Engineer To MBA: One Student’s Unique Path Via Indian School Of Business’ Brand-New Program

This week, classes began for the very first cohort of a brand new program at Indian School of Business in Hyderabad.

ISB’s PGP Young Leaders Programme (PGP-YL) is a 20-month, residential program for early-career candidates with two or fewer years of work experience. Many of the first cohort have come to the program straight out of undergrad. (India’s Post Graduate Program, or PGP, is considered equivalent to an MBA, but Indian regulations do not allow independent schools to grant master’s degrees.)

One member of the founding cohort, Kavin Aggarwal, reached out to Poets&Quants to share the story of how he got in as a “GEM Fresher” — a general engineering male applying to an MBA program with no work experience.

“I started my MBA journey with Poets&Quants articles, and all those articles were very inspiring for me,” Aggarwal tells P&Q. “So I thought I would give something back from what I have taken.”

PART OF A PIONEERING CLASS

Aggarwal is one of 120 students in the PGP-YL inaugural class, a much smaller cohort than ISB’s one-year flagship MBA (PGP) which had a 2025 cohort of 819. Now in its 22nd year, the flagship helped place ISB alongside India’s top business schools like IIM Ahmedabad and IIM Bangalore.

PGP-YL builds on that reputation but shifts the target. It aims to catch high-potential students earlier in their careers, offering a two-year format with built-in internship opportunities, simulation-based learning, and a tightly focused class.

In the following Q&A, Aggarwal tells us about his path from mechanical engineering at BITS Pilani to three investment banking internships, why he skipped work experience to start his MBA now, and how he scored an eye-popping CAT score. He also tells us what it means to be in the very first cohort, setting the tone for every class that follows. Our conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

Let’s start by getting your background on the record. Tell us a little about where you grew up, what your aspirations were at the time, and your undergraduate experience.

I was born and brought up in New Delhi, the capital of India. I did my schooling with a focus on science, which I chose as my stream in 11th and 12th grade. After that, I joined BITS Pilani (Birla Institute of Technology and Science), one of the top engineering colleges in the country. The acceptance rate for colleges like BITS Pilani is about 0.1%. So, around one million candidates apply, and only about 10,000 are selected.

I enrolled as a mechanical engineering student studying machinery, mechanical design, and related topics. That field really fascinated me.

At the time, I was completely focused on engineering; I hadn’t even heard of an MBA. But, I was eager to explore. I took a wide range of electives outside my core program – things like human resource development, computer science, operations, product management, and finance. I eventually completed a minor in finance. So while my major was mechanical engineering, my minor was in finance. That’s where I developed a real interest in the field, and that’s how it all started.

Why finance?

BITS Pilani has a 0% attendance policy. Unlike many other colleges, there’s no requirement to attend classes. You can just write the exams, pass, and you’re good to go. But attending the finance classes really sparked something in me. I found myself attending every finance lecture out of sheer interest.

I did three internships during undergrad that helped shape my future career path. The first was with Ernst & Young. The second was at McGill University in Canada under the MITACS Globalink Research Internship Program, which lasted about three months. Most recently, I interned at J.P. Morgan Chase in their India investment banking division. That experience was incredibly enriching.

What is it about finance that you like? What specifically draws you to it?

We started with courses like accounting and derivatives, and I particularly enjoyed studying derivatives. I even did my internship at J.P. Morgan Chase in foreign exchange derivatives. Concepts like options, pricing, and swaps really intrigued me.

I also found portfolio management, business valuations, and related topics fascinating, especially when approached through case studies. It’s exciting to analyze real-world scenarios, like how companies are valued, how IPOs perform, and what role investment banks play. When you’re not just learning theory but also applying it to actual business situations in class, that’s what really inspired me.

When did you start thinking about pursuing an MBA?

During my four years of engineering, I started thinking seriously about pursuing an MBA around the two-and-a-half-year mark. That’s when I began exploring why people choose to do an MBA in the first place. At the time, I wasn’t even sure I wanted to pursue one.

During my internship at J.P. Morgan Chase, I learned that high-performing interns can receive a pre-placement offer, which is essentially a full-time job offer after graduation. I considered accepting that and moving forward with my career. But I realized I wanted more. I wanted to learn through real-world case studies and experience what an MBA classroom is really like.

That’s when I discovered Poets&Quants. I started reading a lot of articles, especially those featuring people who got into top Indian B-schools like IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, and IIM Calcutta. I was an active reader, had an account on the site, and regularly followed the stories. After doing some research, I decided to give my best shot at the CAT exam, the Common Admission Test in India for management programs.

Is there a reason you decided to pursue the MBA right away instead of gaining work experience first, especially since many of the schools you read about typically admit candidates with experience?

That was something I initially considered, but there were a couple of reasons I decided to go for it right after undergrad.

First, I felt very academically prepared coming straight out of college. I believed I’d perform better in an MBA program if I went in while my academic momentum was still strong, rather than waiting four or five years and potentially losing that edge.

Second, I think it’s valuable to gain as much knowledge as early in your career as possible. Yes, there are some opportunities you might miss without work experience, but if you’re already on that platform and learning, you can build a strong foundation and get a head start. Being in a good position early on can really help you grow in the long run.

Many Indian students who read Poets&Quants are interested in international schools in the U.S., Europe, or Canada. Did you consider any of those?

I definitely considered U.S. schools, they were at the top of my list. I mean, who doesn’t think about getting an Ivy League MBA? But the main constraint was the work experience requirement. While nothing was technically stopping me from applying with minimal experience, I knew that most candidates admitted to those programs have significantly more experience.

Let’s talk about the CAT. You scored really high, in the 99.55 percentile. How did you approach the exam once you knew you wanted to go to business school?

The CAT is similar to the GMAT. It’s a two-hour exam with three sections: math, data interpretation, and English. The structure is familiar, but what makes the CAT especially challenging is the sheer level of competition. Around 300,000 students take the exam in India each year. A 99 percentile score puts you in the top 3,000. A 99.55 percentile, like mine, means you’re in the top 1,500.

I also fall into what’s known as the “GEM fresher” category: General, Engineering, Male, Fresher – which is considered one of the most competitive and disadvantaged applicant groups. “General” means no reservation or affirmative action advantage. Engineers are at a disadvantage because they make up a large share of the applicant pool, so schools limit the number of engineering admits. Males face a similar limitation, and freshers – those without work experience – lose out on application points for professional background. So as a GEM fresher, you need a very high percentile just to be competitive.

That was my strategy from the beginning: aim for the top percentile. I started preparing for the CAT during my undergrad itself, knowing that I’d need to compensate for those factors.

How much time did you give yourself to study for the CAT, and what was your process?

Coming from an engineering background, I quickly realized that my math skills were solid. The more challenging part for me was the English section, especially the long reading comprehension passages. So I started reading a lot – editorials, newspapers, and magazines – on a daily basis. I also brushed up on basic grammar rules.

I gave myself about eight to nine months to prepare. Even though I was comfortable with math, the CAT exam is only two hours long, so you can’t afford to derive everything from scratch. You need to know your formulas cold.

So I reviewed math concepts and did regular reading side by side. I also took a lot of mock tests, which helped me immensely.

Did you use a prep service, or did you create your own study schedule?

I didn’t use a formal prep service, but I did use several preparation books available in the market. These books were tailored for the CAT exam and included past years’ questions and commonly repeated topics.

I created my own schedule and tracked everything in an Excel sheet. I listed out chapters on one side, noted the number of questions I attempted, and marked the ones I got wrong with a star. During revision, I focused only on the starred questions, which helped me save time and sharpen the concepts I was struggling with.

The CAT exam itself isn’t necessarily difficult in terms of content, but the real challenge is the competition, the time pressure, and the mindset you need on exam day. Unlike the GMAT, which can be taken multiple times a year, the CAT is held only once – on the last Sunday of November. So if you mess up that day, you’re essentially losing a whole year. You really have to be ready.

Do you have any advice or tips for other GEM freshers or Indian students preparing for the CAT?

Yes, definitely. That’s actually why I reached out to you. My biggest message to all GEM freshers, and really to anyone preparing for the CAT, is this:

Don’t worry about your category. Don’t think about being a GEM fresher. Don’t stress about which college you’ll get into or what salary you might earn after your MBA. Just focus on your preparation and be clear about why you want to pursue an MBA in the first place.

If you have a genuine interest in a subject – like finance was for me – the motivation to study and excel will come naturally. Don’t get caught up in things that are out of your control. I can’t change the fact that I’m an engineer or a male, but I can control how I prepare. So put your energy there.

That would be my biggest message to all CAT aspirants, not just GEM freshers but even those in more advantaged categories. If you’re a non-engineer, for example, focus on maximizing your score by taking a lot of mock tests and, more importantly, analyzing them. Spend more time analyzing your mocks than taking them. That was one of my biggest takeaways from the entire process.

When you realized you probably didn’t have enough work experience for the IIMs, how did you hear about this new program at the Indian School of Business for students without much work experience?

First of all, the Indian Institutes of Management – especially IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta (IIM ABC) – are considered the top MBA colleges in India. The Indian School of Business (ISB) is also one of the top institutions, often ranked right alongside them. If you’re talking about the top five MBA schools in India, it’s usually IIM ABC, ISB, and maybe IIM Lucknow.

After getting my CAT results, I applied to these schools. But getting a high percentile doesn’t guarantee admission. You also need to be shortlisted for an interview based on your full profile. Despite scoring a 99.55 percentile, I didn’t get interview calls from IIM ABC, which was disheartening.
ISB was always on my radar. I followed their news, events, and announcements closely. That’s how I came across their new PGP Young Leaders Programme. The launch was all over the internet, especially on forums and platforms where MBA aspirants hang out. If you searched “India MBA,” this new program from ISB would definitely pop up.

I read through the brochure, which explained how this program differs from their traditional one-year MBA. They emphasized business simulations, hands-on labs, real-world case studies, and even included a summer internship as part of the two-year format. I found it really compelling, applied, and thankfully, it worked out.

What do you think is the benefit of a program like this, one specifically tailored for people without the kind of work experience that’s typically expected in an MBA classroom? What do you think its place is in the market?

To give you some context, the regular PGP program at the Indian School of Business is designed for candidates with more than two years of work experience. The PGP Young Leaders Programme, which I joined, is for those with zero to two years of experience.

During my interview, I asked one of the interviewers what exactly they were looking for in candidates. They told me they’re looking for people with diverse experiences who can compensate for the lack of full-time work experience through the knowledge and exposure they’ve already gained. If you’ve explored different areas through internships, certifications, or academic projects, that can be just as valuable as work experience.

At the end of the day, it’s about how you contribute in class whether that’s through case studies, group discussions, or simulations. Someone with work experience might draw from real-world HR or operations scenarios. But someone with varied internships or deep knowledge in certain fields can offer equally meaningful insights.

This program is intentionally tailored for that kind of student. The batch size is small – no more than 120 students – which allows for more focused attention and interaction. They’re selecting candidates with top CAT percentiles and a variety of experiences, so it’s a highly curated group. I think this program fills a unique and important space in the market.

You mentioned you’re in Orientation Week. Have you had a chance to get to know your cohort yet? What kind of diversity have you seen so far?

Yes, definitely. My cohort is very diverse. I’ve met a friend who studied law for his undergraduate degree and is now pursuing an MBA. There are also several commerce graduates and engineers, some from computer science, others from mechanical engineering like me, and even one from biotechnology who decided to do an MBA after spending two years in COVID-related research.

I’ve also met people with unique extracurricular backgrounds: national-level swimmers and tennis players, for example. Even though the batch size is just 120, which is much smaller than other schools like MIT, Harvard, or even the IIMs in India that typically have 500-plus students, the diversity is still remarkable. It’s fascinating to see such a wide range of experiences in one classroom. I find it really exciting, and I’m looking forward to learning from everyone around me.

You mentioned that your interview felt like a film scene. Can you walk me through that story and explain some of the references?

Sure. The interview really did feel like a scene out of a Bollywood film. Just to give you some context, Bollywood is the Indian film industry, and it’s known for its dramatic, colorful, and emotional storytelling. One of its biggest stars is Shah Rukh Khan. He’s an iconic actor in India, often referred to as the “King of Bollywood.”

MBA interviews in India are usually held in upscale hotels across major cities since it’s not practical to gather all candidates at a single location. The hotel where my interview was scheduled happened to be right next to Shah Rukh Khan’s house, which added to the surreal feeling of the day. It was a five-star hotel, very luxurious and grand, and I was already feeling nervous just walking in.

In the application form, you’re required to list your hobbies, and I had written that I enjoy watching Bollywood films. During the interview, they asked me who my favorite actor was and what I admired about them. I said Shah Rukh Khan and pointed out, half-jokingly, that we were sitting just beside his house. I told them I was looking forward to the interview being over so I could go take a photo outside.

And that’s exactly what I did. Once the interview ended, I wasn’t thinking about how it went or whether I’d get in. I was entirely focused on getting to Shah Rukh Khan’s house as quickly as possible to snap that picture. It was one of the main motivations for the day.

What are you most looking forward to in the PGP? Is there a particular class or experience you’re especially excited about?

The most exciting thing I’ve read about in the program brochure is the Business in Action Simulation Labs. The course is designed to simulate real-world working scenarios in different fields. For example, if you choose operations, they’ll replicate what happens inside an FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) company like Unilever or Procter & Gamble. You’re put in the role of a manager and you’re expected to think through challenges and come up with solutions. Your performance in those simulations is what you’re graded on.

I find that really intriguing. It’s a chance to practice decision-making and problem-solving in a controlled environment. At the end of the day, it’s better to make mistakes in the classroom than in the real world. So the case-based learning and these simulation labs are definitely what I’m most looking forward to.

How do you feel about being part of the founding batch. You’re kind of the trailblazer. What does that mean to you?

Being part of the founding batch definitely carries a sense of legacy. Every founding batch has something special about it. That uniqueness fades a bit by the time the second or third batch comes around. So it feels meaningful to be among the first, a chance to set the tone.

We hope to set a strong example for our juniors and for other aspiring MBA students from various undergraduate backgrounds. That’s something I want to share with the Indian audience reading Poets&Quants: We’re looking forward to building a diverse, engaged cohort of students who will actively contribute to shaping the program. It’s about learning from each other, sharing experiences, and making this initiative even more successful for future classes.

What’s your final piece of advice – something you’ve learned through this process – for people considering this program or an MBA in general?

My biggest advice would be to relax and not overthink which MBA college you’ll get into. Just give your best. But before anything else, be clear on why you want to pursue an MBA. A lot of people do it for higher salaries, but that shouldn’t be your only motivation. You should be aiming for better roles or deeper learning, and that’s what should drive you.

Also, stay organized with your preparation. Whether it’s a notebook or an Excel sheet, tracking your progress helps. And finally, just stay motivated and happy. The CAT isn’t a tough exam, it’s more a test of your mindset than your skills.

What are your career goals or aspirations after completing the program?

After my MBA, I definitely want to pursue a role in the finance sector, specifically in investment banking. That’s my primary interest right now because of my previous internship at J.P. Morgan Chase in Mumbai and everything I learned during my finance minor. That exposure really solidified my interest in the field.

That said, I’m open to exploring other options as well. Being part of the founding batch at ISB means we’ll have unique access to different kinds of opportunities, and I’m excited to see what the program has to offer.

Do you see yourself using your mechanical engineering background in your career, or are you planning a full pivot to finance?

It’s not a full pivot. I may not work directly with turbines – the kinds of things I studied as a mechanical engineer – but the value of that background still carries over. In real-world business scenarios, there are often technical discussions that require a solid grasp of scientific concepts and logical thinking.

I believe my engineering background will help me stand out in those moments. I’ll be able to contribute meaningfully by offering rational, well-structured solutions, using numerical justification and analytical thinking. So it’s not about leaving engineering behind, it’s more about bringing that knowledge into the business world and using it in a new context. It’s a natural and, in many ways, beautiful path from engineering to business.

DON’T MISS: MEET THE INDIAN SCHOOL OF BUSINESS PGP CLASS OF 2025 and 6 MBA SPECIALIZATIONS TO SUPERCHARGE YOUR CAREER