International School of Business & Media (ISBM), Pune

Here’s a refined overview of the ISB&M Pune (Nande campus) postgraduate offerings, focusing on courses, fees, structure, and additional expenses, based on the most recent data for the 2025 intake:

🎓 Courses & Specializations

PGDM – Post Graduate Diploma in Management (2 years, full-time, AICTE‑approved)

Students must choose dual specializations from the following:

• Marketing

• Finance

• Human Resource Management

• Media & Communication

• Business Analytics

• Logistics & Supply Chain Management (only for candidates with engineering or science background)

The PGDM programme features:

• 22 core courses

• About 20 electives (including 16 related to chosen specializations + 4 cross-domain)

• An 8-week summer internship plus a dissertation research project

• Continuous evaluation (70%) and end‑term exams (30%) over 135 credit points

💰 Fees & Payment Structure

Tuition & Academic Fees

• Total program fee: ₹12.20 lakhs (₹1,220,000) for the full two-year duration

• Some sources mention ₹12.80 lakhs tuition + hostel + food (~₹14.28 lakhs total), but these appear to reflect broader cost estimates and may vary; primary consensus is ₹12.20 lakhs for tuition alone

Installment Breakdown (₹12.20 lakhs total base)

1. On admission: ₹1,10,000

2. April 2024: ₹2,77,500

3. November 2024: ₹2,77,500

4. June 2025: ₹2,77,500

5. November 2025: ₹2,77,500

Additional Charges (besides tuition):

• Caution deposit: ₹10,000 (refundable)

• Placement fee: ₹20,000 per year (i.e. ₹40,000 total)

• Alumni life membership: ₹10,000

• GST (~18%) applies on placement & alumni fees only

🔍 Approximate Aggregate Cost Estimate Including Extras:

• ₹12.20 lakhs (tuition)

• ₹60,000 (placement fee total + alumni membership)

• ₹10,000 (caution deposit)
  = ₹12.90 lakhs, plus applicable GST on non‑tuition items

Some platforms list hostel & food fees separately (~₹1.5‑1.6 lakhs), pushing estimates up to ~₹14.3 lakhs for fully residential students

📋 Summary Table

✅ Key Notes

• The PGDM fee of Rs. 12.20 lakhs is widely cited across multiple official sources.

• Skull-check whether your cost estimate includes hostel, mess, GST, placement & alumni fees.

• Scholarships (e.g. merit-based waivers for CAT/XAT scorers) may offset tuition costs significantly (up to ~₹1 lakh/year or more)

Here’s a comprehensive overview of the ISB&M Pune (Nande campus) PGDM admission process for the 2025 batch, including eligibility, timeline, evaluation, required documents, campuses, and application details:

📌 Eligibility Criteria

• Educational Qualification: A bachelor’s degree (10+2+3/4) in any discipline with minimum 50% aggregate marks (45% for reserved categories).

• Final-year students may apply, provided they meet the 50% threshold and submit final results by the specified deadline (~September 30) .

• Entrance Exam: Valid scores in CAT, XAT, MAT, or CMAT are mandatory.

🗓️ Admission Timeline (Batch 2025)

• Application window:

  • Opens: September 12, 2024

  • Early bird (₹500): until October 4

  • Regular (₹700): until November 1

  • Late fee (₹900): until December 15

  • Final deadline (₹1,500): until January 20, 2025

• Shortlisting and GD/PI: begins February 2025 onwards.

• Program start: Expected in June 2025.

🧾 Application Steps

1. Register & pay application fee (varies based on date; ₹500–₹1,500).

2. Upload documents and exam scorecards.

3. If eligible (e.g. CAT ≥ 70 percentile or XAT ≥ 65 percentile with 60% in 10+2), you are shortlisted automatically; otherwise, you may need to take ISB&M’s own written competency test for shortlisting.

4. Attend Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI) rounds, typically in multiple cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Pune, etc.

5. Final selection is based on a weighted profile evaluation.

6. Selected candidates undergo document verification, fee payment, and formal admission confirmation.

🎯 Selection Criteria & Weightage

Selection is profile-based, evaluating academic consistency, communication skills, team orientation, adaptability, and leadership instincts.

📂 Documents Required

Applicants should submit the following (scanned copies during application and originals at GD/PI or verification stage):

• 10th and 12th mark sheets + passing certificates

• Bachelor’s degree mark sheets and provisional or final certificate

• Entrance exam scorecard (CAT/XAT/MAT/CMAT)

• Migration Certificate & Transfer Certificate

• Caste, Income & Residential certificates (if applicable)

• Aadhar Card or equivalent ID

• Passport-size photographs

🌍 Campuses & Application Details

• One single application is valid for all ISB&M campuses (Pune, Bengaluru, Kolkata); no need to apply separately for each campus.

• GD/PI (and possibly assessment center rounds) are conducted across multiple centers: e.g. Delhi, Kolkata, Pune, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Guwahati, Jamshedpur, Patna, Lucknow, etc.

✅ Quick Checklist

• Ensure eligibility: 50%+ in graduation & valid national-level exam

• Apply between Sept 12, 2024 – Jan 20, 2025 (early application recommended)

• Organize all required documents in advance

• If needed, prepare for ISB&M written test

• Practice GD and PI skills

• Be aware tuition fee and refund policies before paying fees

🧭 Final Thoughts

ISB&M Pune’s process balances academic scores and entrance test results with personal traits assessed through GD and PI. While campus profile-based shortlisting is available for strong exam scorers, others may be screened through a written test.

Here’s a comprehensive overview of the accreditation and recognition status of International School of Business & Media (ISB&M), Pune (Nande campus):

✅ AICTE Approval (Mandatory & Recognized Technical Accreditation)

• The PGDM programme at ISB&M Pune is approved by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), confirming its legitimacy as a recognized post‑graduate management programme in India.

• AICTE approval is a mandatory requirement for PGDM institutes and ensures that the institution meets regulatory standards for management education.

🎓 NAAC Accreditation (Institutional Quality Assessment)

• ISB&M was awarded NAAC accreditation in 2002, with a CGPA of 2.38, valid through March 25, 2027, indicating ongoing institutional-level quality assurance.

• NAAC accreditation is a volume-based, broader assessment of institutional performance, infrastructure, and processes.

📄 Other Certifications & Memberships

ISB&M holds multiple international certifications and affiliations—particularly relevant for its distance and online learning offerings:

• ISO 9001:2015 certification via UKAS (UK Accreditation Service)

• Registrations with BSI (British Standards Institution) accredited by ANSI‑ANAB, and ACS Registrars accredited by UKAS/ASCB(Europe) for quality assurance

• Membership in bodies such as the Bombay Management Association, Indo‑American Chamber of Commerce, National Human Resource Development India, NCHEMS (USA), and others—primarily supporting network-building and non-academic endorsements.

⚙️ NBA Accreditation Status

• There is no evidence that ISB&M Pune holds NBA accreditation for its PGDM programme. NBA accreditation is more specific to individual technical or management programmes and often important for international recognition.

• Since NBA accreditation is voluntary, lack of it does not invalidate the programme, given AICTE approval is in place.

🧭 Why Does This Matter?

AICTE–Approved PGDM:

• Ensures the programme is nationally recognized.

• Essential for student eligibility for government employment, scholarships, and higher education applications within India.

NAAC Accreditation:

• Reflects institutional academic quality and infrastructure standards.

• Useful for gauging internal QA processes, though CGPA is modest rather than top-tier.

Absence of NBA:

• May reduce global recognition for specific programme excellence or equivalency when compared internationally.

• Particularly relevant if you plan to pursue advanced degrees or professional certifications abroad.

International Certifications & Memberships:

• Certifications like ISO and membership in global bodies lend credibility, particularly for executive or distance programmes.

• However, they do not substitute for regulatory bodies like UGC, AICTE, NAAC, or NBA.

📋 Summary Table

🧠 Insights & Recommendations

• Within India, AICTE approval ensures that your PGDM credential will be valid and recognized for employment, further studies, or government opportunities.

• Abroad or for advanced academic/professional goals, NBA accreditation may carry weight—thus it’s advisable to check program-specific acceptability for equivalence abroad.

• NAAC accreditation is helpful but modest in scale; it confirms institutional legitimacy but not leading-edge quality.

• International certifications support broader branding but do not replace formal Indian statutory approvals.

Here’s a comprehensive, updated breakdown of ISB&M Pune (Nande Campus) placement performance for the latest batches, with details on average and top packages, recruiter categories, internships, and candid Reddit feedback:

📊 Placement Outcomes: Final Placement (PGDM Batch 2023‑24)

• Placement Rate: Approximately 99–100% of students received offers, with 298 students placed from around 298 offers — up from ~280 offers in 2022

• Number of Recruiters: ~160 companies participated, compared to ~150 in 2022

• Average Package:

  • ₹11.2 LPA in 2023 (up from ₹10.8 LPA in 2022)

  • ₹11.4 LPA in 2024 (consistent with higher-end reporting)

• Highest Package: ₹20.56 LPA in 2024, up from ₹18 LPA in 2022

• Salary Distribution (2023‑24 batch) :

🏢 Sector-wise Recruiters Overview (2023‑24 cycle)

Top sectors with placement shares across the year:

• BFSI: ~24%

• Consulting: ~23%

• IT & ITES: ~20%

• E-commerce & EdTech: ~12%

• FMCG / Retail: ~8.5%

• Media & Communication: ~4.8%

• Engineering & Logistics: ~4.7%

• Others: ~3%

🚀 Leading Recruiters

Repeatedly active companies include:

• Consulting, Financial Services & BFSI: Deloitte, BNY Mellon, PwC, KPMG, Optum, Sutherland Global, eClerx, Bajaj Allianz, Aviva, Sunrise

• IT/ITES & Analytics: Hexaware, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), HCLTech, Wipro, Zycus, Newgen Softwares, KPIT, Whatfix, ConsultAdd Inc

• FMCG, Retail & Manufacturing: Trident Group, Century Plyboards, Blue Star, Adani, PepsiCo, Havells, VIP Industries

• Media & Communication: Warner Music Group, Fashion TV, exchange4media, Loopd Media, IPLIX Media

📋 Summer Internships Snapshot (2023‑25 Batch)

• Average stipend: ₹30,000/month

• Highest stipend: ₹75,000/month

• 430+ internships conducted across sectors like BFSI, consulting, retail, FMCG, media and tech.

✅ Final Summary

• Official data indicates around 100% placement rate, ₹11–11.4 LPA average, and ₹20.5 LPA top salary in the 2023–24 cycle, with ~160 recruiters participating across multiple sectors.

• Sector-wise breakdown shows majority roles in BFSI, consulting, IT/ITES, and other traditional management fields; media placements form a small fraction.

• Community skepticism flags that advertised averages may not reflect the typical stipend or offer received by most students—especially for sales or business development roles versus functional track placements.

Here’s a curated overview of the International School of Business & Media (ISB&M), Pune – Nande campus with a focus on its national ranking performance across recent years:

🎯 Times B‑School Survey Rankings

• 2025: Ranked #11 among India’s Top 100 B‑Schools in the Management/PGDM category — also the 2nd best private institute in Pune and 6th among Top 50 private institutes nationwide

• 2024: Positioned at #12 nationally in the same category

• 2023: Secured #13 in the Management/PGDM rankings

📊 Business Today

• Business Today (MBA/PGDM ranking):

  • 2024: Ranked #68

  • 2023: Ranked #75

🌟 Outlook & IIRF Rankings

• Outlook‑ICARE MBA Ranking 2025: Positioned at #73 in Management institutes across India

• IIRF 2025 (Private Management Institutes): Ranked at #47

📍 GHRDC & Beyond IIMs Rankings

• GHRDC 2024:

  • #5 among State Private B‑Schools

  • #13 among leading B‑Schools in India

• Beyond IIMs – Top 100 Business Schools (2024):

  • Ranked #25

📌 Summary Table

🧭 Interpretation & Insights

• ISB&M Pune has shown a steady climb in Times B‑School rankings, improving to #11 in 2025 from #13 in 2023.

• It holds a strong position among private B‑schools, especially in Pune and Western India.

• There is some variation across ranking bodies: while Times places it in the top 15 nationally, Business Today and Outlook show more modest positioning.

✅ Final Thoughts

ISB&M Pune ranks clearly among India’s mid-to-upper tier private management institutes. If you value cost efficiency, Pune's private B‑school exposure, and focus areas like marketing/media, it can offer reasonable value. But it may not deliver the brand equity, placement power, or alumni network depth associated with Tier‑1 schools like SIBM, JBIMS, or XLRI.

Here’s a detailed overview of the facilities at ISB&M, Pune (Nande campus), highlighting its infrastructure, student amenities, and overall campus offerings:

🏫 Campus & Learning Infrastructure

• Tech-Enabled Classrooms: Over 40 air-conditioned classrooms equipped with remote-controlled LCD projectors, internet-connected computers, and public address systems featuring collar and cordless microphones. These are designed to encourage intimate and interactive learning.

• Computer Centre: Open 24×7, with high‑speed Wi‑Fi accessibility across campus, high-end PCs, UPS backup, Linux mail servers, antivirus/firewall protection, and a wide range of specialized software for analytics, finance, and design.

📚 Library & Digital Resources

• Central Library: A traditional library housing thousands of books, periodicals, newspapers, and conference proceedings.

• Digital Library & Online Databases: Access to 10,000+ international journals, industrial databases, e‑books, multimedia, and British Council Library membership.

🎤 Auditorium & Event Spaces

• Air-conditioned Auditorium: Seating capacity of over 700 students, fitted with modern AV systems—frequently used for guest lectures, annual events, and conferences.

• Amphitheatre & Conference Hall: Open-air spaces and formal halls for workshops, team-building events, and cultural programming.

🏠 Hostel & Residential Facilities

• Separate Boys & Girls Hostels: AC/non-AC rooms available in single, double, and triple-sharing formats; furnished with beds, study tables, wardrobes; complimentary Wi‑Fi, 24/7 security, laundry, and common rooms.

• Hostel Fees: Approximately ₹75,000–₹1,20,000 per annum depending on occupancy and facility type; mess charges are separate.

🏋️‍♂️ Sports & Recreation

• Outdoor & Indoor Sports: Facilities include basketball, volleyball, cricket, football, tennis, table tennis, carrom, and chess.

• Swimming Pool & Gymnasium: A recreational pool and open gym area promote fitness and wellness on campus.

🍴 Dining, Medical & Support Services

• Cafeteria & Mess: Open 24/7 cafeteria serving nutritious meals; mess uses locally sourced vegetables and emphasizes hygiene and student nutrition.

• Healthcare Facilities: On-campus medical centre equipped with first-aid and minor treatments; tie-ups with nearby hospitals in case of emergencies.

🌐 Campus Connectivity & Extras

• Wi‑Fi Coverage: Entire campus is Wi-Fi enabled with high-speed bandwidth (e.g., up to 110 Mbps) for seamless access .

• Additional Amenities: Conference halls, ATM facility, amphitheater, musical and media labs, shuttle services, and student-driven technical and cultural clubs foster engagement and learning.

📋 Summary Table

🧠 Campus Vibe & Environment

Located in the serene, green‑belt area of Nande near Pune, the campus blends academic rigor with a tranquil setting—ideal for focused learning and networking in a semi-urban environment Clubs like the media cell, HR club, finance club, and cultural forums enhance the student experience beyond academics.

✅ Conclusion

ISB&M Pune’s Nande campus offers a well-rounded infrastructure for its PGDM students:

• High-tech classrooms and labs

• Extensive library and journal access

• Residential living with security and recreation

• Sports, cultural, and medical support

• Strong digital connectivity and venue spaces for events

While rated overall infrastructure around 3.4–4.3/5 by students, it generally receives praise for its well-maintained campus, strategic amenities, and active campus life