ISB Hyderabad Review and Verdict by CollegeDekho

Campus at Glimpse

The Indian School of Business (ISB) is a private business school with campuses in Hyderabad and Mohali. The institute has been ranked #1 in India and #29 globally in the FT Executive Education Custom Ranking 2023. ISB Hyderabad became the 100th Triple Accredited Institution in the World, having received accreditation from AMBA, the EFMD Quality Improvement System (EQUIS), and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Coming to the coursework, the institute offers postgraduate and doctoral management programmes in various specializations. The flagship programme of ISB Hyderabadis a one-year PGP course, which is rated #1 in India in the Financial Times (FT) Global MBA Ranking 2023.

ISB Hyderabad is undoubtedly one of India's best business schools, offering students a solid foundation in the management education niche. The university's incredible 95% placement rate speaks of its commitment to quality education and a course framework that is industry-relevant. Aside from academics, ISB offers a campus life that is comparable to a luxury resort, with suitable modern apartments, housekeeping service, round-the-clock internet connectivity, air conditioning, and so on. However, obtaining a seat here is difficult, and it requires rigorous hard work to pass the entrance exams. The ISB Hyderabad male-to-female ratio is 60:40, which is not too bad. However, one downside is the ISB Hyderabad course fee. The PGP programme fee for the academic year 2024-25 is INR 42,13,000 (plus GST), which is very expensive for the common middle-income group. 

ISB Hyderabad NIRF Ranking

ISB Hyderabad hadn't received any NIRF ranking either in 2023 or in 2022. However, the college has been highly acknowledged by various other bodies and publications as can be seen in the table below. 

Our Take

The Indian School of Business does not have an NIRF Ranking probably because it didn't submit itself for it. ISB Hyderabad is a highly reputable business school, known for its strong global ranking. However, it may not be as highly ranked in Indian rankings for a number of reasons. One possibility is that the Indian rankings focus more on traditional universities and institutions, rather than newer business schools like ISB Hyderabad. Additionally, the Indian rankings may be based on different criteria or weightings than the global rankings, which could also affect ISB Hyderabad's standing. It's also worth noting that ISB Hyderabad is a private institution, which may not be as highly valued in Indian rankings as public institutions.

Nevertheless, the statistics and global rankings speak for themselves: ISB Hyderabad has been fairly ranked and named one of the greatest business schools in India. These college rankings signify the outstanding job that the institution is doing in terms of academics, placements, innovation, campus life, faculty, management, and so on.

ISB Hyderabad Academia & Batch Size

ISB Hyderabad's admission process is tough. To get a seat here, candidates must pass national-level entrance exams like GMAT, GRE, CAT, or JRF, which are not easy to track. The total batch size at ISB Hyderabad is around 900 students. The Class of 2024 has 881 students from the Hyderabad and Mohali campuses, according to the ISB Hyderabad official website. The institute makes no reservations or quotas. However, the college welcomes applications from students of different backgrounds. The exam cycle varies per course, but in general, each course will have a midterm test and an end-of-term exam every other week. The competition is fierce, and to score high marks in the university exam, students need much preparation.

The ISB Hyderabad course structure is as per industry standards. It includes core and elective courses from which students can choose. Each course requires the submission of many group assignments, for which students are put in groups of 4–5 people. The university employs a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) grading system. The CGPA scale is normally scaled from 0 to 4.0, with 4.0 being the maximum attainable CGPA with an 'A' grade. ISB Hyderabad also offers a Student Exchange programme allowing international students to take on two terms at the campus while giving domestic students a chance to study abroad at any of the partnered institutes. 

Our Take

The academic experience at ISB Hyderabad campus is truly enriching. Each academic programme comprises four components- curriculum, teaching methodologies, group projects, and guest lectures. ISB PGP programme emphasizes group projects and case study-based learning. Group projects offer students an opportunity to develop skills specific to teamwork and collaboration as they work with their classmates in small teams on various assignments and tasks related to the courses. Case study-based learning helps students develop critical thinking, analytical, decision-making, and presentation skills.

ISB offers a unique learning experience for its students, thanks to the highly qualified faculty members drawn from top-ranked institutes such as Georgia State University, the University of Michigan, and the University of Pennsylvania. Additionally, the institute's Student Exchange programme facilitates international collaboration, bringing in students from various business schools worldwide to enhance diversity and foster a rich peer-learning experience. The institute follows a well-structured academic framework that adheres to industry norms, offering courses that provide excellent education and skill-development training. This is reflected in the university's impressive 95% placement record, with recruiters highly valuing ISB Hyderabad graduates for their solid academic foundations and practical skills gained through the coursework.

ISB Hyderabad Infrastructure 

The ISB campus spans 260 acres and has every convenience, such as modern classrooms, a well-stocked library, clean hostel rooms, sports grounds, auditoriums, and seminar halls, among others.

• Classroom:ISB Hyderabad classrooms have a modern interior with a digital screen and proper seating arrangements. The classrooms are fully air-conditioned.

• Auditorium, Seminar Halls, and Labs:The institute has a huge auditorium with seats for a large audience. The auditorium is utilized for institutional activities such as guest lectures, workshops, conferences, and seminars.

• Library: The ISB Hyderabad library is also called the Learning Resource Centre. The library includes 60000 printed books, 170 printed journals, 2500+ E-books, 2000+ E-journals, 6800 AV resources, and 60+ databases.
  

  

• Internet: The institute has outstanding IT infrastructure and internet access throughout the campus. Students can also use the institute's computer laboratories, which provide wireless internet access.

• Hostel: ISB Hyderabad hostels are known as student villages, and they are fully equipped with air conditioning. Each of the hostels can accommodate between 150 and 200 students. Students have the option of living in the quad, where four students share an apartment but have their own bedroom. Students who are married can pick a one-bedroom apartment. The studios and quads each offer fully equipped living areas, bedrooms, a modular kitchen, and a bathroom. For shared accommodation on campus, room rent is INR 34,669 per term plus 18% tax, or INR 50,050 per term plus 18% tax for a studio unit.

• Activities:The institute conducts various sports for students to encourage extracurricular activities and fitness. The institute has fields for several outdoor sports like badminton, football, and volleyball, as well as an indoor recreation area. There is also a swimming pool on campus.

• Cafe/ Hang-out Places:The dining hall has many food counters with multi-cuisine food options available. Prices for vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes range from INR 90 to INR 150.

Our Take 

The ISB Hyderabad campus offers a 5-star experience to students with a wide range of amenities available 24x7, providing them with a homely feel. The use of digital screens for teaching makes the learning experience more enjoyable. Having access to WiFi on campus is essential in today's digital age. It enables students to effortlessly access educational resources and conduct research without worrying about data usage or internet costs. Moreover, internet facilities also foster collaboration and communication among students and faculty, which can improve the overall learning experience. Although the hostel accommodation charges are high, they are a convenient option for students from other states. Married couples can opt for a one-bedroom apartment within the campus, saving them time and effort. However, students who cannot afford the high accommodation cost may have to rely on education loans or scholarships to ease their financial burden. The administration ensures that cleanliness is maintained throughout the campus, including the rooms and washrooms. With essential facilities like grocery stores, postal service, banks, ATMs, medical facilities and clinics available on campus, students hardly need to leave the campus for basic or emergency needs. The Graduate Student Association (GSA) coordinates and manages both extracurricular and academic activities, encouraging active participation in co-curricular activities.

ISB Hyderabad Internships and Placements

ISB Hyderabad Internship

ISB Hyderabad does not offer Summer Internships, but students can take advantage of the Experiential Learning Programme (ELP) to work on projects while on campus. The program is available for students pursuing graduation, post-graduation, or a PG Diploma in any field. You can apply for ELP programs to work on various short and long-term projects with faculty members, Research Associates, and Research Analysts. However, since the course duration at ISB Hyderabad is usually one to two years, students have limited internship opportunities. Nevertheless, they have excellent placement prospects in their final year.

ISB Hyderabad Placements

As per the ISB Hyderabad PlacementReport of 2023, the participating batch of 845 students received a total of 1609 offers from 324 recruiters. 30+ new recruiters visited the campus in the placement drive. The report states that the average package witnessed a 1.5% increase and stood at INR 33.25 LPA, while the highest package offered was INR 66 LPA, representing a 10% increase for the top 80% of students. Some of the top recruiters who participated in the placement drive included Accenture, Amazon, Bain & Company, Barclays India, Deloitte, and others.

Our Take

The integrated placement process for the PGP Class across ISB Hyderabad has been consistently successful in attracting new recruiters. The institute boasts of an impressive placement rate of almost 95% across all courses, while the average salary offered to students has reached a record high of INR 33.25 Lakhs per annum, indicating a strong demand for ISB graduates in the industry.

The efforts taken by the ISB Hyderabad administration in conducting a Career Week programme to help students prepare for their placement interviews are worth mentioning. This week-long programme includes a variety of workshops aimed at preparing students for interviews and helping them choose their career paths during the placement week. Students will have the opportunity to engage with industry leaders and receive guidance on resume building, among other topics. Overall, the university is doing an excellent job of providing students with the best possible career opportunities on campus.

ISB Hyderabad Diversity & Representation

“No other business school in the country embraces and promotes diversity more than the Indian School of Business, Hyderabad,” is claimed by the university on the ISB mantra online page.

According to the ISB Hyderabad website,

• Around 850 students are admitted to ISB's premier PGP programme each year. As business schools throughout the world have traditionally and historically had unequal gender representation, ISB is like a breath of fresh air with over 40% female participation in class.

• Unlike many other MBA programmes, ISB MBA has a higher proportion of non-engineers than engineers. The ISB 2024 class is made up of 51% non-engineers and 49% engineers.

• The ISB Class of 2024 has a superior male-female ratio than other Indian business schools. Females make up 40% of the class, while boys make up 60%.

Our Take 

ISB Hyderabad prides itself in offering a learning experience that caters to the diverse backgrounds of its students. As stated on their official website, the business school encourages applicants from various nationalities, educational backgrounds, work experiences, and all other aspects of life. The institution places great emphasis on diversity, as it fosters a rich exchange of ideas and perspectives among students, faculty, and staff.

Moreover, it is noteworthy that a considerable number of female applicants are seeking admission to ISB Hyderabad's business program. This is a positive development as it reflects the increasing number of women who are pursuing postgraduate management degrees and are on their way to becoming successful entrepreneurs. The institution's supportive environment and inclusive policies are instrumental in empowering women to break barriers and achieve their professional goals.

ISB Hyderabad Faculty/College Administration & Management

ISB Hyderabad has around 70 faculty members who have been trained in some of the best business institutions worldwide, such as Kellogg, Wharton, and London Business School. The college has eminent scholars from India and other parts of the world. These highly trained and skilled professors are always willing to assist and guide students in their academic pursuits. They can be easily reached via email, given their approachable nature. As a business school, ISB encourages and supports students in their entrepreneurial aspirations. The management is dedicated to providing top-notch education and a fulfilling learning experience to students. The college offers financial aid to students in the form of scholarships, tuition waivers, and loans. Merit and need-based tuition waivers are awarded to deserving applicants, ranging from INR 3,00,000 to full tuition. The college administration is prompt in addressing student concerns and complaints.

Our Take

The teachers, faculty, and management at ISB Hyderabad are doing an outstanding job of providing students with a comprehensive and enriching educational experience. Their dedication to offering quality education and a vibrant student life on campus is commendable. The college management has implemented effective recruitment strategies, resulting in the hiring of highly qualified teachers who possess excellent management skills. These teachers are equipped to provide students with not only theoretical knowledge but also practical skills that will be useful in the real world.

ISB Hyderabad is renowned in the business world, with a strong reputation that can help students stand out in the competitive job market after graduation. The college's focus on entrepreneurship ensures that students are equipped with the skills and knowledge required to succeed in the business world. Overall, ISB Hyderabad is a great choice for students looking for a top-quality education that will prepare them for a successful career.

ISB Hyderabad Location

ISB Hyderabad is situated in Gachibowli, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500111. The nearest bus stop to the institute is Infosys Bus Stop which is 2.1 km away. The nearest metro station, Raidurg Metro Station is located at a distance of 8.2 km from the institute. Often known as the "City of Pearls" and "Cyberabad," Hyderabad is a vibrant mix of rich history and technology. The city growing IT hub where students can find jobs. ISB Hyderbad's great location in Gachibowli guarantees easy access to nearby retail stores, supermarkets, hospitals, grocery stores, shopping malls, and a range of attractions. In addition, the university provides a free shuttle service that runs at regular intervals between the university and key locations in Hyderabad city. Cabs cost around INR 650 for four hours in Hyderabad.

Our Take

The location of ISB Hyderabad is excellent since it is surrounded by bus stops and local shops that are easily accessible. The institute provides transportation for students, which makes commuting to and from the campus more convenient. Additionally, students can find autos and cabs right outside the college building for easy transportation. However, the taxi fare may be slightly expensive. We suggest that if students wish to explore the city and its surroundings without spending too much, they can easily find economical options like an auto or the local bus instead of taking a cab.

Expectation vs. Reality CollegeDekho Verdict

Based on our in-depth analysis, we highly recommend ISB Hyderabad to anyone seeking admission to a top-tier business school in India. According to the Financial Times (FT) Global MBA Ranking 2023, ISB Hyderabad has been ranked as the number one B-school in the country, making it an excellent choice for pursuing your management degree. The college offers industry-relevant coursework, a beautiful campus, impressive placement records, and competitive salary packages. The placement record of ISB Hyderabad is impressive, and it deserves a ten-star rating. After reviewing student and alumni feedback on various platforms, we have found that all students were fully satisfied with their college experience. The college management is supportive and responsive to students' feedback and complaints. However, if you are looking for internship opportunities while pursuing your management course, ISB Hyderabad may not be the ideal choice for you.

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