Top IIM Colleges in India with NIRF Ranking

India’s management education landscape is globally respected, and at the core of it lie the prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). Known for rigorous academics, world-class faculty, stellar placements, and strong industry connect, the IIMs attract management aspirants from across the world. Every year, the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) releases a comprehensive ranking of higher education institutions, and IIMs consistently dominate the top slots in the management category.

In this blog, we explore the top IIM colleges in India with their NIRF rankings (2025), key highlights of each institute, and what makes them a preferred destination for MBA aspirants.

What is NIRF Ranking?

The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) is a government-run system that ranks educational institutions in India based on multiple parameters including:

Teaching, Learning & Resources (TLR)
Research and Professional Practice (RPC)
Graduation Outcomes (GO)
Outreach and Inclusivity (OI)
Perception

These parameters collectively assess the overall academic performance, industry relevance, research output, and student success of an institution. A strong NIRF ranking is often a reflection of excellence in these areas and helps students make informed decisions.

Top IIM Colleges in India (NIRF Rankings 2025)

Here’s a look at the IIMs that secured top positions in the NIRF 2025 management rankings.

Rank	Institute Name (IIM)	NIRF Rank 2025	Score
1	Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad	1	83.29
2	Indian Institute of Management Bangalore	2	81.56
3	Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode	3	79.85
5	Indian Institute of Management Lucknow	5	77.97
6	Indian Institute of Management Mumbai (NITIE)	6	77.58
7	Indian Institute of Management Calcutta	7	77.34
8	Indian Institute of Management Indore	8	75.68
15	Indian Institute of Management Raipur	15	65.03
16	Indian Institute of Management Tiruchirappalli	16	64.95
18	Indian Institute of Management Ranchi	18	62.77

Note: Rankings and scores are based on the NIRF 2025 Management Rankings published by the Ministry of Education, Government of India.

1. IIM Ahmedabad – Pinnacle of Management Excellence

NIRF Rank: 1 (2025) | Score: 83.29

Situated in the vibrant city of Ahmedabad, IIM Ahmedabad (IIMA) stands tall as the undisputed leader among Indian business schools. With a strong legacy of academic rigour, cutting-edge research, and unmatched industry partnerships, IIMA consistently tops the NIRF rankings. Its flagship Post Graduate Programme (PGP) in management is globally recognized and comes with impressive placement figures and high average salary packages.

Highlights:

Consistently ranked #1 in India
Highly selective admission through CAT
Strong alumni network in leadership and consulting roles
Excellent international exchange opportunities

IIM Ahmedabad’s superior ranking reflects its strength in teaching, research, and outcomes — making it the dream destination for MBA aspirants.

2. IIM Bangalore – Strategic Guru of Modern Business

NIRF Rank: 2 (2025) | Score: 81.56

Located in Bangalore — the tech and startup hub of India — IIM Bangalore (IIMB) blends traditional management teaching with contemporary business challenges. Known for its innovation, entrepreneurship focus, and robust placement records, IIMB is consistently among the top two IIMs in the country.

Why IIM Bangalore Stands Out:

Strong industry connect with tech and consulting firms
Diverse global exposure and research opportunities
Excellent leadership and strategy programs

The institute’s stellar ranking is testimony to its academic dynamism and corporate relevance.

3. IIM Kozhikode – South India’s Premier B-School

NIRF Rank: 3 (2025) | Score: 79.85

IIM Kozhikode (IIMK) in Kerala has steadily risen through the ranks to become a top-tier management institute. Known for its picturesque campus and robust academic programs, IIM Kozhikode emphasizes holistic learning and industry readiness.

Key Strengths:

Balanced curriculum with strong analytics focus
Diverse student cohort
Competitive placements in consulting, finance, and analytics

A top three finish in the NIRF rankings underscores its growing prestige.

4. IIM Lucknow – Rising Power of Business Education

NIRF Rank: 5 (2025) | Score: 77.97

IIM Lucknow (IIML) has made significant strides in recent years, climbing into the top five in the 2025 NIRF rankings. This achievement not only showcases academic excellence but also highlights IIM Lucknow as the leading management institute in Uttar Pradesh.

What Sets IIM Lucknow Apart:

Strong curriculum with industry immersion
Dynamic placement opportunities
Emphasis on entrepreneurship and innovation

Its recent rise in rankings highlights enhanced academic standards and broader recognition.

5. IIM Mumbai (NITIE) – Specialist in Operations & Analytics

NIRF Rank: 6 (2025) | Score: 77.58

The institute previously known as NITIE (National Institute of Industrial Engineering) is now part of the IIM family as IIM Mumbai. It is well-known for its specialized focus on operations management, supply chain, and analytics.

Highlights:

Strong placement records — especially in operations and consulting
Deep industry linkages with manufacturing and service sectors
Unique focus compared to other IIMs

IIM Mumbai is a preferred choice for candidates targeting operational excellence.

6. IIM Calcutta – Finance & Analytics Powerhouse

NIRF Rank: 7 (2025) | Score: 77.34

IIM Calcutta (IIMC) is one of India’s oldest and most respected management schools. Traditionally known for its strength in finance and analytics, IIMC consistently attracts top recruiters and offers exceptional opportunities in investment banking, consulting, and corporate strategy.

Strengths Include:

Strong finance and analytics curriculum
Global collaborations
Excellent research output

IIM Calcutta’s ranking reflects its historic excellence and evolving dynamism.

7. IIM Indore – Innovation Meets Management

NIRF Rank: 8 (2025) | Score: 75.68

IIM Indore has carved a niche with its balanced focus on academics, research, and industry engagement. It is well-known for its Five-Year Integrated Programme in Management (IPM), offering early career opportunities for school-leavers.

Why It’s Popular:

Diversified program offerings
Strong summer internship and placement record
Growing global presence

Its consistent position within the top 10 highlights its relevance in today’s management education ecosystem.

8. IIM Raipur – Emerging New-Age IIM

NIRF Rank: 15 (2025) | Score: 65.03

As one of the newer IIMs, IIM Raipur has made its mark by emphasizing research, innovation, and practical learning. Its improved NIRF ranking reflects a rapidly growing academic and institutional profile.

Focus Areas:

Emerging business specializations
Strong industry collaborations
Research and analytical rigor

IIM Raipur’s trajectory suggests promising growth in the years ahead.

9. IIM Tiruchirappalli – South India’s Rising Star

NIRF Rank: 16 (2025) | Score: 64.95

Located in Tamil Nadu, IIM Tiruchirappalli (IIM Trichy) is another example of an emerging and dynamic IIM. It focuses on building industry-ready managers with strong conceptual and analytical skills.

Key Highlights:

Growing corporate recognition
Strong placements in analytics and consulting
Emphasis on holistic learning

Its rising NIRF rank highlights its expanding reputation.

10. IIM Ranchi – Consistent Performer

NIRF Rank: 18 (2025) | Score: 62.77

IIM Ranchi continues to evolve as a strong management institution. Known for its rigorous programs and dedicated faculty, IIM Ranchi maintains a consistent profile in national rankings.

Why Consider IIM Ranchi:

Strong postgraduate programs
Focus on analytics and technology
Growing industry engagement

Why IIMs Still Lead the Management Education Landscape

IIMs hold a special place not just in India but increasingly on the global business education map. Here’s why they continue to dominate:

1. Strong Corporate Connect

IIMs have established relationships with top multinational corporations, consulting firms, and startups, ensuring excellent internship and placement opportunities.

2. Rigorous Academics

The curriculum is regularly updated to reflect industry needs, emphasizing case studies, live projects, and experiential learning.

3. Research & Thought Leadership

IIMs are not just teaching institutions — they are research powerhouses contributing to management theory and practice.

4. Diverse Student Community

Students from varied backgrounds enrich the learning environment, fostering peer learning and cultural exchange.

5. Global Exposure

Many IIMs have student exchange programs with top global universities, enhancing international exposure.

Conclusion

Choosing the right management institute is pivotal to shaping a successful career. The NIRF rankings serve as a credible benchmark, especially when comparing colleges like the IIMs, which consistently rank among the best in India.

Top IIM Colleges in India with NIRF Ranking (2026 Edition)