ISB PGP 2028 - Does Applying in Round 1 Really Matter?

Is there any real advantage to applying in Round 1, or are all three rounds genuinely equal?

Here's the application timeline:

Round 1

• Application Deadline: 20 September 2026

Round 2

• Application Deadline: 6 December 2026

Round 3

• Application Deadline: 17 January 2027

A few things worth noting:

• ISB follows a staggered admissions process with three application rounds.
• If you miss a deadline, your application automatically rolls into the next round (until the final deadline).
• You can submit only one application for the intake, so choosing the right round matters.

This brings up an interesting dilemma.

Suppose your profile today looks like this:

• GMAT/GRE score is decent but could improve.
• You're expecting a promotion or major project in the next few months.
• Your essays aren't quite where you want them to be.

Would you:

• Apply in Round 1 with your current profile?
• Wait until Round 2 to strengthen your application?

For ISB alumni and applicants:

• Which round did you apply in?
• Did you deliberately wait to improve your profile?
• Looking back, would you make the same decision again?

There are plenty of opinions online that "Round 1 is always easier," while ISB maintains that the level of competition remains the same across all rounds.