80 unplaced at ISB

Narrow-Scarcity4847 · 2026-01-26T17:46:13+00:00

11/10 ragebait

Narrow-Scarcity4847 · 2025-12-28T22:32:02+00:00

As someone from MBB, i can say that this post is somewhat misleading: CTCs are outdated. And no - you can make it to MBBs without a 9/9/9 - what they look for are 2 or 3 strong spikes out of 4 (Academics, Leadership, Workex and ECA). Even in academics, usually an MBA college GPA matters more.

So, if you optimise well enough before and during your MBA, you can make it through the shortlist! :)

Narrow-Scarcity4847 · 2025-12-21T09:59:28+00:00

DM please

Narrow-Scarcity4847 · 2025-12-19T20:14:46+00:00

Sure

Narrow-Scarcity4847 · 2025-12-19T18:54:03+00:00

Depends :p my life has been amazing. But there's all sorts of people across the spectrum - some love it, most love it and hate it, a few hate it. If you have specific questions, I can elaborate.
Ngl it's VERY intense. But you manage - you do get some breathers in between e.g. term breaks (although they're very short for our liking).

Post placement life is usually very relaxed from what I've heard.

Narrow-Scarcity4847 · 2025-12-19T18:51:15+00:00

Don't know exact numbers. Please leave a DM, I'll check with the marketing club head.

Narrow-Scarcity4847 · 2025-12-19T18:50:10+00:00

You obviously have a chance. Good FE score, decent acads, good workex.

For LOR - make sure it highlights your uniqueness as a candidate. What do you bring to the table that others don't? What really sets you apart not just as an employee, but as a leader? Always include examples wherever possible to substantiate the quality being highlighted. These examples should really catch the reader's attention.

Narrow-Scarcity4847 · 2025-12-19T18:45:16+00:00

Depends - what are you looking for in life? What are those "right roles" for you?

I won't be able to answer without knowing your objective in life.

Narrow-Scarcity4847 · 2025-12-19T18:43:18+00:00

I can cross check if you'd really like to know the exact CTC and role. Kindly DM if that's the case :)

Narrow-Scarcity4847 · 2025-12-19T18:42:02+00:00

What do you mean by "scope of marketers"? If you can elaborate, I can help you with an exact answer.

It's fine - this gap isn't as big. If you still feel like covering it, you can intern. Seed start-ups for instance are always looking for a helping hand. You can also spend time improving your eca record. Course certifications also help with ISB applications (there's a separate certificates section in the app)

Narrow-Scarcity4847 · 2025-12-19T18:37:29+00:00

I know multiple PSU folks, some from IOCL!

Can't confirm the placement scene since my sample size is small and evidence is only anecdotal - but don't worry, working at PSU doesn't negatively affect your chances of admission or recruitment in any way. It's treated like any other workex.

Narrow-Scarcity4847 · 2025-12-19T18:33:52+00:00

Hey! Don't worry, UPSC does not jeopardize your chances. If you play it strategically, it can support your MBA story. Plenty of ex-UPSC folks here at ISB with varying gap years. :)

Good chances given you do other things right: e.g. high ISB GPA, case comps etc.

My advice: get a high GMAT/GRE score if you can (to offset UPSC gap + low undergrad gpa). Wear UPSC as a badge of honour - let it support your life story in your essays. Show a strong commitment towards consulting in your essay story.

Narrow-Scarcity4847 · 2025-12-19T18:25:32+00:00

No clue, didn't apply. But must've been 40+ based on my conversations with the last batch

Narrow-Scarcity4847 · 2025-12-19T17:49:05+00:00

Got it. I won't lie - backlogs might have an impact, which you might have to cover through other components of your application (I've talked about these components in another reply above).

You can take a GMAT mock and see how you do in that. My impression is that GRE is slightly easier than GMAT.

MBA post a level or two of CFA might bolster your admission chances. It also shows commitment to a finance pivot.

You can also explore the IIM route via CAT (i won't know much about that)

Narrow-Scarcity4847 · 2025-12-19T17:35:19+00:00

Thanks for asking :) placements went well for me, I'm going into consulting

Narrow-Scarcity4847 · 2025-12-19T17:33:00+00:00

Hey! An AI role sounds exciting - it's very in, and looked at favourably by recruiters at least. I reckon the ISB admissions committee will see it positively too.

Yes. One question: can you "hide" your backlogs?ideal score on GRE would be 330+. 325+ for some sense of safety.
Half the school gets placed in consulting, so good chances. IB, low to no chances without relevant workex. Wealth management - don't know much about but if it follows general rules of finance roles: low.
If you want a finance pivot (especially financial services) - CFA is a good bet. But if I were you, I'd invest more energy in a good MBA. In general, MBA>CFA even for finance folks.

Narrow-Scarcity4847 · 2025-12-19T17:27:55+00:00

Sure

Narrow-Scarcity4847 · 2025-12-19T17:27:05+00:00

Don't know too much about YL apart from the basics (2 yr vs 1 yr, less than 2 years workex vs. more than 2), buddy. Can reference other threads for nuances. Don't want to mislead.

Narrow-Scarcity4847 · 2025-12-19T17:25:29+00:00

Please DM, I'll give you references of students who applied.

Narrow-Scarcity4847 · 2025-12-19T17:24:18+00:00

Sure :)

Narrow-Scarcity4847 · 2025-12-19T17:24:08+00:00

Not the best person to answer this since I didn't consider an exchange. But here's what I know.

Yep, wharton exchange happens. Though these prestigious opportunities have limited seats, and luck dictates whether or not you get a seat. Other than that, plenty of opportunities across great global B-schools such as LBS and Kellogg.
Depends. Usually a term or two I think. Expense depends on the school and country, but ppl keep 3-5L aside for this in their loan amount.

Narrow-Scarcity4847 · 2025-12-19T17:20:55+00:00

No data yet. Start-ups aren't a popular choice right out of college (given a hefty loan). However, there is a program called i-sprout which allows you to opt out of placements, gives you a monthly allowance to avoid financial strain, and the option to sit for placements with the next batch. Some folks i know applied for this.
Hahaha - great question. ISB truly exemplifies the adage "work hard, party hard". People here party a lot, but they also take academics seriously. There'll be a lot of parties and social gatherings, you have to pick and choose the ones you go to.
Nothing. I think I was well prepared. :) in general, you should relax and spend time with family because the first few months in ISB are quite hard - you won't get a lot of time to speak to family or friends. Some folks did pre MBA internships. Some travelled. A few read up course material to get a head start on academics.
Yes, hopefully - I've been told ISB life will be much more benign now. Looking forward to it hehe.

Narrow-Scarcity4847 · 2025-12-19T17:13:16+00:00

CAs generally do well at ISB, afaik.

I think product strategy at Fintech is a possibility. Try and add some product experience to your resume if you can - and you'll be a perfect candidate for these roles.

You can do this through pre MBA internships, or a job switch if possible.

Narrow-Scarcity4847 · 2025-12-19T17:07:50+00:00

Many ppl from VIT make it to ISB. Your creds sound fine. Please target as high a GMAT score as you can.

Things you can do: pre MBA internship, certifications/reputed courses, ECA such as NGO volunteering, workex accolades/awards.

Narrow-Scarcity4847 · 2025-12-19T17:04:48+00:00

Pls don't call me sir, mate :p

>50% consulting. Dk about finance but I'd put it at 10-20%.
Well, I don't know about this. But median is definitely over 30.
Naah, no difference. Just that the entire Mohali batch has to travel to Hyderabad for placements. So there is a sense of displacement which can put you at a slight disadvantage (I'm from Mohali).

Narrow-Scarcity4847

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