IIMs have established a robust global reputation over the years and now appear prominently in leading global rankings like the QS Global MBA Rankings, Financial Times Global MBA Rankings etc. Three IIMs namely IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore and IIM Calcutta are consistently featured in the Financial Times rankings while their Executive MBA offerings are featured in the QS Global Executive MBA rankings. Most IIMs are now among the top 50 to 100 global business schools especially in the Asia-Pacific region. These milestones indicate their rising credibility in the international business school ecosystem and growing influence on emerging economy leadership development.

One of the main strengths of IIMs lies in their academic merit and curriculum approach. They have world-class faculty, several of whom are educated at globally renowned institutions like Harvard, Stanford, Wharton and globally respected Indian institutions like IITs and IISc. The teaching approach is case-based and the experiential education is based on the pedagogical models of top world business schools. IIM programs integrate core management theory with new areas such as data analytics, public policy, entrepreneurship and global business. Students are exposed to international exchange programs, cross-cultural immersion modules and global consulting projects. Some IIMs also have incubation centres and entrepreneurship cells that nurture startups and innovation-based projects. Moreover, their robust industry connections through internships, guest lectures, consulting projects and live cases keep the curriculum grounded and market-focused.

IIM’s placement performance remains unparalleled. Top-notch consulting companies like McKinsey, BCG and Bain along with premier investment banks, tech behemoths, FMCG giants and high-growth companies hire IIM graduates. Most of them get six-figure package deals (both in INR and USD). Apart from placements, IIM alumni are leaving their imprints around the world—as CXOs and board members in Fortune 500 firms, entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, researchers and teachers. This influential alumni network not only accelerates career advancement but also provides long-term mentorship, opportunities for collaboration and strategic networking across geographies and industries.

In short, an MBA from an IIM is not a degree—it's a passport to global leadership. With academic quality, global exposure, strong career guidance and unparalleled brand strength the IIM experience enables students to lead with purpose in a constantly changing business landscape.

About the Indian Institute of Management (IIMs) 

An Indian Institute of Management (IIM) is one of India's best business schools founded by the Government of India to offer quality education in business leadership and management. These institutions are renowned for producing successful business leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers and professors who leave their mark in India and around the world.

The concept of establishing IIMs was conceived in the late 1950s when India required competent managers to assist in maintaining its evolving economy and public sector. To satisfy this requirement, the government resolved to establish specialised institutions to train professionals in contemporary management concepts. Consequently, the first two IIMs - IIM Calcutta and IIM Ahmedabad were established in 1961 with foreign assistance. IIM Calcutta was initiated in collaboration with MIT Sloan School of Management (USA) and IIM Ahmedabad was guided by Harvard Business School (USA). These initial collaborations brought international best practices to Indian management education.

Since then, the number of IIMs has increased steadily. Now, there are 21 IIMs spread across various cities in India including the well-established ones such as IIM Bangalore, IIM Lucknow, IIM Kozhikode, IIM Indore and IIM Shillong and the newer ones in cities such as Ranchi, Udaipur, Rohtak and Jammu. Collectively, they constitute a strong network of institutions dedicated to excellence in management education.

All IIMs have been formally recognised as Institutions of National Importance according to the Indian Institutes of Management Act, 2017. This provides a special status and autonomy to them to make their own decisions on academics, admissions and administration. Significantly, they can now grant degrees like MBA, Executive MBA and PhD in Management.

Types of MBA Programs Offered by the IIMs 

The IIM full-form is the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). It offers a range of programs to meet the needs of candidates at different points in their academic and professional careers. They provide the flagship 2-year MBA, a 1-year full-time Executive MBA for senior professionals or part-time executive MBA, full-time research programs (FPM/PhD) and a number of specialised MBAs for specific industries or functions.

An MBA (PGP/PGDM) is a two-year residential full-time postgraduate program. Admission is mainly through the Common Admission Test (CAT). This program is well-suited for early-career professionals or fresh graduates who wish to create a firm base in business management. The structured summer internships and strong campus placements across sectors such as consulting, finance, marketing and technology are provided in this program.

The 1-Year Executive MBA (like PGPX, EPGP or PGPMAX) is targeted at mid-career professionals who have five or more years of work experience. Admission to such programs is normally based on a GMAT or GRE score, professional success and leadership potential. Such programs are intensive in nature and aimed at equipping experienced professionals with the skills necessary for senior management or strategic leadership positions in India and worldwide. Complete placement support is provided though a few candidates utilise this program for self-sponsored moves or entrepreneurship.

Fellow Programme in Management (FPM) or PhD in Management is a 4-5 year full-funded doctoral-level research program. The candidates normally require a master's degree or equivalent qualification. These programs are appropriate for students aiming for academic careers, policy research or senior consulting. Although conventional placements are not provided, graduates are facilitated in academic job placements, post-doctoral research and think tanks.

Finally, IIMs offer a variety of Specialised MBA programs each focused on a specific sector or domain. These include degrees such as the MBA in Human Resource Management (MBA-HR), Food and Agribusiness Management (MBA-FABM), Sustainability Management (MBA-SM) and Business Analytics. These programs are typically two years long with admission through CAT often along with additional criteria such as background relevance or statement of purpose. They are designed for students who have a clear interest in a specific career path and offer targeted internships and final placements in relevant industries such as FMCG, agri-business, analytics, ESG or HR consulting.

In short, the IIM system provides a complete range of management programs ranging from generalist MBAs to specialised executive and research streams so that there is an appropriate fit for candidates at every level of their career and academic interests.

List of Courses Offered by IIMs through the CAT Exam 

The Indian Institute of Management (IIMs) courses list is given below the students can be admitted by clearing the CAT exam: 

List of Programs Offered by IIMs 

The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) provide diverse management courses to suit students, working professionals and researchers at different career stages. Ranging from full-time MBA and integrated BBA+MBA programs to executive education, fellowships and specialised courses every IIM has its own combination of courses depending on its strengths and areas of focus. Following is a comprehensive list of programs available at the different IIMs along with their duration and modes: 

IIMs Rankings and Global Recognition

IIMs in NIRF  2024 and IIRF 2025 Rankings

The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) are the most elite business schools in India and they are ranked consistently by national institutions such as the NIRF (National Institutional Ranking Framework) and the IIRF (Indian Institutional Ranking Framework). The rankings are determined on several parameters such as academic achievements, placements, faculty, industry interfaces and research. Below is a comparison of how various IIMs have performed in the NIRF 2024 rankings and the IIRF 2025 rankings. 

IIMs in the QS Global and FT World Ranking 2025 

Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) are not only the best picks in India but are also acquiring strong international recognition. Each year credible global rankings such as the QS Global MBA Rankings and the Financial Times (FT) World Rankings rank business schools around the world based on aspects such as academic reputation, career progression, international experience and return on investment. The below table indicates how top IIMs fared in the QS Global MBA Rankings 2025 and FT Global MBA Rankings 2025. 

Accreditations of the IIMs 

Accreditations are significant quality marks that indicate a business school is up to international standards in terms of education, faculty, curriculum and graduates' achievements. Several Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) have received top international accreditations like AACSB (USA), EQUIS (Europe) and AMBA (UK) also referred to collectively as the "Triple Crown" when all three are obtained. Below is a list of several IIMs and the accreditations they have attained which reflects their adherence to international standards in management education.

IIMs Fees and Average Package 

While selecting an IIM, the two factors that the students consider are the cost of the program and the salary they will receive once they graduate. This table provides a quick comparison of the PGP/MBA program fees and the average placement packages provided across different IIMs.