In a significant achievement for Indian business education, three Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and the Indian School of Business (ISB) in Hyderabad have been ranked among the world’s top 100 institutions for their MBA programs in the 2025 QS Global MBA and Business Master’s Rankings. The prestigious rankings, announced on Wednesday, highlight the growing global recognition of India’s top management institutions.
The three IIMs that made it to the top 100 are IIM Bangalore, IIM Ahmedabad, and IIM Calcutta. These premier B-schools have also secured positions in the top 50 for employability, underscoring their ability to produce highly sought-after graduates who excel in the global job market.
In addition to these three IIMs, the Indian School of Business (ISB) Hyderabad has also secured a spot in the top 100, further affirming India’s presence on the global MBA education stage. ISB has consistently been recognized for its high-quality education and strong industry connections, making it one of the leading business schools in Asia.
Indian MBA programs shine in Global Rankings
In total, fourteen Indian full-time MBA programs were featured in the QS Global MBA rankings for 2025, with three new Indian entries making their debut. Among the new entrants, IIM Kozhikode stands out, making its debut in the 151-200 band. Meanwhile, the Institute of Management Technology (IMT) Ghaziabad and Somaiya Vidyavihar University featured in the 251+ band, further expanding India’s representation in the global rankings.
The QS Global MBA and Business Master’s Rankings 2025 assessed MBA programs from 58 countries, covering 340 of the world’s best global MBA programs. The rankings also included various specialized programs in high-demand areas such as Management, Finance, Marketing, Business Analytics, and Supply Chain Management.
Employability and alumni impact
One of the key factors contributing to the strong performance of Indian MBA programs in the QS rankings is their outstanding performance in employability. IIM Bangalore, IIM Ahmedabad, and IIM Calcutta have been particularly lauded for their ability to produce graduates who excel in the workforce. These institutions not only prepare students with the necessary skills but also foster leadership and innovation, ensuring that their graduates are equipped to navigate today’s complex and fast-changing business environments.
“Indian institutions are increasingly nurturing leaders prepared to navigate today’s complex and dynamic business environments. The strong showing of IIM Bangalore, IIM Ahmedabad, and IIM Calcutta, particularly in employability and alumni impact, demonstrates India’s ability to shape top-tier global talent,” said Jessica Turner, CEO of QS.
Turner added that these rankings offer independent insights for career-driven students exploring the global business education landscape. The detailed comparative analysis allows prospective students to make informed decisions about MBA programs that align with their career goals.
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Ongoing challenges for Indian business schools
Despite the remarkable achievements of Indian business schools, there remain areas for improvement. The rankings highlighted ongoing challenges related to internationalization and gender diversity at India’s top institutions. Increasing the proportion of international students and faculty, as well as addressing gender disparities, are seen as critical steps for Indian business schools to enhance their global competitiveness.
“Bridging these gaps is not only key to enhancing the global competitiveness of India’s leading business schools but also vital for fostering more inclusive environments that align with the future of business leadership,” Turner emphasized.
Global Leader: Stanford school of business
Globally, the Stanford School of Business in the United States maintained its top spot as the world’s leading business school for the fifth consecutive year. The enduring dominance of Stanford in the rankings demonstrates the continued strength of American business schools in delivering world-class education and producing highly successful graduates.
The inclusion of three IIMs and ISB Hyderabad among the world’s top 100 MBA programs in the QS rankings underscores the growing global stature of India’s business schools. Their strong focus on employability, leadership development, and innovation positions them among the best in the world, although challenges related to diversity and internationalization remain. As Indian institutions continue to climb the global rankings, they are playing a crucial role in shaping the future of business leadership both domestically and internationally.
