The Indian School of Business (ISB), known for its flagship one-year MBA program, has launched an exciting new venture in management education: the Post Graduate Programme in Management for Young Leaders or PGPYL.
This 20-month program, starting in July 2025, is designed specifically for recent graduates or individuals with up to two years of work experience. It presents a unique opportunity for young professionals to immerse themselves in management education at one of India’s top business schools.
Key Features of the Program
- 20-month curriculum: With a focus on foundational business knowledge, experiential learning, and technology, the program is tailored to early career professionals.
- Experiential learning: A significant emphasis on real-world projects, both in and out of the classroom, to bridge the gap for students with little work experience.
- Summer internship: A mandatory internship to provide students with hands-on industry experience.
- Multi-faceted curriculum: The inclusion of a Business Design Lab called iDEAS and an Innovation Lab called PiVOT, which will allow students to develop creative problem-solving skills and drive business innovation.
- Global recognition: With ISB’s established reputation and its acceptance of GMAT, GRE, and CAT scores, the program is poised to attract a diverse pool of applicants both from India and abroad.
A New Direction for Early Career Candidates
The new program is ISB’s answer to the growing demand for management education tailored for those with limited professional experience. Much like the prestigious Master in Management (MiM) programs offered by top business schools across the U.S. and Europe, ISB’s new offering aims to build a strong foundation in business for early career professionals.
While MiM programs at schools like London Business School, HEC Paris, and Duke Fuqua cater to fresh graduates, ISB’s 20-month program provides an immersive experience with an extended timeline to accommodate a robust curriculum and significant experiential learning.
A Comparison with Global MiM Programs
Where ISB’s new program stands out is in its hybrid approach—a blend of academic rigor, experiential learning, and a mandatory summer internship. This mirrors many of the features found in MiM programs, which focus on providing candidates with a strong grounding in business fundamentals, often accompanied by internships or industry projects.
For example, MiM programs at INSEAD and IE Business School emphasize leadership development, global exposure, and hands-on projects, all of which are integral to ISB’s new curriculum.
However, ISB’s program differentiates itself by offering 20 months of study, a longer format than many European MiM programs, which often span 10-24 months. This extended duration allows ISB to incorporate more in-depth learning modules such as the Business Design Lab and the Innovation Lab, in addition to an emphasis on data analytics and technology. For students looking for more extensive real-world applications, this added time can be an advantage.
Let’s compare ISB’s new PGP-Young Leaders with some key features of MiM programs globally.
| Criteria | ISB PGP-Young Leaders | MiM Programs (US & Europe) |
| Duration | 20 months | 10-24 months |
| Target Audience | Recent graduates with up to 2 years of experience | Recent graduates with little or no experience |
| Program Structure | Core management courses, experiential learning, industry projects, and a 2-month internship | Core management courses, sometimes with optional internships or exchange programs |
| Experiential Learning | Heavy focus on practical exposure through labs (Business Design Lab, Innovation Lab) and mandatory internship | Varies by school; some offer internships or live projects, but not always a core requirement |
The Cost and Value Proposition
At an estimated cost of over ₹29 lakh (including GST and accommodation), ISB’s new 20-month program is priced competitively with top MiM programs globally.
While it may be one of the more expensive management programs in India, the global perspective, high-quality faculty, and extensive industry engagement make it a strong investment for aspiring business leaders.
The program is designed to meet modern business demands, ensuring that graduates are equipped not only with academic knowledge but also with the practical skills necessary to succeed in today’s dynamic global market.
What Sets ISB’s PGP-Young Leaders Apart?
- Extended Duration for Comprehensive Learning: The PGP-Young Leaders extends over 20 months, allowing for a more gradual and thorough introduction to core business concepts compared to traditional MiM or MBA programs. The extended timeframe also accommodates practical projects and internships, ensuring you’re well-prepared for the job market.
- Experiential Learning Focus: One of the most distinctive features of the PGP-Young Leaders is its strong emphasis on hands-on learning. Through the Business Design Lab and Innovation Lab, you’ll be exposed to real-world challenges that mirror the complexities of today’s business environment. A mandatory two-month internship ensures that you gain valuable industry experience before graduation.
- Designed for Recent Graduates: Unlike ISB’s one-year PGP, which targets professionals with significant experience, the PGP-Young Leaders is designed for those at the beginning of their careers. This makes it a great choice if you’re looking to transition smoothly into a management role, with built-in guidance and practical learning opportunities that bridge the gap between academia and industry.
- Global Curriculum with Indian Insights: While the structure is similar to MiM programs offered by top business schools globally, ISB’s PGP-Young Leaders is uniquely tailored to incorporate both global business practices and Indian market insights. This blend ensures that you graduate with a well-rounded perspective, especially if you plan to work in India or the broader Asia-Pacific region.
Is Post Graduate Programme in Management for Young Leaders (PGPYL) Right for You?
If you’re a recent graduate or someone with limited work experience, and you’re looking for a comprehensive, immersive management program, ISB’s PGP-Young Leaders could be the perfect stepping stone. Its focus on experiential learning, industry projects, and internships ensures that you’re well-equipped to handle leadership roles early in your career.
This program provides the rigor and depth of a two-year MBA, combined with the practical exposure that young professionals need to thrive in the modern business world.
Final Thoughts
ISB’s new PGP-Young Leaders is a game-changer for recent graduates and young professionals looking to accelerate their careers. With its strong experiential learning components and focus on leadership development, this program is poised to attract ambitious individuals who want to make their mark early in the corporate world.
For candidates comparing MiM programs globally, ISB’s offering stands out for its extended duration, comprehensive curriculum, and strong connection to industry practice—all while preparing you for leadership roles in a dynamic global market.