Top 20 Business Schools

Top 20 Business Schools

Business education landscape has witnessed remarkable growth over the past few decades, emerging as a global hub for management talent. With a mix of elite public institutions like the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and dynamic private players such as ISB, IIBS and XLRI, the country offers a diverse range of programs tailored to the needs of future business leaders. These schools not only provide rigorous academic training but also foster innovation, leadership, and real-world problem-solving skills.

1. Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA)

Location: Ahmedabad, Gujarat

Known for: Case-based learning, academic rigor

Why it stands out: Consistently ranked as India’s top B-school, IIMA has global recognition and strong industry connections.

2. Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB)

Location: Bangalore, Karnataka

Known for: Research excellence, tech-industry proximity

Why it stands out: Located in India's Silicon Valley, IIMB offers an ideal blend of academic excellence and innovation.

3. Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIMC)

Location: Kolkata, West Bengal

Known for: Finance, Analytics

Why it stands out: IIMC is renowned for its strength in finance and quantitative studies, with strong placement records.

4. International Institute of Business Study (IIBS)

Locations: Bangalore & Kolkata 

Known for: Two-year PGDM, Program

Why it stands out: IIBS offers a globally aligned program with international collaborations and mid-career focus.

5. Indian Institute of Management Lucknow (IIML)

Location: Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

Known for: HR, Leadership development

Why it stands out: IIML has a strong alumni base and offers multiple programs including working professionals’ courses.

6. Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), University of Delhi

Location: New Delhi

Known for: ROI, Marketing

Why it stands out: With nominal fees and excellent placements, FMS is known as the “best ROI B-school” in India.

7. XLRI – Xavier School of Management

Location: Jamshedpur, Jharkhand

Known for: HRM, Ethics

Why it stands out: India’s oldest B-school, XLRI is a leader in human resource management and values-driven leadership.

8. SP Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR)

Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra

Known for: Values-based leadership, Family business

Why it stands out: SPJIMR combines innovation with strong corporate engagement and social sensitivity.

9. Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIMK)

Location: Kozhikode, Kerala

Known for: Diversity, Digital initiatives

Why it stands out: IIMK has emerged as a fast-growing IIM with a strong digital and global outlook.

10. Indian Institute of Management Indore (IIMI)

Location: Indore, Madhya Pradesh

Known for: 5-year IPM program

Why it stands out: Known for its Integrated Programme in Management (IPM), IIM Indore attracts top undergraduate talent.

11. Management Development Institute (MDI)

Location: Gurgaon, Haryana

Known for: Industry interface, HR

Why it stands out: Strategically located near Delhi, MDI offers excellent corporate exposure and strong placements.

12. Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS)

Location: Mumbai (with campuses in other cities)

Known for: Finance, Tech Management

Why it stands out: NMIMS offers a diverse set of specializations with a modern campus and robust alumni network.

13. Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM)

Location: Pune, Maharashtra

Known for: Marketing, Branding

Why it stands out: SIBM Pune is known for its vibrant campus life, academic rigor, and competitive placements.

14. Institute of Management Technology (IMT)

Location: Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh

Known for: Marketing, Leadership development

Why it stands out: IMT Ghaziabad offers industry-centric programs and strong placements, especially in marketing.

15. Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT)

Location: New Delhi & Kolkata

Known for: International Business

Why it stands out: IIFT specializes in trade and export-import programs with a niche focus on global markets.

16. Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) – School of Management and Labour Studies

Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra

Known for: HRM, Public policy

Why it stands out: TISS has a unique blend of social responsibility and management, particularly in HRM.

17. Great Lakes Institute of Management

Locations: Chennai & Gurgaon

Known for: One-year MBA, Analytics

Why it stands out: Great Lakes has a strong emphasis on data science, AI, and leadership for working professionals.

18. IIM Trichy / IIM Udaipur / IIM Raipur (Tie)

Locations: Tamil Nadu / Rajasthan / Chhattisgarh

Known for: Fast growth, Quality faculty

Why they stand out: These second-generation IIMs are gaining rapid traction with solid placements and curriculum.

19. Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management (LBSIM)

Location: New Delhi

Known for: General Management

Why it stands out: LBSIM offers well-rounded education and is especially strong in operations and systems.

20. BITS Pilani – Department of Management

Location: Pilani, Rajasthan

Known for: Tech-Management integration

Why it stands out: Backed by BITS’ tech legacy, the management program emphasizes innovation and technology.

Conclusion

India’s top business schools are more than academic institutions—they are catalysts for transformation. Whether you're seeking a high ROI, a global MBA, PGDM or specialized learning in areas like HR, finance, or international business, these institutions offer exceptional value.