The Indian School of Business (ISB), Hyderabad, established in 2001, is one of India’s most prestigious business schools, known for its world-class faculty, diverse cohort, and global exposure. ISB offers a unique one-year Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP), making it a popular choice for professionals seeking accelerated career growth. Ranked consistently among the top B-schools globally, ISB Hyderabad attracts students from various industries, aiming to hone their management skills and step into leadership roles.
History of ISB Hyderabad
ISB was founded by a group of eminent business leaders and academicians with a vision to create a world-class business school in India. The institution was built in collaboration with leading global B-schools like Kellogg School of Management, Wharton School, and London Business School (LBS), with the objective of providing Indian students access to a global standard of management education. In 2012, ISB became the first South Asian business school to receive the prestigious AACSB accreditation, a hallmark of excellence in business education.
ISB Hyderabad Programs
ISB offers a variety of management programs catering to professionals at different stages of their careers:
- Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP) – One-year MBA program for experienced professionals
- Post Graduate Programme in Management for Senior Executives (PGPMAX) – Executive MBA for senior professionals
- Post Graduate Programme in Management for Working Professionals (PGPpro) – Weekend MBA for working professionals
- Advanced Management Programmes (AMP) – Specialized executive education programs in leadership, healthcare, manufacturing, etc.
- Fellow Programme in Management (FPM) – Doctoral-level program
Cut-offs for ISB Hyderabad (2024)
Unlike the IIMs, ISB does not require candidates to take the Common Admission Test (CAT). Instead, admissions are based on standardized test scores like GMAT or GRE, along with a comprehensive application evaluating work experience, academic performance, and leadership potential.
The expected cut-offs for ISB Hyderabad (2024) are:
- GMAT Score: 700+ (preferred)
- GRE Score: 320+ (preferred)
While there is no fixed cut-off for GMAT or GRE scores, ISB Hyderabad looks for a holistic profile, including a strong work experience, academic record, and leadership potential.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
- Work Experience: A minimum of 2 years of full-time work experience is mandatory for the PGP program.
- GMAT/GRE Score: Applicants must submit valid scores from either the GMAT or GRE exams.
Admission Process and Key Dates for ISB Hyderabad (2024)
The admissions process for ISB Hyderabad is highly competitive and follows the below timeline:
- Application Deadline – Round 1: September 2024
- Application Deadline – Round 2: December 2024
- Interview Rounds: October 2024 – February 2025
- Final Admission Offers: April-May 2025
Applicants are required to submit a detailed application, including essays, GMAT/GRE scores, academic transcripts, and letters of recommendation. Shortlisted candidates are invited for an interview as part of the final selection process.
Placements at ISB Hyderabad
ISB Hyderabad is known for its outstanding placement record, attracting top recruiters from various sectors such as consulting, technology, finance, and marketing. ISB’s Career Advancement Services (CAS) organizes both domestic and international placement drives, with graduates securing leadership roles in reputed companies.
Placement Highlights (2024):
- Average Salary (CTC): INR 34-36 LPA
- Highest Domestic Salary: INR 65-70 LPA
- Highest International Salary: INR 1.1 crore+
- Top Recruiters: McKinsey & Company, Boston Consulting Group (BCG), Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Flipkart, Deloitte
Sector-wise Placement Trends:
- Consulting: Over 35% of students get placed in top consulting firms such as McKinsey, BCG, Bain, Deloitte, and Accenture.
- Technology: Approximately 25% of students are recruited by leading tech giants like Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Facebook, and Flipkart.
- Finance: Leading banks and financial institutions such as Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley, and Citi recruit heavily from ISB.
Summer Internships and Leadership Development: While ISB’s flagship PGP program does not include traditional summer internships due to its one-year duration, the institute offers several leadership development programs and global immersion projects that provide students with practical exposure.
Campus Life at ISB Hyderabad
The ISB Hyderabad campus is located on a sprawling 260-acre facility, designed to provide students with a world-class learning environment. The campus is known for its vibrant student life, with several clubs, committees, and cultural events that enrich the student experience.
Campus Infrastructure:
- Accommodation: ISB Hyderabad provides on-campus accommodation with fully furnished single and double occupancy options. The housing facilities are modern and equipped with all amenities.
- Library and Learning Resources: The LRC (Learning Resource Centre) at ISB is one of the largest management libraries in India, offering access to thousands of books, journals, research papers, and online databases.
- Sports and Recreation: The campus has excellent sports facilities, including a gymnasium, swimming pool, cricket and football fields, and spaces for indoor games like badminton and table tennis.
- Events and Festivals: ISB Hyderabad hosts several flagship events like Solstice (alumni meet), Advaita (management fest), and Shadow a CEO, which add to the vibrant student culture.
Student Reviews:
- Academics: “ISB’s faculty and curriculum are on par with global standards. The rigorous one-year program ensures you learn as much as possible in a short time.”
- Placements: “The placement process is smooth, and ISB’s brand name ensures you get access to the best job opportunities across sectors.”
- Campus Life: “The campus life is amazing – the diverse cohort, international exposure, and the endless number of clubs and activities make it a transformative experience.”
Research and Innovation at ISB Hyderabad
ISB Hyderabad is not just a business school but also a center for research and innovation. The institute has several centers of excellence focused on cutting-edge research in various management domains. Key centers include:
- Bharti Institute of Public Policy
- Max Institute of Healthcare Management
- Munjal Institute for Global Manufacturing
- Srini Raju Centre for IT and the Networked Economy (SRITNE)
These centers promote research and industry collaboration, and students are encouraged to participate in research projects and consulting assignments.
Global Collaborations
ISB Hyderabad has strong ties with leading global business schools, offering students opportunities to engage in international exchange programs, joint projects, and research collaborations. Key international partners include:
- Kellogg School of Management (USA)
- Wharton School (USA)
- London Business School (UK)
- INSEAD (France and Singapore)
These collaborations allow ISB students to gain global exposure and access diverse learning opportunities.
Notable Alumni and Global Network
ISB Hyderabad has a strong and influential alumni network, with graduates holding leadership positions in top companies worldwide. The ISB Alumni Association actively organizes events, networking sessions, and mentorship programs for current students.
Notable alumni include:
- Ajit Andhare – COO, Viacom18
- Gaurav Agarwal – Co-founder, 1mg
- Rehan Yar Khan – Founder, Orios Venture Partners
ISB’s alumni network is a valuable resource for current students, providing access to job opportunities, industry insights, and professional growth.
Why Choose ISB Hyderabad?
- One-year MBA: ISB’s one-year PGP program is ideal for experienced professionals looking to fast-track their careers.
- Global Exposure: With international faculty, exchange programs, and global projects, ISB offers a world-class learning experience.
- Top Placements: ISB’s placement record is stellar, with top recruiters from consulting, technology, and finance sectors.
- Research and Innovation: ISB’s research centers and industry collaborations offer students opportunities to engage in impactful research.
- Diverse Cohort: ISB attracts professionals from various industries, providing a rich and diverse learning environment.
Conclusion
The Indian School of Business (ISB) Hyderabad is one of India’s premier business schools, known for its global approach to management education, diverse cohort, and outstanding placement record. Whether you’re aiming for a leadership role in consulting, finance, or technology, ISB Hyderabad offers a transformative experience, equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in today’s dynamic business environment.
