A Complete Guide to ISB PGP YL Application Common Mistakes to Avoid

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The ISB PGP YL is a 20-month, full-time, residential management program based at ISB campus. This is a post graduate program in Management for Young Leaders. This ISB program caters to fresh graduates and also professionals with up to two years of experience. Are you planning to join the program? Know more about ISB PGP YL application, here is what you need to know right away:

1. What will it take to get in – Requirements and Limitations of Admission 1
2. Returns on Investment
3. Is PGP YL sufficiently valuable?
4. What outcomes await the successful students
5. Who should avoid the ISB PGP YL
6. Common Mistakes to Avoid
7. FAQs

What will it take to get in – Requirements and Limitations of ISB Admission

1. Test score – Any one of the following (GMAT/GRE/CAT)

   1. GMAT – ISB PGP YL application accepts only the GMAT scores from a test taken at the test center. Online GMAT scores are not accepted by ISB PGP YL. Here is how you can maximize your GMAT or GRE score for ISB admissions.

   2. GRE – ISB PGP YL accepts only the GRE scores from a test taken at the test center. Online or At-home GRE scores are not accepted by ISB PGP YL.

   3. CAT (current year only – can supply the Registration ID if the exams are not conducted for the current year)

   4. Note: English proficiency exam score (ILETS/ToEFL) is required by the ISB PGP YL only if English language was not the medium of instruction at graduation program.

2. Education – The program aims to induct young graduates. Recent graduates and Final year students are welcome. The applicants to the ISB PGP YL program

   1. Must have completed their graduation by the graduation cut-off date of June 15th 2025.
   2. Can be from any education background including CA/CS.
   3. Should be able to produce the degree certificate/ the provisional certificate at the time of Enrolment.

3. Experience – By the cut-off date of June 15th, the total full time work experience must not exceed 24 months to apply to ISB PGP YL. The duration of experience does not cover Internships while you are enrolled in your full-time graduation.

Returns on your Investment

ISB’s flagship program, the PGP, has been consistently rated among the best schools worldwide in terms of Returns on Investment (link to Poets and Quants). ISB PGP YL promises to do even better by design. An MBA degree gives a multiplication factor to what you can make in your traditional career model. It is expected that PGP YL would give you the same multiplication factor as does the flagship PGP. However, since the PGP candidates will get the multiplication factor later in their career, PGP YL candidates will potentially make more in the long run. The earning potential of the successful ISB PGP YL candidates starts excelling at an earlier age.

Is PGP YL sufficiently prestigious?

ISB Post Graduate Programme in Management for Young Leaders (PGP YL) promises to hone the skills of the future leaders who can create significant impact on the industry. It is poised to give the prestigious IIM programs a run for its money (literally) even though we would still need to see how the program matures. In all probability, ISB PGP YL will soon be rated alongside the top Masters in Management programs of the World. Another feature that ISB PGP YL distinguishes itself is with the addition of the Internship – while ISB used to mentor the erstwhile YLP candidate during their pre-MBA period, now ISB PGP YL program will have a closer association with the students as they transition from Education to Industry.

What outcomes await the successful students

The Career Advancement Services team at ISB will assist PGP YL students with mandatory summer internship placements in the first year and with final placements in the final year. The placements may draw a significant percentage of the PGP levels, though the students are expected to start off at management trainee levels.

Who should avoid the ISB PGP YL

The base program of PGP is so rigorous that it humbles the most academically well-endowed candidates. ISB PGP YL would be just as rigorous but for 8 months longer. PGP YL is also not a good fit for candidates who have achieved significant managerial positions in renowned firms within the timeframe of two years. If the candidates already have a great insight, the rigorous all-encompassing program may come at a significant opportunity cost. It would be better to apply to the PGP program in the subsequent year.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Online Tests Exams

  Do not take the Online or At-home version of exams. At this point, ISB accepts only the scores achieved by the candidates at their Test centers.

• Only Self preparation

  While Self-preparation for ISB admissions is mandatory, it is important to validate your progress with that of your cohort. A STEM candidate should expect more sharp competition, while a Humanities student should understand how to highlight their strength of both Analytical and Organizational skills.

• Attention of the pre-final year students

  Even though the pre-final year students are not eligible for the program, such candidates would do well to complete their GMAT part of submission. A high GMAT score generally takes a solid preparation, but on the other side, GMAT scores are valid for 5 years.

• Get the Test Score copy from the Center at the date of Exam

  Remember to preserve the unofficial score report you will receive at the center. The insignificant looking Black and White print is often asked at the time of document submission.

• Send the score within stipulated timeframe for sending for free to ISB

  To send your scores for free, GMAC allows you a limited window of time after the release of official scores. Avoid paying an additional fee by submitting the scores to the schools on your profile page on MBA.com

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