PGP MAX faq

No. PGP MAX is a modular, on-campus programme. You will be expected to be present on one of ISB’s campuses for 12 weeks spread over 15 months. You can refer to the programme calendar for more details.

All classes for the programme are held on the ISB campus in Hyderabad and/or Mohali, except for the international immersion segments. This academic term is facilitated outside India. Please refer to the International Immersion section for more details.  

The programme is equivalent in content and rigour to an Executive MBA. However, under Indian regulations, independent institutions cannot award a master’s degree. On successful completion, you will receive a certificate of completion for the Post Graduate Programme in Management for Senior Executives. The programme is ranked #53 globally in the FT EMBA Rankings 2026.

No. While the ISB programme draws inspiration from Kellogg and Wharton courses, this is an exclusive ISB programme. Graduates will receive an ISB certificate for Post Graduate Programme in Management for Senior Executives. For the international immersion module, you will receive a certificate of completion from the respective universities.

The ISB PGP MAX Programme is designed with inputs and inspiration from Kellogg and Wharton. At the time of programme conception, top leaders and experts from these institutions were consulted on the structure, discourse, and design of our programme to benchmark against the leading E-MBA programmes at these reputed institutions. However, please note that the PGP MAX is neither a copy of any of these programmes nor a joint certification.

No, GMAT is not required for this programme.  

Participants are selected based on academic background, professional experience, and interview performance. You can check our Eligibility & Requirements section for more details. 

We do not encourage deferrals. In exceptional circumstances, a deferral may be granted upon submission of documentary proof supporting your reasons for deferral. Deferral is granted for a maximum of one year, beyond which you will need to reapply. Please note that the programme fee is subject to change depending on the year of joining. 

If your deferral plea is not accepted, you will have to reapply to the programme. 

You may either enrol to the cohort which you are offered or reapply to the programme in a subsequent admission cycle.  

We will strive to process all applications as soon as we receive them and respond at the earliest. You can expect an update within 45 days

Yes, all shortlisted applicants must attend an interview with our panel. This gives us the opportunity to listen to your experiences first-hand and make a qualified judgment. Interviews are typically conducted in person as well as through video conference.

No, the application fee is non-refundable.

The admission fees are partially refundable. Please check with the programme office for the refund policy.

Tuition fee refunds are dependent on the timing of your decision and the refund policy applicable at that time. Please check with the programme office for the refund policy.

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.

The letter of support will require you to confirm that your employer is aware of your enrollment in the ISB PGP MAX Programme. It should also include details on whether you are being sponsored financially by your organization, the extent of sponsorship, and whether professional leaves to attend the programme are paid, unpaid, or a mix of both.

The ISB PGP MAX Programme is designed for senior executives who are typically still employed during the tenure of the course. Since the programme requires up to 12 weeks of on-campus learning, participants will be away from work for these stipulated periods. To avoid future complications, we require a letter of support from your employer to enrol in the programme.