IIT Grad Returns to Classroom at ISB After 5 Years in Banking
Gaurang Agarwal, an IIT alumnus who spent five years in investment banking, chose to pursue a management programme at the Indian School of Business — here is what drove that decision.
Key points
- IIT alumnus Gaurang Agarwal returned to academics at ISB after five years in investment banking.
- His decision highlights a growing trend of experienced professionals seeking formal management education.
- ISB offers a one-year PGP and executive programmes tailored for candidates with significant work experience.
- ISB is accredited by AACSB and AMBA and ranks consistently among Asia's top business schools.
- The story is relevant for CAT and GMAT aspirants considering management education at different career stages.
Important details
| Organisation | Indian School of Business (ISB) |
|---|---|
| Official website | https://www.isb.edu |
From IIT Campus to Investment Banking Desk
Gaurang Agarwal followed a path familiar to many top engineering graduates in India — an IIT degree followed by a coveted role in investment banking. For five years, he worked in the high-pressure world of finance, building skills in deal-making, financial modelling, and client management.
Why He Chose to Go Back to a Classroom
Despite a successful run in investment banking, Agarwal decided to step back and enrol at the Indian School of Business (ISB), one of India's most respected business schools. His decision reflects a growing trend among experienced professionals who return to formal education not out of necessity, but to sharpen their strategic thinking, expand their leadership toolkit, and pivot to new roles within or beyond finance.
For many such professionals, an ISB programme offers structured peer learning, access to a powerful alumni network, and exposure to global business perspectives — things that day-to-day job roles rarely provide at the same depth.
ISB: A Preferred Destination for Working Professionals
The Indian School of Business, with campuses in Hyderabad and Mohali, is consistently ranked among the top business schools in Asia. Its one-year Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP) and various executive education offerings attract candidates with significant prior work experience, making it a natural choice for someone like Agarwal who wanted a rigorous yet time-efficient management qualification.
- ISB's PGP is a one-year full-time MBA-equivalent programme designed for experienced professionals.
- The school is accredited by AACSB and AMBA, two of the most recognised global accreditation bodies.
- ISB regularly features in the Financial Times Global MBA Rankings.
- The Hyderabad and Mohali campuses together host a large and active alumni community across industries.
What This Story Signals for IIT and IIM Aspirants
Agarwal's journey underscores a broader shift in how India's top talent views career development. An undergraduate degree from an IIT and years of work experience are increasingly seen as a strong foundation — but not the ceiling. Returning to a premier institute like ISB is being viewed as a strategic career investment rather than an admission of a gap.
For students currently preparing for CAT, GMAT, or other management entrance examinations, stories like Agarwal's serve as a reminder that business school is not only for fresh graduates. Many ISB cohorts include candidates with five to ten years of professional experience, bringing diverse perspectives to classroom discussions.
Key Takeaway for Aspirants
Whether you are a recent engineering graduate eyeing your first management degree or a working professional considering a return to campus, India's top business schools — ISB, IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, and others — offer pathways suited to different career stages. Researching programme formats, eligibility norms, and application timelines well in advance remains essential.
Important links
Links open the official website. Always verify details there before applying.
