Your Help Centre

About PGPMAX

Is PGPMAX a distance education or online programme?

The PGPMAX is a classroom-based programme. All courses are taught face-to-face.

Where are the classes for the programme held?

Classes for the programme are held in the ISB campus at Hyderabad and/or Mohali except for the international immersion segments. 
There are two academic terms held outside India. You are requested to refer to the International Immersion section for more details.  

Will I get an Executive Master of Business Administration Degree?

While the programme is equivalent in content and rigour to an Executive MBA, the Indian regulations do not allow independent institutions to grant a master’s degree. You will receive a certificate of completion of the Post Graduate Programme in Management for Senior Executives. 

Is this a joint programme with Kellogg and Wharton? Will I get a joint certificate?

This is an ISB programme and the graduates of this programme get an ISB certificate. There is no joint certification issued with any other institution.

What do you mean by “Incorporating Best Practices, Knowledge & Guidance from Kellogg and Wharton”?

During the programme design, inputs were sought from Kellogg and Wharton and area leaders who originate from there, for improvement of the programme design as they have been offering highly successful EMBA programmes for long. However, the PGPMAX is neither a copy of any of these programmes nor a joint certification.

Programme Details

How many days will I need to take off from work?

The total number of working days away from work for the duration of the programme will be approximately 60 days (excluding travel days). 

How much time will I have to spend studying at home outside the residencies?

We anticipate participants having to spend 8-10 hours per week on pre-readings, assignments and cases.

What are study groups and how are they put together?

The participants are divided into groups of 5-6 members who will work together throughout the programme. We put together the study groups by taking into consideration your work experience, industry knowledge and educational background.

How do I prepare and gear up for the programme?

Once you are admitted, we will have preterm online courses in accounting, statistics, spreadsheet modelling to help you gear up for the programme. It is advisable to refresh your knowledge of basic mathematics, statistics and MS Office knowledge before the preparatory courses begin.

When will I get course materials and books?

The course materials and books will be made available to you in advance, so you have ample time to prepare and complete the pre-course assignments. The materials will be uploaded on the Learning Management System (LMS) portal or shipped to you.

What if I need help with understanding course concepts during the period outside the residencies?

You can direct your queries to the Teaching Assistant or the Programme Office. The TA/ Programme office will resolve your query. Your course mates also respond to your query making the learning collaborative.

Admission

Do I need to take the GMAT?

No, we do not have a GMAT requirement. However, if you have taken GMAT before, please submit the scores along with your application and we will consider the same in our admission decision process. We do not need the official scores.

Can I defer admissions?

We do not encourage deferrals. In exceptional circumstances, a deferral may be granted upon submission of documentary proof supporting your reasons for deferral. A non-refundable deferral fee needs to be paid, in addition to the admission fee, to secure your place for the next class. The deferral fee is adjusted in your programme fee when you join the programme. Please note that the programme fee applicable to the year of joining the programme will apply. Deferral is granted for a maximum of one year beyond which you will need to reapply.

What if my deferral plea is not accepted?

In such a scenario, you will have to reapply for the next academic year.

Once I have submitted the application, when will I hear from you?

We will strive to process your application as soon as we receive the same and try and revert to you in around 30 to 45 days.

Is an interview required?

Yes, interviews give us an opportunity to hear about your experiences first hand and make a qualified judgment. Interviews will be held in person whenever possible and may be conducted via teleconference or video conference facilities in some cases. 

Fees And Financing

If I do not get selected, is the application fee refundable?

No, the application fee is non-refundable.

If I am unable to join the programme after accepting the admission offer and paying the admission fee, will the admission fee be refunded?

No, the admission fee is non-refundable.

If I decide to withdraw from the programme, can I get my tuition refunded?

It is dependent on the timing of your decision. The refund is governed by the refund policy prevailing at that time. Please check the refund policy section for details.

What is your refund policy?

In case a student must withdraw from the programme for either academic, personal or administrative reasons, the student will receive a pro-rated refund for only the remaining terms to the extent that the student has paid for those terms in advance. No refund will be granted for the terms which have already commenced or have been completed. The programme office reserves the right to deduct additional amounts which have been paid in advance to vendors for boarding and lodging, etc. which cannot be recovered by ISB even though the participant has not attended the terms for which these expenses were incurred in advance.

Sponsorship

Do I have to be financially sponsored by my company to be eligible for this programme?

No, you do not have to be financially sponsored by your firm to be eligible for the programme. However, all participants need to provide a letter of support from their firm in the prescribed format available in the application portal.

What constitutes the content of the letter of support from one’s employer?

The letter of support basically states that your employer is aware of the fact that you are attending this programme. It also states whether you are being sponsored financially and to what extent and whether the leave granted to you to attend the programme is paid, unpaid or a mix of both.

Why do you need a letter of support from your employer?

This is required since the programme is meant for working professionals and needs them to be away from work for several days which usually exceeds the annual leaves granted in most organisations.