ISB Hyderabad vs IIM Ahmedabad- Which is Better?

ISB Hyderabad vs IIM Ahmedabad Overview

ISB and IIM Ahmedabad are leading business schools in India for management studies. ISB offers a one-year, full-time residential Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP) and 20 months Post Graduate Programme in Management for Young Leaders (PGP YL), whereas IIMA offers a 2-year MBA full-time program and a 1-year full-time PGPX program. Check the quick glimpse of the ISB vs IIM Ahmedabad comparison shared below:

Parameters	ISB Hyderabad (PGP)	ISB Hyderabad (PGP YL)	IIM Ahmedabad (PGP)	IIM Ahmedabad (PGPX)
Full Form	Indian School of Business	Indian School of Business	Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad	Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad
Course Duration	1 year	20 months	2 years	1 year
Eligibility	Bachelor's degree	Bachelor’s Degree	Bachelor’s degree, with at least 50% marks (45% marks for Scheduled Caste (SC)/Scheduled Tribe (ST)/Persons with Disabilities (PwD))Age: 19 years	Bachelor's Degree Minimum Age: 25 years
Accepted Entrance Exam	Valid GMAT or GRE score	Valid GMAT/GRE/CAT	CAT Exam	Valid GMAT /GRE score
Work Experience	24+ months of full-time work experience	0-24 months of work experience	Work experience is not mandatory	Minimum 4 years of full-time work experience
Batch Size	424 (2027)	130	414 (2025-27	160 (2026-2027)
Average Package	INR 37.29 LPA (2026)	-	INR 35.22 LPA (2025)	INR 36.41 LPA (2024)

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ISB Hyderabad vs IIM Ahmedabad Rankings

Comparing ISB and IIMA in terms of ranking can help you understand the overall institute’s reputation. Both colleges have strong brand value and are recognised globally for their quality MBA education and placement outcomes. Talking about the FT Business Schools Rankings 2026 report (MBA 2026), ISB ranked higher than IIM Ahmedabad in the Alumni Network ranking. ISB secured the 6th position while IIMA stands at the 21st rank. Let’s compare ISB vs IIM Ahmedabad based on ranking:

Parameters	ISB Hyderabad	IIM Ahmedabad
Financial Times MBA 2026 Business school rankings (Alumni Network rank)	6	21

ISB Hyderabad vs IIM Ahmedabad Eligibility & Work Experience

Regarding eligibility, the ISB Hyderabad PGP course is designed for candidates who have completed their bachelor’s degree, have at least 24 months of full-time work experience, and hold a valid GMAT or GRE score. ISB PGP YL program is designed for candidates who have completed their graduation and have 0-24 months of work experience. Moving forward, the IIM Ahmedabad PGP course is open to candidates with a bachelor’s degree, while the IIMA PGPX is designed for candidates with a bachelor's degree and at least 4 years of full-time work experience. Let’s compare ISB vs IIM Ahmedabad based on eligibility:

Parameters	ISB Hyderabad (PGP)	ISB Hyderabad (PGP YL)	IIM Ahmedabad (PGP)	IIM Ahmedabad (PGPX)
Age & Qualification	Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification from a recognised institution	Bachelor’s Degree or Equivalent Qualification from a recognised University	Bachelor’s degree, with at least 50% marks (45% marks for Scheduled Caste (SC)/Scheduled Tribe (ST)/Persons with Disabilities (PwD))Age: 19 years	Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in any discipline. Minimum Age: 25 years
Work Experience	24+ months of full-time work experience	0-24 months of work experience	Work experience is not mandatory	Minimum 4 years of full-time work experience

Must Check the ISB Hyderabad Eligibility

ISB Hyderabad vs IIM Ahmedabad Entrance Exams Accepted

Candidates should compare the entrance exams accepted by these two institutes. It helps them select the entrance test that aligns with their subject knowledge and career aspirations. ISB Hyderabad accepts valid GRE/GMAT scores for PGP admissions and GRE/GMAT/CAT scores for the PGP YL course. On the contrary, IIMA accepts the CAT exam for PGP admission and valid GMAT /GRE score for PGPX admission. Let’s compare ISB vs IIMA based on the entrance exam:

Parameters	ISB Hyderabad (PGP)	ISB Hyderabad (PGP YL)	IIM Ahmedabad (PGP)	IIM Ahmedabad (PGPX)
Accepted Entrance Exam	Valid GMAT or GRE score	Valid GMAT/GRE/CAT exam	CAT Exam	Valid GMAT /GRE score
Validity	No older than five years from the application deadline	GRE or GMAT scores must be no older than 5 years CAT scores will be accepted only for the academic session immediately following the exam. Example: CAT 2025 scores are accepted for PGP YL Class of 2026-28	Applicable for the academic session immediately following the exam	GMAT /GRE scores taken within the last 5 years

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ISB Hyderabad vs IIM Ahmedabad Selection Process

The selection process plays an important role when comparing PGP programs across institutes. ISB Hyderabad selection process includes factors like Application Submission, Application Verification, Interview Shortlist, Interview, etc. IIMA PGP selection depends on parameters like performance in CAT, performance in AWT & PI, academic, co-curricular and extracurricular achievements, work experience, etc.  The selection process for the IIMA PGPX includes a shortlisting announcement, Essay & Resume submission, Interview, etc.  In simple terms, IIMA PGP admission focuses on candidates’ CAT scores, academics, AWT & PI scores, whereas IIMA PGPX and ISB PGP evaluate candidates' performance in interview, Essay & Resume submission, and other factors. Let’s compare ISB vs IIM Ahmedabad based on the selection process:

Parameters	ISB Hyderabad (PGP & PGP YL)	IIM Ahmedabad (PGP)	IIM Ahmedabad (PGPX)
Admission Process Factors	Entrance Exam Score, Application Submission, Application Verification, Interview Shortlist, Interview, Final Selection	CAT, performance in AWT & PI, academic, co-curricular and extracurricular achievements, work experience, etc	Shortlisting announcement, Essay & Resume submission, Interview, Final Selection

ISB Hyderabad vs IIM Ahmedabad Fees

Understanding the fee structure in advance helps you understand the overall investment required and plan your finances accordingly. ISB PGP fees are around INR 38,67,160 (including GST) for shared accommodation and single-instalment payment, along with a refundable security deposit. The ISB PGP YL course fee is around INR 25,60,000. The IIMA PGP course fee is INR 27,50,000. The IIMA PGPX Fee is INR 35 lakhs for SSH  and 37.10 Lakhs for MSH, plus the cost of the International Immersion Programme (IIP), excluding travel and stay-related expenses.  Let’s compare ISB vs IIM Ahmedabad based on the fees below:

Parameters	ISB Hyderabad (PGP)	ISB PGP YL	IIM Ahmedabad (PGP)	IIM Ahmedabad (PGPX)
Fees	INR 38,67,160	INR 25,60,000 (2026)	INR 27,50,000	INR 35 lakhs for Single Accommodation and 37.10 Lakhs for Married Student Housing
Fee Component	Includes Admission, Commitment, and Tuition fees.	Includes Admission & Tuition Fees, Commitment Fees, and Course Materials	Includes tuition fees of INR 20,10,000. The fee amount does not include personal expenses on boarding, laptop computer, travel, clothes, stationery, laundry, etc.	Includes tuition fees, books and course materials, accommodation and other service facilities such as library, computing, network changes etc.

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ISB Hyderabad vs IIM Ahmedabad Batch Size

Candidates should also compare batch size to get an idea of course popularity and seat availability. ISB recently welcomed 839 students to its PGP Class of 2027 across its Hyderabad and Mohali campuses. The cohort comprises 424 students in Hyderabad and 415 in Mohali. The ISB PGP YL cohort size was 130, with 50% female representation. The IIMA batch size was 414 students for the PGP batch of 2025-27. On the other hand, the IIMA MBA-PGPX 2026-2027 batch size was 160 students. Let’s compare ISB vs IIM Ahmedabad based on the batch size below.

Parameters	ISB Hyderabad (PGP)	ISB Hyderabad (PGP YL)	IIM Ahmedabad (PGP)	IIM Ahmedabad (PGPX)
Batch Size	424 (2027)	130	414 (2025-27	160 (2026-2027)
Female Students Percentage	46%	50%	30%	28%

ISB Hyderabad vs IIM Ahmedabad Placements

Both IIMA and ISB hold impressive placement records with job offers from global and leading companies. Talking about ISB placements, PGP Co26 cohort secured 1,117 job offers with an average compensation of INR 37.29 LPA. Moving forward, the IIMA PGP average package stood at INR 35.22 LPA (2025), and the average package for the PGPX 2024 batch was INR 36.41 LPA. Let’s compare ISB vs IIM Ahmedabad based on the placements below:

Parameters	ISB (PGP)	IIM Ahmedabad (PGP)	IIM Ahmedabad (PGPX)
Average Package	INR 37.29 LPA (2026)	INR 35.22 LPA (2025)	INR 36.41 LPA (2024)
Highest Package	INR 1.56 cr per annum (2026)	INR 1.10 Crore per annum (2025)	INR 54.80 LPA (2024)

ISB Hyderabad vs IIM Ahmedabad MBA for Freshers

ISB Hyderabad and IIM Ahmedabad offer a PGP course designed for fresh graduates. IIMA 2-year full-time MBA program is open to all graduates with or without experience. On the other hand, the ISB 20-month PGP program is designed for candidates who have completed graduation and have 0-24 months of working experience. Here is the key takeaway of ISB vs IIM Ahmedabad MBA programs for Freshers:

• ISB accepts the GRE/GMAT/CAT scores for the PGP YL course, whereas IIMA accepts the CAT exam for PGP admission.
• IIMA selects candidates based on CAT scores, performance in AWT & PI, academic, etc. ISB selects candidates based on application submission, Application Verification, Interview Shortlist, Interview, etc.
• The ISB PGP YL course fee is around INR 25,60,000. The IIMA PGP course fee is INR 27,50,000.

Key Information About MDI Gurgaon

MDI Gurgaon MBA Fees	MDI Gurgaon MBA Placements
MDI Gurgaon CAT Cut-off

ISB Hyderabad vs IIM Ahmedabad MBA for Working Professionals

ISB and IIMA offer MBA programs designed specifically for working professionals.  IIMA PGPX is open to candidates with a bachelor's degree and at least 4 years of full-time work experience, whereas the ISB PGP course is for candidates who have completed their bachelor’s degree and have at least 24 months of full-time work experience. Here is the key takeaway of ISB vs IIM Ahmedabad MBA programs for Working Professionals:

• IIMA accepts the valid GMAT /GRE score for PGPX admission, whereas ISB Hyderabad accepts valid GRE/GMAT scores for PGP admission.
• The IIMA PGPX Fee is INR 35 lakhs for SSH  and 37.10 Lakhs for MSH.  ISB PGP fees are around INR 38,67,160 (including GST) for shared accommodation and single-instalment payment.

ISB Hyderabad vs IIM Ahmedabad, Which is Better?

In conclusion, the choice between ISB and IIM Ahmedabad depends on a candidate’s eligibility and professional goals. The ISB PGP and IIM Ahmedabad PGPX programs are designed for experienced professionals who are willing to take the GMAT or GRE. In contrast, IIM Ahmedabad’s PGP and ISB PGP YL programs are suitable for both fresh graduates and experienced candidates looking to accelerate their careers. Therefore, candidates should carefully compare factors such as career objectives, rankings, fees, placements, and learning outcomes before making an informed decision.