submit the GMAT score later.
Please write to pgp@isb.edu for all your queries. In case you want to have a discussion with us, we shall be happy to schedule a call for you.Thanks
Warm Regards,
Team Admissions
Hi
I am a MBA in HR working as a HR professional.
I am planning to try for admissions in ISB for PGP as a next step in moving to higher management roles.
Will I be eligible to be considered for ISB’s PGP programme.Or will my existing qualification of MBA be a show stopper?
Please write to pgp@isb.edu for all your queries. In case you want to have a discussion with us, we shall be happy to schedule a call for you.Thanks
Warm Regards,
Team Admissions
Hi,
I am planning to appear for ISB next year 2016. By that time my experience would be 8 years. So is it still good to do an mba with 8 years of experience and what are chances of placements for this experience ?. I see average experience as 5-7 yrs.
Please write to pgp@isb.edu for all your queries. In case you want to have a discussion with us, we shall be happy to schedule a call for you.Thanks
Warm Regards,
Team Admissions
Hi
I am a lawyer and have around four years of experience with top law firms in India.
I wish to quit my job and study for the GMAT test as it is not possible to study for the same along with my current job, will this affect my admission prospects with ISB?
Please write to pgp@isb.edu for all your queries. In case you want to have a discussion with us, we shall be happy to schedule a call for you.Thanks
Warm Regards,
Team Admissions
Hello Sir
I am planning to take gmat somewhere around end of may n i am expecting a score of around 680.
Stats
X-86%
XII-62%
grad-58%(B.Sc. Hons. Maths & Computers,Punjab Univ.)
After graduation i have been working in my family business for the past 7 yrs.Basically our business involves trading and fabrication of iron sheets.Its more than 30 yrs old.We deal with companies such as SAIL,ESSAR STEEL.
As far as extra activities are concerned i use to take part in various kinds of co curricular activities in my school days but in recent times i have less to offer.
My query is whether ISB considers family business profiles for the PGP prog.secondly since ours is not an extremely reputed or big company so will there be an issue related to authenticity of LOR’S or other kind of stats or info at any point of time.
Also sir please suggest me ways to brighten my chances of getting into ISB,things i should focus on coz of my different profile so that i can put my best step forward.
Regards
Sidharth
Please write to us at pgp@isb.edu, we shall be happy to schedule a counseling call for you. Thanks
Hi Sir,
Does ISB give weightage to courses like CFA (US),FRM while evaluating academics or only 12th and graduation marks are considered. Does exceptionally high GMAT score offset average academics.
Please write to us at pgp@isb.edu, we shall be happy to schedule a counseling call for you. Thanks
Hi
My GMAT score is 670. Should I take the exam again to get above 700? I have read couple of times that GMAT score is not the primary criteria but will higher score increase the chances of getting an interview call?
Please write to us at pgp@isb.edu, we shall be happy to schedule a counseling call for you. Thanks
Hi,
I have done ca internship for a period of 1 year and 5 months at a ca firm while doing b.com.Due to lack of interest in the field i left ca in between.
Then I spent 1 yr into bank exams preparation.I qualified ibps po written but fall short in combined score.Now i am luking for MBA.
I wud just like to know that will my ca experience wud be counted in work experience.Can i apply for early entry option??
Please write to us at pgp@isb.edu, we shall be happy to schedule a counseling call for you. Thanks
I am sorry.I should have rather mention it as CA Articleship because we are require to give our full tym at a ca firm from 10 to 6pm and in season time,it extends to more.
So thats why i wud lyk to know will my ca experience can be counted in work experience??
Kindly reply soon.
Please write to us at pgp@isb.edu, we shall be happy to schedule a counseling call for you. Thanks
Dear Sir,
I am an ISB aspirant for last 3 years, has been working quiet hard. My key area of challenge is GMAT, which I had appeared thrice with scores 550, 620 and 630, despite my strong engineering degree with honors in mechanical engineering. During my all the last two applications, I had used 630 GMAT. During my first application, I was not even able to get an interview call while in the other interview call, I was very good in interview, which lasted only for 10 min. This is primarily after reading to my profile thay had no doubt and after asking few questions, they didnt doubted on my capability. Last time, I thought I would be through however, couldn’t for which I can blame only my GMAT.
From the point of profile, I am currently responsible for sales in Asia pacific in a MNC for power related equipment, with travelling internationally almost 200 days per year. I have also been part of leadership program conducted in 2 countries, with selection ration of 32 candidates from 12000 employees.
Now the challenge is that, I guess in your marking system, there is no provision to accommodate the value which candidate like me can bring to the class. Now, with 6.5 years of excellent career , and reporting to 3rd level from CEO for MNC worth 3bn sales, I think I deserve admission. I have excellent persona also, however, my best guess is that as in your internal marking system, educational system results into marking system more weightage than other, this kind of cases are at disadvantage.
I totally agree that the intake class room should have high caliber, but how to bring things into system, for eg- The advanced Management Program which I attended is smaller version of programs such as GE ECLP, but since the company doesn’t provide certificate, where to mention in the application. If I try to mention under the heading “Other Education” then it asks for scores, this is the problem that we cant have score for every certificate program, irrespective how prestigious they are??/
Also, since reporting to 3 level from CEO, I can get recommendations, however, if you give weightage to such , then only it is worth to do so, as it may hamper my growth.
I agree that standard tests are good, but it is also scientifically proven that all humans are not good at these, despite their good academic caliber. So, if every thing is GMAT and it is end of story for people like me then it shall be tricky.
If I remember the basic logical difference between admission method of ISB Vs that of IIM was that you prefer totality, but unfortunately now it seams that owing to high number of applicants, it is ending up with the same concept. I don’t want a favour but I would like that you revisit the marking system to accommodate the addition marking provision for such profiles.
I thing it is already there but the differential bonus provided is so low that the person cannot reach threshold. Please think how profile of candidate responsible for sales in 8 countries can be compared to that of application engineer. If you want to even talk personally for reviews about my profile to CXO that can be done. I just want a provision in the application system so that in rare cases like me people are not left like me, despite being good.
Regards
Please write to us at pgp@isb.edu, we shall be happy to schedule a counseling call for you. Thanks
Hi Sir,
I have already done MBA from tier 2 B school. Currently I am having 3 years work ex. I have gmat score of 740 and average in extra curricular and as well academics. No major achievements. But now i feel that my learning is not complete, so now i want to get into ISB. Will ISB consider profiles who already have done MBA?
Please write to us at pgp@isb.edu, we shall be happy to schedule a counseling call for you. Thanks
Dear Sir,
I am aspiring to join ISB for PGP 2016-17. I have few concerns with regards to the impact of my past academic scores on my overall profile which would be considered for admission. Below are the details:
10th – 79.46 % (Maharashtra State Board)
12th – 73.18 % (Maharashtra State Board)
BE Production – 65.81 % (University of Mumbai)
I am planning to give my GMAT in coming months from now.
I have been working with Godrej & Boyce Mfg. Co. Ltd. since 2011 in Global Procurement and Supply Chain Management domain. I have decent extracurricular during my engineering college. I also have experience as freelancing Sourcing/Procurement Consultant for a company located in Dubai for a one time project. Other than this, i am working one one startup for the field of education.
I have entrepreneurial aspirations for future and aspire to join ISB before that.
Considering my overall profile with mediocre past academic scores, what would be a good GMAT score to get shortlisted for the interview and subsequent final selection. And how much impact can my 10th and 12th score have on my overall profile.
Best Regards,
Omprakash Jha
Dear Omprakash,
Thank you for writing in.
We consider past academic record in the selection process, but low academic scores can be compensated as you can focus on other parameters and place a strong application.
Admission to the ISB is based on a holistic evaluation, that comprises of :
1. Leadership potential
2. Academic scores.
3. Personal attributes
Your application essays, past academic record, GMAT score, employment details and your performance in the interview, if invited, will have to reflect the above parameters, to help us assess your candidature.
GMAT is just one parameter of the application, which is usually evaluated holistically. The range of GMAT scores accepted in the past has been between 600 and 780.
Thank You.
Regards,
Team Admissions
Dear Sir,
I have experience of 7 years in financial modeling & valuation (US market) in KPO. I have completed MMS (Finance) from University of Mumbai & CFA (ICFAI).
Can ISB PGP help me to get job in PE,VC,IB or consultancy (finance) considering i do not have front end experience but have indepth understading about Financial Modeling & Valuation.
Please suggest.
Thank You,
Arvy
Dear Arvy,
Thank you for writing in.
Please send in your updated resume to pgp@isb.edu along with your convenient date and time. We will schedule a telephonic counselling session on a weekday.
Thank You.
Team Admissions
Sir,
I am a B.Tech final year student.I want to pursue PGP in Entrepreneurship in ISB. I do not have any corporate experience but i am the founder and president of an organisation working for the welfare of children,founder member of another NGO working on climatic changes and freelance developer.Can you please help me out in proceeding with the admission process at ISB.
Thank you.
Dear Rohit,
You will have to apply through the Young Leaders Programme. ( YLP ) It is for applicants in the pre final/ final year of graduation.
The deadline to apply for the programme is March 25th, 2016. Applicants have to go through a three stage selection process.
Thank You.
Team Admissions
Sir,
I will be applying for ISB for the class matriculating in 2016. Apart from my graduation i have completed my CFA (all the three levels), FRM and CAIA exams. While mentioning these three exams in the addition education section, i will like your advise on what to mention in the CGPA column for these exams. For these exams there are scores given and only a Pass/Fail status is provided.
Can you please help me out with this query.
Thank you
Dear Karan,
You may enter the CGPA as 1/10 for the pass/fail courses.
Thank You.
Team Admissions
Sir,
A correction to the above query. For the CFA, FRM and CAIA exams NO scores are given and only a pass/fail status is provided.
Thank You
Dear Sir,
I have a not so very good academic record.However after going through the above posts , i realised that i do not have anything extra ordinary or Major achievement to discuss in my essays.Does that necessarily calls for a rejection of my application.Getting an opportunity to showcase extra ordinary skills may at times lies out of the individuals reach and that he is put into such a situation which is when his ability flourishes.Can you please throw some light on that aspect of application?
Regards
Sayan
Dear Sayan,
We do not have any particular cut off for academics.
We consider past academic record in the selection process, however low academic scores can be compensated if you can focus on other parameters and place a strong application.
Admission to the ISB is based on a holistic evaluation, that comprises of :
1. Leadership potential
2. Academic scores.
3. Personal attributes
Your application essays, past academic record, GMAT score, employment details and your performance in the interview, if invited, will have to reflect the above parameters, to help us assess your candidature.
GMAT is just one parameter of the application, which is usually evaluated holistically. The range of GMAT scores accepted in the past has been between 600 and 780.
Thank You.
Team Admissions
Dear Sir/Ma’am,
I a newbie to GMAT. Would like to know if my profile would be Ok for ISB:
10th: 76.6% , 12th:56.2% , Grad:59.4%, Work-Ex: 57 months till date in market research.
Could you please let me know if mu acads score would affect my chances into getting admission in ISB?
How much score should I target to get a call from ISB?
Dear Sushil,
Admission to the ISB is based on a holistic evaluation, that comprises of :
1. Leadership potential
2. Consistent performance in academics.
3. Personal attributes
Your application essays, past academic record, GMAT score, employment details and your performance in the interview, if invited, will have to reflect the above parameters, to help us assess your candidature.
GMAT is just one parameter of the application, which is usually evaluated holistically. The range of GMAT scores accepted in the past has been between 600 and 780.
Thank You.
Team Admissions
I am a Civil Engineering Graduate from KIIT University. Got campus placed in Tata Power. Worked in projects department year then switched to Contracts & Procurement. Now I want to make career change and get into Consulting for which I want to pursue ISB PGP programme. I have total work experience of 2 years & 2 months till now. Do you think my work experience will be a negative point in my application as average required work ex for ISB is 5 years ?
Surabhi,
Even though our class average is 5 years, We have students enrolling with 2 to 20 years of work ex.
Concentrate on building a strong application.