r/ISB_Aspirants

Hey guys any update??

I am 23F with around 1.3 years of work ex.

Profile: 96/96/85

Bachelor's in Mass Media and Journalism, with ongoing work ex as a financial journalist at a global organization. I was previously a intern + consultant at a leading CSR implementation firm and worked with large corporate donors on k12 education programs.

Extra-curriculars: Editor at university magazine, vice-captain of football team, former U-15 Judo state champion, recipient of academic excellence awards at both ICSE and ISC levels.

My main issue is that as of June 2027, I would have 27 months of work ex which makes me eligible for the YLP if I continue working. With 27 months I would also be on the lower end of the work ex band of the PGP cohort.

Should I quit my job early and just apply to the YL program, or take my chances with a PGP?

Applying with GRE, expecting a 325+ score

Hello everyone! Just as the topic my question is would ISB be a good option for me. I have around 5.6 years of experience, I am still earning 16 LPA CTC, and I was thinking would it good to take a leap of faith and join ISB. My goal is to grow in my career and I know MBA exec programs or 1 year programs would be good for me. I am 28 years old and by the time I graduate I will be 29. I know it also has amazing networking experience. I am also considering for IIM B Exec programs. Please let me know, if I should go ahead with it.

Has anyone received admits?

Need honest views on chances of PGP YL

8/9/8 Btech IIT BHU Material science

Currently in Bank working in cybersec, work ex of 12 months as of july 26

Had some PORs in college - relations head E- Cell( consist of marketing and public realtions and one more vertical i dont remeber), Sports fest senior advisor, E cell senior advisor.

CFA L1

(really interested in finance as field and would love to switch to finance but if you'd ask things related to fin in my profile then its pretty much CFA L1 only. )

Have good base of theoretical knowledge of Machine and deep learning as well

Thats about it i consider my profile to be pretty average.

Any views on chances of PGP YL or how to improve for selection in PGP YL.

Will mostly be giving GMAT FE as i am preparing for CAT right now.

Your view and recommendation are greatly appreciate.

Thank you guys.

Indian female, ~4 YOE in risk analytics at a top US bank (credit + fraud + operational risk). Worked on risk strategies leading to multimillion-dollar savings annually. Currently in senior analyst level role.

Academics: 10 CGPA in 10th 90%+ in 12th BSc Mathematics from Delhi University – 8.5+ CGPA MSc Mathematics from IIT – 9+ CGPA (branch topper + best thesis award)

Awards: Top performer/spot awards at work

Extracurriculars: Trained classical dancer, leadership positions in social service societies during undergrad/post grad.

What would you say are my strengths/weaknesses and key focus areas for applications?

I’m at a point where I want to make a high-conviction career move, and I’d really value some grounded advice from this community.

My background:

Age: 24

Education: B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering (2024 graduate)

Work Experience: \\\~18 months (will be \\\~2.5 years by 31st march 2027 )

Academics:

Class 10: 9.4 CGPA

Class 12: 77.4%

B.Tech: 76.4% (Distinction)

Extra-curriculars & Projects:

Part of the Entrepreneurship Club in college

Participated in NEC at IIT Bombay (one of Asia’s largest entrepreneurship fests)

Built a go-kart from scratch

Secured sponsorships for participating in an All India Racing Championship

Current plan: I’m planning to take the GMAT Focus Edition and target ISB (2027 intake) as my primary goal.

At the same time, I’m also exploring top international B-schools (especially 1-year or ROI-focused programs), but I’m slightly biased toward staying in India due to family responsibilities.

That said, I am open to going abroad for a few years if it significantly improves learning + saving potential.

Long-term goal: Break into Product Management (preferably in tech), and build a strong career trajectory from there.

What I need help with:

Profile evaluation:

Is my profile competitive for ISB if I get a strong GMAT FE score (say 695–715 equivalent)?

What gaps should I start fixing now (extracurriculars, impact at work, leadership, etc.)?

India vs Abroad dilemma:

For someone targeting PM roles, does it make sense to prioritize ISB over schools abroad?

Or should I aggressively target schools in the US/Europe for better exposure + $$$?

Work experience strategy:

I’m currently at \\\~18 months — what kind of roles/projects should I target in the next 1.5–2 years to strengthen my PM narrative?

GMAT prep reality check:

For people who’ve taken GMAT FE — how different is it vs classic GMAT, and what’s a realistic prep timeline for a 700+ equivalent?

My current thinking (open to being challenged):

ISB seems like a strong ROI + India-focused option

Abroad = better exposure + short-term earning potential

Ultimately, I want a path that maximizes learning, growth, and long-term optionality

Would really appreciate brutally honest feedback — especially from people who’ve

been in a similar position or are currently in ISB / global MBA programs.

Thanks in advance 🙌

Hey, please review my profile and let me know if there’s anything I can do to improve it. I’ll be applying for the 2027 PGP YL intake.

I’m yet to take the GRE, but I’m targeting a 325+ score.

I interned at ISB Hyderabad in the Quant Marketing domain, at DRDO Hyderabad in the ML domain, and as a Project Management Intern at an oil and gas company in Mumbai. I also worked as an Analytics Intern at a family friend’s startup.

I helped my mother scale and brand her café, and I still take care of outreach and logistics. I also handle the strategy and outsourcing segment for my father’s construction company.

I spent a semester abroad at UC Berkeley on a USD 30,000 scholarship, studying entrepreneurship (GPA: 3.4/4). During my time there, I worked on two startups that went on to be nominated for expos and VC pitches at Berkeley — one in the cybersecurity space and the other in sustainable e-commerce.

I was also part of various clubs on campus and served as the placement coordinator for my batch. Additionally, I received the Global Learning Achievement Scholar award.

I am currently interning as an Implementation Consultant at an O2C-based fintech startup and will be joining them full-time from July 2026. I will be graduating in August 2026.

In August 2026, I will also be starting a distance Master’s degree in Business Laws from NLSIU.

The thing is, I’m a terrible test taker, and I’m pretty sure I won’t be able to succeed in CAT/GMAT even if I spend a year preparing for them. That’s why I chose the GRE, since I’m comparatively more comfortable with it.

I’ve seen some incredibly strong profiles get rejected this year for PGP YL. Do you think I have a realistic chance of at least making it to the interview stage? Any inputs would be greatly appreciated.

Results have started coming, they might release in batches, dunno.

10th 96%
12 70%
DU north campus eco cons, 9+CGPA
i have cleared 5 acturial papers, and frm levels 1 and 2
i have 2 internships and was active in clubs
i dont have a job lined up rn i will be graduating in some weeks
I came accross isb just days ago, is my profile competitve or my low 12th score completely rules out my chances realistically

I got 80% in 10th and 92% in 12th Commerce. I graduated with an 8.84 CGPA in BBA, specializing in Business Analytics. After graduation, I joined my family business and worked there for 9 months. I also had the opportunity to work at a tech firm for 11 months. I’m planning to appear for CAT. Do I have a chance?

Is there anyone whose portal shows offered/selected but hasn’t got the email yet?

Since the email comes in batches I’m trying to understand if portal already reflects the status.

Xth - 80%

XIIth - 92%

UG - 9 CGPA- Dean's List, NMIMS Mumbai

NGO Volunteering for 1 year, 2 corporate internships

GMAT FE: 685

NSE 5 certification course in investment banking

Extra Curricular - ISSO (National level school tournament) cricket team vice captain. District level chess player. School Kabaddi team captain. Public speaking- with 5 MUNs and Debate Competitions. Stock market global competition rank 200/5000. Content writer with over million views. Got own startup in college with a couple of stalls.

Got waitlisted at ISB YL in 1st quartile. What are my chances.

23 (F)

Xth - 87%

XIIth - 94.6%

UG - 8.34 GPA - Economics Honours - LSR

3 years of workex with ICICI Bank in Credit Analysis

NGO Volunteering for 3 years, 2 corporate internship

GMAT FE: yet to give

Extra Curricular - PR and Outreach Head in Rotaracct Club, Core Team member in college Finance team and others.

Is this profile ideal and what score do I aim for?

Hello I applied for ISB PGP YL 2026-2028 batch and gave the interview but was rejected (interview went bad). I am thinking of applying again for 2027-2029 and I want to improve my profile, kindly help me with what all should I improve.

profile -
10th - 93
12th - 80
Graduation - 95% (GEM Fresher)
CAT - 99.6 %ile
currently doing internship (will graduate in 2026 june) and would have a job as AI engineer
have cleared INMO, ntse stage 1
Have 2 conference research paper and a book chapter published
worked with an NGO for 2 months.
worked as content writer head in college.

also thinking of giving GMAT too this year

Ik its not at all great therefore any help would be appreciated

guys, i applied to yl and had a great interview regardless leading to a rejection probably because of low ug scores, anyways i come from a medium scale family business currently involved in building in luxury hospitality, would it be wise for me to generate a query if they could offer me admission in mfab instead? (i know it might sound stupid but was just wondering)

The best day ever!
I have my interview and essays for merit scholarship soon. any tips?
Also is there a cohort group that I can be added to?

Has anyone received a rejection till now? Pls update

I’m considering applying to ISB PGP YL for the cohort 27-29 , would really appreciate some opinions/suggestions on the profile
General engineering female
CBSE 10th - 92%
State board 12th - 95.9%
Engineering (tier 3) - 8.3 gpa
I’ll be graduating this month

Work ex - placed at Deloitte, so will be having a few months of experience

Extracurriculars -
Lead at a national technical student chapter in college
Vice president for the a student run NGO at college level
Won a couple of hackathons at college level
Into a prominent heritage art form

Considering to give GRE for the application
Does isb give a slightly higher preference to cat or gmat over gre ?

Any advice or opinions would be really great and anything on whats lacking and what can be improved or can be done to make a better profile

Open to connect with the ones on same/similar path