IIMA vs ISB: 7 Key Differences that you should Know

Do note that in India , MBA degree can only be given by universities, that is why B schools here offer management diplomas equivalent to on MBA & both IIMA & ISB call their PGP OR Post graduation program.

1) Course duration:
  The MBA program at ISB follows the European 1 year model whereas IIMA  follows the US style, 2 year MBA. Therefore ISB , demand a shorter career break but IIMA requires a long Interruption of 2 years. Though ISB provides a minimum  classroom content of 680 hours, similar to US B school, IIMA scores is obviously a more in depth learning experience.

2) Class profile
Nearly 60 % of IIMA's class of 2011 had 1 year or less of work experience with  massive 40% having no experience at al. Not surprisingly more than 90% were aged between 21 and 25.  The corresponding figures for ISB tell  a different tale all together. Among the class of 2013 80% were aged between 25 & 30. With 2.7 to 7.5 experience. This proves that ISB is suited for experienced professionals who need a shorter more intensive management education.

3) Admission
IIMA'S is considered as world's toughest MBA program, a minimum GMAT score of 700. After filtering candidate through CAT & GMAT & PI is conducted. And also work experiences.
ISB on the other hand will only take in students with 2+ work experience. A GMAT score is necessary but there is no minimum requirement although the 700+  score among Indian candidates in a norm.

4) Careers
Both IIMA & ISB had the highest number of students hired for  consulting at nearly 30% of each. ISB had IT as the 2nd monst popular post MBA job function with 28% compared to IIMA. Just 14% of IT the second most popular industry at IIMA was finance with 20 %  vs. ISB's 4 % entering the financial sector.

5) post MBA location
In 2012 ISB's 574 graduate received 92 international offers which represent 16% of the class. When it comes to international placement ISB is well ahead.

6) Exchange programs an international tie up.
IIMA has more exchange program than ISB, with 50 leading B Schools partners but ISB has just 39. IIMA offers greater options for Europe & Asia & has an exchange program I  south America while ISB has none there.

7) fee
IIMA cost Rs. 14,65,000 for its 2 year, and ISB charges Rs. 22,25,000 with still works out less then half of what a top B School in USA or Europe would charge.