ISB Young Leaders Programme Applications Enter Final Week Before February 22 Deadline

As of February 14, 2026, the Indian School of Business (ISB) has entered the final seven-day countdown for the Young Leaders Programme (YLP) Stage 2 application cycle. This report outlines the essential requirements for the February 22 deadline, including the submission of GMAT or GRE scores and the mandatory personal essays. High-potential undergraduate students must finalize their digital profiles on the official ISB portal to secure their spot in the evaluation phase for this premier deferred admission pathway.

As of today, February 14, 2026, the Indian School of Business (ISB) has officially entered the final week for the Young Leaders Programme (YLP) Stage 2 applications. This prestigious Pathway is specifically designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who wish to secure a deferred admission to ISB's flagship Post Graduate Programme (PGP). Following the successful shortlisting from Stage 1, candidates are now in the critical phase of submitting their standardized test scores and in-depth essays. The Deadline of February 22, 2026, at 23:59 hrs IST, remains absolute, with the admissions committee confirming no further extensions.

• Submission Window: The ISB YLP Application Portal will automatically close for the 2026 cycle precisely at midnight on February 22.
• Score Prerequisite: A valid GMAT Focus Edition or GRE score is mandatory for this stage; unofficial scores are acceptable if the test is taken by the Deadline.
• Essay Requirements: Candidates must provide a 300-word personal statement detailing their leadership vision and how the YLP Accelerator aligns with their career goals.
• Evaluation Focus: The Admissions Committee is currently prioritizing profiles that demonstrate a blend of academic excellence and impactful extracurricular initiatives.

Strategic Components and Selection Metrics

The YLP serves as a "leadership Accelerator," providing a structured journey for students to transition from academia to high-impact corporate roles. To maintain the high standards of the cohort, ISB employs a holistic selection Pathway that goes beyond quantitative scores. As of mid-February, technical support is being ramped up to handle the anticipated surge in traffic on the digital portal as aspirants finalize their recommendations and transcripts.

• Mentorship Phase: Successful Stage 2 candidates who pass the interviews will enter a mandatory 20-month work-experience phase before joining the campus.
• Test Center Focus: ISB has reiterated that only test-center-based scores are accepted; online or "at-home" test formats are strictly disqualified.
• Leadership Rubric: The 2026 selection rubric places a 25% weightage on the "Analytical Thinking" demonstrated through the personal essay.
• Recommendation Letters: The portal requires one mandatory letter of recommendation (LOR) from a college dean or a project supervisor.

Conclusion

The approach of the February 22 Deadline marks the conclusion of the most competitive phase of the ISB YLP 2026 admissions cycle. As of February 14, the administrative focus is on ensuring that all shortlisted Candidate profiles are verified for their standardized test authenticity. This unique Pathway continues to be a cornerstone for identifying early-career talent in India, offering a guaranteed seat at a globally ranked business school. For the Candidate currently polishing their final essays, the emphasis must remain on articulating a clear leadership trajectory and a commitment to professional growth. The successful submission of Stage 2 applications this week will set the stage for the final interview rounds in March, ultimately shaping the cohort of future business leaders who will join the ISB community in the coming years.

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