ISB Hyderabad launches 20-month PG Management Program; CAT scores accepted, No Work-Ex Required; Program to complete with Flagship MBA/PGDM by IIMs, SPJIMR, MDI

From the program design, and the admission process, it is very clear that ISB PGP YL is developed to complete with the most lucrative segment of MBA education in India – the 2-year full time residential MBA or PGDM programs. In its announcement, ISB said “PGP YL is a full-time, MBA-equivalent, residential post-graduate management programme designed for high-potential aspirants with upto 2 years experience…”

MBAUniverse.com presents the key highlights, admission process and other details of ISB PGP YL. 

• Institution: Indian School of Business
• Program Name: Post Graduate Programme in Management for Young Leaders
• Target Audience: Fresh graduates and early career professionals (0-24 months of experience)
• Duration: 20 Months
• Location: ISB Hyderabad
• Exams Accepted: CAT 2024, GMAT or GRE 
• Application Deadline: December 21 
• Tuition Fees: Rs 25.5 Lakhs (including GST)
• Commencement Date: June/July 2025

ISB PGP YL Fees 
The programme fee for ISB PGP YL programme for the academic year 2025-27 is Rs 21.65 Lakhs + GST. At GST rate of 18%, total fee will be about Rs 25.5 Lakhs. After adding accommodation total fee will be about Rs 30 Lakhs, making it one of the highest prices MBA equivalent program in India. 

ISB has however suggested that scholarships will be awarded to 40-50 per cent of the inaugural class. 

ISB PGP YL Admission Process 
The admissions process for the ISB PGP YL programme includes a personal interview based on the students’ academic excellence, application essays, and test score performance. The shortlisted students will then be interviewed by a panel consisting of industry practitioners, academicians, and alumni in senior positions.

“The PGP YL program seeks to admit achievers—applicants who have excelled both academically and beyond,” says ISB. Common attributes that ISB is looking for include:

• Achievement-Oriented
• Lateral Thinkers
• Leadership Mindset
• Innovative and Entrepreneurial

Curriculum Design 
ISB says its PGP YL will offer a learning experience through a curriculum designed as a response to the rapidly evolving business landscape and technology disruptions. The PGP YL curriculum will blend foundational business principles with advanced technology, data, analytics courses and global perspectives to develop students into problem solvers.

Will ISB be able to compete with IIMs, top PGDM B-schools?
It must be remembered that the first cohort of the Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP) was started on ISB’s Hyderabad campus with 128 students in 2001. This was the start of “One Year MBA programs” revolution in India. Soon after IIM Ahmedabad launched its PGPX program and this was follows by other IIMs and other B-schools.

Today, ISB is a leader in 1 Year MBA and executive education. Now, with launch of Post Graduate Programme in Management for Young Leaders (PGP YL), ISB has set eyes on the bread and butter of IIMs and Top Private B-schools – their flagship MBA or PGDM program. 

Will it succeed in becoming Top 5 MBA programs in India along with Top IIMs, SPJIMR? While only time will tell, ISB has been working hard on this program for years, and is known for its strategic marketing, corporate connects, solid faculty and a great campus.

Only area of concern for ISB is that it doesn’t offer a government approved “MBA degree” like the IIMs or “PGDM” like XLRI, SPJIMR and others. For young MBA Aspirants and their parents, this is an area they have to be mindful of... 

MBAUniverse.com will continue to watch this space and keep you updated! 

Also Read:
IIM Kozhikode One Year MBA PGP-BL Admissions 2025 Closing Today; Check latest Placements, Batch Profile, Admission Process
SPJIMR PGPM 1 Year MBA Admission 2025 (Batch 21): Check Key USPs, Fees, Placements, Selection Process