Understanding the ISB fees structure is one of the most important steps before applying for admission. ISB is a premium business school, and its fees are higher than most Indian MBA colleges. Because of this, many aspirants hesitate or feel confused about whether ISB is worth the investment.
If you are planning to apply to the Indian School of Business, this guide will give you complete clarity on the ISB fees structure 2026 — including tuition fees, hostel and living costs, scholarships, education loans, and return on investment (ROI).
This is a decision-making guide, not just a fee list.
Quick Answer: ISB Fees Structure 2026
The total ISB PGP fees for 2026 are approximately ₹40–45 lakhs. This includes tuition and academic charges. In addition, students should budget for hostel and living expenses. ISB also offers merit-based and need-based scholarships along with education loan support to help manage the cost.
Guide Overview
Why ISB Fees Are Higher Than Other MBA Colleges
ISB follows a different MBA model compared to traditional Indian B-schools.
The higher fee is due to:
- One-year intensive programme (same learning in less time)
- International faculty from top global schools
- Globally benchmarked curriculum
- Strong industry exposure
- World-class campus infrastructure
Since the programme is only 1 year, the opportunity cost (lost salary) is lower than 2-year MBAs.
ISB Programme Covered in This Fees Guide
This article focuses on the fees for:
Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP)
- Duration: 1 year
- Mode: Full-time, residential
- Target audience: Professionals with prior work experience
Other programmes like PGPpro and PGPMAX have separate fee structures and are not covered here.
ISB Fees Structure for PGP 2026 (Detailed Breakdown)
What Is Included in ISB Fees?
The ISB PGP fees generally include:
- Tuition fees
- Academic materials
- Library and digital resources
- Classroom and campus facilities
- Core academic activities
What Is NOT Included?
- Hostel accommodation
- Food expenses
- Personal and travel expenses
ISB PGP Fees Breakdown (Indicative)
| Fee Component | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | ₹38–40 lakhs |
| Academic & Campus Charges | Included |
| Total Programme Fees | ₹40–45 lakhs |
Important: Fees may change every year. Always check the official ISB website for the latest numbers.
Hostel & Living Cost at ISB (VERY IMPORTANT)
Most blogs ignore this, but living cost is a big part of total expense.
Hostel Charges
- Hostel accommodation is mandatory
- Approximate hostel cost: ₹2–3 lakhs for the programme
Food & Daily Expenses
- Meals, utilities, personal expenses
- Approximate cost: ₹1.5–2.5 lakhs
Total Living Cost (Estimate)
| Expense Type | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|
| Hostel | ₹2–3 lakhs |
| Food & Personal | ₹1.5–2.5 lakhs |
| Total Living Cost | ₹3.5–5.5 lakhs |
Real total cost of ISB = Programme fees + living cost
ISB Scholarships 2026 (DEEP DIVE)
ISB offers several scholarships to reduce the financial burden on deserving candidates.
Types of ISB Scholarships
| Scholarship Type | Basis |
|---|---|
| Merit-Based | GMAT score, academic excellence |
| Need-Based | Financial background |
| Diversity Scholarships | Industry, gender, background |
| Corporate Scholarships | Employer-sponsored |
Key Scholarship Facts
- Scholarships are partial fee waivers, not full
- No separate application needed in most cases
- Awarded during the admission process
- Early-round applicants have higher chances
Applying in Round 1 or Round 2 significantly improves scholarship probability.
How Much Scholarship Can You Expect?
- Typical waiver range: ₹5–15 lakhs
- Depends on profile strength and financial need
- Strong GMAT + early application = better chances
Education Loans for ISB Fees
Most ISB students finance their education through loans.
Loan Options
- Public sector banks
- Private banks
- NBFCs
Why Loans Are Easier for ISB
Banks prefer ISB students because of:
- Strong placement record
- High average salaries
- Low default risk
Common Loan Requirements
- ISB admission offer letter
- Academic records
- KYC documents
Many students finance 100% of ISB cost through education loans.
ISB Fees vs Salary: ROI Analysis
Average Placement Outcomes
- Average salary: ₹30+ LPA (approx.)
- Strong roles in consulting, tech, finance
ROI Example Calculation
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost (Fees + Living) | ₹45–50 lakhs |
| Avg Annual Salary | ₹30 LPA |
| Payback Period | ~2–3 years |
ISB offers one of the fastest ROIs among Indian MBA programmes.
ISB Fees vs IIMs vs Other MBA Colleges
Comparison Table
| Institute | Duration | Total Fees | Avg Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| ISB | 1 Year | ₹40–45L | ₹30+ LPA |
| IIMs | 2 Years | ₹25–30L | ₹25–30 LPA |
| Private MBA Colleges | 2 Years | ₹15–25L | ₹10–15 LPA |
ISB is expensive, but time + salary advantage balances the cost.
Is ISB Worth the Fees?
ISB Is Worth It If:
- You have 3–7 years of work experience
- You aim for leadership roles
- You want a fast-track MBA
- You value global exposure
ISB May NOT Be Ideal If:
- You are a fresher
- You want a low-cost MBA
- You are highly risk-averse financially
ISB is an investment decision, not just an education choice.
What is the total fees for ISB PGP?
The total programme fees are approximately ₹40–45 lakhs, excluding living expenses.
Does ISB offer scholarships?
Yes. ISB offers merit-based and need-based scholarships.
How much is hostel and living cost at ISB?
Living expenses typically range between ₹3.5–5.5 lakhs for the programme.
Can I get an education loan for ISB?
Yes. Most students fund ISB fees through education loans.
Is ISB more expensive than IIMs?
Yes in absolute terms, but ISB’s shorter duration and faster ROI often justify the higher cost.
Is ISB worth the money?
For experienced professionals aiming for leadership roles, ISB offers strong ROI.
