![Indian School of Science and Management - [ISSM]](https://img.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/1632130268ISSMLOGOFORSHIKSHA2.jpg?h=71.7&w=71.7&mode=stretch)
Indian School of Science and Management (ISSM), Chennai, also known as ISSM Business School, is a private management institute established in 2008. It offers a flagship PGPM + MBA Dual Degree programme in collaboration with Alagappa University (NAAC A+ accredited). ISSM is recognised by UGC, AICTE, and the Ministry of Education, and holds approval from the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).
As per NIRF Management 2025, ISSM is ranked #42 nationally in the MBA category.
ISSM operates from two campuses in Chennai: Campus 1 at Taramani and Campus 2 at Perungudi, in the southern technology corridor of the city.
- PGPM + MBA Dual Degree (2 years) — flagship programme awarding a Post Graduate Programme in Management diploma from ISSM alongside an MBA degree from Alagappa University. Specialisations: HR, Finance, Marketing, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, International Business, and Systems (IT). Total intake: approximately 360 seats.
The total PGPM + MBA programme fee is INR 7,50,000 (INR 3,75,000 per year). Scholarships of up to INR 1 Lakh are available for eligible candidates.
ISSM records 100% placement across its batches. In 2024, the highest offer stood at INR 20 LPA and the average package was INR 13.6 LPA. Over 1,863 students have been placed in the last 14 years, with 405+ companies participating in placement drives.
ISSM Chennai Admission Dates 2026
ISSM Chennai admissions for the 2026-28 batch are conducted on a rolling basis. There is no fixed application deadline. Candidates may apply after appearing for any of the accepted national entrance exams or after sitting for ISSM’s own Talent Reward Exam (TRE) at the campus.
| Event | Date / Status |
|---|---|
| TANCET 2026 Result | May 22, 2026 (Declared) |
| MAT 2026 (Multiple sessions) | Ongoing throughout 2026 |
| ISSM Talent Reward Exam (TRE) | Conducted on demand at ISSM campus |
| GD and PI Rounds | Rolling basis after shortlisting |
| 2026-28 Batch Commencement | As per ISSM academic calendar |
| CAT 2026 (for 2027-28 batch) | Registration opens August 3, 2026 |
The table below shows all exams accepted for ISSM’s PGPM + MBA programme.
| Programme | Exams Accepted | Admission Route |
|---|---|---|
| PGPM + MBA (2 years) | CAT / XAT / MAT / TANCET / ISSM TRE | Direct application to ISSM followed by GD and PI |
ISSM Chennai Courses and Fees
ISSM offers one flagship programme: a 2-year PGPM + MBA Dual Degree combining an industry-aligned Post Graduate Programme in Management with an MBA degree from Alagappa University. The programme covers six specialisations and has an annual intake of approximately 360 seats.
| Programme | Duration | Eligibility | Total Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| PGPM + MBA (Alagappa University) | 2 years | Graduation (50%) + CAT / XAT / MAT / TANCET / ISSM TRE | INR 7,50,000 |
The total fee of INR 7,50,000 works out to INR 3,75,000 per year. The dual degree structure means students receive both an ISSM PGPM certificate and an Alagappa University MBA degree on completion. Specialisations available: HR, Finance, Marketing, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, International Business, and Systems (IT).
ISSM Chennai Admission Process
ISSM admissions follow a two-stage process: entrance exam shortlisting followed by Group Discussion and Personal Interview (GD+PI) at the ISSM campus. Admission is conducted on a rolling basis throughout the year.
PGPM + MBA Admission
Eligibility requires a graduation degree in any discipline with at least 50% aggregate marks from a university recognised by AIU. Candidates who have not taken any national exam may sit for ISSM’s own Talent Reward Exam (TRE) on campus.
- Stage 1: Obtain a valid score in CAT, XAT, MAT, TANCET, or appear for ISSM TRE.
- Stage 2: Submit application to ISSM at admin@issm.in with score card and academic documents.
- Stage 3: Shortlisted candidates are called for Group Discussion and Personal Interview at ISSM Chennai.
- Stage 4: Merit-cum-aptitude final list is drawn and offer letters issued.
- Stage 5: Fee payment and confirmation of enrolment within the deadline provided by ISSM.
ISSM does not specify a minimum CAT percentile cutoff publicly. Shortlisting is based on a combination of entrance exam score, graduation percentage, and GD+PI performance. Candidates with strong work experience may be considered even with moderate exam scores.
ISSM Chennai Placements
ISSM records a 100% placement rate across all batches since inception. Over 1,863 students have been placed in 14 years, with 405+ companies visiting the campus. In 2024, the highest offer was INR 20 LPA and the average package was INR 13.6 LPA.
| Metric | 2024 Batch | Cumulative (14 Years) |
|---|---|---|
| Highest Package | INR 20 LPA | N/A |
| Average Package | INR 13.6 LPA | N/A |
| Placement Rate | 100% | 100% |
| Students Placed | N/A | 1,863+ |
| Companies Participating | N/A | 405+ |
Key recruiters include Amazon, Accenture, TCS, EY, KPMG, Godrej, Swiggy, Zoho, and Yamaha, across BFSI, consulting, IT services, FMCG, and logistics sectors. The Finance, Marketing, and Logistics specialisations at ISSM have a particularly strong recruiter base in Chennai’s commercial and technology belt near Taramani and the Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR) corridor.
ISSM Chennai Rankings
ISSM participates in NIRF and has secured a position in the national management college rankings.
| Ranking Body | Category | Rank | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| NIRF | Management | 42 | 2025 |
ISSM Chennai Scholarships
ISSM offers merit-cum-need scholarships for eligible candidates admitted to the PGPM + MBA programme.
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| ISSM Merit Scholarship | Based on entrance exam score and academic performance | Up to INR 1,00,000 |
ISSM Chennai Campus
ISSM Business School operates from two campuses in Chennai. Campus 1 is at Taramani, Nehru Nagar, and Campus 2 is at Perungudi Industrial Estate. Both campuses are located in the southern technology corridor of Chennai, close to the OMR IT park belt, which provides strong industry connectivity for internships and placements.
Infrastructure includes seminar halls, case-study classrooms, a digital library, and a placement centre. The campus is well-served by public transport connecting to the rest of Chennai. The Taramani campus is accessible from the MRTS Taramani station and bus routes along OMR.
ISSM Chennai vs LIBA vs Measi
Aspirants shortlisting private B-schools in Chennai often compare ISSM with the Loyola Institute of Business Administration (LIBA), Nungambakkam, and Measi Institute of Management, Arcot Road, two other established management institutions accepting CAT, TANCET, and MAT scores in the same city.
| Parameter | ISSM, Chennai | LIBA, Chennai | Measi IM, Chennai |
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Taramani / Perungudi, Chennai | Nungambakkam, Chennai | Arcot Road, Chennai |
| Programme | PGPM + MBA (Alagappa University) | PGDM + MBA (Loyola) | MBA (Anna University) |
| NIRF Management Rank (2025) | #42 | 51 to 100 band (approx.) | Not in ranked list |
| Total Fee | INR 7,50,000 | INR 12,00,000 (approx.) | INR 4,50,000 (approx.) |
| Average Package (Recent) | INR 13.6 LPA | INR 9 LPA (approx.) | INR 5 LPA (approx.) |
| Admission | CAT / XAT / MAT / TANCET / TRE + GD+PI | CAT / XAT / MAT / TANCET + GD+PI | TANCET / MAT + Interview |
ISSM leads on NIRF Management rank and average placement package among the three. LIBA has a longer institutional legacy and a campus affiliated to a Jesuit institution that carries significant brand recognition in South India. Measi IM offers the most affordable MBA option among the three, affiliated to Anna University with a government-regulated fee. The choice depends on the aspirant’s budget, NIRF rank priority, and preferred campus location in Chennai.
ISSM Chennai FAQs
Ques. Is ISSM Chennai a good MBA college?
Ans. ISSM is ranked #42 in NIRF Management 2025 and records 100% placement with an average package of INR 13.6 LPA as of 2024. It offers a Dual Degree (PGPM from ISSM + MBA from Alagappa University) and has placed over 1,863 students across 14 years. For aspirants targeting a private Chennai B-school with a strong national rank and placement record, ISSM is a credible option.
Ques. What is the CAT cutoff for ISSM Chennai?
Ans. ISSM does not publish a fixed CAT percentile cutoff. Shortlisting is based on a combination of entrance exam score (CAT, XAT, MAT, TANCET, or ISSM TRE), graduation percentage, and performance in GD and PI. Candidates who have not taken any national exam can appear for the ISSM Talent Reward Exam (TRE) directly on campus.
Ques. What is the total fee for MBA at ISSM Chennai?
Ans. The total fee for the 2-year PGPM + MBA Dual Degree at ISSM is INR 7,50,000, which works out to INR 3,75,000 per year. This fee covers the ISSM PGPM credential and the Alagappa University MBA degree.
Ques. What is the placement record at ISSM Chennai?
Ans. ISSM records 100% placement across batches. In 2024, the highest offer was INR 20 LPA and the average was INR 13.6 LPA. Over 1,863 students have been placed in 14 years, with 405+ companies participating. Key recruiters include Amazon, Accenture, TCS, EY, KPMG, Godrej, and Zoho.
Ques. What MBA specialisations does ISSM offer?
Ans. ISSM offers 6 specialisations in its PGPM + MBA programme: HR, Finance, Marketing, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, International Business, and Systems (IT). All are covered within the two-year programme across the two Chennai campuses.
Ques. Is the MBA from ISSM valid for government jobs?
Ans. The MBA from ISSM is awarded by Alagappa University, which is recognised by UGC and is a central university. This makes it a recognised university degree. For specific government job requirements, candidates should verify with the recruiting organisation whether a UGC-recognised MBA qualifies, as eligibility criteria vary by post.
Ques. Does ISSM Chennai offer scholarship?
Ans. Yes. ISSM offers merit scholarships of up to INR 1,00,000 for eligible candidates. Scholarship eligibility is based on entrance exam score and academic performance at the time of admission.
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