The Post Graduate Programme in Management for Young Leaders (PGP YL) is rapidly becoming one of the most sought-after programs by fresh graduates and young professionals aspiring for an MBA. Launched by the Indian School of Business (ISB), this 20-month-long full-time program is equivalent to an MBA pursued from an IIM in India or a MiM (Masters in Management) from a reputable global B-school.
Commencing in mid-2025, this program is meticulously designed to fast-track the career graph of ambitious individuals in leadership and management. The Post Graduate Programme in Management for Young Leaders is becoming popular particularly among freshers, as it targets recent graduates with 0-24 months of work experience.
With a globally recognized faculty, immense learning opportunities, and access to top recruiters in the industry, ISB PGP YL is the course you may choose to become the next-gen business leader!
For key information about this program, and to make an informed career choice, dive into this crisp blog crafted by LilacBuds’ experts.
Course Highlights
| Target audience | Fresh graduates and young professionals |
| Work experience | 0–24 months |
| Duration | 20 months |
| Location | Hyderabad campus |
| Program type | Full time |
Eligibility criteria for the ISB PGP YL
Below are the key eligibility criteria that you must fulfill to pursue this prestigious management program.
| Education | Bachelor’s degree in any discipline |
| Test scores | Valid GMAT, GRE, or CAT score |
| Work experience | <24 months as of 15th June of the year of application |
| English proficiency | Valid TOEFL/IELTS score if the undergraduate degree was not in English |
Please note: For detailed information on eligibility criteria and any latest updates, visit the official ISB website.
Who should apply to ISB PGP YL?
The PGP YL is intended for ambitious individuals with good academic credentials, lateral thinking skills, a leadership attitude, and an inventive spirit. ISB seeks people with unusual or atypical experiences who can bring varied insights to the cohort. The admission council ideally looks for a candidate who has:
- An exception record of academic achievements
- A track record of extracurricular achievements
- Leadership skills and/or potential
- Commitment to make an impact
- Strategic and creative thinking skills
What makes ISB PGP YL a great choice?
The ISB Post Graduate Program for Young Leaders is a unique course that offers the perfect combination of advanced curriculum, global perspectives, unparalleled support, and experiential learning. Here are some reasons why the course should be a part of your top preferred courses:
1. World-class learning with global faculty
The course is taught by faculty members from top business schools of the world who bring academic rigor and practical experience to the table. 70+ resident faculties and 200+ visiting faculties empower you to create, grow, and lead businesses.
2. Peer learning with experienced students
One of the biggest advantages of this program is its integration with the flagship PGP program of the Indian School of Business. Students get to share the same campus, getting a chance to network and learn from students with plenty of practical professional experience.
3. Access to top recruiters
Students of ISB PGP YL get access to ISB’s recruiter network with over 300 recruiters from globally recognized firms. The robust network of recruiters includes:
- Amazon
- McKinsey & Company
- The Boston Consulting Group (BCG)
- Microsoft
- Goldman Sachs
- Bain & Company
- Deloitte
- AB InBev
Acceptance rate for ISB PGP YL
The acceptance rate for the ISB PGP YL program is highly competitive.
Since it’s a newly introduced program, PGP-YL’s exact acceptance rate isn’t available, but reports suggest that the acceptance rate for this program would be around 5-7%, similar to ISB’s other flagship programs. This level of selectivity conforms to their otherwise stringent admission process, which assesses academic excellence, innovative thinking, leadership potential, and other critical skills.
Fee Structure for the PGP YL Program
The PGP YL program fee for the academic year 2025-2027 is INR 21,65,000 (+18% GST). Furthermore, the accommodation fee is INR 3,95,000. The total cost of the program, including GST, is about INR 30 lakh.
Difference between PGP-YL and YLP/EEO
Post Graduate Programme in Management for Young Leaders (PGP YL)
The PGP YL is intended for high-potential aspirants, with up to 2 years of professional work experience, aiming for an accelerated management career. The duration of this program is 20 months with an emphasis on experiential learning.
Early Entry Option (EEO) and Young Leaders Program (YLP)
The now-discontinued Early Entry Option (EEO) was designed for new graduates with fewer than twenty-four months of full-time job experience, similar to PGP-YL, but provided a deferred entrance pathway to the flagship ISB PGP program. Similarly, the YLP was for students studying in the final or pre-final year of their Bachelor’s degree. However, in both cases, admitted students needed to complete 24 months of work experience before joining the main PGP cohort.
Both of these programs have now been discontinued and replaced by the new PGP-YL program. We know, between PGP-YL and YLP, the names are a bit confusing!
Key Differences at a Glance:
| Feature | ISB PGP YL | ISB EEO (Early Entry Option) | ISB YLP |
| Target Audience | Graduates with up to 2 years of work experience | Graduates with less than 24 months of work experience; deferred admission to the PGP | Students in pre-final or final year of graduate or postgraduate education |
| Program Length | 20 months | 1 year (PGP, after completing required work experience) | 1 year (PGP, after completing required work experience) |
| Curriculum Focus | Emphasis on experiential learning (internships, labs) | Focuses on management education post-deferred entry into the PGP | Focuses on management education post-deferred entry into the PGP |
| Admission Process | Direct entry after GMAT/GRE, essays, interviews | Deferred entry after GMAT/GRE, essays, interviews; work experience required before joining | Deferred entry after shortlisted through initial screening, GMAT/GRE scores, essays, and interview |
| Career Development | Immediate access to internships, alumni network, and mentorship during the program | Work experience before entry strengthens post-PGP career prospects | Easy access to various corporate roles for advancement |
| Flexibility | Immediate start after acceptance | Candidates must gain work experience before joining the PGP program | 20 months of work experience is required after completing the course |
Admissions process for the PGP YL program
The admission process for this management course is a 2-step process as below. You will be required to go through this process if you fulfill the eligibility criteria mentioned in the above section.
- Shortlisting: The candidates are first shortlisted based on their:
- Personal interviews: Shortlisted candidates are then called for a personal interview with the alumni, industry leaders, and resident faculty at ISB.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right postgraduate program is easier said than done. But, this latest offering by ISB is indeed an exciting option for young professionals who are looking for a practical, yet comprehensive management education.
Whether you’re still deciding whether to apply for the course or looking for strategies to improve your application, LilacBuds can help. Our ISB consultants are some of the best in the world with the highest success rate. They will assist you in defining your goals and determining whether the course is compatible with your future objectives. You can also receive expert guidance with the application process, essay writing, and much more. Get in touch with us today to get started!
