ISB

PGP YL

isb-pgp-yl-eligibility-and-requirements

PGP YL

Eligibility and Requirements

PGP YL

Post Graduate Programme in Management for Young Leaders

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Who Are We Looking For

The PGP YL is designed for individuals who have demonstrated excellence in academics and beyond, showing a clear intent to become changemakers of the future. We strive to curate a dynamic cohort that brings together varied backgrounds and unique outlooks, enriching peer learning and classroom dialogue. Amidst this diversity, we look for a shared set of qualities:

Achievement-orientation

We seek individuals with a relentless drive to excel, demonstrated in their academic performance or notable achievements in extra-curriculars, community initiatives or professional work.

Lateral Thinking

We value curious and creative minds who approach problems from new angles, embrace diverse perspectives, and demonstrate a willingness to challenge conventional thinking.

Leadership Mindset

We look for early signs of leadership potential through critical thinking, effective communication, engagement with the world around you, and the ability to inspire others.

Innovative and Entrepreneurial Spirit

We appreciate individuals who embrace uncertainty, act with initiative, and apply a growth mindset to turn ideas into impact and challenges into opportunities.

 

 

Admissions Process

The PGP YL admissions process evaluates applications through a comprehensive assessment that weighs academic credentials, leadership potential, and personal attributes on a pre-defined scale. The structured evaluation examines each candidate's unique strengths and alignment with the programme values to identify individuals with admirable qualifications and the authentic character necessary to thrive during and after the programme.

Admissions are structured across clearly defined stages, ensuring a transparent and systematic evaluation that passes through the following stages. As you progress through each of the stages, you will receive email notifications from the Admissions Office. You can also track the progress of your application on the application portal. We eagerly anticipate learning about your distinctive journey, accomplishments and unique perspectives that will enrich our dynamic learning community.

Stage 1: Application Submission

Fill out the complete online application with all required supporting documentation and submit it for the next stage of evaluation.

The section on "Key Application Components" provides details on what you need to prepare to submit as part of your application

After application submission, students who have family income, below INR 18 lacs ($21,000) per annum can apply for ‘need-based scholarships’ and submit the documents needed to assess eligibility.

Stage 2: Application Verification As a next step, we will verify the completeness and accuracy of your application within 20 days of submission. We will check whether all necessary supporting documents such as proof of identity, academic certificates and transcripts, amongst others, have been submitted. We will also verify the contents of your application vis-à-vis the supporting documents. In case of any missing document or mismatch of information, we will communicate the same to you, and you will have 3 days’ time to address any insufficiency. Once the verification is complete, your application will be marked as ‘Verified’ in the application portal. Only verified applications proceed to further evaluation.  
Stage 3: Shortlisting for Interview

All ‘Verified’ applications undergo evaluation based on academics, relevant test scores, awards and achievements, essays and recommendations. 
We follow a holistic evaluation approach, wherein all aspects of your profile are given due weightage to arrive at a final profile score. This enables the candidates to play to their strengths and balance their profiles across various parameters. The holistic selection process ensures selection of a diverse cohort with a wide range of test scores.

Applications that meet the requirements of these evaluation parameters are shortlisted for interview.

Stage 4: Interview Process

Shortlisted candidates may choose between virtual interviews conducted via Zoom or in-person interviews at available tier-1 city locations. The Admissions Team assigns your final interview format based on your preference and scheduling availability. Both virtual and in-person interview formats are evaluated equally, with no inherent advantage of one format over the other.

You will receive notification 3-7 days in advance of your scheduled interview. Interviews last approximately 30 minutes and are conducted by a panel comprising ISB faculty, alumni, and senior staff. During the interview process, you are required to complete two on-spot essays as part of the evaluation.

Your interview constitutes an integral component of ISB's holistic admissions process. Every aspect of your application is considered comprehensively, contributing to our objective of building a diverse and accomplished cohort. All elements of your candidacy are evaluated collectively to assess your suitability for the programme and your potential contribution to the ISB community. 

Stage 5:Admissions Committee Review Following interview feedback, applications undergo a comprehensive evaluation before presentation to the Admissions Committee, comprising faculty and alumni, who make the decision on the final offers.
Stage 6: Decision Notification Candidates are informed of the final decisions via email according to the published timeline for their respective application rounds.
Stage 7: Scholarship Decision

Shortlisted applicants may be invited for merit, and merit-cum-need based scholarship interviews. This information will be available in the offer letter.

The selection process will include an essay and interview, both administered online. The Scholarship Committee conducts a final review and communicates decisions directly to the applicants.

Key Application Components

PGP YL online application comprises essential sections designed to capture your distinctive journey systematically. Below, we detail what you need to prepare to submit as part of your application: 

Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification from a recognised institution. Three-year undergraduate programmes are common in the Indian education system and are fully acceptable. 
We require uploaded transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate academic institutions you have attended (full- or part-time). You may initially submit unofficial transcripts; however, we will request official documentation for verification purposes should you receive an offer of admission to ISB.

When evaluating your academic record, our Admissions Committee considers your complete profile, not just grades. We examine your institution, course selection, and performance trajectory. We understand diverse grading systems across diverse universities. While there is no minimum percentage or CGPA requirement, successful candidates typically demonstrate strong academic capabilities. Your undergraduate performance represents just one dimension of our holistic evaluation process.

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT, 10th Edition or Focus Edition) or Common Admission Test (CAT) is a prerequisite for admission. There is no minimum GRE, GMAT or CAT score needed to apply, and we do not have a preference toward one test or the other. When submitting your application, you may provide the unofficial GRE or GMAT or CAT scores given on the day of the test, or your official score if you have received it. Every applicant must have the testing agency send an official score report directly to ISB. A valid and verified test centre-based score is needed to be admitted to the programme. We do not accept scores from ‘online’ or ‘at home’ test formats.

Be advised that to apply in the 2026-2028 cycle, GRE or GMAT scores must be no older than five years from the application deadline, dated between these dates - 
Round 1: December 15, 2020 — December 14, 2025  
Round 2: February 23, 2021 — February 22, 2026

Please note that the ISB code for the GMAT is N2D-J5-01 and GRE is 7010 or 7892.

Only CAT 2025 scores are accepted for PGP-YL Co 2026-28. Check the CAT website/advertisement for registration details. Provide your CAT User ID and registered name in your application. ISB will obtain scores directly from the CAT testing authority for shortlisting/selecting the candidates for PGP YL. IIMs have no role either in the selection process or in the conduct of the programme. Upload your confirmed CAT registration letter containing the CAT ID/Registration number. A valid TOEFL/IELTS score is mandatory if undergraduate instruction was not in English.

A maximum of 24 months of work experience as of June 15 of the joining year. Candidates with more experience should explore other PGP programmes.

Your achievements tell your unique story beyond academics. In this section, share accomplishments from any stage of your life—school, college, internships, or beyond and explain why they're meaningful to you. We value quality over quantity, focussing on the effort, purpose, and growth behind each achievement rather than the number listed.

We seek moments where you have made a difference in your community, on campus, or within teams. If you've achieved something truly exceptional such as winning a national-level award, earning a patent, or being recognised for large-scale impact; you will find a dedicated checkbox to highlight these accomplishments. You can upload supporting documents for these exceptional achievements.
Consider whether your awards and activities reveal who you are beyond the classroom, showcasing experiences that have shaped your leadership journey and demonstrate your potential to create meaningful impact.

Your essays are your opportunity to reflect, connect the dots, and show us who you are beyond grades and achievements. These three mandatory essays help us understand your potential, perspective, and purpose through your authentic voice.

Essay 1: Leadership (Word Limit:400)

Describe a specific personal situation in which you assumed a leadership role without formal authority. How did you motivate and influence others during this experience? What challenges did you encounter, and what insights did you gain about your leadership abilities as a result of this experience?

Essay 2: Diversity in Thought (Word Limit:400)

What unique experiences and perspectives do you bring to your class? How do you intend to contribute to the diversity of thought and ideas within the programme? Please provide specific examples to illustrate your points.

Essay 3: Post-Programme Plan & Impact (Word Limit:250)

What impact do you aim to create after completing the PGP YL programme? Please share your medium- to long-term career plans, including any specific challenges you anticipate facing along the way.

Be honest, reflective, and authentic—great essays come from clarity, not perfection.

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Evaluation Criteria

Our assessment focuses on three key parameters:

  1. Academic Credentials: We evaluate your complete academic journey to gauge programme readiness. This extends beyond grades and test scores to consider the breadth and depth of your educational experiences and intellectual capabilities.
  2. Leadership Potential: We seek emerging talent who have demonstrated leadership potential through exceptional academic initiatives, cross-functional project leadership, entrepreneurial ventures, or community transformation efforts—individuals whose accomplishments transcend traditional metrics and reveal an ability to mobilise resources, influence stakeholders, and drive measurable outcomes even in the early stages of their professional journey.
  3. Personal Attributes: We value candidates who blend creativity with entrepreneurial execution, contribute diverse perspectives, demonstrate intellectual curiosity, and engage actively in communities beyond work and academics. This diversity of background, thought, and experience ensures a vibrant and enriching learning environment.

Round 1 Application Deadline:

December 14, 2025

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