The ISB PGP: Complete Guide to the Indian School of Business Post Graduate Program 2026

The Indian School of Business Post Graduate Programme (ISB PGP) stands as a transformative accelerated MBA alternative for experienced professionals in India and globally. With its unique 12-month intensive format, dual campuses in Hyderabad and Mohali, and prestigious international accreditations (AACSB, EQUIS), ISB PGP is engineered for high career momentum.

Below is an in-depth guide to the ISB PGP, covering key aspects such as accreditation, rankings, campus details, admissions process, fees, and much more.

Program Overview & Distinct Identity

What is the ISB PGP?

The Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP) at the Indian School of Business is not a conventional MBA. It is a rigorous, one-year residential program designed specifically for professionals with substantial work experience. It condenses the core curriculum of a two-year MBA while leveraging the maturity and experience of its cohort to accelerate learning. The program’s philosophy centers on applied learning and leadership development, preparing students for senior management and leadership roles immediately upon graduation.

Key Differentiators: ISB PGP vs. Traditional Two-Year MBA

Prospective students often weigh ISB against traditional Indian and global MBAs. The decision hinges on career stage, learning style, and opportunity cost.

ISB Accreditation & Global Recognition

ISB Accreditation

ISB holds prestigious global accreditations:

• AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business)
• EQUIS (EFMD Quality Improvement System) These accreditations highlight ISB’s commitment to academic excellence and global standards in management education.
• AMBA (Association of MBAs) This re-accreditation is a testament to ISB’s relentless pursuit of excellence, world-class pedagogy, rigorous research, and outstanding faculty who mentor some of the brightest students.

ISB Rankings

ISB consistently ranks among the top business schools globally. It has been featured in various top rankings:

• Financial Times Global MBA Ranking 2025: ISB is ranked 1st in India and 27th globally. This ranking reflects the school’s commitment to excellence in management education and its growing reputation on the international stage.
• LinkedIn Top MBA Programs 2025: The Indian School of Business (ISB) has secured 5th position in the LinkedIn Top MBA Programs 2025. The LinkedIn Top MBA Programs 2025 ranking, built exclusively on LinkedIn data, evaluates the career outcomes of MBA alumni from business schools worldwide.

Contact Details of ISB

• Hyderabad Campus:
  • Indian School of Business, Gachibowli, Hyderabad – 500111
  • Phone: +91 40 2300 7000
• Mohali Campus:
  • Knowledge City, Sector 81, SAS Nagar, Mohali – 140306
  • Phone: +91 172 459 0000

Dean of ISB

The current Dean of the Indian School of Business (ISB) is Madan Pillutla. He assumed the role on July 1, 2021, succeeding Rajendra Srivastava. Madan Pillutla is an accomplished academic specializing in organizational behavior, with a significant background in teaching and leadership roles at various institutions, including the London Business School.

ISB Campus

ISB operates from two state-of-the-art campuses:

Hyderabad Campus

• Establishment: The Hyderabad campus was inaugurated in 2001 and is the older of the two campuses. It was designed by architect Vikram Lall and spans across 260 acres.
• Facilities: The campus includes modern academic facilities, a recreation center, and four student villages that can accommodate between 130 and 210 students each. It is also certified by the Indian Green Building Council, highlighting its commitment to sustainability.
• Programs Offered: The Hyderabad campus offers various programs, including the flagship Post Graduate Programme (PGP), Management Programme for Working Professionals (PGPpro), Post Graduate Programme in Management for Young Leaders (PGPYL) and several executive education courses. It is also home to multiple research centers focusing on areas such as healthcare management, public policy, and family enterprise.

Mohali Campus

• Establishment: The Mohali campus began operations in April 2012. Designed by Perkins Eastman Architects under the leadership of Aaron Schwarz, it features a contemporary architectural style.
• Facilities: The Mohali campus is fully Wi-Fi enabled and includes an academic block with lecture theaters, faculty offices, a learning resource center, and an atrium that serves as a 500-seat auditorium.
• Programs Offered: Similar to the Hyderabad campus, the Mohali location offers the PGP and various short-term executive education programs. It aims to provide high-quality management education with a focus on practical learning.

Both campuses offer modern learning environments with advanced technology, libraries, and student support services, fostering innovation and collaboration.

Partnerships

The Indian School of Business (ISB) has established partnerships with a variety of esteemed institutions globally, enhancing its academic offerings and providing students with diverse learning opportunities. 

Here are some key partnerships:

Associate Schools

1. Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern University, USA)
2. Wharton School (University of Pennsylvania, USA)
3. London Business School (UK)
4. Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy (Tufts University, USA

Global Reach

ISB has established partnerships with over 50 institutions across various countries, including:

• United States
• France
• Germany
• South Africa
• Israel
• China
• Singapore
• Canada
• Australia
• Spain
• Switzerland
• Netherlands
• Sweden

These collaborations facilitate student exchange programs, joint research initiatives, and shared learning experiences, enriching the educational environment at ISB.

Purpose of Partnerships

The primary objectives of these partnerships include:

• Enhancing the curriculum through diverse pedagogical approaches.
• Providing students with global exposure to emerging business trends.
• Facilitating immersion programs that allow students to experience different business environments.

ISB Fees

The ISB PGP Program for 2026-27 has a comprehensive fee structure. The total fees for students opting for shared accommodation are INR 38,67,160, while those choosing studio accommodation will pay INR 42,42,040. These fees include the admission fee, commitment fee, tuition, accommodation, GST, and other mandatory expenses such as security deposits and alumni membership. 

Additional estimated expenses, including books, laptops, and meals, amount to approximately INR 6,45,000. Insurance premiums are charged at actuals. 

This fee structure provides students with the flexibility of choosing accommodation based on their preference.

Source: ISB PGP Fee Structure

Total ISB Fees

• Shared Accommodation (INR): 32,77,160 + 6,45,000 = 39,22,160
• Studio Accommodation (INR): 36,52,040 + 6,45,000 = 42,97,040

ISB Placements

The ISB PGP Class of 2024 achieved outstanding placement results, reinforcing ISB’s status as a top-tier business school.

An impressive 1164 job offers from 364 companies, including 44 international offers and participation from 60+ first-time recruiters was observed. The school’s ability to prepare students for impactful roles across diverse industries was evident, with 44 international offers and over 60 first-time recruiters joining the placements, underscoring ISB’s expanding global presence.

The average salary package for the 2024 PGP batch was INR 35 lakhs, with key sectors like Consulting, Technology, and BFSI leading in recruitment.

ISB Admissions Guide

Eligibility & Application Deadlines for 2025 Intake

• Work Experience: Minimum 24 months of full-time experience by the program start date. The average is 5-6 years.
• Academic Credentials: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in any discipline. Strong academic record preferred.
• Standardized Tests: Valid GMAT or GRE score. ISB also accepts its own in-house test (ISBAT) for select applicants.

ISB follows a rolling admissions process with multiple rounds. Here’s a general idea:

ISB Application Process

The ISB PGP application process is designed to assess your academic journey, professional experience, personal achievements, and leadership potential. 

It consists of six key sections: Academics, Work Experience, Awards & Activities, GMAT/GRE scores, Essays, and Recommendation. 

Each section offers you a chance to showcase your strengths – whether it’s detailing your educational background, highlighting your professional achievements, or sharing your passions outside of work. Your essays and recommendation provide a platform to demonstrate your unique qualities and leadership skills. 

ISB PGP Admissions Events

ISB PGP Class of 2026

ISB PGP Curriculum

The Post Graduate Programme (PGP) at the Indian School of Business (ISB) is meticulously designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge required for effective leadership in today’s dynamic business environment. 

The curriculum is structured to foster a comprehensive understanding of core business concepts while allowing for personalized learning experiences.

Structure of the Curriculum

The ISB PGP curriculum is divided into eight terms, each serving distinct educational purposes:

Click on the tabs to view all the terms:

Innovative Learning Approaches

In addition to traditional classroom instruction, ISB has incorporated a Digital Headstart Module (DHM), which is a 10-week online program designed to strengthen critical competencies such as data analytics before students begin their on-campus studies. This hybrid approach enhances the overall learning experience and prepares students for the rigors of the PGP.

Focus on Leadership and Ethics

Throughout the program, there is a strong emphasis on developing leadership qualities, critical thinking skills, integrative abilities, and ethical decision-making. The curriculum is continually refined based on industry trends and feedback from alumni, ensuring that it remains relevant and impactful.

More on ISB

Looking for deeper insights into ISB admissions & placements? Explore these guides:

Final Evaluation: Is the ISB PGP Right for You?

The ISB PGP is a high-intensity, high-reward investment best suited for professionals who:

• Have accumulated 4+ years of meaningful work experience and feel ready for accelerated leadership roles.
• Are seeking rapid career advancement or a significant pivot within the Indian/South Asian market.
• Thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative, and peer-driven learning environment.
• Can manage the substantial financial investment, often through savings, loans, or scholarships.

It may not be the ideal fit if:

• You are a fresher or have less than 2 years of experience.
• Your primary goal is extensive international placement outside Asia.
• You prefer a slower-paced, more theoretical academic environment.

Ultimately, the ISB PGP is more than a degree; it’s a catalyst for transformation. Success requires clarity of purpose, a robust application, and the readiness to maximize every opportunity during an incredibly demanding and rewarding year.

FAQs – ISB PGP Guide