Business Today Best B-School Ranking

In 2007, Business Today conducted a ranking of the top business schools in India, revealing a few changes in positions from the previous year while also highlighting the dominance of the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) at the top of the list. According to the rankings, the top five business schools remained unchanged from 2006, demonstrating their continued excellence in management education and their strong reputations within India and globally.

The first spot was secured by the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIM Ahmedabad), which consistently stands as one of India's most prestigious institutions. Known for its rigorous academic standards, highly selective admission process, and excellent placement records, IIM Ahmedabad's stature has remained unchallenged for several years. Its extensive alumni network, strong connections to industry, and focus on holistic development for its students contribute to its top-tier position. IIM Ahmedabad's flagship Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP) is highly sought after, and its faculty and research output are regularly recognized among the best in the world.

Following closely behind, the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore (IIM Bangalore) maintained its position as the second-best business school in India in 2007. IIM Bangalore is known for its emphasis on entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership development. Its strong focus on research, faculty expertise, and its robust industry interface make it a top choice for MBA aspirants. Over the years, the institution has earned a reputation for its balanced curriculum, which blends theoretical knowledge with practical applications in real-world business scenarios. As one of the leading IIMs, IIM Bangalore continues to attract students from across the globe, contributing to its international recognition.

In third place, the Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta (IIM Calcutta) continued to hold a prominent position in the rankings. Established in 1961, IIM Calcutta has long been known for its strong focus on finance and management education. The institution’s academic rigor, excellent faculty, and highly selective admissions process have helped it build a strong reputation both in India and globally. IIM Calcutta also boasts one of the best placement records among Indian business schools, with its graduates frequently landing positions in top global companies, particularly in finance, consulting, and management roles.

The fourth spot in the Business Today rankings was occupied by Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM), Pune, which retained its position from the previous year. Symbiosis is known for its diverse student body, excellent infrastructure, and strong focus on developing leadership and management skills in its students. The institution offers a variety of postgraduate and executive programs, with the two-year MBA being the flagship program. Symbiosis has developed a strong brand, attracting students from across the country and abroad, making it one of the leading private business schools in India.

The fifth position was secured by the Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow (IIM Lucknow), which has continued to grow in prominence over the years. Known for its emphasis on leadership, social responsibility, and management innovation, IIM Lucknow has become a major force in the Indian business education landscape. The institution's focus on research and its strong industry connections ensure that its students are well-prepared for leadership roles in various sectors. The IIM Lucknow brand, coupled with its rigorous academic curriculum, continues to attract high-quality candidates for its postgraduate programs.

The 2007 rankings also saw some notable movements outside the top five. The Indian Institute of Management, Indore (IIM Indore), which had ranked eighth in 2006, saw a significant jump in its position, climbing to sixth in 2007. This improvement was indicative of IIM Indore's growing reputation and its increasing strength in management education. The institution's focus on experiential learning, combined with its comprehensive MBA programs, has helped it attract more students and faculty, contributing to its rise in the rankings.

Similarly, the prestigious Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) in Mumbai made a notable leap in the rankings, climbing from 17th place in 2006 to join the top 10 in 2007. This jump reflected the growing reputation of NMIMS in the business education space, driven by its strong industry connections, well-established MBA programs, and focus on holistic management education. NMIMS has long been considered one of Mumbai’s top management schools, and its ascension into the top 10 was a testament to its increasing prominence.

The Indian Institute of Financial Management and Research (ICFAI), Hyderabad, also made a remarkable upward movement in the 2007 rankings, climbing from 134th to 9th place. This improvement underscored the institute’s efforts to enhance its academic offerings, develop stronger connections with industry, and refine its educational approach. ICFAI Hyderabad is known for its focus on financial management and its commitment to producing graduates who can excel in the fast-evolving financial sector.

One institution that experienced a slight decline in its ranking in 2007 was the Xavier Labour Relations Institute (XLRI), Jamshedpur. XLRI, which had previously held a top spot in the rankings, dropped two places to eighth in the 2007 rankings. Despite this, XLRI remains one of India’s most respected business schools, particularly known for its focus on human resources management and business ethics. The school’s programs in HR, management, and business leadership continue to attract students from across the country, making it a key player in India’s management education landscape.

In summary, the 2007 Business Today rankings for Indian business schools highlighted the continued dominance of the Indian Institutes of Management at the top, with IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, and IIM Calcutta securing the top three spots. Symbiosis and IIM Lucknow rounded out the top five, while IIM Indore, NMIMS, and ICFAI Hyderabad made impressive gains. XLRI’s slight drop was one of the few changes in an otherwise stable ranking of the best business schools in India. These rankings underscore the critical role that these institutions play in shaping the future of management education and producing leaders for both the Indian and global business communities.

Rankings of Best Indian Business Schools:
1. IIM A
2. IIM B
3. IIM C
4. Symbiosis
5. IIM L
6. IIM I
6. JBIMS
8. XLRI
9. ICAFAI Hyd
10.NMIMS
11.SPJIMR
12.FMS Delhi
13.IIM K
14.IIT Delhi
15.Welingkar
16.IIFT Delhi
17.Samaiya
18.MDI Gurgoan
19.ICFAI Mumbai
20.ABS Noida
21.Bimtech
22.LIBA
23.TISS
24.XIMB
25.Christ Bangalore
26.IIPM Mumbai
27.SIMSREE Mumbai
28.SIES
Source: Business Today 2007