ISB CTO Program Review

The ISB CTO Program -- full name Indian School of Business (ISB) Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Programme -- is a 24-week executive education initiative crafted for senior IT leaders and technology professionals with at least 10 years of experience.

Its primary aim is to equip current and aspiring CTOs with the strategic, technical, and leadership skills required to drive technology-led transformation and innovation in modern organizations.

The program blends online learning, live faculty sessions, industry masterclasses, and an in-person campus immersion, culminating in a capstone project and ISB certification (requires achieving a 70% score).

Upon successful graduation, besides an ISB Executive Education certificate, participants also earn an Executive Alumni status, gaining access to a peer network, ongoing learning resources, and exclusive events.

The faculty consists of four lecturers. Three of them have purely academic backgrounds, while one has extensive C-suite experience. Other experienced technology leaders appear on a few occasions (2-3 sessions).

In comparison, CTO Academy organizes weekly live sessions that range from CTO Shadowing and Expert Q&As to Peer-to-Peer sessions. So, if you are looking for immediately applicable solutions to daily challenges of the CTO role delivered by active practitioners, the ISB CTO Program might not be the best option, even if you work in the APAC region.

Another factor to consider is the price. As you will see, it is much higher than CTO Academy's Digital MBA for Technology Leaders, for instance (85% more expensive to be precise).

However, if you are solely looking for a prestigious certificate on the APAC market for your resume, prefer an academic style of teaching, and have a sufficient budget, then continue through this review to find out more about this program.

ISB CTO Program Value Proposition

The ISB CTO Program stands out for its blend of cutting-edge technical content, strategic leadership development, hands-on learning, and the access to ISB’s Executive Alumni portal. It is designed to empower APAC-based technology leaders to confidently navigate and shape the future of their organizations in an era of rapid digital transformation.

Overview of the ISB CTO Program

FORMAT

The ISB CTO Program's delivery mode is a hybrid between online (100+ pre-recorded lectures + live sessions) delivery and a 1-day campus immersion. While not explicitly stated as mandatory for successful graduation, the on-campus day is highlighted as the program's key feature.

An online component is delivered through the Emeritus online learning platform, similar to the Berkeley and Wharton CTO Programs. Participants commonly have access to 2–3 live faculty sessions, 3 industry masterclasses, and 15+ weekly connects with the program leader. However, as stated by the Indian School of Business, a private business school with campuses in Hyderabad and Mohali in India, almost every part of the program is subject to change (according to the footnotes in the program's brochure).

The on-campus day is designed to provide:

In-person networking with peers, faculty, and industry experts
Live sessions and workshops on advanced CTO topics
Experiential learning activities, such as IT management simulations and case discussions
Community building and exposure to the ISB campus environment

Participants and alumni describe the day as highly valuable for forging professional connections, engaging in interactive learning, and enhancing the overall executive education experience.

Compare Formats

ISB CTO PROGRAM SCHEDULE

The ISB executive education for CTOs is broken into five components that, together, require approximately. 24 weeks to go through and ultimately graduate with the weekly time investment bewteen 4 and 6 hours.

ISB CTO Program schedule (copyright Indian School of Business)

TARGET AUDIENCE

Roles: CTO, Deputy CTO, CIO, Director/Senior Director/Head of Technology, Manufacturing, IT

Functions: IT/Information Systems, Engineering, R&D, Consulting, Strategic Planning, Operations

Industries: Technology, BFSI, Engineering, Telecom, Consumer Goods, Consulting, and more

According to ISB, the cohort typically consists of senior leaders looking to transition from technical to strategic leadership roles or to deepen their expertise in technology management.

CURRICULUM

The ISB CTO Program is organized into four thematic pillars, each containing multiple modules. Besides the course modules, participants also attend 2–3 live faculty sessions, 3 industry masterclasses, and learn from 5+ real-world case studies.

Modules & Topics Overview

1. Strategic Leadership and Innovation

CTO role and competencies
CTO vs. CIO responsibilities
Digital economy drivers
Digital ecosystems and strategy
Innovation management, digital business models, and portfolio management

2. Technology Architecture and Development

CTO as technology architect
Technology selection and platform building
Emerging technologies: AI, generative AI, blockchain, IoT, AR/VR, metaverse
Product development strategies and customer-centricity

3. Technology Management and Governance

Assessment of emerging technologies
Cybersecurity and tech law (India vs. global)
IT governance frameworks
Digitisation, analytics, and digital supply chains
Financial management for CTOs

4. Organisational Leadership and Communication

Digital transformation execution
Change management and resistance
Team building, coaching, leadership in disruption and crisis
Strategic communication and storytelling for tech leaders

Capstone Project

Real-world application of program learning to a strategic technology challenge

There is a total of 23 modules, but just like sub-modules, assignments, quizzes, and case studies, they are subject to change at the discretion of the ISB faculty.

Compare Curriculums

FACULTY

4 professors deliver all the lectures:

Vallabh Sambamurthy, Dean, Wisconsin School of Business (Visiting Faculty, ISB)
Subodha Kumar, Professor, Fox School of Business (Visiting Faculty, ISB)
Kannan Srikanth, Associate Professor, Fisher College of Business, Ohio State University (Visiting Faculty, ISB)
Nandu Nandkishore, Adjunct Professor, ISB; ex-global C-suite executive

Except for Nandu Nandkishore, who was a C-suite executive for 34 years, the other three lecturers don't seem to have any notable technology leadership experience.

There is no doubt they are all exceptional lecturers and renowned professors, but in contrast, CTO Academy Digital MBA for Technology Leaders includes 9 CTOs, 1 Group CTO, 1 Group CIO, 3 VPs of Engineering, 13 CEOs/CIOs/COOs, and 13 Senior Leaders as subject experts. Almost every lecture is a case study because these veteran leaders draw from their extensive experience to teach you how to handle any possible situation.

Compare Faculty

What Sets ISB CTO Program Apart?

ISB is India’s top business school (FT #1 in India, #27 globally), making it the premier choice for technology leaders in India and APAC, with increasing global recognition. The curriculum is regionally tailored, but globally benchmarked. Finally, there is a robust executive alumni network in India/APAC.

Is There a Career Advancement Potential?

If you are applying for a role in the India/APAC market, there is a good chance that the employer will favor an ISB certificate because of the school's regional prestige.

One notable thing that participants consistently cite is the program’s impact on their strategic thinking, leadership confidence, and ability to drive innovation. Many highlight the value of the peer network and the transformation in their approach to problem-solving and team leadership.

But again, this mostly refers to the APAC and India markets because the bulk of the alumni live and work in that part of the world. Thanks to this expanded professional network and industry credibility, you might gain a competitive advantage.

Is the ISB CTO Program a Good Fit for You?

The ISB CTO Program, similar to other such programs, is aimed at senior technology leaders (CTOs, CIOs, Deputy/VP Technology or IT) who are looking to get a better understanding of the strategic and functional responsibilities of a CTO role while exploring strategy, ideation, and adaptation in the technology and tech-associated disciplines.

Ideal Candidates

The program is best suited for professionals with significant exposure to technology management, digital transformation, or strategic IT roles. More specifically:

Current CTOs, seeking to deepen their strategic, innovation, and leadership skills.
Aspiring CTOs or senior technology managers preparing to step into the CTO role and looking to bridge knowledge gaps in business, strategy, and emerging technologies.
Senior professionals, aiming to drive digital transformation, lead innovation, and align technology initiatives with business strategy in their organizations.

Eligibility Criteria

Graduate/Diploma holder
Minimum 10 years of work experience
English language

Recommendations

Begin your application early, ensuring all required documents (educational certificates, proof of experience) are prepared and your career goals are clearly articulated.
Block out regular weekly study time (4–6 hours) in advance to keep pace with the program’s online lectures, live sessions, and assignments.
Actively participate in live sessions, masterclasses, and networking opportunities to maximize learning and professional connections.
Apply new concepts and frameworks directly to your current role for field test and deeper understanding.
Engage with ISB’s alumni network and lifelong learning resources after graduation to continue building your professional growth and industry connections.

Program Cost

The ISB CTO Program is at the high end of online technology leadership programs, with the price ₹7,25,700 (includes 18% GST). That's USD 8,263.42, or GBP 6,278.53, or EUR 7,474.71, depending on your home currency.

Compare Prices

INCLUDED IN THE PROGRAM FEE

Tuition for all modules and sessions (includes access to all pre-recorded video lectures, live faculty sessions, masterclasses, and case studies).
All required learning materials and resources.
Meals and refreshments (provided during the on-campus immersion day).
Single-occupancy accommodation (on-campus or equivalent facility during the immersion day, subject to availability).
Participation in networking hours, office hours, and alumni events.
ISB Executive Alumni status: Lifelong access to ISB’s executive alumni network and related resources upon successful completion.

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PROGRAM FEE (Additional Expenses)

Travel costs (travel expenses to and from the ISB campus for the immersion day are not covered and must be paid by the participant).
Incidental expenses, i.e., any personal expenses during the campus visit (e.g., local transportation, laundry, mini bar, off-campus meals, etc.), are excluded.
No scholarships or financial aid are available for this programme, though education loan options are offered through partner banks.
Personal equipment (participants are expected to have their own laptops or devices for online learning).
Other out-of-pocket costs, i.e., any additional personal or professional expenses not explicitly mentioned as included.

Conclusion

The ISB CTO Program offers a robust, interdisciplinary curriculum that blends strategic leadership, innovation, and advanced technology topics, making it a strong choice for senior technology professionals aiming to drive digital transformation and business growth.

Its strengths include hands-on learning through real-world projects, access to an executive alumni network, and a flexible hybrid format that accommodates working professionals.

However, like any advanced executive program, it comes with challenges such as a significant time commitment, a competitive admissions process, and a high fee relative to some online alternatives.

While ISB’s regional prestige and industry connections are major assets, candidates seeking global brand recognition or more extensive in-person immersion may find other top international programs a better fit for their specific needs.

Overall, the ISB CTO Program stands out for its comprehensive approach and practical relevance, but you should definitely weigh its demands and regional focus against your personal career goals and circumstances.

Explore Our Digital MBA for Technology Leaders

Our mission is simple.
To arm you with the leadership skills required to achieve the career and lifestyle you want.

LEARN MORE

Discuss the CTO Program details with our Senior Leadership Team

Book a Discovery Call