Over the years, I have met many young Indian professionals who came to me with almost the same question:
“Sir, if I can get into ISB, should I still consider an MBA abroad?”
Earlier in my career, I used to approach this largely as a university-selection question. But after more than 28 years of counselling students and watching their careers develop, I look at it very differently today.
I remember students who were determined to go abroad because they believed an international MBA automatically meant a better future. I have also seen professionals choose ISB, build strong careers in India and later move into senior roles with global organisations.
And I have seen the opposite too—students for whom going abroad completely changed the direction of their careers.
So, ISB versus a Global MBA is not really a question of which school is better.
It is a question of where you want your career to go.
If a professional wants to build a long-term career in India, ISB offers something extremely valuable: a strong network within the Indian corporate ecosystem, access to leading employers and a one-year programme that limits the time away from work.
But imagine another professional whose goal is consulting in London, finance in New York, technology in the US, or an international career across different markets. For that person, an MBA from schools such as INSEAD, LBS, Wharton or Kellogg can provide a very different network and career ecosystem.
There is, however, another conversation I increasingly have with families:
“Is spending ₹1 crore or more abroad justified?”
My answer is never based on ranking alone.
We sit down and look at the complete picture:
Career Goal → Geography → Business School → Recruiters → Network → Cost → Risk → ROI
After so many years in this profession, one thing has become very clear to me:
The most expensive MBA is not necessarily the best MBA. And staying in India does not mean thinking small.
Before deciding between ISB and a Global MBA, I therefore ask students one simple question:
“Where do you want to see yourself five years after your MBA?”
Answer that first.
The university decision often becomes much easier afterwards.
Make a Data Driven Decision.
BIDYUT
Global Education Advisory
*Strategy. Admission. Future.