Know Your MBA Program – ISB PGP
Welcome to the next edition of Know Your MBA Program, a series for ambitious professionals looking to cut through the clutter and understand what top MBA programs really offer — and demand.
We begin with one of India’s most prestigious and competitive 1-year MBAs: the Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP) at the Indian School of Business (ISB).
Why ISB PGP?
The ISB PGP is not just a one-year MBA. It’s a strategic leap for professionals seeking to transition across industries, switch functions, or accelerate into leadership roles.
Here’s what makes ISB PGP stand out:
Globally ranked 1-year MBA (FT 2025: #27 worldwide)
700+ cohort split across Hyderabad and Mohali campuses
Accepts GMAT Focus and GRE scores (test-center only)
247% average salary increase (ISB’s 2024 placement report)
Among the highest ROI in global MBA rankings
25%+ students receive partial or full tuition scholarships
But what really sets ISB apart is its design — an intense, globally aligned program grounded in Indian business realities.
Explore the full program breakdown:
🔗 ISB PGP Overview
When to Apply: ISB 2025–26 Admissions Timeline
The admissions process is divided into three rounds:
Round 1: Deadline – September 14, 2025
Round 2: Deadline – December 7, 2025
Round 3: Deadline – January 25, 2026
Each round is equally competitive. But applying early gives you an edge in scholarship consideration and planning time.
🗓️ Get the full strategy and timelines here:
🔗 ISB Admissions 2025: Complete Guide
What ISB Evaluates — It’s Not Just the GMAT
A high GMAT Focus or GRE score can get you noticed — but it won’t get you admitted on its own.
ISB uses a holistic evaluation model that weighs:
Academic readiness
Leadership potential
Career clarity
Personal attributes
Essay and interview authenticity
Wondering what a good GMAT Focus score looks like for ISB?
📈 Read our full GMAT Focus score breakdown for ISB here:
🔗 GMAT Score for ISB: What’s Safe, What Wins Scholarships
Scholarships at ISB – Who Gets Them?
Over 25% of ISB students receive some form of tuition waiver. These come in multiple categories:
Merit-based (strong GMAT Focus score = better odds)
Need-cum-merit (for family income under ₹18L)
Diversity-based (for women, NRIs returning to India, social sector professionals)
Donor-backed full scholarships
💡 Tip: Most scholarships are awarded early — so Round 1 matters.
Explore the categories, eligibility, and strategy:
🔗 ISB Scholarship Guide – 2025–26
Rankings – What They Really Say
ISB consistently ranks among the top global MBAs:
#27 globally – Financial Times Global MBA Rankings 2025
Top 5 in Asia-Pacific – Bloomberg
Strong performance in ROI, Networking, and Career Advancement – QS Global MBA Rankings
Explore how ISB performs across the major ranking frameworks:
🔗 ISB Rankings Decoded
Is ISB the Right MBA for You?
If you’re someone who…
Has 2+ years of work experience
Wants to pivot careers or accelerate into leadership
Has a valid GMAT Focus or GRE score
Values a globally benchmarked MBA with strong Indian industry connect
…then ISB PGP is likely a strong fit.
📩 Want expert feedback on your profile?
🔗 Book a Free Profile Evaluation
Your ISB Resource Stack
Here’s everything you need to explore further:
🔁 Follow the Know Your MBA series here on Substack or at GOALisB.com