AIMA Top 100 Business Schools (India)

In 2006, the All India Management Association (AIMA) released a ranking of the top business schools in India. This ranking is an important indicator of the institutions that provide the highest quality of management education in the country. These schools are known for their rigorous academic programs, industry connections, and the ability to produce graduates who go on to have successful careers in various sectors of the economy. The AIMA rankings for 2006 featured a mix of well-established institutions, most of which are considered leaders in management education in India. Among these, the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) held prominent positions, with the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) also claiming the top spot.

The Indian Institute for Foreign Trade (IIFT) in New Delhi ranked first in the AIMA 2006 list. IIFT is highly regarded for its specialization in international business education. Established in 1963, the institute offers an MBA in International Business and has a unique position in India’s business education landscape. The institution has built a strong reputation for producing graduates who are well-equipped to handle the complexities of global trade and business. IIFT's focus on international business, along with its strong ties to industry, make it a preferred choice for students aspiring to work in international trade and related fields. The school’s MBA program is comprehensive and places great emphasis on real-world business scenarios, preparing its graduates to navigate the global business environment with confidence.

Following IIFT, the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) are well-represented in the AIMA rankings. The Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIM Ahmedabad) ranked second in the 2006 list. IIM Ahmedabad is one of India’s most prestigious business schools, known for its academic excellence and its influential alumni network. Established in 1961, the institute has earned a reputation for producing some of the finest business leaders in the country. Its rigorous academic program, combined with its global perspective and strong ties to the business community, makes it a leader in management education. The institution offers a range of postgraduate and executive programs, including the Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP), which is among the most sought-after in India. IIM Ahmedabad is also highly regarded internationally and consistently ranks among the top business schools globally.

In third place was the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore (IIM Bangalore), another prestigious institution that holds a significant position in the AIMA rankings. IIM Bangalore is known for its excellent faculty, its focus on research, and its emphasis on leadership and innovation. It offers a wide range of management programs, including the MBA and the Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP). The institute is also renowned for its entrepreneurial focus, and many of its graduates have gone on to start successful companies. IIM Bangalore has a strong international presence, with numerous partnerships with top global business schools. This international network helps provide its students with opportunities to gain exposure to global business practices and issues.

The fourth-ranked institution, the Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta (IIM Calcutta), is another one of India’s oldest and most well-regarded business schools. IIM Calcutta is known for its academic rigor and its strong focus on finance and management education. The institution, which was founded in 1961, is also recognized for its strong faculty, diverse student body, and its emphasis on leadership development. IIM Calcutta’s alumni network is extensive and influential, with many graduates holding senior positions in some of the world’s top corporations. The institution’s reputation for producing high-caliber professionals, particularly in the finance and consulting sectors, has cemented its place as one of India’s top business schools.

The Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow (IIM Lucknow), ranked fifth, further strengthens the presence of the IIM brand in the AIMA rankings. Established in 1984, IIM Lucknow has quickly gained recognition for its high academic standards, excellent faculty, and its focus on developing leadership skills. The institution offers a range of management programs, including the MBA and the Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP). IIM Lucknow has established itself as a leading business school in India, with strong industry ties and a growing global reputation. The school is particularly known for its emphasis on social responsibility and ethical leadership, areas in which it has gained a significant following.

Ranked sixth in the 2006 AIMA list was the Institute of Management Technology (IMT), Ghaziabad. IMT Ghaziabad is recognized for its focus on providing practical, industry-relevant education to its students. The institution has a strong faculty and a diverse student body, with students coming from different parts of India and abroad. IMT offers a range of postgraduate programs, including the flagship Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM), which is widely regarded as one of the top management programs in India. The institution also places a strong emphasis on leadership development, preparing students to excel in the fast-changing global business environment.

The Institute of Rural Management, Anand (IRMA), ranked seventh, is unique in its focus on rural management education. IRMA offers postgraduate programs in rural management and social entrepreneurship. The institution’s mission is to develop leadership in the rural and development sectors, providing students with the skills and knowledge necessary to make a positive impact in rural India. Founded in 1979, IRMA has been a pioneer in the field of rural management education and is widely regarded as one of India’s leading institutions for developing leaders in this important sector. The school’s focus on social responsibility and sustainable development distinguishes it from other business schools in India.

The Management Development Institute (MDI), Gurgaon, ranked eighth in the AIMA list. MDI Gurgaon is known for its strong academic curriculum and its emphasis on developing managerial and leadership skills. The institution offers a range of postgraduate and executive education programs, including the Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGPM), which is highly regarded in the Indian business community. MDI has built a strong network of alumni, many of whom hold senior positions in top global companies. The institution’s focus on providing practical management education and its ties to industry make it an attractive choice for students seeking a career in management.

The National Institute of Industrial Engineering (NITIE), Mumbai, was ranked ninth. NITIE is known for its focus on industrial engineering and supply chain management. The institution offers specialized programs in industrial engineering, logistics, and supply chain management, preparing students to take on leadership roles in industries such as manufacturing, logistics, and operations. Founded in 1963, NITIE has built a strong reputation in the field of operations management, and its graduates are in high demand in both India and abroad. NITIE’s focus on technical aspects of management, combined with its rigorous academic curriculum, make it a unique and highly respected institution.

Finally, the Xavier Labour Relations Institute (XLRI), Jamshedpur, ranked tenth. XLRI is one of India’s oldest and most respected business schools, known for its focus on human resources and business management. Established in 1949, XLRI is regarded as one of the pioneers in management education in India. The institution offers postgraduate programs in management, with a particular focus on human resources and organizational behavior. XLRI’s emphasis on ethics, social responsibility, and leadership has made it one of the most respected business schools in the country.

The AIMA 2006 rankings highlight the diversity of business schools in India, each contributing in unique ways to the field of management education. While the IIMs dominate the top spots, institutions like IIFT, IRMA, IMT, and XLRI also play a crucial role in shaping India’s business education landscape. These schools provide students with opportunities to learn from some of the best faculty in the world, develop strong networks with industry professionals, and prepare for successful careers in various sectors. The rankings are a testament to the growing demand for quality management education in India and the critical role these institutions play in developing the next generation of business leaders.

Ranking of Top 100 business schools by AIMA (All India Management Association):

1 Indian Institute For Foreign Trade, New Delhi
2 Indian Institute Of Management, Ahmedabad
3 Indian Institute Of Management, Bangalore
4 Indian Institute Of Management, Calcutta
5 Indian Institute Of Management, Lucknow
6 Institute Of Management Technology, Ghaziabad
7 Institute Of Rural Management, Anand
8 Management Development Institute, Gurgaon
9 National Institute Of Industrial Engineering, Mumbai
10 Xavier Labour Relations Institute Jamshedpur
11 Alliance Business Academy, Bangalore
12 Asia Pacific Institute Of Management,New Delhi
13 Babu Banarasi Das National Institute Of Technology and Management, Lucknow
14 Indian Institute Of Forest Management, Bhopal
15 Institute For Integrated Learning In Management, New Delhi
16 International Management Institute, Delhi
17 K.J. Somaiya Institute Of Management Studies and Research, Mumbai
18 Xavier Institute Of Management, Bhubaneshwar
19 Bharathidasan Institute Of Management ,Tiruchirappalli
20 BLS Institute Of Management, Ghaziabad
21 Indian Institute Of Social Welfare and Business Management, Kolkata
22 Institute For Financial Management and Research, Chennai
23 Institute Of Health Management Research, Jaipur
24 Institute Of Management and Information Science, Bhubaneshwar
25 Institute Of Management and Technology, Faridabad
26 Integrated Academy Of Management and Technology, Ghaziabad
27 International Institute For Special Education, Lucknow
28 K.S.R. Business School, Tiruchengode
29 Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute Of Management, Delhi
30 Loyola Institute Of Business Administration, Chennai
31 Mount Carmel Institute Of Management, Bangalore
32 New Delhi Institute Of Management, New Delhi
33 NIILM Center For Management Studies, New Delhi
34 PSG Institute Of Management (PSG College OF Technology), Coimbatore
35 Punjab College Of Technical Education, Ludhiana
36 Regional College Of Management, Bhubaneshwar
37 Acharya Institute Of Management and Sciences, Bangalore
38 Birla Institute Of Management Technology, Greater Noida
39 Christ College Institute Of Management, Bangalore
40 Goa Institute Of Management, Ribandar
41 Guru Nanak Institute Of Management and Technology, Ludhiana
42 IIMT Management College. Meerut
43 Indian Institute Of Business Management, Patna
44 Institute Of Engineering and Management, Kolkata
45 Institute Of Management Studies, Ghaziabad
46 Institute Of Rural Management, Jaipur
47 Institute Of Technology and Management, Navi Mumbai
48 Nice Management College, Meerut
49 Prestige Institute Of Management and Research, Indore
50 Rajarshi School Of Management and Technology, Varanasi
51 Rourkela Institute Of Management Studies, Rourkela
52 School Of Communication and Management Studies, Cochin
53 ST Francis Institute Of Management and Research, Mumbai
54 Tecnia Institute Of Advanced Studies,Delhi
55 Welingkar Institute Of Management Development and Research, Mumbai
56 Apeejay School Of Management, New Delhi
57 Coimbatore Institute Of Management and Technology, Coimbatore
58 College Of Agribusiness Management, Pantnagar Udham Singh Nagar
59 Dayananda Sagar College Of Management and IT, Bangalore
60 Department Of Management Studies ISM ,Dhanbad
61 Gian Jyoti Institute Of Management and Technology, Mohali
62 Indira Institute Of Management, Pune
63 Institute Of Finance and International Management, Bangalore
64 Institute Of Public Enterprise, Hyderabad
65 Ishan Institute Of Management and Technology, Greater Noida
66 Jagan Institute Of Management Studies, Delhi
67 Kristu Jayanti College Of Management and Technology, Bangalore
68 Master School Of Management, Meerut
69 MR DAV Institute Of Management Studies, Rohtak
70 Nehru College Of Management, Coimbatore
71 Rajagiri School Of Management, Kochi
72 Rakshpal Bahadur Management and Institute, Bareilly
73 SDM Institute For Management Development, Mysore
74 Unique Institute Of Management and Technology, Ghaziabad
75 Vaikunth Mehta National Institute Of Cooperative Management, Pune
76 ASM's Institute Of Business Management and Research ,Pune
77 Aurora Post Graduate College, Hyderabad
78 Bhai Gurdas Institute Of Management and Technology, Sangrur
79 Department Of Management Studies Avinashilingam, Coimbatore
80 DR. Gaur Hari Singhania Institute Of Management and Research, Kanpur
81 Fortune Institute Of International Business, New Delhi
82 Institute For Technology and Management, Chennai
83 Institute Of Business Management and Research, Indore
84 Invertis Institute Of Management Studies, Bareilly
85 Jaipuria Institute Of Management, Lucknow
86 Kousali Institute Of Management Studies, Dharwad
87 M M Institute Of Management, Ambala
88 Maharishi Arvind Institute Of Science and Management, Jaipur
89 MKM Indian Institute Of Management, Jaipur
90 Park's College, Coimbatore
91 Rizvi Institute Of Management Studies and Research, Mumbai
92 Shiva Institute Of Management Studies, Ghaziabad
93 SSM College Of Engineering, Namakkal
94 The Business School University Of Jammu
95 Velammal College Of Management and Computer Studies, Chennai
96 Ambedkar Institute Of Management Studies, Vishakhapatnam
97 Amrapali Institute Of Management and Computer Application, Haldwani
98 Bharati Vidyapeeth's Institute Of Management and Research, New Delhi
99 College Of Management Studies Kanpur
100 Delhi Institute Of Advanced Studies, Delhi

Source: AIMA 2006