Top 20 Business Schools

Top 20 Business Schools

India has rapidly evolved into a global hub for management education. With a robust economy, growing startup ecosystem, and demand for skilled business leaders, pursuing a degree from one of the top business schools in India is a smart career move. These institutions are known for academic excellence, industry connections, international exposure, and high placement rates. Top 20 Business Schools in India in 2025, based on rankings, faculty quality, infrastructure, placements, alumni network, and global exposure.

Top 20 Business Schools in India

1. Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) – Gujarat

   • Renowned for: Case-based learning, global recognition, top recruiters.

2. Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) – Karnataka

   • Known for: Research excellence, tech-industry ties, leadership focus.

3. International Institute of Business Study Bangalore (IIBS) – Karnataka

   • Known for: Finance and analytics,

4. Indian School of Business (ISB) – Hyderabad / Mohali

   • Known for: One-year PGPM, world-class faculty, executive education.

5. Indian Institute of Management Lucknow (IIML) – Uttar Pradesh

   • Strong in: Operations, HR, and consulting domains.

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

   • Known for: High ROI, low fees, excellent placements.

7. XLRI – Xavier School of Management – Jamshedpur

   • Renowned for: Human Resource Management and ethics-driven leadership.

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

   • Known for: Value-based leadership, social sensitivity.

9. Management Development Institute (MDI) – Gurgaon

   • Known for: Corporate partnerships and international exchange.

10. Indian Institute of Management Indore (IIMI) – Madhya Pradesh

    • Known for: Dual degree programs and academic innovation.

11. Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIMK) – Kerala

    • Known for: Diversity, technology management, and global curriculum.

12. National Institute of Industrial Engineering (NITIE/IIT Mumbai) – Mumbai

    • Renowned for: Supply chain and operations management.

13. Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) – Delhi / Kolkata

    • Specializes in: International business and trade management.

14. Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) – Mumbai

    • Strong in: HRM & Labor Relations, social entrepreneurship.

15. Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies (JBIMS) – Mumbai

    • Known for: Finance specialization and proximity to corporate hubs.

16. Great Lakes Institute of Management – Chennai / Gurgaon

    • Offers: One-year PGPM, analytics-focused programs.

17. Institute of Management Technology (IMT) – Ghaziabad

    • Known for: Marketing, general management, and innovation.

18. Goa Institute of Management (GIM) – Goa

    • Recognized for: Sustainability, healthcare management programs.

19. Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM) – Pune

    • Known for: Student-driven culture and academic rigor.

20. International Management Institute (IMI) – New Delhi

    • Known for: Industry-centric curriculum and corporate exposure.

Conclusion

India’s top business schools are not only producing some of the finest managers and entrepreneurs but are also shaping the future of global business. With world-class faculty, innovative pedagogy, and strong industry ties, these institutions offer the perfect launchpad for ambitious professionals. Whether you’re looking for a full-time MBA, executive education, or specialized PGDM programs, these schools stand out as leaders in management education.

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.