8 JULY2025The Indian School of Business (ISB) has commenced the first batch of its newly introduced 20-month Post Graduate Programme in Management for Young Leaders (PGP YL) with 130 students. Reflecting on its commitment to merit and inclusiveness, ISB has given free waivers to 36 percent of the founding batch--37 have been given full waivers, and 9 partial waivers.The first class, with a mean age of 23 years, consists of students from a vast range of academic backgrounds. 32 percent are new graduates, and the rest have a work experience of up to two years in varied sectors. Half the class is women, and the students represent all major regions of India, which solidifies the programme's emphasis on diversity and inclusion.ISB also noted the cohort's good academic performance, with mean standardized test scores of 99.1 percentile in CAT, 731 on GMAT Classic, 677 on GMAT Focus, and 327 on the GRE. Welcoming the new batch, ISB Dean Professor Madan Pillutla said:"We are excited to welcome the inaugural PGP YL class. This programme is designed for recent graduates and early career professionals with very high potential in business, technology, and leadership. This class over the period of 20 months will go through an intense leadership accelerator with ISB's world-class faculty and industry experts."While that is happening, ISB Hyderabad remains at the top among Indian business schools in the world. In the Financial Times (FT) Global MBA Rankings 2025, ISB placed 27th globally, becoming the top-ranked Indian management school. That is a consistent climb for ISB, which was ranked 31 in 2024 and 39 in 2023, with a three-year average position of 32. ISB also received a whopping 4th globally for alumni network.Overall, eight Indian business schools made it to the FT list this year, up from six last year. Some other Indian business schools on the list are IIM Ahmedabad (31), IIM Bangalore (57), IIM Calcutta (61), IIM Lucknow (71), IIM Indore (69, first-time entry), IIM Kozhikode (86, first-time entry)Interestingly, IIM Kozhikode's Post Graduate Programme in Business Leadership is also making an entry into the FT Global MBA Rankings 2025. IN FOCUSISB LAUNCHES INAUGURAL PGP FOR YOUNG LEADERS; WOMEN CONSTITUTE 50% OF BATCHRUCHIKA SINGH BECOMES FIRST INDIAN WOMAN CYCLIST TO WIN 5 MEDALS AT FIRE GAMES 2025· Ruchika Singh is a history-maker at the 2025 World Police and Fire Games in Alabama, USA, as she is the first Indian women cyclist to claim five medals.· Raced for India in five tough cycling events: the Road Race, Time Trial, Sprint, Hill Climb, and Circuit Race.· Won bronze in all five events, showcasing a consistent performance across all disciplines.In a first in Indian sports history, Ruchika Singh has emerged the first Indian female cyclist to bag five medals at the World Police and Fire Games 2025 in Alabama, USA. Riding for India in five tough cycling events -- Road Race, Time Trial, Sprint, Hill Climb, and Circuit Race -- Ruchika claimed a bronze medal each, creating a landmark victory for Indian cycling as well as for women in the uniformed services.Ruchika's success has been fueled by the "Lakshya" Programme, flagship initiative of the M3M Foundation, guided by Dr. Payal Kanodia, Chairperson &Trustee. The program is focused on developing out-of-the-box talent in sports, arts, and education. "The Lakshya Programme is our pledge to enable India's youth to achieve their dreams," stated Payal. Ruchika's triumph is a tribute to grit and the power of timely intervention.Formerly a boxer, Ruchika transitioned to cycling in 2018. An Uttar Pradesh Police constable and the daughter of public servants, her journey represents discipline, resolve, and the redemptive power of opportunity.Payal stressed that Ruchika's achievement is merely the tip of the iceberg. "At M3M Foundation, we are investing in narratives of talent, grit, and hope -- particularly among women who are redefining greatness on global stages," she said.Ruchika Singh's success is greater than a matter of personal triumph -- it is an inspiration to budding athletes all over India.
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