ISB Hyderabad, established in 2001 in Gachibowli, has built a reputation as one of India’s top business schools with global recognition. Known for its rigorous academic environment, strong industry connect, and impressive placement record, the institute attracts aspirants from across the world. The campus offers a wide range of programs including the flagship Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP), Young Leaders Program (YLP), and executive education designed for professionals at different career stages. With transparent selection criteria, competitive cut-offs, comprehensive scholarships, and a proven return on investment, ISB Hyderabad continues to be a preferred choice for those aiming to accelerate their management careers.
Table of Contents
ISB Hyderabad Overview
- Location: Gachibowli, Hyderabad, Telangana
- Established: 2001
- Type: Private MBA Institution
- Programs: One-year Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP), along with multiple executive and doctoral tracks
- Strength: Global alliances, international placements, enhanced infrastructure
The ISB Hyderabad campus is home to over 870 students per batch and attracts more than 400 recruiters annually.
If you’re also exploring other top B-schools, check our detailed guide on IIM Admission Criteria.
Programs Offered at ISB Hyderabad
ISB Hyderabad provides a wide range of programs tailored for fresh graduates, mid-career professionals, senior executives, and entrepreneurs:
| Program Name |
Type |
| PGP (Post Graduate Programme in Management) |
Full-time MBA |
| PGP PRO |
MBA for Working Professionals (5+ yrs exp.) |
| PGP MAX |
MBA for Senior Executives (10+ yrs exp.) |
| PGP MFAB |
MBA for Family Business Leaders |
| PGP YLP |
MBA for Young Leaders (0–2 yrs exp.) |
| AMPBA (Advanced Management Program in Business Analytics) |
Executive Program |
| AMPPP (Advanced Management Program in Public Policy) |
Executive Program |
| AMPH (Advanced Management Program for Healthcare) |
Executive Program |
| AMPI (Advanced Management Program for Infrastructure) |
Executive Program |
| AMPOS (Advanced Management Program in Operations and Supply Chain) |
Executive Program |
| MPPP (Management Program in Public Policy) |
Executive Program |
| FPM (Fellow Program in Management) |
Doctoral |
| EFPM (Executive Fellow Program in Management) |
Executive Doctoral |
| Executive Education Program |
Short-term |
| ISB Online Certification Program (via Emeritus) |
Online Professional Courses |
Also read: Top MBA Colleges for Business Analytics 2025 for comparison with ISB’s AMPBA.
ISB Hyderabad Selection Criteria
ISB Hyderabad follows a holistic admission process designed to evaluate applicants on multiple dimensions, not just test scores. The aim is to admit candidates who demonstrate academic ability, leadership potential, professional achievements, and personal vision.
Key Selection Factors:
- Academic Record – Strong performance in undergraduate studies is preferred.
- Work Experience – Minimum 2 years of full-time work experience for PGP; more for executive tracks.
- Test Scores – GMAT/GRE required for most programs. CAT/NMAT scores may be considered under special circumstances (mainly YLP or specific tracks).
- Essays & Recommendations – Applicants must write essays highlighting career goals, leadership skills, and achievements. Recommendations provide third-party validation.
- Interview – A behavioral and situational assessment to evaluate communication, clarity of thought, and career fit.
Common Admission Steps (PGP):
- Application Submission
- Submit GMAT/GRE scores, essays, academic details, and professional experience.
- Minimum 2 years of work experience is required.
- Verification
- Admissions team validates the documents and may request additional information within 3 days.
- Shortlisting
- Profiles are assessed holistically. No single factor (like GMAT score) dominates; overall strengths matter.
- Interview Round
- Conducted virtually or in person.
- Lasts around 30 minutes.
- May include 1–2 on-the-spot essay or situational questions.
- Final Review by Committee
- Admissions Committee evaluates the complete profile along with interview feedback.
- Scholarship Interview (if applicable)
- Separate round for candidates shortlisted for merit-based or need-based financial aid.
Admission Process at ISB Hyderabad
Accepted Tests:
- GMAT / GRE – Primary tests for admission.
- CAT / NMAT – Considered only for some programs such as YLP or under specific conditions.
Evaluation Process:
- Academic Review – Past academic performance combined with test scores.
- Holistic Review – Focus on essays, recommendations, achievements, leadership roles, and clarity of career vision.
- Interview – Conducted by alumni or faculty panels to assess:
- Professional maturity
- Leadership skills
- Fit with ISB culture
- Career clarity and motivation
Preparation Tips:
- Aim for a GMAT 720+ or GRE 320+ for higher chances.
- Draft impactful essays that highlight leadership, innovation, and clarity of goals.
- Choose recommenders who can provide strong examples of your achievements.
- Prepare for interviews with real-life leadership stories and clear career aspirations.
ISB Hyderabad MBA Cut Offs
| Exam |
Score Cut-off (General) |
Category-wise Cut-offs (GMAT / GRE) |
| GMAT |
720+ |
General/OBC/SC/ST/PWD – 710+ |
| GMAT FE |
655+ |
General/OBC/SC/ST/PWD - 655+ |
| GRE |
320+ |
General/OBC/SC/ST/PWD – 320+ |
| CAT |
No official cut-off |
high percentile might be considered |
Past Cutoff Trends:
- 2024 Avg GMAT: 720 | Avg GRE: 322
- 2023 Avg GMAT: 710 | Avg GRE: 320
- 2022 Avg GMAT: 710 | Avg GRE: 319
This clearly shows ISB Hyderabad maintains very high test benchmarks for admission.
Related read: CAT Eligibility Criteria 2025.
Fees at ISB Hyderabad (2025–27 Batch)
| Component |
Amount (INR) |
| Tuition Fee |
₹ 41,78,000 (approx.) |
| Other Academic Charges |
Included in the fee |
| Boarding & Lodging (Optional) |
Additional |
| Total Expected Cost (2025–27 batch) |
₹ 41.78 Lakhs+ |
ISB Hyderabad’s fees place it among the top premium MBA programs in India, but its average package of ₹34.5 LPA ensures strong ROI.
Compare with IIM MBA Fees 2025 for ROI insights.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
ISB Hyderabad provides generous scholarships, both merit-based and diversity-based:
| Category |
Scholarship Name |
Details |
Waiver |
Application Required |
| Merit |
Dean Don Jacob’s Scholarship |
High merit profile |
50% |
No |
| Merit (Women) |
Prof. Manasa Mandava Scholarship |
High merit woman candidate |
50% (split) |
No |
| Merit |
ISB Merit Waiver |
Automatically considered |
25–100% |
No |
| Diversity |
ISB Merit by Diversity |
Unique background + merit |
25–100% |
No |
| Diversity |
International Diversity Waiver |
Non-Indian passport holders + merit |
25–100% |
No |
| Need + Merit |
ISB Need-cum-Merit Waiver |
Family income ≤ ₹18L; essay + income proof |
25% |
Yes |
| Diversity |
AIESEC–ISB Waiver |
For AIESECers; requires essay and proof |
25% |
Yes |
| Diversity |
Bridge to India Waiver |
NRI applicants returning to India |
25% |
Yes |
| Diversity |
Armed Forces Scholarship |
Honoring armed forces personnel |
50% |
No |
This comprehensive aid structure makes ISB accessible to diverse candidates.
Strengthen your prep with free downloads: CAT 2025 Syllabus PDF | Quant Formula Book.
Placements at ISB Hyderabad
ISB Hyderabad consistently records 100% placements with top recruiters.
| Placement Metric |
Details |
| Batch Size |
870 |
| Total Job Offers Made |
1,208 |
| Top Sectors |
Consulting & Technology (50% of offers) |
| Top Recruiters |
Deloitte, Accenture, Amazon, Air India, Goldman Sachs |
| Total Recruiters Participated |
405 |
| New Recruiters in 2025 |
70 |
| Two-Offer Policy |
Yes |
| Average Package |
₹ 34.5 LPA |
| % Students with Offers > ₹ 35 LPA |
80% |
For comparison, see IIM Average Package 2025.
Program Comparisons & ROI at ISB Hyderabad
- PGP – One-year full-time program for professionals with 2–8 years’ experience, offering global exposure and top placements.
- PGP YLP – Designed for fresh graduates or early professionals (0–2 years); acts as a direct pathway into the flagship PGP.
- PGP MAX – A 15-month executive MBA for senior leaders with 10+ years of experience, focused on strategy and leadership.
- PGP Pro – Weekend program for mid-level managers (5+ years’ experience) to balance work and study.
- Doctoral Programs (FPM/EFPM) – Research-focused tracks for academic and consulting careers.
ROI
With an average package of ₹34.5 LPA and highest offers crossing ₹65 LPA, ISB Hyderabad ensures strong ROI. Executive programs deliver long-term career progression into leadership roles, while scholarships make the programs more accessible.
Also read: IIM Ahmedabad vs ISB Hyderabad to see how ISB compares with IIMs.
ISB Hyderabad is not just a business school; it’s a launchpad for global leaders. With world-class programs, high admission standards, ₹41.7 lakh fees, ₹34.5 LPA average packages, and strong scholarships, it offers unmatched value for ambitious professionals. Whether you are a fresher entering through YLP, a mid-career manager, or a senior executive, ISB Hyderabad has a program tailored for you.
Ready to take the next step in your journey? Explore CAT/GMAT prep and personalized mentoring with Coachify to maximize your chances of getting into ISB Hyderabad.
Stay Connected
