The Indian School of Business (ISB), Hyderabad, has developed a reputation for delivering world-class management education. The experience of studying at the institute, as narrated by its alumni, is comparable to that at any of the world’s premier business schools. The founders recognised the need for a world-class business school in Asia and established ISB in 1995 and subsequently formed a board of members in 1996. The ever rapidly evolving business environment demanded a need for young leaders with a global understanding of developing economies. To create such leaders through its ‘innovative programmes, outstanding faculty, and thought leadership’ is a commitment that the school has honoured since inception.
ISB was the first Indian business school to be ranked amongst the top 20 in the Global Top MBA rankings by Financial Times, London, in 2008. ISB is also the first business school in South Asia to be recognised by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation, which understandably involves a rigorous procedure of internal reviews, evaluation and adjustment. The procedure also encourages an environment of high quality teaching, a commitment towards continuous improvement and follows a curricula responsive to the needs of the evolving business world. The fact that the AACSB accreditation has been earned by less than five per cent of the world’s business schools reflects ISB’s position as a world-class institute that strives to define tomorrow’s global management education. The administration at ISB broadly comprise the Dean’s Council, which consists of senior administrators who cohesively strategise policy-level decision-making, and the Executive and Governing Boards which consist of Fortune 500 companies, respected entrepreneurs and leading academics. The ISB curriculum is further enriched through associations with corporations. This allows business-academic partnerships for teaching and research. Continuous discussions and workshops are held throughout the academic calendar in order to provide students with exposure to industry perspectives.
The year 1997 witnessed a credible milestone for ISB. The Wharton School and The Kellogg School of Management became its founding associate schools. Another milestone was the unique association with The London Business School in the year 2000. ISB also entered into associations with the MIT Sloan Business School and The Fletcher School from the Tufts University from the United States of America.
ISB follows a distinct set of values that have created the ‘ISB Advantage’; these values are recognised as distinctive programmes which focus on entrepreneurship, technology in commerce and emerging markets as well as managing business in fast-moving environments.
ISB also boasts of outstanding faculty members, of whom many are distinguished scholars from India and the rest of the world. The faculty represents ISB’s research and leadership capabilities. The experience and engagement in research activities make ISB a prime point of knowledge creation. ISB is one of the few institutions in the world to have a dedicated Centre of Excellence. Since international exposure is another important factor for success in today’s scenario of higher education, ISB offers cultural awareness and foreign language training to help students understand the world marketplace. Undoubtedly, ISB is one of the few business schools to focus on emerging markets and economies. This provides students with opportunities to develop a credible network with some of the most respected Indian industry leaders.
