ISB Hyderabad vs IIM: Which is Better for MBA in 2025

ISB Hyderabad vs IIM: Which is Better for MBA in 2025

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CAT Application Date:01 Aug' 25 - 13 Sep' 25

Alen Tom ShajiUpdated on 18 Feb 2025, 12:21 PM IST

ISB vs IIM is a dilemma that usually occurs in the minds of candidates who like to do MBA programmes. While thinking about ISB Hyderabad vs IIM, the students are worried about the placement opportunities and skills they can get from these institutes. In this competitive world, it’s not easy to get admission to ISB or IIM institutes. IIM vs ISB colleges have state-of-the-art infrastructure, quality education, excellent placement records, and a learning environment leading to the development of managerial skills. ISB Hyderabad or IIM is a choice for MBA applicants who focus on career goals, course preferences, location, ISB vs IIM executive MBA and IIM vs ISB fees comparison. This article offers knowledge and insights for MBA aspirants to make a final decision on choosing ISB vs IIM management courses. Read the article to know ISB vs IIM Which is better?

This Story also Contains

  1. Is ISB better than IIM?
  2. ISB vs IIM: Ranking
  3. ISB Hyderabad vs IIM: Highlights
  4. ISB vs IIM: Courses and Fee Structure
  5. ISB vs IIM: Eligibility Criteria
  6. ISB vs IIM MBA or PGP Eligibility Criteria
  7. ISB vs IIM Admission 2025
  8. ISB vs IIM Selection Process
  9. ISB vs IIM for Executive MBA
  10. Is getting into ISB easier than IIM?
  11. ISB vs IIM Placements
  12. ISB vs IIM: Top Recruiters
  13. ISB or IIM: Which is better?
ISB Hyderabad vs IIM: Which is Better for MBA in 2025
ISB vs IIM

Is ISB better than IIM?

Indian School of Business offers full-time PGP and advanced management programmes to working professionals only based on the performance of candidates in the GMAT/ GRE examinations. For the IIM admission, work experience is not an important factor for applying to various MBA courses. However, the CAT score is considered for the IIM MBA selection process, followed by a written test, GD and personal interview.

ISB vs IIM: Ranking

ISB and IIM are premium business schools in India. Many MBA specialised programmes and electives are available through these respected organisations' management programmes. According to the FT Global MBA Ranking 2024, ISB is ranked 31st overall in the world and 1st in the research category in India. The IIMs also secured the first positions in the NIRF ranking in 2024.

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ISB Hyderabad vs IIM: Highlights

The main difference between ISB vs IIM can be seen in the table mentioned below.

ISB Hyderabad

IIM

Private and autonomous

Government-funded and autonomous

Campuses are located in Hyderabad and Mohali

21 Institutes all over India

Accept GMAT/ GRE score

Accept CAT score

Courses are offered for working professionals.

Courses are offered for freshers and working professionals.

Average ISB fees is around Rs. 30 lakhs to Rs. 40 lakhs

Average fees is around Rs. 24 lakhs to Rs. 27 lakhs

Focus mainly on practicals and research

Focus mainly on theory and research

ISB vs IIM: Courses and Fee Structure

Candidates who wish to pursue ISB PGP courses are required to pay an ISB fee of Rs. 40 lakh. Meanwhile, the IIM course fee ranges from Rs. 20 lakhs to Rs. 30 lakhs. The details regarding the ISB vs IIM fees comparison, along with the course duration and accepted entrance exams are mentioned in the table below.

ISB vs IIM Courses and Fee Structure 2024

Particulars

ISB Courses

IIM Courses

Courses

  • PGP in Management
  • PGP in Management for Working Professionals
  • PGP in Management for Senior Executives
  • PGP in Management for Family Business
  • Advanced Management Programme

Duration

1 to 2 years

1 to 2 years

Accepted entrance exam

GMAT/ GRE score

CAT, GMAT, GRE

Fee structure

Rs. 30 Lakhs to Rs. 43 lakhs

Rs. 20 Lakhs to Rs. 35 lakhs

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ISB vs IIM: Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must meet the ISB vs IIM eligibility criteria to apply for the MBA/ PGDM/ PGP courses. Candidates with a minimum of 2 to 3 years are only eligible to apply for the ISB management courses. On the other hand, candidates with a valid CAT score and no work experience can apply for IIM courses. Check out the below table to see who can apply for the IIM vs ISB management courses

ISB vs IIM MBA or PGP Eligibility Criteria

The IIMs also consider work experience as a selection criteria for some of the courses. The details regarding the eligibility criteria for ISB vs IIM admission are listed below.

Particulars

ISB

IIM

ISB vs IIM Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in a relevant field from an approved university.

Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum aggregate of 50% marks in a relevant field from an approved university.

Age Limit

No age limit

No age restriction

Work Experience

Work experience is mandatory to apply for the ISB PGP / Advanced Management programmes

Work experience is also considered as IIM eligibility criteria.

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ISB vs IIM Admission 2025

Candidates can apply for the PGP/ AMP programmes offered by ISB Hyderabad and ISB Mohali. ISB admission is carried out through the scores obtained by the applicants in the GMAT or GRE entrance exam and work experience. IIM admission is done based on the CAT score, followed by an interview round. Candidates can go through the details of the ISB vs IIM admission criteria 2025 from the below table.

ISB vs IIM Selection Process

Candidates who meet the eligibility requirements and entrance exam cutoff can participate in the institute's selection process.

Particulars

ISB

IIM

ISB vs IIM cutoff

  • GMAT: 720 and above
  • GRE: 320 and above
  • NMAT: 140 and above

CAT cutoff:

  • For general category: 99+
  • For reserved categories: 95 to 98

ISB vs IIM Admission criteria

  • Step 1: Candidates are shortlisted as per the GMAT/ GRE/ CAT/ NMAT score.
  • Step 2: ISB shortlisted candidates must attend the online interview sessions.
  • Step 3: Based on the performance of candidates in the selection rounds, work experience and academic qualifications, determine the ISB final list.
  • Step 1: Candidates are shortlisted for IIMs based on CAT score.
  • Step 2: Attend the WAT test or PI round.
  • Step 3: Release of IIM final result based on the calculation of the composite score.

Know more about

ISB vs IIM for Executive MBA

Both ISB and IIMs provide executive MBA courses for working professionals. Candidates with a minimum work experience of 3 years are eligible to apply for the ISB vs IIM executive MBA courses. The course fees for doing an ISB executive MBA are Rs. 37 lakhs to 49 lakhs and for IIM it is about Rs. 6 lakh to Rs. 12 lakh.

Is getting into ISB easier than IIM?

Both ISB and IIM offer tremendous opportunities for MBA aspirants to be bright in their management career. The ISB vs IIM admission criteria are different from each other. ISB offers courses for working professionals and IIM also provides admission to working professionals and graduates. Getting into the ISB is possible only for candidates with a strong professional background in any sector. The cost of doing an MBA at ISB is high compared to IIM fees. ISB mainly focus on entrepreneurship.

ISB vs IIM Placements

Indian School of Business Hyderabad placement cell offers all the facilities and support for the students to get placed in top companies. According to the recent placement reports, ISB placed around 1609 MBA graduates in various organisations with an average salary package of Rs. 34 lakhs.

While IIM also made 100% placement records in the previous year through lateral, final and summer placements. The IIMs showed an increase in the salary package and the number of students getting recruited by top companies. The IIM placement statistics, such as the highest and average package can vary from one to another.

ISB vs IIM Placement

Particulars

ISB Hyderabad

IIM Lucknow

Total number of offers made

324

570

Number of Recruiters

1609

185+

Highest package

Rs.50 LPA

Rs. 58 LPA

Average package

Rs. 34 LPA

Rs. 31 LPA

ISB vs IIM: Top Recruiters

ISB vs IIM placement and training cells ensure the final year graduates get hired in top MNCs with the highest salary packages. These institutions keep the best records in placement and offer a chance to work with the below companies to achieve their dreams. The following are the companies where the students get hired.

ISB Recruiters

Accenture

Adani Group

Aditya Birla Group

Amazon

Apple

Axis Bank

Citi Bank

Cleartrip

D.E. Shaw India

Deloitte

Dr Reddy’s Laboratories

Ernst and Young

IIM Recruiters

Accenture

Genpact

Google

HCL Technologies

Amazon

Amazon

Hinduja Group

American Express

Ranbaxy Laboratories

HSBC Group

Ameriprise Financial

Apollo Tyres

Also Read:

ISB or IIM: Which is better?

Candidates who wish to pursue world-class management programmes face this dilemma. It is difficult for those candidates to make a final decision on these institutes. Moreover, ISB vs IIM institutes have both advantages and disadvantages. Candidates can go through the below table to find out the ISB vs IIM pros and cons before choosing their B-school for MBA / PGP programmes.

ISB Pros vs Cons

Pros

Cons

Students get hands-on experience in solving real-world business challenges, as the ISB curriculum is mainly focused on practical rather than theoretical.

Admission is offered to candidates with work experience only.

The topics are taken by foreign and experienced industrial experts.

Given the condensed duration of the course, candidates are required to complete the program within a limited timeframe. This could potentially restrict the breadth of learning opportunities.

The primary emphasis of ISB is to cultivate a mindset in students that encourages the nurturing of their business concepts, thereby providing opportunities to become entrepreneurs.

The ISB course fee is higher compared to the IIM programmes.

IIM Pros vs Cons

Pros

Cons

The programme provides students with opportunities to enhance their management skills, which can be applied in real-world business situations.

The IIM admission process is highly competitive compared to ISB. The total number of seats available at IIM is about 5000.

Students who score high in the CAT exam will get scholarships.

The IIM curriculum does not offer a real-world business experience

IIM graduates get hired in various top organisations with good salary packages.

IIM mostly focus on theory rather than practical knowledge.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the highest package of ISB Hyderabad?
A:

Going by past year's ISB Hyderabad placement trends, the highest package stood at Rs 66 LPA.

Q: Which are the top IIMs in India?
A:

As per the NIRF report 2024, the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore, Indian Institute of Management, Kozhikode, Indian Institute of Management, Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow are the best IIMs in India.

Q: Is IIM better than ISB?
A:

The ISB has more global rankings in 2023 compared to the IIM. However, IIM also has global and national rankings. Candidates have different responses regarding ISB vs IIM courses, admission and recruitment experience.

Q: Is work experience necessary for ISB admission criteria?
A:

Yes, candidates with a minimum work experience of 2 to 8 years can only apply for the ISB PGP programmes.

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Questions related to CAT

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to CAT ?

Yes, you can fill the CAT form even if you currently have a backlog. CAT eligibility requires you to be in your final year of graduation or already graduated backlogs don’t stop you from applying.

While filling the form:

  • Enter the aggregate percentage/CGPA of marks you have obtained up to the latest semester for which results are declared (in your case till 4th semester).

  • There will be an option to mention that you have a backlog.

  • If you clear the backlog later, you’ll just need to show the updated marks during admission.

Hello Aspirant,

Yes, you can apply for the CAT exam as a final-year student. You must declare your backlog on the online application form. You do not write about it on the final-year student certificate; that document is to certify your enrollment status. You must clear all backlogs before the final admission process to any MBA college.

Hello,

Thank you for your question!

KL- MAT syllabus: Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, English/Verbal Ability, and General Awareness (similar to MAT/CMAT pattern).

CAT scores are valid in many private universities including KL University, but always check the year’s admission notification.

CAT vs other exams: CAT is toughest (IIMs + top B-schools), while MAT/CMAT/ATMA are relatively easier and accepted by many mid-level private universities.

Hello it will clear your doubt!

Hello Aspirant,

  1. I saw a cat. The cat found an old map inside a drawer of the king's palace.

Here's why:

  • "a cat": It's the first time we mention the cat, so it's indefinite.

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  • "an old map": It's the first time we mention a map, and "old" starts with a vowel sound, so "an."

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Hello Kapish

You can find the last 5 year questions of DILR for CAT at Careers360 website. Moreover, you can find the previous year papers of all the subjects i.e. DILR, Quants and VARC. I am attaching the link through which you would be able to access the same.

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Sample paper of DILR: CAT Sample Paper (DILR) by CAREERS360

Thank You!!!