International School of Management Excellence (ISME), Bangalore is a private management institution established in 2006. It is approved by AICTE, accredited by NBA, and holds international accreditation from EFMD (EQUIS). ISME is also a member of AIU (Association of Indian Universities).
The campus is located on Sarjapur Road, near Dommasandra Circle, Bangalore, spanning 6 acres. The campus is a Wi-Fi-enabled smart campus with a Bloomberg Finance Lab, Analytics Suite, indoor courts, and twin-sharing hostel facilities.
- PGDM (5 specialisations): Finance, Marketing, Human Resource Management, Business Analytics, and International Accounting
- BBA (4 specialisations): Finance, Marketing, Human Resource Management, and Data Analytics
- B.Com (ACCA): ACCA-integrated commerce degree (3 years)
- FPM and PhD: Fellow Programme in Management and doctoral programmes in Management and Commerce
The flagship PGDM total fee is INR 11.95 Lakhs for 2 years across all five specialisations (tuition plus co-curricular fee, excluding hostel). BBA is priced at INR 7.45 Lakhs for 3 years and B.Com (ACCA) at INR 7.45 Lakhs. Hostel accommodation, including mess, is available for men and women at up to INR 1.75 Lakhs per year.
ISME offers merit scholarships for high CAT scorers and for students with exceptional academic records.
ISME Bangalore PGDM placements 2026 recorded a highest package of INR 17.22 LPA and an average of INR 8 LPA. The institute reported 100% placement with 260 plus recruiters participating in final placements.
ISME Admission Dates 2027
ISME Bangalore PGDM admissions for the 2027-29 batch are governed by CAT 2026 (November 2026), with ISME selection rounds conducted after the exam. BBA and B.Com (ACCA) admissions follow a separate direct merit-based process.
| Event | Date (2027-29 PGDM Batch) |
|---|---|
| CAT 2026 Exam | November 29, 2026 |
| ISME Application Deadline (Early Decision) | December 6, 2026 |
| GD + PI Rounds | March to April 2027 (Tentative) |
| Offer Letters | April to May 2027 (Tentative) |
| PGDM Programme Start | July 2027 (Tentative) |
The table below shows the exams accepted and the selection process for each programme.
| Programme | Exam Accepted | Selection Process |
|---|---|---|
| PGDM (All 5 specialisations) | CAT/ XAT/ CMAT | Exam score shortlist, GD, PI |
| BBA | No entrance exam | Direct merit-based (Class 12 marks) |
| B.Com (ACCA) | No entrance exam | Direct merit-based |
ISME Courses and Fees
ISME Bangalore focuses primarily on management and business programmes. The PGDM is the flagship offering across five specialisations. BBA and B.Com (ACCA) round out the UG portfolio. FPM and doctoral programmes in Management and Commerce complete the academic spectrum.
| Course | Duration | Eligibility | Total Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| PGDM (5 specialisations: Finance, Marketing, HR, Business Analytics, International Accounting) | 2 years | Bachelor’s degree with 60%, valid CAT, XAT and CMAT | INR 11.95 Lakhs |
| BBA (Finance, Marketing, HR, Data Analytics) | 3 years | 10+2 from any stream, 60% marks | INR 7.45 Lakhs |
| B.Com (ACCA) | 3 years | 10+2 in Commerce, 60% marks | INR 7.45 Lakhs |
| FPM (Fellow Programme in Management) | 3 to 5 years | Master’s degree, 60% marks | INR 4.00 Lakhs (Academicians) INR 4.90 Lakhs (Corporates) |
| Ph.D (In Management) | 3 to 5 years | Master’s degree, 55% marks, valid NET, SLET, KSET and University of Mysore | INR 3.90 Lakhs (Academicians) INR 4.45 Lakhs (Corporates) |
| Ph.D (In Commerce) | 3 to 5 years | Master’s degree, 55% marks, valid NET, SLET, KSET and University of Mysore | INR 3.90 Lakhs (Academicians) INR 4.45 Lakhs (Corporates) |
Note: The PGDM total of INR 11.95 Lakhs is the tuition fee (INR 8,00,000) plus the co-curricular and extracurricular fee (INR 3,95,000), which covers the International Business Certification Program in Singapore. It excludes hostel and mess (INR 1,75,000 in year 1, mandatory), books and administrative expenses (INR 15,000 per year) and a refundable security deposit of INR 20,000.
The B.Com (ACCA) programme is distinctive. Students earn both the Bangalore University B.Com degree and progress toward the ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) qualification concurrently. This programme is relevant for students targeting international accounting careers. Check the detailed fee structure at ISME Courses and Fees.
ISME Admission Process
ISME Bangalore PGDM admission for the 2027-29 batch is anchored by CAT 2026 (November 2026). The institute also accepts CAT/XAT/CMAT scores. Admission involves a group discussion and personal interview after exam score shortlisting.
PGDM Admission Process
ISME shortlists candidates based on entrance exam scores and calls them for the selection process at its Sarjapur Road campus.
- Minimum eligibility: Bachelor’s degree with minimum 60% aggregate from a recognised university
- Accepted exams: CAT, XAT, CMAT
- CAT cutoff for General Category: 60 percentile
- Selection stages: Exam score shortlist, Group Discussion, Personal Interview
- Final selection factors: Academic record, work experience, exam score, GD and PI performance
ISME’s CAT cutoff of 60 percentile makes it accessible to a wider pool of management aspirants compared to higher-cutoff B-schools in Bangalore. Candidates with strong academic backgrounds and work experience above 1 year are favoured in the final merit list.
BBA and UG Admission Process
BBA and B.Com (ACCA) admissions are direct merit-based, with no entrance exam. Candidates apply directly to ISME and are selected on 10+2 marks.
- Minimum eligibility: 10+2 with minimum 60% aggregate
- B.Com (ACCA) requires: Commerce stream at 10+2 preferred
ISME Placements
ISME Bangalore PGDM placements 2026 recorded a highest package of INR 17.22 LPA and an average of INR 8 LPA. The institute reported 100% placement for PGDM students. 260 plus companies participated in final placements.
| Placement Metric | PGDM 2026 |
|---|---|
| Highest Package | INR 17.22 LPA |
| Average Package | INR 8 LPA |
| Average Internship Stipend | INR 15,000 to 20,000 per month |
| Highest Internship Stipend | INR 45,000 per month |
| Recruiters Participated | 260 plus |
Key PGDM recruiters at ISME include Grant Thornton, London Stock Exchange Group, Asian Paints, Landmark Group, Livspace, Deloitte, EY, KPMG, PwC, Federal Bank, TCS, Walmart, and Quess Corp. Finance and Business Analytics specialisations see the highest demand from BFSI and consulting firms. HR specialisation graduates are recruited by staffing, consulting, and consumer goods companies.
ISME Rankings
ISME Bangalore is ranked the Top 7th B-School in Bangalore by Business Today and India Today 2026, and 8th among Top B-Schools in South India by the Times of India, 2026. The key rankings are listed below.
| Ranking Body | Category | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Business Today and India Today | B-Schools in Bangalore | 7th (2026) |
| CSR | Top B-Schools | 4th (2026) |
| Times of India | B-Schools in South India | 8th (2026) |
| Times of India | BBA Institutes in India | 25th (2026) |
| Times of India | B-Schools in India | 30th (2025) |
| CSR | B-Schools in Karnataka | 5th (2025) |
ISME’s EFMD accreditation is a key differentiator. Making ISME one of a small group of Bangalore B-schools with this recognition. The institute also holds NBA accreditation for its PGDM programme from AICTE.
ISME Scholarships
ISME Bangalore offers merit-based scholarships to PGDM and BBA students. Scholarships are awarded based on entrance exam scores, Class 12 performance, and overall profile at the time of admission. Specific scholarship details are confirmed at the time of interview and offer issuance.
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Merit Scholarship (PGDM) | Above 70% / CGPA 8 in Class 10 and 12, and CAT 70 percentile and above | 10% to 50% of tuition fee |
| Defence Scholarship (PGDM) | Above 70% in Class 12, parent serving or retired in Defence | INR 25,000 |
| Sibling Scholarship (PGDM) | Sibling of a current ISME student or alumnus | INR 25,000 |
| Academic Excellence Scholarship (BBA/B.Com) | 80%+ in Class XII | Fee concession at admission |
| Women in Management Scholarship | Female candidates, PGDM admission | Fee concession |
| SC/ST/OBC Fee Concession | Category candidates with valid certificate | As per government norms |
Students with CAT percentiles of 70 plus may receive the most competitive scholarship offers at ISME. Scholarship percentages are finalized during the PI round and confirmed in the admission offer letter.
ISME Campus and Infrastructure
The ISME campus is situated on Sarjapur Road near Dommasandra Circle, Bengaluru-562125, spanning 6 acres. The location is in the fast-growing east Bengaluru corridor, close to Sarjapur, Whitefield, and Electronic City tech hubs.
Infrastructure highlights include a Bloomberg Finance Lab (live financial data terminals), a dedicated Analytics Suite with data science tools, an air-conditioned library, digital classrooms, seminar halls, and an amphitheatre. The campus is fully Wi-Fi enabled. Separate twin-sharing hostel blocks are available for men and women, with hostel fees up to INR 1.75 Lakhs per year (including mess). Sports and fitness facilities are available on campus.
ISME vs IFIM Business School vs Alliance School of Business
Bangalore management aspirants in the 50 to 70 percentile CAT band commonly compare ISME, IFIM Business School, and Alliance School of Business. All three are AICTE-approved PGDM institutes in Bengaluru with a similar corporate recruiter base and offer specialisations in Finance, Marketing, and HR.
| Parameter | ISME | IFIM Business School | Alliance School of Business |
|---|---|---|---|
| Established | 2006 | 1995 | 2010 |
| AACSB Accreditation | No | No | No |
| EFMD Accreditation | Yes | No | No |
| NBA Accreditation | Yes | Yes | No |
| PGDM Total Fee | INR 11.95 Lakhs | INR 13 to 14 Lakhs | INR 12 to 13 Lakhs |
| CAT Cutoff (General) | 60 percentile | 60 to 65 percentile | 55 to 60 percentile |
| Average PGDM Package | INR 8 to 9 LPA | INR 9 to 10 LPA | INR 7 to 8 LPA |
| NIRF Ranking | Not ranked | Not ranked | Not ranked |
ISME leads on EFMD accreditation, which differentiates it internationally. IFIM Business School has a longer track record and slightly higher average placements. Alliance School of Business benefits from Alliance University’s broader campus infrastructure and university affiliation. All three are solid options for Bengaluru-based PGDM aspirants in the 60 percentile CAT band.
ISME FAQs
Ques. What is the CAT cutoff for ISME Bangalore PGDM?
Ans. The CAT cutoff for ISME Bangalore PGDM (General Category) is 60 percentile. ISME also accepts XAT and CMAT scores. Candidates with strong academic records and work experience are preferred even at the cutoff percentile.
Ques. What is the total PGDM fee at ISME Bangalore?
Ans. The total 2-year PGDM fee at ISME Bangalore is INR 11.95 Lakhs (tuition INR 8,00,000 plus co-curricular fee INR 3,95,000) for all five specialisations: Finance, Marketing, Human Resource Management, Business Analytics, and International Accounting. Hostel with mess is charged separately at INR 1.75 Lakhs in the first year.
Ques. Is ISME Bangalore EFMD accredited?
Ans. Yes. ISME’s PGDM programme is accredited by EQUIS - EFMD (European Foundation for Management Development), which places ISME among the top 12 institutes in India with this distinction. ISME is also AICTE approved and NBA accredited for its PGDM programme, and the PGDM is equivalent to an MBA as per AIU.
Ques. What is the placement record of ISME Bangalore?
Ans. ISME PGDM 2026 placements recorded a highest package of INR 17.22 LPA and an average of INR 8 LPA, with 100% placement and 260 plus companies participating. Top recruiters include Grant Thornton, Deloitte, EY, KPMG, PwC, Asian Paints, Federal Bank, and TCS.
Ques. What are the rankings of ISME Bangalore?
Ans. ISME Bangalore is ranked the Top 7th B-School in Bangalore by Business Today and India Today 2026, 4th Top B-School by CSR 2026, 8th Top B-School in South India by the Times of India 2026 and 25th Top BBA Institute in India by the Times of India 2026.
Ques. Does ISME offer a BBA programme?
Ans. Yes. ISME Bangalore offers BBA in four specialisations: Finance, Marketing, Human Resource Management, and Data Analytics. The total BBA fee is INR 7.45 Lakhs for the 3-year programme, excluding hostel. Admission is direct merit-based on Class 12 marks with no entrance exam required.
Ques. What is the ISME Bloomberg Finance Lab?
Ans. ISME’s Bloomberg Finance Lab is a dedicated facility with live Bloomberg Terminal access, providing real-time financial market data. It is used by PGDM Finance and Business Analytics students for hands-on financial modelling, market analysis, and investment research training, replicating the tools used in investment banking and financial services roles.
![MBA/PGDM | admission | 2024 | Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies - [NMIMS Deemed to be University]](https://img.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/1506323004Logo.jpg?h=72&w=72&mode=stretch)
![MBA/PGDM | admission | 2024 | Indian Institute of Management - [IIMC]](https://img.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/1488950580d2.png?h=72&w=72&mode=stretch)
Comments
Found 5 Comments
There is no information available that states when classes begin in October 2025 for the International School of Management Excellence (ISME), Bangalore.
The admission dates for the 2025 academic year at the International School of Management Excellence (ISME), Bangalore, are not yet published.
Click on the below link to get the course-wise eligibility criteria of ISME Bangalore Courses along with their fee structures
Link: ISME Bangalore Courses and Fees
The criteria for admission in ISME is 50% in aggregate for the degree marks and above 50 percentile in CAT. If you have a good academic profile, then there are fair chances of getting a call for PI.
how to check fee details?
For checking the ISME Bangalore fee structures, you need to visit the official website of ISME Bangalore and have to fill in the form available under the Fees section of the Admission Tab.