Everything you Need to Know about ISB

History of ISB

For more than ten years, ISB co-founders Rajat Gupta and Anil Kumar were senior partners at McKinsey & Company. Daring to challenge the status quo of traditional two-year MBA programs, ISB introduced its unique, intense one-year management programs. In 2008, when the Financial Times ranked the world's best MBA programs, ISB became the first Indian business school to crack the top 20. Over the years, ISB has received accolades from prominent publications such as The Economist, Financial Times, and Forbes, solidifying its reputation as a symbol of quality and excellence in the field of international education.

Milestones that shaped ISB’s journey:

After laying the foundation stone on December 20, 1999, ISB’s first class of the Postgraduate Programme in Management was conducted on the Hyderabad campus on July 1, 2001. The class comprised 128 students. A decade later, the foundation stone laying ceremony for the ISB Mohali campus took place on August 11, 2010. The Mohali campus began the PGP in Management program on April 15, 2012. The annual enrollment at ISB is now 900.

McKinsey’s Role in ISB’s Growth

A full account of the history of this triple-accredited business school would be incomplete without acknowledging the role of McKinsey consultants. Upon its launch, ISB was heavily supported by the consultancy firm. From the earliest beginning until the school's launch in 2001, around 30 McKinsey consultants worked with ISB. Today, more entrepreneurs have graduated from ISB than from any other business school in India, which speaks volumes about the institution's impact beyond numbers.

What is Special about the Indian School of Business?

Ranking

When it comes to rankings, ISB is first in South Asia to get accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) on December 2, 2011. The Financial Times of London placed ISB in the top 20 of its Global Top MBA rankings in 2008, making it the first Indian business school to achieve this feat.

Distinctive Programs

With a vision to address the evolving needs of modern business and leadership, ISB offers exclusive one-year, short-duration, part-time programs that cater to the specific academic requirements of aspiring business leaders. Whether you are in the last year of your college or a senior professional, ISB provides courses tailored to your learning needs. For instance, individuals with a family business may opt for ISB's 15-month Post Graduate Programme in Management for Family Business (PGP MFAB) instead of pursuing a traditional two-year MBA program. The distinctiveness of the courses offered make ISB unique.

Global Standards in Education

To develop cutting-edge programs that incorporate Western ideas into an Asian setting, the ISB collaborates closely with its affiliated institutions and academic area heads. This unique approach allows students to become well-equipped to succeed in a globalized world. In addition, being a forward-thinking institution, ISB has solid business and industry connections that guarantee the program's curriculum is up-to-date and follows best-in-class standards.

Exceptional Faculty

The faculty at ISB is known for their exceptional qualifications, having been carefully chosen from prestigious worldwide business institutions. These well-regarded lecturers have received several accolades and been recognized for their exceptional achievements. ISB also hosts visiting faculty from Wharton, Kellogg, London Business School, Cornell, Chicago, Duke, and UCLA, as well as international research scholars.

Research Environment

In an effort to forge connections among India, Asia, and the international business landscape, ISB does research on developing economies and those in transition. Health care, the Indian food-value chain, affordable housing, are just a few examples of the socio-economic issues that have been the focus of previous and current research initiatives at ISB. In addition, ISB stands as one of the select few B-schools globally that has established research-focused Centers of Excellence. These centers promote business knowledge in a variety of domains such as finance, emerging markets, entrepreneurship, and information technology.

Student Exchange Programme

Participating PGP students have the chance to attend top business schools worldwide for two terms. The ISB collaborates with 42 top institutions in the US, UK, South Africa, Israel, France, Germany, China, and Pakistan. Visiting students enriches the campus environment, fostering diversity and peer learning opportunities. Campus life is further imbued with a distinct ambiance as many students at ISB have international graduate degrees or global work experience.

Associations

Academic partnerships between ISB and other institutions include Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management, London Business School (LBS), Pennsylvania's Wharton School, and Tufts University's Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy. These partnerships show ISB's commitment to providing students with a world-class education and preparing them to excel in the global business landscape.

Partnerships of the Indian School of Business (ISB)

Accreditations

ISB made history in 2011 when it became the first business school in South Asia to get approval from AACSB. The B-school comes under a small group of only about one hundred business schools around the world that have been approved by both AACSB and EQUIS. ISB also reached a significant milestone when it became the 100th school in the world to receive the prestigious "triple crown" of accreditations from AMBA, EQUIS, and AACSB. This solidified its position as a leader in business education academic success.

ISB Global Ranking

The Indian School of Business (ISB) has continuously achieved remarkable success in the competitive Indian and international business education. It is the first Indian business school to rank in the prestigious top 20 of the Financial Times (FT) Global MBA rankings. Since 2022, ISB has been acknowledged by the Financial Times as the number #1 institute in Indian business education.

Table for ISB's Global Rankings:

Highlights of ISB’s Ranking

January 8, 2008

First Indian business school to be ranked among the world's top 20 MBA programs by the Financial Times.

March 1, 2018
Ranked #26 on the world's list in the 2018 Financial Times Top 50 MBAs for Women Ranking.

October 26, 2020
ISB's PGPMAX program placed first in India and #53 worldwide in the Financial Times 2020 EMBA Rankings.

January 22, 2021
Best best business school in India and #44 worldwide, as ranked by The Economist's Full-time MBA Ranking 2021.

February 14, 2022

Ranked #32 in the Financial Times' Global MBA 2022 ranking.

June 22, 2022

Ranked first in India, #5 in Asia, and #75 worldwide in The Economist: Which MBA? 2022 Full-time MBA Ranking.

October 17, 2022

Ranked first in India and #44 worldwide in the Financial Times Executive MBA Ranking 2022.

February 13, 2023

Ranked #1 in India and #31 globally in the Financial Times Global MBA Ranking for 2023.

February 12, 2024

ISB maintained its position as a global leader, ranking #1 in India and #31 globally in the Financial Times Global MBA Ranking for 2024.

Why ISB for MBA?

Choosing ISB for MBA (PGP program) is not just about getting a degree; it is about making a significant investment in your future. ISB offers various postgraduate and advanced management programs, and its flagship PGP program is as recognized as the traditional two-year MBAs worldwide. Several advantages, such as the one-year duration, specialized courses, and consistently high global ranking, make ISB a better choice for MBA hopefuls.

One-year Advantage

ISB's innovative one-year MBA (PGP) program has transformed Indian management education. Similar to top global institutions like Wharton and Harvard, ISB consistently ranks in the top 10 globally in FT Global MBA rankings. The cost of studying at ISB is indeed high, but the accelerated pace allows students to quickly re-enter the workforce and start earning a well-worth-it return on investment. The focus is on practical skills and real-world applications, making this fast-track route to career success a cost-effective option for those looking to enhance their credentials quickly.

Cutting-edge Curriculum

Working in collaboration with prestigious universities like MIT Sloan, Kellogg School of Management, and Wharton School, ISB maintains a curriculum that is cutting-edge and relevant to businesses throughout the world. The PGP program incorporates various core topics, including business communication, responsible leadership, global economics, and digital economy strategies. Furthermore, students are granted the opportunity to select from a vast selection of more than 80 elective courses, thereby enabling them to tailor their educational journey in accordance with their professional ambitions and personal passions. An important part is a Career Week, which is designed to help students get ready for placement interviews.

Rankings

The ISB has consistently showcased its exceptionalism in management education. It has been at the top of global rankings since 2008, when it was the first Indian business school to be ranked by the Financial Times for one of the world's top 20 MBA programs. It later achieved top rankings in specialty programs like PGPMAX and Executive MBA. The Economist recognized it as the best business school in India in 2021, and it maintained its highest position in the Financial Times Global MBA Ranking in both 2023 and 2024. Being at the forefront of management studies, ISB continues to serve as a source of inspiration for aspiring business leaders in India and worldwide.

Global Accreditations

With accreditations from the Association of MBAs (ABA), the EFMD Quality Improvement System (EQUIS), and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), ISB comes with the prestigious triple crown of business school ratings. AACSB and EFMD (European Foundation for Management Development) are globally recognized accreditation organizations dedicated to enhancing the quality of management education on a global scale. ISB is now part of a small club of around one hundred business schools globally that has accreditations from both AACSB and EQUIS.

World-class Faculty:

Choosing to study MBA at ISB means gaining access to world-class faculty who are committed to helping students achieve their goals. ISB faculty members hold degrees from prestigious foreign business institutions and IITs. They have worked in top companies and industries, and have also served on corporate boards, editorial boards for prominent academic publications, among other roles.

International Student Exchange Programme

ISB has forged partnerships with 53 renowned institutions across various countries including the US, UK, South Korea, France, Germany, Singapore, Pakistan, China, Canada, and Belgium, among others. International exchange programs enable students from these institutions to visit ISB, further enhancing the global perspective and cultural exchange within the campus community.

Placements & ROI

In a testament to ISB's standing, the class of 2023 saw 222 firms extending 1578 offers to its students. This surge was accompanied by a remarkable 2.5 times increase in the average accepted CTC, soaring to INR 34.21 lakhs from the pre-ISB average of INR 13.39 lakhs. The top sectors actively recruiting ISB talent included Consulting, IT/ITES/Technology, BFSI, and FMCG/Retail, highlighting the diverse opportunities awaiting graduates.

What are the Courses offered at ISB?

Programs at ISB are divided into three categories: ISB Post Graduate Program (PGP) Suite, Advanced Management Program (AMP) Suite, and Doctoral Studies.

PGP Programs Offered at ISB

Applicants who want to pursue the PGP program but do not have the requisite experience or are still in college have the following options:

AMP Programs Offered at ISB

FPM Programs Offered at ISB

Faculty at ISB

At the heart of the Indian School of Business (ISB) lies a vibrant community of educators who are not just teachers but visionaries, mentors, and researchers. The faculty composition reflects a blend of youthfulness, dynamism, and academic rigor, drawing from esteemed institutions such as IITs and renowned international business schools. Their backgrounds span various disciplines, including finance, economics, marketing, operations, and more. This diversity enriches the academic environment, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.

ISB's collaboration with Associate Schools such as Wharton, Kellogg, and LBS amplifies its academic prowess. Faculty members from these esteemed institutions, including luminaries like Swaminathan Sridharan, Vikrant Vig, Ravi Bapna, and Jagmohan S Raju, serve as Area Leaders, actively contributing to academic programs and research initiatives at ISB. Their expertise and insights enrich the academic discourse, providing students with a global perspective on contemporary business issues.

The caliber of ISB's faculty members extends beyond academia, as evidenced by their contributions to shaping national policies and dialogues. Notably, Professor Prasanna Tantri, Associate Professor of Finance and Executive Director of the Centre for Analytical Finance (ISB-CAF), along with Shekhar Tomar, Assistant Professor of Economics and Public Policy, received invitations from the finance ministry to participate in pre-budget consultations with Nirmala Sitharaman, the Union Finance Minister. This recognition underscores ISB's faculty members' influence and expertise in shaping India's economic landscape.

Campuses of Indian School of Business

The ISB has two campuses. The older one is in Hyderabad, established in 2001, and the other one is in Mohali, which started off in 2012. Both the campuses are in serene locations and ensure modern amenities for students. They share the same commitment to academic excellence and innovation, providing an environment that is ideal for learning.

ISB Hyderabad Campus

Imagine a peaceful location with open fields and lots of greenery – that's the beautiful setting of ISB's Hyderabad Campus. Spread over 260 acres, this world-class facility offers top-notch amenities for both students and faculty. Some inclusions of the campus are lecture halls, classrooms, faculty offices, auditorium with 500 seats, and a learning resource center.

Campus-wide Wi-Fi access is available.

ISB Mohali Campus

The master plan for the 70-acre ISB Mohali campus was designed by Perkins Eastman, a New York-based architectural firm. If you wish to study in an environment that combines modern and basic architecture with natural beauty, this is the place to be.

The ISB Mohali Campus spans 70 acres. Amidst the sophisticated architecture, you will find a blend of Indian art and modern ideology. Just like the Hyderabad campus, ISB Mohali boasts key components like lecture halls, classrooms, lounges, faculty offices, 500-seat auditorium, and a learning resource center. The centre of the campus is called the atrium. It is a self-sufficient campus, with all the necessary facilities and services.

The whole campus is Wi-Fi equipped.

Student Life at ISB

Academics aren't the only part of student life at ISB. It is a transformative experience that shapes you into a skilled professional. For many, ISB serves as an anchor in their lives. With a diverse array of clubs and extracurricular activities to choose from, here is what makes student life at ISB enriching and fulfilling:

Student Clubs

Student Clubs provide opportunities for students to connect with like-minded peers and gain practical knowledge and insights outside of the classroom. These clubs often host guest speakers, workshops, and networking events. At ISB, you will find a plethora of student clubs, social clubs, and professional clubs to choose from:

About Student Clubs at ISB:

• Important to stay updated with the latest development in specific areas.
• Contribute to ISB’s academic and cultural environment.
• Formed by industry or functional interests.
• Run by students.

About Professional Clubs at ISB:

• Act as a bridge between classroom knowledge and practical application.
• Include a range of clubs like Business Analytics Club, Business Technology Club, Consulting Club, Energy & Sustainability Club, Entrepreneurship & Venture Capital Club, and others.

About Social Clubs at ISB:

• Managed and operated by ISB students themselves.
• Provide opportunities to organize as well as participate.
• Encompass clubs such as Arts & Creativity Club, Dance Club, Spectrum Club, Music Club, Photography Club, Fashion & Lifestyle Club, and others.

Students with similar interests may also find a supportive community via various special interest groups. ISB Hyderabad-based special interest groups include those devoted to debate, human capital and leadership, automobiles, aerospace, media and entertainment, and business analytics. The Mohali campus hosts groups for business analytics, debate, literary, and media & entertainment groups.

Student Initiatives

Student initiatives at ISB are a big part of learning important skills like how to be a leader and communicate effectively. You will be able to make a positive impact on the school community by participating in these initiatives. Here are some student initiatives organized at ISB:

ADVAITA: ISB's Professional Clubs host various inter b-school competitions as part of this initiative.

ARTHA: Established in 2013, Artha serves as ISB's annual financial conclave, fostering interaction between industry leaders and the ISB student body.

ISB Leadership Summit (ILS): Organized by the ISB Graduate Student Association, the annual ISB Leadership Summit (ILS) offers students a unique opportunity to interact with renowned business leaders.

ISB Sports League: Modeled after the Indian Premier League (IPL), it is a one-of-a-kind event that takes place on both campuses of the ISB. It is an event that is fully run and organized by students. It lasts for four to five months.

H3: Festivals and Celebrations

Community life is at the heart of the ISB. A number of festivals are celebrated on campus, including Navratri, Diwali, Pongal, Christmas, Children's Day, Lohri, and many others. Such celebrations not only bring the community at ISB together but also provide an opportunity to learn about different traditions and customs from around the world.

Career Opportunities for ISB Students

At the ISB, the focus extends beyond mere education; it delves deep into fostering holistic career growth and leadership development. The Student Engagement and Applied Learning (SEAL) Learning & Development (L&D) department plays a pivotal role in this journey by serving as a firm supporter for students, guiding them towards career paths that resonate with their aspirations, values, and strengths. The statistics for the PGP class of 2023 stand as a testament to ISB’s commitment, with an impressive 74% experiencing a functional shift and 80% transitioning into different industries.

Recruiting Companies at ISB

The spectrum of career opportunities available to ISB students is vast and diverse, with an array of esteemed companies actively recruiting from the campus. ISB attracts a diverse array of recruiters, including:

ISB’s Placement Highlights

ISB's integrated placement process, spanning across its Hyderabad and Mohali campuses, consistently delivers impressive results. The average domestic salary trends over the years reflect ISB's commitment to excellence and student success.

Average Domestic Salary (INR) at ISB

Over the past five years, ISB's placement landscape has evolved dynamically. The data in the chart below showcases a remarkable trend of increasing engagement from renowned companies, with a steady rise in the number of registered companies and offers made. In 2019, 313 companies signed up and offered 1309 jobs, including 24 from other countries. In 2020, 433 companies joined, offering 1504 jobs, including 27 international ones. However, in 2021, only 308 companies joined, offering 1195 jobs, and just two were international. Things picked up again in 2022, with 393 companies and 2072 jobs, including 22 international offers. Then in 2023, 324 companies signed up, offering 1609 jobs, with 31 international offers.

Source: https://www.isb.edu/

Companies Registrerd, Offers Made & International Offers

Source: https://www.isb.edu/

ISB ensures that students are equipped with the necessary tools and insights to excel in their career journeys. A dedicated Career Development Week at ISB offers a platform for students to gain invaluable placement insights, refine their skill sets, and establish their personal brand. Through a series of workshops, interactions with industry stalwarts, and personal branding sessions, students emerge as industry-ready professionals who are ready for success.

Student Accommodation at ISB

Student Accommodation

At the ISB, student accommodation is strategically located within a 5 to 10-minute walk from any campus building, fostering a close-knit community where students, visiting executives, and faculty can easily interact and socialize. The housing facilities are designed to cater to the needs of all members, offering various amenities such as common areas for dedicated study spaces and recreational facilities. The ISB also welcomes families, providing options for married students to reside in single-bedroom furnished apartments, while families with children can access on-campus daycare centers.

Below is a breakdown of the accommodation fees at ISB for both shared and studio accommodations:

Accommodation Details for ISB Hyderabad Campus

 

• Four-bedroom Apartment (Quad) Shared Accommodation

Each apartment consists of:

• 4 bedrooms
• 2 bathrooms
• Kitchen
• Common sitting area

Amenities included:

• Television with cable connection
• Kitchen appliances (refrigerator, single burner LPG stove, microwave oven)

• Crockery and cutlery
• Furniture in each bedroom (single bed, bookshelf, chair, study table, split air conditioner, etc.)
• Hot water facility in bathrooms
• Data port for internet in bedrooms
• Wi-Fi connectivity in all quad rooms

• Studio Apartments

Each studio apartment includes:

• Living room
• Kitchen
• Bedroom
• Bathroom

Amenities at studio apartments are like quad rooms, except for a double bed instead of single beds.

• Village Centre / K-Block

• Social hub for students.

• Housekeeping and security help desk located here.

• Access for students' spouses to campus facilities.

Accommodation Details for ISB Mohali Campus

• Four-bedroom Apartment (Quad) Shared Accommodation

Each apartment includes:

• 4 bedrooms
• 2 bathrooms
• Kitchen
• Common sitting area with LCD and DTH (HD) connection, sofa set, and dining table set

Kitchen amenities include:

• Refrigerator
• Potable RO
• Double burner LPG stove
• Microwave oven
• Basic crockery and cutlery

Bedroom furnishings comprise:

• Bed with mattress
• Study table and chair
• Bookshelf
• Wardrobe
• Centrally air-conditioned
• Hot water facility in bathrooms
• Wi-Fi throughout the campus
• Telephone provided in common area
• Visitors/guests not permitted in Quad/shared accommodation

• Studio Apartments

• Similar to Quad apartments but with one double bed
• First preference to students with families
• Standard inventory list provided at check-in; damages charged on a cost basis

Alumni of Indian School of Business

Here are a few ISB alumni who have made a significant mark in their respective fields.

• Mayank Kumar, PGP Class of 2009
  Mayank Kumar co-founded upGrad, a pioneering Ed-tech startup recognized for its excellence with prestigious awards like the 'Best Education Brands' by Economic Times and 'Most Innovative Companies in India' by Fast Company.
• Umang Kumar, an ISB Graduate from 2006
  Umang Kumar is the co-founder and president of Cardekho.com, showcasing his entrepreneurial prowess and strategic acumen in the internet startup landscape.
• Aakash Chaudhry, PGP Class of 2004
  Aakash Chaudhry serves as the Managing Director & Co-Promoter at Aakash Educational Services Limited (AESL), earning accolades such as being listed among the "40 Under 40" young leaders by Business World.