ISB Hyderabad does not consider CAT scores for admissions. It only accepts GMAT or GRE scores. It is recommended to opt for GMAT as it is more widely accepted by business schools and is designed for such programs. However, keep in mind that the Quant section of the GMAT is harder than that of the GRE, so it may pose a challenge for those with weaker quant aptitude. Additionally, many big firms, MBBs, or Fortune 500 companies may ask for GMAT scores as part of your resume, so it may be beneficial to take the test now rather than during the MBA program.
In terms of work experience, it is important to have a good amount of it, but it is also important to demonstrate how that experience has helped you learn and grow. Make sure to understand the qualitative aspect of your work experience before writing the application essays.
The Indian School of Business (ISB) Hyderabad has a unified application process for both its Hyderabad and Mohali campuses. Aspiring students can take either the GRE or GMAT exam as part of the application process. Based on their number of years of work experience, applicants can choose from three different application channels: YLP, EEO, and PGP. To apply, candidates must meet certain prerequisites and submit an online application, which includes a set of essays showcasing their leadership skills and professional background.
If the application is shortlisted, candidates will be invited for an in-person interview. The final decision on admission will be communicated to the candidate within 15 days after the interview.
The Indian School of Business (ISB) Hyderabad has a unified application process for both its Hyderabad and Mohali campuses. Prospective students can take either the GRE or GMAT exam to be considered for admission. Depending on their years of work experience, applicants can choose from three different application channels: the Young Leader Program (YLP), the Early Entry Option (EEO), or the Post Graduate Program (PGP).
To apply, candidates must meet certain prerequisites and submit an online application. This application should include compelling essays that showcase the applicant's leadership skills and professional expertise. After submitting their application, shortlisted candidates will be invited for a personal interview. The final decision on admission or rejection will be communicated approximately 15 days after the interview.
The Indian School of Business (ISB) Hyderabad is an internationally recognized business school that holds accreditation from AACSB and EQUIS, which are both prestigious international accreditation boards. However, ISB is not accredited by AICTE, which is the accreditation board for technical education in India.
This is because ISB Hyderabad offers a unique one-year MBA program called the Post Graduate Program (PGP), which is designed for professionals with an average of 4.7 years of work experience. This program is not approved by AICTE, as it is not comparable to the traditional two-year MBA programs that are typically designed for freshers or individuals with less work experience.
ISB Hyderabad is also a globally oriented school, with a diverse faculty from top institutions such as Wharton and Kellogg, and a curriculum that is designed to reflect the standards of top US business schools. The PGP program does not compete with the two-year MBA programs offered by other Indian business schools and is therefore not featured in Indian rankings.
The daily schedule at the Indian School of Business (ISB) Hyderabad typically begins with early morning classes, which start at 8 am and vary depending on the student's section. Many students grab breakfast or a coffee on their way to class. The class schedule includes two hours of lecture, followed by a half-hour break and another two hours of lecture. After classes, students have the opportunity to grab lunch and network with their peers at the Goels dining hall or take a break before diving into extracurricular activities. These activities can include assignments, study group meetings, music or art activities, gym time, club activities, and more.
The campus is active throughout the day and night, with some students finishing their work late into the night and others taking peaceful strolls on the ISB ring road. The schedule and activities on campus can vary depending on the term and events happening on campus.
The Indian School of Business (ISB), Hyderabad provides a stimulating and friendly environment for interns, with many opportunities for networking and professional development. The school hosts a variety of seminars and guest lectures, which can be valuable for making connections and learning about different industries. One intern was able to secure an internship at General Electric by approaching a panelist at a seminar. Additionally, ISB Hyderabad is a great choice for those interested in starting their own business, as the campus offers resources and support for entrepreneurs.
Interns at ISB Hyderabad typically engage in data collection, research, and analysis as part of their work. The nature and scope of the work can vary depending on the project and the professor's goals. For example, an intern may be tasked with conducting web research and summarizing their findings, or they may be involved in more in-depth analysis and insight generation. The work may seem tedious at first, but it is an essential skill for a career in management consulting. Interns are encouraged to be creative and have frequent discussions with their professors.
The ISB Hyderabad campus is beautiful and well-maintained, with plenty of green spaces and areas for relaxation. There are also ample options for food and leisure activities. The only downside is that the school does not provide on-campus accommodation for interns.
ISB Hyderabad evaluates its candidates on the basis of the following criteria
All the above criteria shed light on the candidate's academic capabilities, professional achievements, and leadership qualities. The essays and recommendations depend solely on the individual and help to distinguish them from other candidates.
The GMAT score range for ISB is 580-780 while for the ISB MBA class of 2022, GRE scores range between 311 and 335.
Although your 12-class percentage is on the weaker side, ISB Hyderabad still can give you a call as it is not very rigid on the percentage. However, to compensate for your poor academics, you must preferably score 730+ in the GMAT and have an overall strong profile. Other than that the company where you worked and your roles and responsibilities there also impacts your profile. You have to perform excellently in the interview to make it into college.
The major shortcoming in taking frequent GMAT is that every GMAT costs around INR 18000 but a CAT just costs 2000. So you have to crack GMAT with the minimum possible attempts to save money. Another option is to seek assistance from an ISB alumnus at the time of application and, in particular, for the interview.
If you are looking for a safer option, I would say a GMAT score of 750 is enough to get you into ISB Hyderabad. However, it’s important to note that even a high GMAT score does not guarantee your admission into ISB Hyderabad. GMAT is one but not the only criterion for admission. There are people who have converted ISB on a 650 GMAT score and then there are some who were unable to convert or even get a call with a 750+ score.
The other major parameters include your diversity factor, personal attributes, and how well-written your application is. ISB Hyderabad focuses a lot on how diverse your academic background is. For instance, if you belong to the IT sector or Engineering background, they might look for flaws in your profile whereas something unique like a psychology major can fetch you admission despite an average academic score.
In order to upgrade your profile for ISB Hyderabad or for any other top B School, you have to work on your personal attributes like hobbies and social work. You can volunteer at NGOs and contribute to society in some or the other way. If you are a sports freak, you can participate in extracurricular activities in your college like sports fests. You can enhance your leadership skills by organizing events in your college like sports fest, college fest, and many other activities. However, in case you have no such qualifications, write about yourself honestly in your essay and mention your strengths and talents that are unique and why you should be preferred over other candidates.
Writing your SOPs or Statement of Purpose is a very crucial part of your selection process. I have seen many instances where people with excellent profiles yet poorly written SOPs do not get selected whereas people with average profiles but well-written SOPs make it into ISB Hyderabad. You need to have clarity of goals as to why you choose MBA and that too from ISB. What are your goals and where do you see yourself in the future? Don’t overhype your capabilities and stay honest.
Get the LORs from those who know you very well on the basis of your professional capabilities.