Does ISB Accept CAT Scores for Admission? Complete Guide to ISB Admission 2025
- 16 hours ago
- 6 min read
The Indian School of Business (ISB) is one of India's premier business schools. It is known globally for its world-class faculty, focus on research, and the highly-regarded Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP). Its reputation attracts thousands of ambitious candidates every year.
A common and critical question for Indian aspirants is: “Does ISB accept CAT scores for admission?”
The answer is nuanced, and understanding it is key to planning your application. This complete guide breaks down ISB's admission policy for 2025, clarifying which programs accept the CAT and how you can successfully secure your seat.
Does ISB Accept CAT Scores for Admission?
The short answer is: Yes, but only for one specific program.
The CAT (Common Admission Test) score is primarily accepted by ISB for its Post Graduate Programme in Management for Young Leaders (PGP-YL). This is an admission program designed for final year students or those with less than 2 years of work experience.
Comparing CAT with GMAT/GRE for ISB Admissions
To be eligible to apply for the PGP-YL, you can submit a score from the CAT, GMAT, or GRE. This flexibility is a significant advantage for young leaders. The admissions committee evaluates all three scores on a comparable basis, assessing the candidate's core quantitative and verbal aptitude.
What is PGP-YL: PGP YL is designed for young leaders with 0-24 months of work experience. It offers a unique learning journey that blends global perspectives with local insights, offering a cutting-edge curriculum, access to a world-class faculty, and focus on hands-on leadership training.
Eligibility Criteria for PGP-YL:
Work Experience: Applicants must have between 0 and 24 months (0 to 2 years) of full-time work experience at the time of application.
Academics: A strong academic record is essential.
Test Scores: CAT, GMAT, or GRE scores are accepted.
Admissions Process: Includes an online application, essays, and an interview.
ISB’s Flagship PGP and CAT Scores
For the flagship, one-year Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP), the school does not accept CAT scores. This is a mandatory requirement for all applicants to the PGP.
Instead, all applicants for the flagship PGP must submit a valid GMAT or GRE score. The PGP is a 12-month MBA-equivalent program that requires applicants to have a minimum of 2 years of work experience to qualify, as it is designed for experienced professionals.
Why ISB Prefers GMAT/GRE
ISB's decision to prefer GMAT and GRE scores for its flagship program is rooted in its commitment to global standards and its business leadership focus.
Global Standard: GMAT and GRE are internationally recognized tests. By requiring these scores, ISB aligns its admission criteria with top-tier international business schools, reinforcing its global stature.
Diverse Class Profile: These exams are taken by candidates from various backgrounds worldwide. This helps ISB cultivate a diverse and experienced class, vital for a world-class MBA experience.
Average GMAT score for the Class of 2025: While ISB does not publish a cutoff, the average GMAT score for the incoming class typically hovers in the competitive 675+ range.
Post Graduate Program for Young Leaders (PGP-YL)
The PGP-YL is a 20-month, full-time, residential program conducted at the Hyderabad campus. While the program is equivalent in content and rigour to an MBA, Indian regulations mean you will receive a certificate of completion of the Post Graduate Programme in Management for Young Leaders.
The curriculum is cutting edge, focusing on strategic and analytical frameworks with global perspectives. You will master analytical decision-making, strategic capabilities, and leadership development through hands-on learning, preparing you to be an innovative, next-generation leader. The program also assists students with mandatory summer internship placements in Year 1 and final placements in Year 2 of their academic journey.
Is CAT Accepted for PGP-YL?
It is a valid alternative to the GMAT or GRE for PGP-YL.
Feature | PGP (Flagship) | PGP-YL |
Duration | 12 months (Full-time) | 20 months (Full-time) |
Work Experience | Minimum 24 months | 0 to 24 months |
Test Scores | GMAT/GRE Mandatory | CAT, GMAT, or GRE accepted |
Target Candidates | Experienced professionals | Fresh graduates, early-career individuals |
How to Apply for ISB Admission with CAT Scores (PGP-YL)
Step-by-step Process
Applying with your CAT score is a straightforward process, primarily for the PGP-YL program. A high CAT percentile is just one part of the application; ISB evaluates your entire profile for leadership potential and fit.
Step-by-step Process:
Check Eligibility: Ensure your work experience is 0-24 months and you meet all academic criteria.
Online Application: Complete the PGP-YL application form on the ISB portal.
Standardized Test: Indicate your CAT score and upload the score report. GMAT or GRE are accepted as alternatives.
Essays & Recommendations:Submit compelling essays and strong letters of recommendation.
Interview: Attend the interview if you are shortlisted.
Final Offer: Receive your admission offer.
Documents Required
Here are the list of documents candidates need to submit:
Valid CAT score report (or GMAT/GRE).
Academic transcripts (Undergraduate and other degrees).
Statement of Purpose (essays).
Professional resume.
Proof of work experience (if any).
Letters of recommendation.
Application Deadlines
Key deadlines for the 2025 cohort: ISB generally operates a staggered admission process with two deadlines for the PGP-YL. For the Class of 2028, the Round 1 deadline is around December 14, 2025. You must check the official ISB website for the exact and most up-to-date application deadlines and apply well in advance.
Preparing for ISB Admissions via CAT Score
Focus on CAT Preparation
Tailoring CAT preparation for ISB, especially for PGP-YL applicants, means aiming for a very high percentile (typically 95th percentile and above). Focus on strong sectional scores, as ISB reviews the entire score breakdown to assess your aptitude for the program's academic rigour.
Other Key Areas of Evaluation
Emphasize that ISB looks at more than just scores, such as leadership potential and overall personality.
Leadership Potential: Demonstrated leadership in college, projects, or early work roles is highly valued.
Essays: Your essays must be thoughtful and unique, showcasing your aspirations and fit with ISB's culture.
Interview: Acing the interview is critical. It assesses your communication skills, overall personality, and ability to think laterally.
How ISB PGP-YL’s Admissions Process Works: A Detailed Overview
The admissions process is holistic and rigorous, designed to assess a candidate's potential to become a resilient and innovative business leader.
PGP-YL Admission Process
The process starts with the GMAT/GRE/CAT exam, followed by a meticulous application that includes a detailed professional and academic history, and finally, the essay submission.
Selection Criteria
Initial Application & Score Evaluation: A preliminary screen of test scores, academic history, and work profile.
Essay Evaluation: Essays are scrutinized for clarity of thought, vision, and alignment with ISB’s values.
Interview: Shortlisted candidates face an interview panel of alumni and faculty to assess communication, leadership qualities, and cultural fit.
Final Selection: The final decision is based on a composite score of all application components, where the overall profile and interview performance often hold significant weight.
Importance of CAT Score in PGP-YL
The CAT score is considered a strong initial indicator of academic aptitude. While a high percentile is necessary for the initial screening, the score is then weighed equally with the applicant's academic achievements, leadership potential, and the quality of their essays and recommendations.
Conclusion: What You Need to Know About ISB Admission 2025
The question, "Does ISB accept CAT scores?" has a clear answer: Yes, but only for the PGP-YL program.For the flagship PGP, GMAT or GRE is mandatory. The PGP-YL is a 20-month residential program for young leaders with 0 to 24 months of work experience.
Aspirants for the 2025 batch must carefully assess their profile, choose the right program, and prepare diligently for ISB admissions. Whether you are an experienced professional or a young leader, focusing on a strong test score, compelling essays, and confident interview skills are the absolute keys to success.
Take your first step towards ISB with confidence and let Preppie help you further refine your application for success.
FAQs
Does ISB accept CAT scores for its flagship PGP?
No, ISB’s flagship Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP) only accepts GMAT or GRE scores.
Which ISB program accepts CAT scores?
The Post Graduate Programme in Management for Young Leaders (PGP-YL) accepts CAT, GMAT, or GRE scores.
What is the minimum work experience required for ISB admission?
For the flagship PGP, a minimum of 24 months of full-time work experience is generally required. For PGP-YL, you must have less than 24 months (0 to 2 years) of work experience at the time of application.
What is the average GMAT score for ISB’s PGP?
The average GMAT score for the PGP is highly competitive, typically in the 675+ range.
Can I apply for ISB’s PGP-YL with less than 24 months of work experience?
Yes, the PGP-YL program is specifically designed for candidates with 0 to 24 months of work experience.
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