ISB PGP — at a glance
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Indian School of Business Post Graduate Programme (PGP) |
| Duration | 1 year (full-time) |
| GMAT Requirement | ~700+ (mean ~720) |
| Fee | ~₹40–50L (2026) |
| Average Salary (2025 batch) | ₹32L (median) · ₹1Cr+ top offers |
| Accreditation | AACSB · FT ranked |
| Campuses | Hyderabad + Mohali |
| Average work exp in cohort | 5–6 years |
Where ISB genuinely wins
Consulting placements: ISB sends the most Indian students to McKinsey, BCG, and Bain of any Indian B-school — including IIMs. If MBB consulting is your goal, ISB is the clearest path. Global brand: ISB's FT ranking (~50–60 globally) is the highest for any Indian school and matters for global roles. Network quality: the ISB alumni network at partner consulting firms, PE/VC, and MNCs is unmatched in India. Speed: 1 year vs 2 years for IIM PGP — lower total opportunity cost.
Where ISB is NOT the right choice
- Mid-career credentialing: If you have 8+ years and want to credential up for a promotion, an IIM certificate (₹2–5L, part-time) gives 80% of the benefit at 5–10% of the cost
- Indian domestic career + government sector: NIRF-ranked IIMs are better recognised by Indian PSUs and government enterprises than ISB
- Budget constraints: ₹40–50L + 1 year salary loss is a significant financial commitment — the ROI break-even is 3–5 years post-graduation
- Lower GMAT scores: Average acceptance GMAT ~720 — scoring below 700 significantly reduces chances
ISB vs IIM executive programmes — the real comparison
| Factor | ISB PGP | IIM Exec Certificate |
|---|---|---|
| Fee | ₹40–50L | ₹2–5L |
| Career break | 1 year full-time | None — study part-time |
| Consulting access | Best — direct MBB pipeline | Limited |
| Indian domestic PMO/PSU roles | Good but IIM better known | IIM NIRF ranking valued |
| Degree / credential | PGP Diploma (not UGC degree) | Executive Certificate |
| GMAT needed | Yes — ~720 avg | No |
| Best ROI for | MBB consulting, PE/VC, global roles | Most Indian corporate careers |
Get personalised guidance — free
Our counsellors match you to the right program in 20 minutes.
Talk to an advisor →