ISB launches 20-Month PG Programs for Young Leaders (PGPYL)

Indian School of Business, renowned for its flagship one-year MBA, has introduced an exciting new program in management education: the PG Programs in Management for Young Leaders (PGPYL).

Launching in July 2025, this 20-month program is tailored for recent graduates and early-career professionals with up to two years of work experience. PGPYL offers a unique pathway for young talent to gain immersive management training at one of India’s top  business schools, setting them up for a dynamic start in their professional journeys.

Key Features of the Program

• 20-Month Duration: Designed for early-career professionals, the program offers a comprehensive curriculum focused on core business principles, experiential learning, and technological skills.
• Experiential Learning: Emphasizes hands-on projects, both in the classroom and beyond, to help students gain practical insights, especially beneficial for those with limited work experience.
• Mandatory Internship: A required summer internship provides valuable industry exposure, allowing students to apply their skills in real-world settings.
• Diverse Curriculum: Includes unique offerings such as the Business Design Lab, iDEAS, and the Innovation Lab, PiVOT, where students can cultivate creative problem-solving abilities and foster business innovation.
• Global Recognition: Backed by ISB’s strong reputation and acceptance of GMAT, GRE, and CAT scores, the program attracts a diverse cohort of applicants from India and around the world.

A New Pathway for Early-Career Professionals

Indian School of Business’s latest program is crafted in response to the rising demand for management education tailored to individuals with limited work experience. Similar to the renowned Master in Management (MiM) programs offered by prestigious schools in the U.S. and Europe, ISB’s Post Graduate Programme in Management for Young Leaders (PGPYL) is designed to provide early-career professionals with a solid foundation in business.

While MiM programs at institutions like London Business School, HEC Paris, and Duke Fuqua cater to recent graduates, ISB’s 20-month format offers an immersive experience, blending a rigorous curriculum with significant hands-on learning opportunities.

Comparing ISB’s PGPYL with Global MiM Programs

Criteria	ISB PGP-Young Leaders	MiM Programs (US & Europe)
Duration	20 months	10-24 months
Target Audience	Recent graduates with up to 2 years of experience	Recent graduates with little or no experience
Program Structure	Core management courses, experiential learning, industry projects, and a 2-month internship	Core management courses, sometimes with optional internships or exchange programs
Experiential Learning	Emphasis on practical exposure through labs (Business Design Lab, Innovation Lab) and a mandatory internship	Varies by school; some offer internships or live projects, but these are not always required

Cost and Value Proposition

With a fee of approximately ₹29 lakh (inclusive of GST and accommodation), ISB’s 20-month PGP-Young Leaders program is positioned alongside some of the top global MiM offerings. Although it ranks among India’s more expensive management programs, ISB’s unique value lies in its global perspective, distinguished faculty, and robust industry connections, making it a worthwhile investment for aspiring business leaders.

The program provides a comprehensive blend of academic knowledge and practical skills, preparing graduates to excel in today’s dynamic and competitive global marketplace.

What Sets ISB’s PGPYL Apart

Extended Duration for In-Depth Learning:

The 20-month duration of ISB’s PGP-Young Leaders offers a more gradual and comprehensive introduction to core business principles compared to traditional MiM or MBA programs. This extended timeline also allows for hands-on projects and internships, ensuring you’re thoroughly equipped for the job market.

Emphasis on Experiential Learning:

A key highlight of the PGP-Young Leaders is its strong focus on experiential learning. Through the Business Design Lab and Innovation Lab, you’ll tackle real-world challenges that reflect the complexities of modern business. Additionally, a mandatory two-month internship gives you valuable industry exposure before graduation.

Tailored for Recent Graduates:

In contrast to ISB’s one-year PGP, which caters to seasoned professionals, the PGP-Young Leaders is designed specifically for those early in their careers. It’s an excellent choice for those looking to smoothly transition into management roles, offering guidance and hands-on learning to bridge the gap between academia and industry.

Global Curriculum with Local Insights:

While similar to MiM programs at top global business schools, ISB’s PGP-Young Leaders stands out by blending global business practices with valuable insights into the Indian market. This unique combination ensures you graduate with a well-rounded perspective, particularly beneficial for those aiming to work in India or the broader Asia-Pacific region.

The ISB Advantage for PGPYL Students

The Post Graduate Programme in Management for Young Leaders (PGPYL) offers distinct advantages, combining global insights, access to renowned faculty, and unmatched industry connections.

Global Faculty:

Benefit from learning under internationally recognized faculty members who bring a wealth of academic knowledge and professional experience from top business schools worldwide.

Learning from Experienced PGP Students:

Being on the same campus as ISB’s flagship PGP (Post Graduate Programme) students gives PGPYL participants the unique chance to engage with peers who bring several years of professional experience. This peer-to-peer learning fosters accelerated leadership development and strengthens collaboration skills.

Access to Top Recruiters:

PGPYL students gain access to ISB’s expansive network of 300+ top recruiters across industries. Leading companies that actively recruit from ISB include:

• McKinsey & Company
• The Boston Consulting Group (BCG)
• Amazon
• Google
• Goldman Sachs
• Microsoft
• Deloitte

This combination of world-class education and strong industry connections provides PGPYL students with an ideal platform to fast-track their careers.

ISB PGPYL Admissions Process

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the PGPYL program, candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Education: A bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in any discipline.
• Test Scores: Valid GMAT, GRE (test center-based only), or CAT scores at the time of application.
• Work Experience: No more than 0-24 months of full-time work experience as of June 15 in the year of intended enrollment.
• English Proficiency: A valid TOEFL/IELTS score is required if the applicant’s undergraduate degree was not taught in English.

Selection Process

The PGPYL selection process occurs in two stages:

• Stage 1: Applicants are shortlisted based on academic performance, test scores, achievements, and a personal essay.
• Stage 2: Shortlisted candidates are invited for personal interviews with ISB faculty, senior industry leaders, and alumni to assess their potential and program fit.

Application Deadline

The application deadline for the 2025 intake is December 15, 2024.

Is ISB’s PGPYL Right for You

If you’re a recent graduate or have limited work experience and are seeking an immersive, comprehensive management program, ISB’s PGPYL could be the ideal fit. With its focus on hands-on learning, industry projects, and mandatory internships, the program prepares you to take on leadership roles early in your career.

The PGPYL offers the depth of a two-year MBA, along with the practical exposure early-career professionals need to thrive in today’s fast-evolving business environment.

Final Thoughts

ISB’s PGPYL is a transformative program designed for young professionals and recent graduates looking to fast-track their careers. With its strong emphasis on experiential learning and leadership development, this program is tailored for ambitious individuals aiming to make a significant impact in the corporate world. When compared to global MiM programs, ISB’s extended duration, robust curriculum, and industry-centric approach position it as a standout choice for aspiring business leaders.

Start your leadership journey with ISB’s PGP for Young Leaders (PGPYL), designed for early career professionals. Want to see if it’s the right fit for you?