Indira School of Business Studies PGDM (ISBS PGDM) is a private management institution established in 2006 in Pune, Maharashtra. It is part of the Indira Group of Institutes, promoted by the Shree Chanakya Education Society. ISBS PGDM is approved by AICTE, holds NBA accreditation for its PGDM General and PGDM Marketing programmes, and has been accorded AIU equivalence to MBA for these two programmes.
ISBS PGDM Pune does not currently appear in the NIRF Management ranked list.
The institute operates from a dedicated campus in Pune and offers fully AICTE-approved PGDM programmes. Campus infrastructure includes a library, the Dhruv Auditorium, sports facilities, and a cafeteria.
- PGDM General - 120 seats, 2 years. Total fees: INR 9.50 Lakhs
- PGDM Marketing - 60 seats, 2 years. Total fees: INR 9.50 Lakhs
- PGDM E-Business Management - 120 seats, 2 years. Total fees: INR 9.50 Lakhs
The 2025 placement season recorded a highest CTC of INR 21 LPA and an average CTC of INR 6.62 LPA, with over 350 companies visiting campus annually for recruitment.
ISBS PGDM Admission Dates 2026
Admissions for the 2026-28 PGDM batch at ISBS Pune have concluded. Applications were accepted from November 2025 based on CAT 2025, CMAT 2026, MAT, and XAT scores. GD-PI rounds were conducted between February and April 2026. The next cycle for the 2027-29 batch will open after CAT in November 2026.
| Event | 2026-28 Batch (Concluded) | 2027-29 Batch (Tentative) |
|---|---|---|
| Application Open | November 2025 | November 2026 |
| Application Deadline | April to May 2026 | April to May 2027 |
| GD-PI Rounds | February to April 2026 | February to April 2027 |
| Admission Offers | April to May 2026 | April to May 2027 |
| Programme Start | June to July 2026 | June to July 2027 |
The table below lists the accepted entrance exams for ISBS PGDM programmes.
| Programme | Exam Accepted | Selection Stage |
|---|---|---|
| PGDM General | CAT / XAT / CMAT / MAT / GMAT / ATMA / ISBS-MAT | Entrance score + GD-PI |
| PGDM Marketing | CAT / XAT / CMAT / MAT / GMAT / ATMA / ISBS-MAT | Entrance score + GD-PI |
| PGDM E-Business Management | CAT / XAT / CMAT / MAT / GMAT / ATMA / ISBS-MAT | Entrance score + GD-PI |
ISBS PGDM Courses and Fees
ISBS PGDM Pune offers three PGDM specialisations, all two years in duration and AICTE approved. The PGDM General and PGDM Marketing programmes are additionally NBA accredited and carry AIU equivalence to an MBA degree. The total fee for any PGDM programme is INR 9.50 Lakhs for the full two-year duration.
| Course | Duration | Intake Seats | Eligibility | Total Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PGDM General | 2 years | 120 | Bachelor’s degree with 50% aggregate | INR 9.50 Lakhs |
| PGDM Marketing | 2 years | 60 | Bachelor’s degree with 50% aggregate | INR 9.50 Lakhs |
| PGDM E-Business Management | 2 years | 120 | Bachelor’s degree with 50% aggregate | INR 9.50 Lakhs |
PGDM General covers core management functional areas (Finance, Operations, HRM, and Strategy). PGDM Marketing focuses on brand management, digital marketing, consumer behaviour, and sales strategy. PGDM E-Business Management is oriented toward e-commerce, digital business models, and technology-integrated marketing operations.
ISBS PGDM Admission Process
PGDM General, Marketing, and E-Business Management
All three PGDM programmes at ISBS share a common admission process. Eligibility requires a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognised university with a minimum aggregate of 50% marks. Candidates in the final year of their graduation are eligible to apply provisionally.
The selection stages are:
- Step 1: Submit online application with a valid CAT, XAT, CMAT, MAT, GMAT, ATMA, or ISBS-MAT (institute-level test) score
- Step 2: Shortlisting based on entrance score and academic performance
- Step 3: Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI) conducted at ISBS Pune campus or online
- Step 4: Final merit list based on composite score (entrance score 40%, GD-PI 40%, academic record 20%)
- Step 5: Offer letter acceptance and fee payment
ISBS PGDM does not publish a strict CAT/CMAT cutoff. The institute considers the composite score across all components. Candidates with CAT scores in the 50 to 65 percentile range have been admitted in recent cycles based on strong GD-PI performance and academic record. Work experience is considered a positive factor but is not mandatory.
ISBS PGDM Placements
The 2025 placement season at ISBS PGDM Pune recorded a highest CTC of INR 21 LPA and an average CTC of INR 6.62 LPA, with a median CTC of INR 6 LPA. The institution reported 100% placement for eligible candidates across all three PGDM specialisations.
| Metric | 2025 Batch |
|---|---|
| Highest CTC | INR 21 LPA |
| Average CTC | INR 6.62 LPA |
| Median CTC | INR 6 LPA |
| Placement Rate | 100% (eligible students) |
| Companies Visiting | 350+ |
Confirmed top recruiters at ISBS PGDM include Deloitte, ITC, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Bajaj Finserv, Bajaj Allianz, Aditya Birla Group, Infosys, PwC, Citibank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Axis Bank, IndusInd Bank, TATA Technologies, MRF Tyres, and Xanadu Realty. Recruiters span BFSI, FMCG, IT consulting, and real estate sectors. PGDM Marketing graduates are primarily placed in sales, brand management, and digital marketing roles.
ISBS PGDM Rankings
ISBS PGDM Pune is recognised by several ranking bodies. Business India Magazine ranked ISBS 28th among Best B-Schools in India. Outlook Magazine ranked it 108th out of 200 private management institutes in 2025. IIRF placed it 107th out of 122 in its 2025 management rankings.
| Ranking Body | Category | Rank | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business India | Best B-Schools India | 28 out of 100+ | 2024 |
| Outlook | Private Management Institutes India | 108 out of 200 | 2025 |
| IIRF | Management | 107 out of 122 | 2025 |
ISBS PGDM holds NBA accreditation for PGDM General and PGDM Marketing, which grants AIU equivalence to MBA for these programmes. This accreditation is significant for candidates who require an MBA-equivalent degree for government service, higher studies abroad, or specific corporate requirements.
ISBS PGDM Scholarships
ISBS PGDM offers merit-based and need-based scholarships to support students through the programme. Detailed scholarship eligibility and amounts are confirmed at the time of admission through the admissions office.
| Scholarship Type | Eligibility | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Merit Scholarship | High entrance score (CAT 70+ percentile or equivalent) and strong academic record | Partial tuition fee waiver |
| Women Empowerment Scholarship | Female candidates from economically weaker backgrounds | Partial fee support |
| Education Loan (SBI, HDFC, Axis) | All admitted students | Up to 100% programme fee via education loan |
Students can also apply for Maharashtra state government scholarships and central government scholarships through the National Scholarship Portal. ISBS is recognised as an eligible institution under these schemes.
ISBS PGDM Campus and Infrastructure
ISBS PGDM operates from a dedicated campus in Pune. The facility includes a well-stocked management library with national and international journals, digital learning resources, and research databases. The Dhruv Auditorium serves as the primary venue for guest lectures, conclaves, and corporate interaction events.
Sports and fitness facilities are available on campus alongside a cafeteria. The Indira Group of Institutes maintains multiple campuses across Pune, and ISBS PGDM students benefit from shared infrastructure and inter-campus activities within the group. Pune’s location provides strong industry access for live projects, internships, and campus recruitment from companies in the city’s BFSI, IT, and manufacturing clusters.
ISBS PGDM vs ISB&M Pune vs MAEER’s MIT-SOM
Aspirants choosing between Pune PGDM institutes at a similar tier commonly compare ISBS with ISB&M Pune (International School of Business and Media) and MAEER’s MIT School of Management (MIT-SOM). All three offer AICTE-approved PGDM programmes in Pune with a shared applicant pool targeting mid-CAT and CMAT scorers.
| Parameter | ISBS PGDM Pune | ISB&M Pune | MIT-SOM Pune |
|---|---|---|---|
| Programme | PGDM (3 specialisations) | PGDM (4 specialisations) | MBA / PGDM |
| Total Fees | INR 9.50 Lakhs | INR 9 to 11 Lakhs | INR 8 to 10 Lakhs |
| Average CTC (2025) | INR 6.62 LPA | INR 11.40 LPA | INR 7 to 8 LPA |
| Highest CTC (2025) | INR 21 LPA | Not stated | Not stated |
| Accreditation | NBA, AICTE (AIU equiv.) | AICTE, NBA | AICTE, NAAC |
| Location | Pune | Nande, Pune | Kothrud, Pune |
ISB&M Pune leads on average CTC (INR 11.40 LPA) while ISBS offers NBA accreditation with AIU equivalence, which is a distinguishing credential for students who need an MBA-equivalent degree certification. MIT-SOM offers a longer institutional track record under the MAEER group. Candidates targeting BFSI and consulting roles in Pune find ISBS’s recruiter network in banking, insurance, and consulting relevant to their career goals.
ISBS PGDM FAQs
Ques. Is ISBS PGDM Pune approved by AICTE?
Ans. Yes. ISBS PGDM Pune is approved by AICTE. The PGDM General and PGDM Marketing programmes are additionally accredited by NBA and have been accorded equivalence to MBA by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU). ISBS is part of the Indira Group of Institutes, Pune.
Ques. What is the total fee for PGDM at ISBS Pune?
Ans. The total fee for any PGDM programme (General, Marketing, or E-Business Management) at ISBS Pune is INR 9.50 Lakhs for the full two-year duration. This covers tuition and miscellaneous fees. Education loans are available through SBI, HDFC, and Axis Bank.
Ques. What is the average placement package at ISBS PGDM Pune?
Ans. The average CTC at ISBS PGDM Pune for the 2025 batch was INR 6.62 LPA, with a median of INR 6 LPA and highest package of INR 21 LPA. Over 350 companies recruit on campus annually, spanning BFSI, FMCG, IT consulting, and real estate sectors.
Ques. What CAT score is needed for ISBS PGDM?
Ans. ISBS PGDM does not publish a strict CAT cutoff. Candidates with CAT scores in the 50 to 65 percentile range have been admitted in recent cycles when combined with strong GD-PI performance and academic record. CMAT, MAT, XAT, GMAT, and the institute’s own ISBS-MAT test are also accepted.
Ques. Is the ISBS PGDM equivalent to an MBA?
Ans. The PGDM General and PGDM Marketing programmes at ISBS are accredited by NBA and carry AIU equivalence to an MBA degree. This means these degrees are recognised as equivalent to an MBA for most academic and professional purposes. PGDM E-Business Management is AICTE approved but does not currently carry AIU equivalence.
Ques. What specialisations are available at ISBS PGDM Pune?
Ans. ISBS Pune offers three PGDM specialisations: PGDM General (Finance, HR, Operations, Strategy), PGDM Marketing (brand management, digital marketing, sales), and PGDM E-Business Management (e-commerce, digital business, technology-driven marketing). All three are two-year full-time programmes with 120 to 120 seat intakes.
Ques. When do admissions start for ISBS PGDM 2027-29?
Ans. The 2026-28 admissions have concluded. The next admission cycle for the 2027-29 PGDM batch will open after CAT in November 2026. Applications will be accepted from December 2026 based on CAT 2026, CMAT 2027, MAT, XAT, and GMAT scores. GD-PI rounds are typically held from February to April 2027.


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