How to get into ISB: A 5-Step Process (2024)

So, you’re aiming to get into the Indian School of Business (ISB) PGP program? That’s a fantastic goal.

ISB is one of the top business schools in India and globally, offering a rigorous and transformative experience. However, getting in isn’t a walk in the park—it requires thoughtful preparation and a solid application strategy.

But don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will take you step-by-step through the process to help you put your best foot forward.

Let’s dive in and see how to get into ISB.

Eligibility for ISB PGP

Before jumping into the ISB application process, it’s essential to ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for the ISB PGP program. Here’s a quick overview of the requirements:

Educational Background: You must have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in any discipline.
Work Experience: ISB prefers candidates with a minimum of 2 years of work experience. The average for admitted students is typically around 4-5 years.
GMAT/GRE: You must have a valid GMAT or GRE score (test centre based test only). ISB doesn’t specify a minimum score, but a competitive score usually hovers around 710+ (old GMAT) or 665 on the GMAT Focus Edition or equivalent on the GRE.

If you check all these boxes, you’re good to go.

How to Get into ISB (Indian School of Business) PGP Program: A 5-Step Process

The journey to getting accepted into ISB requires not only academic excellence but also a well-rounded application that showcases leadership, teamwork, and a clear career vision. This guide will take you through a step-by-step process to help you put forward the best version of yourself.

Step 1: Prepare for the GMAT/GRE

The first hurdle in the ISB PGP admission process is a competitive GMAT or GRE score. This test score serves as an indicator of your academic abilities and preparedness for the rigors of an MBA program.

Here’s how you can strategically approach your test prep:

Create a Study Plan: Depending on your starting point, give yourself 3-6 months of preparation. Break down your study into bite-sized chunks, focusing on both your strengths and areas that need improvement.
Take Mock Tests: Regular practice tests are crucial. They help you identify weak areas, get comfortable with the format, and manage your time effectively. Use these tests to simulate real exam conditions and track your progress.
Balance Your Score: Both the verbal and quantitative sections of the GMAT/GRE matter equally, so ensure you are well-prepared for both.
Consider Coaching: If you find self-study challenging or need structured guidance, investing in a prep course or private tutor can help you stay on track and get personalized feedback.
Retaking the Exam: If you’re not satisfied with your first score, don’t be afraid to retake the test. Many successful ISB candidates have improved their scores through a second or third attempt. Just be mindful of the deadlines when planning your retakes.

Step 2: Build Your Professional Profile

Your professional experience is your narrative. ISB values candidates with significant work experience who have demonstrated leadership, problem-solving, and the ability to thrive in dynamic environments. Here’s how to refine and present your professional profile:

Take on Leadership Roles: If you’re aiming for ISB, your work experience should show progression and leadership. Whether you’re leading teams or spearheading projects, focus on roles that highlight your ability to make impactful decisions. If you haven’t had direct leadership roles, consider leading cross-functional teams or initiatives outside your formal job description.
Showcase Achievements: Make sure your resume reflects key achievements and quantifiable results. For example, “Led a team to deliver a $2M project ahead of schedule” sounds more impressive than simply stating that you were a project manager. Numbers and outcomes carry significant weight.
Gain International Exposure: If possible, seek opportunities for global exposure, such as leading international teams or working on projects in other markets. ISB values diversity and a global perspective, so this can set you apart from other applicants.
Network with Alumni and Industry Professionals: Networking with ISB alumni or others in the industry who have attended top business schools can give you valuable insights. It’s also a great way to understand what ISB values in its candidates and how you can tailor your profile to meet those expectations.

The key here is to present a professional journey that showcases growth, leadership, and impact, no matter what industry you come from.

Step 3: Craft Stellar Essays

Your essays are the cornerstone of your ISB application, providing you with the chance to showcase your personal and professional journey.

With these prompts, ISB wants to see not just what you’ve done, but how your experiences have shaped who you are, how you think, and what you aim to achieve. Here’s how to tackle each ISB essay prompt effectively.

Essay 1: Contemplate situations that have shaped your personal journey. Present what these situations have taught you about your strengths and weaknesses, and how they have shaped your personal and professional journey. (400 words)

This essay prompt is about reflection—ISB wants to understand the critical moments in your life that have shaped your character. It’s not just about listing accomplishments but about diving deeper into the situations that brought out your strengths and revealed your weaknesses.

Be Personal and Authentic: Choose key events from both your personal and professional life that had a significant impact on you. It could be something as personal as overcoming a challenge in your upbringing or as professional as leading a high-pressure project. The goal is to be authentic and reflective.
Show Growth: Discuss how these experiences have shaped your strengths and weaknesses. For example, maybe a leadership role taught you resilience, but also highlighted a need to improve your communication skills. The admissions team is not looking for perfection—they want to see self-awareness and a growth mindset.
Link to Your Future Goals: Conclude by tying these lessons to how they influence your goals moving forward. How has your personal and professional journey prepared you for an MBA? What aspects of your character will help you succeed in the program and beyond?

Essay 2: What intellectual experiences have influenced your approach to learning and have led you to pursue an MBA? Please describe using anecdotes from your own experiences. (400 words)

This essay gives you a chance to showcase your intellectual curiosity and approach to learning. ISB is looking for candidates who are not only capable learners but also passionate about expanding their knowledge.

Use Specific Anecdotes: Think back to key intellectual moments that have shaped how you think and approach problems. It could be a particular course, a project, or even a mentor who inspired you to think differently. For example, you might have participated in a strategy project that opened your eyes to the complexities of business and motivated you to seek deeper knowledge through an MBA.
Show a Love for Learning: ISB values intellectual curiosity. So, highlight instances where you went beyond your comfort zone or took on challenging assignments to learn something new. Maybe you took a course in a completely new domain or led a cross-functional team in a field you weren’t familiar with.
Tie It to Your MBA Plans: Make sure to connect these experiences to your decision to pursue an MBA. Explain how these moments led you to realize the gaps in your knowledge or sparked a desire to learn more about specific business disciplines. Show how ISB’s PGP can help you build on these intellectual experiences.

Essay 3: Given your experience and aspirations, how do you plan to use the PGP at ISB to fulfill your professional goals? (Optional) (250 words)

This optional essay is a space for you to explain exactly how ISB will help you achieve your professional goals. Although it’s optional, you should treat it as an important opportunity to demonstrate that you’ve done your research on ISB and have a clear vision of how the program aligns with your career aspirations.

Be Specific About Your Career Goals: Start by briefly outlining your short-term and long-term career goals. Be as specific as possible—mention the industry, role, and function you aspire to post-MBA.
Why ISB?: This is your chance to show that ISB is the perfect fit for you. Talk about specific aspects of the program, such as the curriculum, experiential learning opportunities, electives, or the global network that you’re excited to engage with. For example, if you’re interested in entrepreneurship, mention ISB’s focus on innovation and how it will help you refine your business ideas.
Link ISB to Your Success: Tie it all together by explaining how the skills and network you’ll gain from ISB will help you bridge the gap between your current experience and your future career. Show that you’ve thought deeply about how the PGP will support your transition or advancement in your chosen field.

Tips for Writing Essays:

Be Concise: Stick to the word limits while telling a compelling and well-structured story. Each word counts, so focus on clarity and impact.
Reflect and Connect: Show self-awareness by reflecting on your personal journey and how it aligns with your future goals. Connect the dots between your experiences and ISB’s PGP program.
Use Active Language: Write with confidence, using active language that showcases your initiative, leadership, and ability to drive change.

Your essays are the key to showing the admissions committee the unique qualities and experiences you bring to the ISB community. Make sure to let your personality shine through!

Step 4: Secure Strong Letters of Recommendation

Letters of recommendation (LORs) play a crucial role in validating your professional achievements, leadership potential, and work ethic. ISB requires at least one LOR, but it’s vital to choose the right person.

Choose the Right Recommender: Ideally, your recommender should be someone who has directly supervised you or closely observed your work. They should know you well enough to provide concrete examples of your skills and leadership qualities.
Provide Context: Help your recommender understand your application strategy. Share your essays, career goals, and why you’re applying to ISB. The more context they have, the better they can tailor the recommendation to highlight your strengths relevant to ISB.
Follow Up: Keep track of the recommendation deadlines and gently remind your recommender to ensure the letter is submitted on time. You don’t want to risk a last-minute delay.

A well-written recommendation letter can add significant value to your application, providing a third-party endorsement of your abilities and potential.

Step 5: Ace the Interview

The final hurdle in the ISB admission process is the interview. This is your chance to back up everything you’ve written in your application with personal insights and examples. Here’s how to ace it:

Prepare Thoroughly: Be ready to discuss every aspect of your application—your essays, resume, and even your recommendation. Review your career goals and how ISB fits into your plans.
Practice Behavioral Questions: ISB often uses behavioral interview techniques, where they ask about specific situations from your past. For example, “Tell me about a time when you faced a major challenge at work. How did you handle it?” Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
Be Yourself: The interview panel wants to see the real you. They’re assessing not only your academic and professional fit but also your cultural fit within the ISB community. Be confident, clear, and enthusiastic about joining ISB.
Show Why ISB is Your Top Choice: During the interview, you’ll likely be asked why you’ve chosen ISB. Be sure to mention specific reasons such as its focus on leadership, global exposure, innovative curriculum, or the opportunity to learn from world-class faculty and peers. Show that you’ve researched ISB thoroughly and that your values align with the school’s mission.

Final Thoughts

Getting into ISB’s PGP program is a challenge, but with the right strategy and preparation, it’s entirely within your reach.

Each step in the application process—from preparing for the GMAT/GRE to crafting thoughtful essays and securing strong recommendations—plays a crucial role in showcasing your strengths.

Remember, ISB isn’t just looking for high test scores; they want candidates who demonstrate leadership, resilience, and a clear vision for the future. Start early, stay focused, and don’t hesitate to seek guidance when needed.

Your ISB journey can be the key to unlocking new opportunities and achieving your professional goals. Good luck.