Choosing between IIM Ahmedabad and ISB Hyderabad depends on your career stage, goals, and budget. The iim ahmedabad mba fees are more affordable for the two-year PGP program, ideal for fresh graduates. In contrast, the isb hyderabad mba is a one-year program tailored for professionals, with higher fees but faster ROI. Both institutions offer top-tier education, global exposure, and strong placements. Understanding their differences in fees, admission criteria, and outcomes can help you make the right decision.
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IIM Ahmedabad vs ISB Hyderabad: Quick Overview
| Criteria |
IIM Ahmedabad |
ISB Hyderabad |
| MBA Program |
PGP (2 Years), PGPX (1 Year) |
PGP (1 Year) |
| Course Duration |
2 Years (PGP), 1 Year (PGPX) |
1 Year |
| Entrance Exams |
CAT/GMAT (PGP), GMAT/GRE (PGPX) |
GMAT / GRE / CAT |
| Average Fees |
₹20–25 lakhs (PGP), ₹30–32 lakhs (PGPX) |
₹42–45 lakhs |
| Average Salary |
₹31–35 LPA (PGP), ₹35–40 LPA (PGPX) |
₹32.5 LPA |
| Batch Size |
~400 (PGP), ~140 (PGPX) |
~900 |
| Work Experience Required |
0–2 Years (PGP), 5+ (PGPX) |
4–5 Years |
IIM Ahmedabad MBA Fees 2025
The iim ahmedabad mba fees for the 2025 batch ranges between ₹20–25 lakhs for the flagship PGP program. For the one-year PGPX executive MBA, the fees go up to ₹30–32 lakhs. Here's a breakdown:
- Tuition Fees: ₹16–19 lakhs
- Hostel & Accommodation: ₹2–3 lakhs
- Miscellaneous (Library, Activities, Tech): ₹2–3 lakhs
The iim ahmedabad mba fees for general category students do not differ significantly from other categories unless scholarships are involved. Scholarships based on income and merit are available, especially for those with annual family income below ₹15 lakhs.
If you include hostel and living costs, the total cost of mba at iim ahmedabad including hostel can touch ₹27–28 lakhs for PGP students.
Explore More: How to Get Into IIM Ahmedabad: Selection Criteria, CAT Cutoff, and Eligibility Requirements
ISB Hyderabad MBA Fees for Working Professionals
The isb hyderabad mba is a one-year full-time PGP program designed for professionals with 2–5 years of experience. The total cost of attendance for the 2025 batch is approximately ₹42–45 lakhs. Here's what it includes:
- Tuition Fee: ₹37.5–38 lakhs
- Campus Accommodation: ₹3–4 lakhs
- Other Costs (Alumni, Tech, Library): ₹2–3 lakhs
For freshers, isb hyderabad mba eligibility and fees for freshers becomes a challenge, as ISB mandates a minimum of 2 years’ work experience. However, ISB also runs the Young Leaders Program (YLP), which allows final-year undergraduates to secure deferred admission.
Selection Criteria: IIM Ahmedabad vs ISB Hyderabad
IIM Ahmedabad and ISB Hyderabad use different admission models:
IIM Ahmedabad:
- PGP: Requires CAT (domestic) or GMAT (international)
- PGPX: Requires GMAT/GRE + 4+ years of experience
- Includes Written Test (AWT) + Personal Interview
ISB Hyderabad:
- Requires GMAT or GRE
- Essays + Recommendation Letters + Interview
- No group discussion or written test
- Holistic review (academic, professional, and leadership)
Wondering how to get into isb hyderabad without cat exam? Just apply via GMAT/GRE, as ISB accepts both, unlike IIM which mandates CAT for Indian PGP applicants.
Must-Read: CAT Notification 2025 – Official Exam Date, Registration & PDF Update
CAT Score Required for IIM Ahmedabad
The CAT percentile cut-off for IIM Ahmedabad varies by category:
- General: Minimum 99+ percentile
- OBC: Minimum 96–97 percentile
- SC/ST: Minimum 85–90 percentile
The cat percentile required for iim ahmedabad admission also depends on academic background, gender diversity, and work experience. For OBC students, the minimum cat score for iim ahmedabad for obc category is around 96 but may fluctuate yearly.
Prep Tips: How to Crack CAT in 6 Months: Ultimate CAT 2025 Preparation Strategy for Success
Admission Process Timeline
IIM Ahmedabad Admission Through CAT
- CAT Exam: November
- Shortlist Released: January
- Interviews: February–March
- Final List: April
ISB Hyderabad Admission Process 2025
- Round 1 Deadline: September 2024
- Round 2 Deadline: December 2024
- Interview Rounds: Rolling basis
- Final Decision: 2–3 weeks post-interview
Want to know the application deadlines for mba at iim ahmedabad and isb hyderabad? Bookmark their official sites as these dates can change slightly each year.
Practical Guide: CAT Form Filling 2025: Step-by-Step Guide & Documents Required for CAT Registration
IIM Ahmedabad PGP vs PGPX
| Feature |
PGP |
PGPX |
| Duration |
2 Years |
1 Year |
| Fees |
₹20–25 lakhs |
₹30–32 lakhs |
| Work Experience |
0–2 Years |
5+ Years |
| Placement Focus |
Entry-level, Mid-level |
Leadership, Global |
Choosing between PGP and PGPX depends on your experience level. For freshers, the flagship PGP is the right choice. The PGPX is ideal for mid-career professionals seeking a leadership push.
Explore More: Top 50 MBA Colleges in India 2025: Fees, Placements & CAT Cutoff Analysis
ISB Hyderabad vs IIM Ahmedabad for Freshers
Freshers often compare both programs but must note: ISB doesn’t accept applicants without experience. On the other hand, IIM-A accepts students right out of college.
If you’re fresh out of graduation, your best option is the iim ahmedabad mba, especially since isb hyderabad mba is tailored for working professionals.
Placements: IIM Ahmedabad vs ISB Hyderabad
| Metric |
IIM Ahmedabad |
ISB Hyderabad |
| Median Salary |
₹31–35 LPA |
₹32.5 LPA |
| Top Recruiters |
McKinsey, BCG, Amazon |
Google, Deloitte, BCG |
| Global Placements |
Yes |
Yes |
| Highest Salary |
₹61.5+ LPA |
₹70+ LPA |
The placement packages after mba from iim ahmedabad are on par with ISB. But ISB, with its one-year format, offers faster ROI despite the higher fee.
Consulting Jobs: IIM Ahmedabad vs ISB Hyderabad
Both institutes are top feeders into consulting firms like McKinsey, BCG, and Bain. However, if you're specifically targeting consulting:
- IIM-A offers summer internships + PPOs (internship-to-job offers)
- ISB provides a direct full-time hiring process
So when it comes to isb hyderabad vs iim ahmedabad for consulting jobs, it depends on your timing preference and experience level.
Don’t Miss: Top MBA Colleges for Consulting in India (2025): Rankings, Fees, ROI & CAT Cutoffs
Return on Investment (ROI): Which One Wins?
Even though the isb hyderabad mba program costs more than the iim ahmedabad mba fees, the one-year format offsets the cost due to lower opportunity cost. Here's a comparison:
- IIM-A ROI: 2 years away from work + ₹25L fees = ~3–4 year breakeven
- ISB ROI: 1 year + ₹45L fees = ~2–3 year breakeven
Hence, iim vs isb roi depends on your career break, existing salary, and long-term goals.
Which MBA is Better: IIM Ahmedabad or ISB Hyderabad?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Choose IIM Ahmedabad if you:
- Are a fresher
- Prefer a two-year academic journey
- Want a deep academic experience with top alumni in India
Choose ISB Hyderabad if you:
- Have 2+ years of experience
- Want a one-year global MBA
- Are aiming for international placements or consulting roles
Ultimately, both programs offer outstanding value, but your career stage and goals should guide the decision.
Specialization Insight: Which Field Is Best for MBA in India 2025? Top Specializations, Salary & CAT Strategy
Conclusion
Deciding between iim ahmedabad mba fees and the isb hyderabad mba investment comes down to much more than just numbers. Consider your experience, goals, learning style, and long-term return.
We hope this comprehensive comparison helps you choose the right B-school for your career. Whether it’s the academic depth of IIM Ahmedabad or the global exposure of ISB Hyderabad, you're bound to benefit from either—just make sure it aligns with your profile.
