ISB YLP Application Process and Essay Writing 

The ISB YLP (Young Leaders Programme) is a new and special Post Graduate Programme designed by the Indian School of Business (ISB) where the required GMAT score for ISB is somewhere above 700 and for CAT it is said to be above 95%ile. ISB YLP application last date is December 15, 2024. Read further to know more about ISB YPL application process and essay writing strategies.

Benefits of the ISB YLP : 

1. Global Recognition

Being a part of the ISB YLP enhances your personal and professional brand value and gives you a global recognition as ISB (Indian School of Business) is the only Indian B-school in QS World Top 100 alongside IIM ABCs.

2. Early Access to the ISB PGP

The ISB YLP provides you a guaranteed seat in the ISB’s prestigious program – ISB PGP (Post Graduate Programme). 

3. Strong Alumni Network 

Studying at the Top Management Schools of India makes you a part of the strong alumni network of ISB where there are 13,500+ alumni across the diverse industries all over the world. 

4. Comprehensive Learning 

The ISB Young Leaders Programme is a 20 months post graduate programme with a focus on leadership and innovation in order to create young leaders in the world of management.

5. Global Career Opportunities

 The ISB YLP can create a path to various career options globally as the name and prestige of ISB gives you an advantage in the competitive market. Along with the ISB PGP candidates, the ISB YLP students are also approached by the top global companies like Consulting, Entrepreneurship, Finance and Technology.

6. ISB Hyderabad Campus 

The ISB YLP gives you the chance to explore the ISB Hyderabad campus as in this program the students will study only in the ISB’s flagship campus the ISB Hyderabad.

What’s New in the Program?

1. Acceptance of the CAT Scores in ISB YLP Program

 Along with the required GMAT score for ISB, CAT scores will also be accepted this year for the ISB YLP, providing a wider pathway for all the applicants.

2. ISB YLP Course Duration – 20 Month Program

The ISB Young Leaders Programme (ISB YL) is a comprehensive 20 months programme with world class faculty and resources which requires a minimum 20 months and less than 2 years of work experience.

3. Hyderabad Campus

The students of the ISB YLP will study only at the ISB Hyderabad campus where the fees for the program is also different. 

4. Changes in the ISB YLP Fees 

As we know, The ISB hyderabad fee for the PGP (Post Graduate Programme) is around 40 Lakhs. For the ISB YL programme, the fee is set to be around 30 lakhs.

5. On the Spot Essay Writing for ISB YLP Admission

For the admission process into the ISB YLP, on the spot essay writing is required to test the critical thinking ability of the aspirants under certain time constraints. 

6. Change in the Essay Approach 

There is a new approach in the essay writing for the program which focuses mainly on the authenticity and originality. 

The ISB YLP Application Process

The Application process of the ISB YLP is categorized in three different phases –

1. Phase 1 – In this phase, the applicants have to submit their academic records, essays and one recommendation letter from any of their professor, mentor or a senior colleague. 
2. Phase 2 – In the Phase 2, the GMAT/GRE scores of the applicants are being evaluated for shortlisting of the candidates. 
3. Phase 3 – This is the last stage of ISB YLP application process that involves fee payment for the application form.

Essay Writing for ISB YLP Program

In the first phase of the ISB YL Application process, the applicants need to write 3 on the spot essays as it is required to test the critical thinking ability of the aspirants under certain time constraints. Let’s understand how to prepare for essay writing on some common topics. 

1. Essay 1 –  “Finding out a leader in you”  

Question – “Describe a real life situation in which you took charge as a leader without an authority and solved a problem. How did you motivate and influence others during that experience? What were the challenges that you encountered, and what insights did you gain about your leadership abilities?“

While answering this question, you can keep the following things in mind – 

Context :  What was the situation? Why was it significant?

Actions Taken :  How did you lead without formal authority?

Challenges Faced : What obstacles did you overcome?

Insights Gained : What did you learn about your leadership style?

Here you can give an example of an incident like in your undergraduation days you had organized a college tech fest without being in a formal leadership role but with your work and involvement you motivated peers, negotiated with sponsors, and resolved logistical issues which resulted in a successful event with record participation.

2. Essay 2 – “Diversity and Contribution”

Question – What aspects of your experiences and background sets you apart from your peers? Through your experiences, how do you intend to contribute to the diversity of thoughts and ideas within the ISB YL Programme.

 While answering this question, you can keep the following things in mind – 

Your Unique Experiences: Personal, academic, or professional stories that set you apart.

Your Contribution: How will your background enhance class discussions?

Connect to ISB’s Values: How will you Align your experiences with ISB’s focus on diversity and collaboration.

For example if you are a student from a military family who adapted to frequent relocations and cultural changes, you can explain how you plan to bring a global perspective to ISB’s diverse cohort.

3. Essay 3 – “Your long – term Goals and its impact on ISB”

Question -“What impact do you envision to create on ISB (Indian School of Business) after completing the ISB’s YLP? What are your medium – to long-term career plans and aspirations including any specific challenges you anticipate facing along the way.“

While answering this question, you can keep the following things in mind – 

Vision of your Statement: What is your desired career option and what are your goals?

Challenges Ahead: Identify the potential roadblocks that you might encounter and how you plan to overcome them.

Role of ISB: You can explain how ISB’s resources (clubs, courses, alumni) will help you in achieving your goals.

Here you can give an example that you Aspire to lead an agritech startup, using ISB’s entrepreneurship program to bridge technological gaps in rural India.

General Tips For the ISB Essays 

Start Early : Begin well before the deadline in order to write the essays on the given time.

Be Authentic : Make sure to share your genuine experiences and aspirations by using real life experiences to showcase your leadership, problem solving and entrepreneurship skills. 

Understand the given question: Before writing, understand the given question carefully in order to analyze what ISB is looking for in you, whether it’s your leadership potential or your career goals. 

Showcase your leadership qualities : Use real life incidents to showcase your leadership skills. Highlight incidents or events where you took charge and solved problems. 

Align with ISB Values : Research about ISB thoroughly to know about its cultures and values and make sure to connect your goals and aspirations with ISB’s resources to demonstrate why the Indian School of Business (ISB) and ISB’s Young Leaders Programme is best for you. 

Conclusion : 

The ISB Young Leaders Programme is a rewarding program among the ISB Courses which secures a seat into the coveted ISB Post Graduate Programme (ISB PGP). By understanding the Application process and Essay Writing for the ISB YLP, you can present yourself to the selection committee in the best way possible. Just remember to be authentic and passionate while writing the essays for ISB YL programme.