MBA Rankings 2025
- Goalisb
- Oct 15
- 19 min read
Analyzing the QS and FT MBA rankings requires a detailed look at the criteria each ranking system considers and the scores attributed to these criteria. These have been analysed here through comparisons of FT Global MBA Ranking 2023 QS Global 2024 Global MBA rankings. Understanding this discussion will be helpful especially for those who are eyeing MBA admissions abroad.
Planning your MBA abroad? Get personalized guidance on selecting the best-ranked programs aligned with your profile and goals- book your MBA strategy session with GOALisB today.
Exploring the MBA Ranking Methodology:
Financial Times (FT) Global MBA Ranking
Key Components:
Alumni-informed criteria (56% weight)
Weighted salary (16%)
Salary increase (16%)
Value for money (5%)
Career progress (3%)
Aims achieved (4%)
Other alumni criteria (12%)
School data criteria (34%)
Faculty diversity
International student diversity
International experience
Faculty with doctorates
Research rank (10%)
ESG and carbon footprint metrics
Unique Strengths:
Comprehensive evaluation including academic quality
Strong focus on international aspects
Inclusion of ESG factors
Long-standing reputation and consistent methodology
Limitations:
Heavy reliance on salary metrics
May favor programs in high-cost-of-living areas
Three-year post-graduation timeframe might not capture long-term value
QS Global MBA Rankings
Key Components:
Employability (40%)
Return on Investment (20%)
Entrepreneurship and Alumni Outcomes (15%)
Thought Leadership (15%)
Class & Faculty Diversity (10%)
Unique Strengths:
Strong focus on employability through employer surveys
Consideration of 10-year ROI
Emphasis on entrepreneurship outcomes
Balance of short-term and long-term metrics
Limitations:
Reliance on reputation surveys
May favor established programs
Limited consideration of curriculum innovation
LinkedIn MBA Rankings:
LinkedIn MBA Rankings Key Components:
Hiring and demand
Job placement rates
Labor market demand (2019-2023)
Ability to advance
Recent cohort promotions
Time to reach director/VP roles
Network strength
Alumni interconnectedness
Quality of professional networks
Network growth rates
Leadership potential
Post-MBA entrepreneurship
C-suite achievement
Gender diversity
Unique Strengths:
Real-time career progression data
Detailed network analysis
Focus on recent outcomes
Data-driven methodology
Limitations:
Limited to LinkedIn platform data
May favor tech-oriented programs
Newer ranking with less historical context
FT Global MBA Rankings 2024 - Top 30 Business Schools Worldwide
Rank | School | Salary (USD) | Employment Rate | Int'l Students | Rank Change |
1 | $247,875 | 92% | 35% | - | |
2 | $202,294 | 84% | 96% | - | |
3 | $232,756 | 81% | 57% | -2 | |
3 | $202,534 | 95% | 74% | 3 | |
5 | $187,667 | 94% | 87% | -2 | |
6 | $220,178 | 92% | 47% | 3 | |
6 | $229,639 | 87% | 41% | 5 | |
8 | $196,169 | 90% | 95% | 8 | |
9 | $197,906 | 93% | 54% | -1 | |
10 | $230,621 | 94% | 48% | 1 | |
11 | $245,217 | 80% | 39% | -7 | |
12 | $177,008 | 90% | 96% | 5 | |
12 | $214,422 | 93% | 42% | 3 | |
14 | $204,916 | 92% | 56% | -3 | |
15 | $201,272 | 88% | 50% | -5 | |
16 | $205,183 | 95% | 46% | 1 | |
17 | $179,304 | 91% | 98% | 13 | |
18 | $197,111 | 86% | 46% | -4 | |
19 | $218,992 | 88% | 54% | -12 | |
20 | $174,215 | 96% | 98% | 2 | |
21 | $207,358 | 94% | 48% | -2 | |
21 | Ceibs | $185,700 | 94% | 18% | -1 |
23 | $255,104 | 82% | 47% | -19 | |
24 | Shanghai University of Finance and Economics | $211,973 | 100% | 10% | -1 |
25 | ESCP Business School | $143,907 | 99% | 100% | 2 |
26 | $178,657 | 87% | 98% | 2 | |
27 | $165,973 | 87% | 94% | -2 | |
27 | Fudan University | $169,057 | 91% | 7% | 21 |
29 | $174,961 | 94% | 98% | -6 | |
30 | University of Washington: Foster | $179,547 | 89% | 56% | 2 |
LinkedIn Top 30 MBA Ranked Business Schools
Rank | Institution | Notable Programs | Common Job Titles |
1 | Stanford University | - | Founder, Product Manager, Chief of Staff |
2 | INSEAD | Global EMBA, Tsinghua-INSEAD EMBA | Product Manager, Strategy Consultant, Founder |
3 | Harvard University | 2+2 Program | Product Manager, Founder, Chief of Staff |
4 | University of Pennsylvania | EMBA | Investment Banking Associate, Product Manager, Founder |
5 | MIT | Sloan Fellows MBA, EMBA | Product Manager, Founder, Investment Banking Associate |
6 | Indian School of Business | EMBA, Weekend EMBA | Product Manager, Program Manager, Management Consultant |
7 | Northwestern University | Part-Time MBA, EMBA | Product Manager, Investment Banking Associate, Brand Manager |
8 | Dartmouth College | - | Investment Banking Associate, Product Manager, Product Marketing Manager |
9 | Columbia University | EMBA | Investment Banking Associate, Product Manager, Founder |
10 | University of Chicago | Weekend MBA, Evening MBA, EMBA, Early Career MBA | Investment Banking Associate, Product Manager, Strategy Consultant |
11 | University of London | EMBA (London, Dubai, Global), One-Year MBA | Product Manager, Investment Banking Associate, Founder |
12 | University of Virginia | Part-Time MBA, EMBA, Future Year Scholars | Investment Banking Associate, Product Manager, Strategy Consultant |
13 | Duke University | Accelerated Daytime MBA, Global EMBA, Weekend EMBA | Investment Banking Associate, Product Manager, Strategy Consultant |
14 | WHU | Part-Time MBA, Global Online MBA, Kellogg-WHU EMBA | Project Manager, Product Manager, Business Development Manager |
15 | University of Oxford | EMBA | Founder, Product Manager, Strategy Consultant |
16 | Yale University | EMBA | Investment Banking Associate, Product Manager, Program Manager |
17 | Cornell University | Tech MBA, Part-Time Finance MBA, EMBA | Investment Banking Associate, Product Manager, Finance Manager |
18 | UC Berkeley | EMBA, Evening and Weekend MBA | Product Manager, Founder, Investment Banking Associate |
19 | IIM Ahmedabad | EMBA, Online MBA | Product Manager, Business Analyst, Program Manager |
20 | University of Navarra | EMBA, Global EMBA | Product Manager, Strategy Consultant, Operations Manager |
21 | HEC Paris | EMBA | Product Manager, Operations Manager, Project Manager |
22 | IMD | EMBA | Product Manager, Project Manager, Founder |
23 | New York University | EMBA, Tech MBA, Luxury & Retail MBA, Part-Time MBA | Investment Banking Associate, Product Manager, Brand Manager |
24 | IIM Calcutta | MBA for Executives | Product Manager, Management Analyst, Business Consultant |
25 | UCLA | Fully Employed MBA, EMBA, UCLA-NUS EMBA | Product Manager, Investment Banking Associate, Program Manager |
26 | Emory University | One-Year MBA, Evening MBA, EMBA | Investment Banking Associate, Strategy Consultant, Product Manager |
27 | IIM Bangalore | One-Year EMBA, Weekend EMBA, MBA Business Analytics | Product Manager, Program Manager, Business Analyst |
28 | USC | Part-Time MBA, EMBA, Online MBA, One-Year MBA | Product Manager, Financial Analyst, Investment Banking Associate |
29 | IIM Lucknow | MBA for Working Executives, MBA E&I, One-Year EMBA | Product Manager, Program Manager, Business Consultant |
30 | University of Michigan | Weekend MBA, Online MBA, EMBA, Evening MBA | Product Manager, Investment Banking Associate, Strategy Consultant |
FT Global MBA Ranking 2023 Rankings
Financial and Career Outcomes
Weighted Salary (16%): This crucial metric in the FT methodology looks at the average alumni salary three years post-MBA, adjusted for sector variations, emphasizing the financial rewards of the MBA.
Salary Increase (16%): This evaluates the salary uplift from pre- to post-MBA, taking into account both absolute and percentage increases, showcasing the immediate financial impact of the MBA.
Value for Money (5%): Calculated based on the cost of the MBA against post-MBA salary, this metric assesses the financial prudence of the investment in an MBA.
Career Services and Alumni Success
Career Progress (3%): This measures the advancement in alumni careers in terms of seniority and organization size, post-MBA.
Aims Achieved (4%): Reflects the degree to which alumni have met their personal and professional objectives through the MBA.
Alumni Network (4%) and Careers Service (3%): These criteria evaluate the effectiveness of the alumni network and career services provided by the school, underscoring the support system available for career development.
Diversity and Global Exposure
Diversity Ranks: Including sector diversity (3%), female faculty (3%), female students (3%), and women on boards (1%), these metrics highlight the program's commitment to fostering a diverse learning environment.
International Exposure: Metrics like international faculty, students, and board members (each 3%), along with international mobility (5%) and international course experience (3%), assess the global perspective and opportunities provided by the MBA program.
Academic Excellence and Research
Faculty with Doctorates (5%): This indicates the academic rigor and expertise of the faculty.
FT Research Rank (10%): Based on publications in selected journals, this metric reflects the research output and its impact, emphasizing the intellectual contributions of the faculty.
Sustainability and Ethical Leadership
Carbon Footprint Rank (4%) and ESG Teaching Rank (3%): These criteria evaluate the program's commitment to sustainability and responsible business education, aligning with contemporary global challenges.
QS Ranking Methodology Highlights for Comparison:
Employer Reputation (35%): Derived from the QS Global Employer Survey, this reflects the desirability of graduates in the job market, akin to the FT's employment-related metrics but with a heavier weight.
Alumni Outcomes (10%): This looks at the success of the school's alumni, similar to FT's career progress and aims achieved but with a specific focus on high-achieving alumni.
Entrepreneurship (5%): Unique to QS, this metric evaluates the entrepreneurial success post-MBA, reflecting the growing trend of MBA graduates founding startups.
Return on Investment: Including 10-year ROI (15%) and payback period (5%), these metrics assess the long-term financial benefits of the MBA, somewhat akin to FT's value for money but with a longer-term perspective.
Thought Leadership: Comprising academic reputation (10%), research impact (2.5%), and percentage of faculty with PhDs (2.5%), these metrics mirror FT's emphasis on academic excellence and research output but with a distinct methodology.
The FT MBA Ranking offers a holistic view of the MBA experience, covering financial rewards, career development, diversity, global exposure, academic rigor, and sustainability. The QS ranking, while sharing some similarities, places a stronger emphasis on employer reputation, long-term ROI, and entrepreneurship, reflecting different priorities and methodologies in evaluating MBA programs. Both rankings provide valuable insights but from distinct perspectives, catering to varied aspects of what prospective students might value in an MBA education.
Not sure how to use rankings effectively? Connect GOALisB mentors to understand what each ranking means for post-MBA outcomes and tailor school selection accordingly.
Comprehending the FT Global MBA Ranking 2023 Rankings
FT MBA ranking measures a variety of factors, which can be broadly classified under career progress, diversity, international exposure, research capability and financials. Important criteria are:
Career Progress: This is measured by FT MBA ranking using career progress rank, employed at three months, and salary percentage increase. The emphasis here lies on the actual career growth and remuneration hike experienced by alumni after graduation.
Diversity and International Exposure: Sector diversity rank, international mobility rank, female faculty (%), international faculty (%) and international students (%) are some of the indicators that reflect how diverse the program is as well as its global nature.
Research & Teaching Excellence: The FT research rank and faculty with doctorates represent how much impact they have had in terms of quality research by the professors involved as well as academic rigour within the programme.
Sustainability and Ethical Leadership: The carbon footprint rank and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and net zero teaching rank highlight the program's focus on sustainability and responsible business practices.
Understanding QS Global 2024 Global MBA Ranking
On the other hand, in the QS ranking the following key areas are given more priority:
Employability: This criterion measures how many of the school’s graduates are absorbed into the job market as represented by employment score and rank.
Entrepreneurship and Alumni Outcomes: It looks at how well alumni from a particular institution have been able to succeed in starting businesses and otherwise achieving professionally, as indicated by entrepreneurship & alumni outcomes score and rank.
Return on Investment (ROI): The ROI score and rank compare what graduates earn relative to what they would have paid for their MBAs with a focus on long-run value of education investment.
Thought Leadership: Through thought leadership score and rank, this criterion gauges how much influence an educational institution has on business practices and academic disciplines through research and innovation.
Diversity: The diversity score and rank take into account various efforts of the program aimed at promoting inclusivity with respect to people from different nationalities, cultures, races, among others.
Comparative Interpretation of MBA Rankings
Focus on Employability and Career Progress: Both rankings prioritize the impact of an MBA on career advancement. FT includes direct career progress metrics, while QS assigns a significant weight to employability, reflecting a shared emphasis on the practical career benefits of the MBA.
Valuing Diversity and International Exposure: Each ranking system acknowledges the importance of diversity and global perspectives in business education, though they use different metrics to capture this aspect.
Emphasizing Thought Leadership and Academic Excellence: The presence of research-related criteria in both rankings highlights the value placed on thought leadership and the generation of new knowledge within MBA programs.
Assessing Financial Outcomes: QS explicitly considers ROI, focusing on the financial gains relative to the cost. FT incorporates salary-related metrics, such as salary today and weighted salary, to reflect financial success post-MBA.
While both rankings share common themes, the specific criteria and their weightings differ, offering varied perspectives on what defines a top MBA program. The FT ranking provides a comprehensive view that includes career outcomes, diversity, and research excellence, with a notable emphasis on sustainability and ethics. The QS ranking, with its clear focus on employability, entrepreneurship, ROI, and thought leadership, presents a more focused analysis on the direct impact of the MBA on graduates' career trajectories and financial success.
Analyzing the top 20 schools from the FT Global MBA Ranking 2023 and the QS Global 2024 Global MBA Ranking reveals a fascinating overlap and some unique entries in each list.
Common Schools in Both Top 20 Lists of QS and FT MBA Rankings:
Harvard Business School: Harvard, well known for being a leader in business education, always takes the lead in this regard because of its tough courses, respected lecturers and influential graduates.
INSEAD MBA: The two rankings also recognize INSEAD as global university with campuses in France, Singapore and Abu Dhabi. As seen from the rankings above, INSEAD is an international institution that believes in diversity and global business.
London Business School: Both lists place LBS near the top which shows how it has balanced its programmes in terms of academic rigour and practical business sense.
Columbia Business School: The location of New York City provides a strategic edge to Columbia University while it’s close working relationships with corporate America buttress its ranking.
IESE MBA; MIT Sloan; UC Berkeley Haas; Chicago Booth; UCLA Anderson; Yale School of Management - these institutions are highly ranked by both sources thereby confirming their consistent performance through years. Comparing ranks secured by select schools in QS Global 2024 Global MBA Ranking vs FT Global MBA Ranking 2023 gives one insights into various assessment criteria as well as strengths per each ranking.
Here's a comparative analysis of MBA Rankings of top ranked Business Schools:
Columbia Business School
FT Rank: 1
QS Rank: 7
Columbia's top position in the FT ranking indicates exceptional performance across a broad range of criteria, including career progression and research. Its QS rank, while still in the top 10, suggests other schools may edge out Columbia in QS-specific criteria like employability and thought leadership.
Harvard Business School
FT Rank: 4
QS Rank: 3
Harvard's consistent top rankings in both FT and QS highlights its unparalleled reputation, academic rigor, and the strength of its alumni network, reflecting well-rounded excellence.
London Business School
FT Rank: 16
QS Rank: 4
LBS's stronger performance in the QS ranking could be attributed to its high employability score and global alumni network, while the FT ranking reflects its broader performance across various metrics.
HEC Paris MBA
FT Rank: 17
QS Rank: 5
HEC Paris's higher rank in QS than in FT could indicate its strengths in employability and alumni outcomes, which are heavily weighted in the QS methodology.
FT Rank: 10
QS Rank: 16
Yale's top 10 position in the FT ranking is indicative of its strong career progress and satisfaction scores among alumni. Its QS rank reflects competitive performance, though other schools may surpass it in QS-specific criteria. Yale's strong FT rank indicates high satisfaction and career progress among alumni. Its QS rank, while still in the top tier, suggests it's in a competitive field particularly in QS metrics like employability and thought leadership.
Insead MBA
FT Rank: 2
QS Rank: 11
Insead's strong FT rank reflects its global orientation and diverse community. Its QS rank indicates competitive performance, particularly in employability and international mobility, though it faces stiff competition in these areas.
The comparison shows that schools excel in different areas as highlighted by their ranks in the two rankings. The FT ranking provides a broad assessment including diversity, international exposure, and research, while QS focuses on employability, ROI, and thought leadership. This analysis highlights the importance for prospective students to consider multiple factors when choosing an MBA program, as rankings provide just one perspective on a school's strengths and offerings.
Author's Bio:
Shruti P is a seasoned MBA admissions consultant at GOALisB, known for her strategic insights and personalized approach to helping candidates navigate the complex landscape of business school admissions. Shruti's expertise extends beyond admissions consulting; she is also a thought leader in the field, contributing valuable knowledge through articles, webinars, and workshops that demystify the admissions process and highlight the latest trends in MBA education.
Complete MBA Resource Guide: Explore Global Opportunities
Choosing an MBA program can be complex, especially with numerous international options. This guide provides you with categorized resources for popular MBA destinations and essential insights to aid in your application journey.
General MBA Admissions Resources
Kickstart your research with these foundational resources on MBA admissions abroad:
MBA Programs in Australia
Australia’s MBA programs are internationally renowned, offering students a rich learning environment and post-study work opportunities:
MBA Programs in Canada
Canada is a leading choice for international students due to its quality education, safe environment, and supportive post-graduation work policies. Explore these top Canadian MBA programs:
McGill MBA
Alberta MBA
DeGroote School of Business MBA
HEC Montreal MBA
UBC Sauder School Programs
Schulich MBA
Rotman School of Management Overview
Ivey Business School
For an overview and general insights:
Complete Guide to MBA in Canada
Canadian MBA Universities
MBA Programs in Europe
European MBA programs provide a culturally immersive and globally connected learning environment. Here’s a selection of top programs across the region:
SDA Bocconi MBA
IESE MBA
IMD MBA
Cambridge MBA
HEC Paris MBA
One-Year MBA Programs in Europe
INSEAD MBA Overview
International Student Expectations in the UK
Top 20 European MBA Programs
Additional insights for applicants:
London Business School Application Tips
MBA Programs in Germany
Germany’s MBA programs appeal to those interested in tech, engineering, and manufacturing. Key resources for Germany:
MBA Programs in Singapore
Singapore is a strategic choice for MBAs focusing on Asia-Pacific business opportunities. Find out more here:
Compare regions:
MBA in Canada vs. MBA in Singapore
MBA Programs in the United States
The U.S. offers world-class MBA programs, known for their strong alumni networks and career support. Here’s a breakdown of popular U.S. programs:
Explore further with specific U.S. schools:
Essential MBA Application Resources
Beyond selecting a program, these resources can help you enhance your application:
For further specialized insights:
Frequently Asked Questions
Which MBA is best in 2025?
According to top global rankings, Stanford Graduate School of Business is ranked #1 in the QS Global MBA Rankings 2025, followed by The Wharton School (Penn) and Harvard Business School.
What “best” means depends a lot on your priorities (location, cost, post-MBA salary, network, specialization). Here are the top contenders of 2025 and what they’re known for, plus trade-offs:
MBA Program | What it Excels At / Strengths | Things to Consider / Trade-Offs |
Stanford GSB | Leading global recognition, excellent placement in tech and entrepreneurship, strong alumni network. QS #1 in 2025. | Very competitive admissions, high cost, high income career prerequisite works best in U.S. / global roles. |
Wharton (University of Pennsylvania) | Outstanding in finance, high graduate salaries; ranked #1 in Financial Times 2025. | Strong brand in finance/consulting, but cost is high and value depends on salary bump vs investment. |
Harvard Business School | Very selective, high opportunity cost, and you must leverage the network strongly. | |
MIT Sloan | Demanding curriculum, may be less strong in soft-skills areas unless you work on them. | |
London Business School (LBS), HEC Paris, IE / IESE | May have higher cost of living in Europe; different visa/employment constraints depending on where you return or want to stay. |
Is it worth doing an MBA in 2025?
Yes, an MBA in 2025 is still worth it if you aim for career acceleration, leadership roles, or industry/functional switch, though ROI depends on school ranking, fees, and career clarity.
The value of an MBA in 2025 depends on your goals, background, and the type of program you pursue.
Why an MBA is Worth It in 2025:
Career Growth & Leadership:
MBAs continue to be a gateway to senior management and CXO roles.
Consulting, investment banking, and tech leadership remain strong recruiters.
Career Switch Opportunities:
Ideal for moving from technical to managerial roles.
Popular transitions: IT → Consulting, Finance → Strategy, Engineering → Product Management.
Networking & Brand Value:
Top schools (Harvard, Wharton, INSEAD, ISB, IIMs) offer access to elite alumni networks.
These networks open global career doors beyond immediate placements.
Global Recognition:
MBA is still the most recognized management degree worldwide.
Employers value structured business education combined with leadership exposure.
High ROI (at Top Schools):
Average post-MBA packages:
ISB / IIM Executive MBAs: ₹25–40 LPA.
Top US/Europe MBAs: $150K+ (₹1.2 Cr+) per year.
What is the NIRF ranking MBA 2025?
As of NIRF 2025 (Management / MBA category), the top ranked MBA / management institute in India is IIM Ahmedabad, followed by IIM Bangalore (2nd) and IIM Kozhikode (3rd).
What is the scope of MBA in 2025?
The scope of an MBA in 2025 is strong, with high demand in consulting, finance, technology, and product management, along with growing opportunities in AI, sustainability, and entrepreneurship.
The MBA degree remains highly relevant in 2025, offering both global career mobility and leadership opportunities.
Key Areas of MBA Scope in 2025:
Consulting & Strategy:
Top recruiters like McKinsey, BCG, Bain, and Deloitte continue to hire MBAs.
Roles: Strategy Consultant, Business Transformation, Digital Strategy.
Finance & Investment:
Investment banking, private equity, and fintech remain lucrative.
Roles: Investment Banker, Corporate Finance Manager, Risk Analyst.
Technology & Product Leadership:
Tech giants (Google, Amazon, Microsoft) actively recruit MBAs.
Roles: Product Manager, Operations Leader, Tech Strategy.
Emerging Fields:
AI & Data Analytics – MBAs with analytics exposure are in demand.
Sustainability & ESG – Firms hire MBAs for green finance, sustainable supply chains.
Healthcare & Pharma Management – Fast-growing post-pandemic.
Entrepreneurship & Startups:
Many MBAs leverage the degree for venture funding and scaling startups.
Ecosystems in India, US, and Europe support MBA entrepreneurs.
Why MBA Scope Is Strong in 2025:
Rising demand for leaders who combine business, tech, and people skills.
Global employers report consistent MBA hiring intentions (GMAC 2025 survey).
In India, ISB and IIM graduates average ₹25–40 LPA, with global MBAs exceeding ₹1 Cr.
Thus, the scope of MBA in 2025 covers consulting, finance, tech, sustainability, and entrepreneurship, making it a versatile degree for leadership and global careers.
Will an MBA be of 3 years from 2025?
No, there’s no official indication that MBA programmes will be increased to 3 years starting in 2025.
Most MBA/PGP programmes in India (and globally) are structured for 1–2 years, depending on full-time, executive, or part-time formats.
There hasn’t been an official announcement from regulatory bodies (UGC, AICTE) or major B-schools that MBA duration will change to 3 years beginning 2025.
Some blended, weekend, or part-time MBA/Executive formats already span 2 years or more to accommodate working professionals, but not strictly 3-year academia. For instance, IIM Bangalore’s PGPEM is a two-year weekend programme.
The idea of a standardized 3-year MBA would require systemic policy change and accreditation adaptations, for which there currently is no evidence in the official forecasts.
Which ranking is best for MBA?
The most trusted MBA rankings are the Financial Times Global MBA Ranking, QS Global MBA Ranking, U.S. News MBA Ranking (for USA schools), and NIRF Ranking (for India).
MBA aspirants often look at rankings to evaluate schools, but the "best" ranking depends on your target geography and career goals.
Global MBA Rankings
Financial Times Global MBA Ranking
Widely respected internationally.
Focuses on alumni salary growth, ROI, diversity, and research.
Best for comparing schools worldwide (INSEAD, LBS, Wharton, HBS, ISB).
QS Global MBA Ranking
Strong focus on employability, thought leadership, ROI, and diversity.
Popular among international applicants.
The Economist (until 2022, paused in 2023)
Was known for student experience and networking emphasis.
Bloomberg Businessweek MBA Ranking
Covers student satisfaction, networking, learning, and compensation.
Useful for US and global schools.
U.S. News & World Report MBA Ranking
Gold standard for U.S. schools.
Employer reputation and recruiter feedback play a big role.
India MBA Rankings
NIRF Management Ranking (MHRD, Govt. of India) → Official Indian benchmark.
Business Today & Outlook Rankings → Popular among domestic applicants but less authoritative than NIRF.
In summary:
Use Financial Times and QS for global comparisons.
Use U.S. News for U.S. MBAs.
Use NIRF for Indian MBAs (IIMs, ISB, XLRI).
Is FMS better than IIM?
FMS Delhi is better than many new IIMs due to its low fees (~₹2 lakhs) and strong ROI, but top IIMs (Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, Kozhikode, Lucknow) are considered better overall for global brand, alumni network, and placements.
The choice between FMS Delhi and the IIMs depends on what you prioritize:
Where FMS Wins
Low Fees, High ROI: At ~₹2 lakhs, FMS is one of the most affordable MBAs in India, with placements comparable to IIMs. Average salary in 2023 was ₹34.1 LPA, giving unmatched ROI.
Location Advantage: Situated in Delhi, it offers proximity to corporates, consulting firms, and policy organizations.
Strong Consulting & Marketing Placements: Many MBBs and FMCG companies recruit at FMS.
Where IIMs Win
Global Brand Value: Top IIMs (A, B, C, K, L) have stronger worldwide recognition compared to FMS.
Alumni Network: Larger and older alumni bases in multiple industries and countries.
Campus Infrastructure & Ecosystem: FMS has a compact campus, while IIMs offer residential, holistic environments.
Specializations & Diversity: IIMs provide broader electives, global exchange programs, and sectoral diversity.
Thus,
Choose FMS if you want maximum ROI, plan to work in India, and want strong corporate placements with minimal debt.
Choose Top IIMs (A, B, C, K, L) if you want global mobility, brand recognition, and long-term leadership opportunities.
Is NMIMS Tier 1?
NMIMS (Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies) is generally considered Tier 1.5 or upper Tier 2 in India, below the IIMs (A, B, C, K, L), ISB, FMS, and XLRI, but ahead of many newer B-schools.
The tier classification of MBA colleges in India depends on brand value, placements, alumni network, ROI, and global recognition.
Tier 1 Institutes (Top Elite):
IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta
ISB Hyderabad / Mohali
FMS Delhi
XLRI Jamshedpur
IIM Lucknow & IIM Kozhikode
Where NMIMS Stands:
NMIMS Mumbai (flagship campus) is regarded as a top private B-school.
Average placements (2024): ₹13.06 LPA.
Fees: ₹13,50,000 , making ROI lower compared to FMS/XLRI.
Strong in finance, consulting, and marketing placements, especially due to Mumbai location advantage.
NIRF 2025 Ranking: NMIMS Mumbai was in Top 25 (Management category), placing it below IIMs but above Tier 2 schools.
Thus,
NMIMS Mumbai → Often called Tier 1.5 / Upper Tier 2.
Other NMIMS campuses (Bangalore, Hyderabad, Navi Mumbai, etc.) → Considered Tier 2/3, not at the same level as the Mumbai flagship.
Is MBA safe from AI?
Yes, MBA careers are relatively safe from AI, since they emphasize leadership, strategic thinking, people management, and decision-making—skills that AI cannot fully replace.
The rise of AI is reshaping industries, but the MBA skill set remains highly relevant in 2025 and beyond.
Why MBA Roles Are Safer from AI:
Human-Centered Leadership:
AI can automate tasks, but it cannot lead teams, inspire people, or manage organizational culture.
MBAs are trained for CXO and strategy roles that require judgment and empathy.
Strategic Decision-Making:
AI provides data-driven insights, but final decisions in business strategy, M&A, and negotiations rely on human judgment.
Complex Problem-Solving:
MBA jobs in consulting, product management, and general management involve multi-stakeholder decisions that AI cannot replicate.
Networking & Relationship Building:
Business success often depends on networks, partnerships, and influence, which AI cannot replace.
However, MBA Roles Are Evolving:
Finance, marketing, and operations are increasingly AI-augmented.
Employers expect MBAs to understand AI, data analytics, and digital transformation.
Programs at ISB, IIMs, INSEAD, and Wharton now include AI & analytics courses.
Thus, an MBA is not only safe from AI but also becoming more valuable, as businesses need leaders who can leverage AI strategically while managing people and organizations.
Which are the top private MBA institutes in India 2025?
Top Private MBA Institutes in India (2025)
Institute | State / City | Key Strengths / What Stands Out |
MDI, Gurgaon | Haryana / NCR | |
XLRI, Jamshedpur | Jharkhand | |
SPJIMR, Mumbai | Maharashtra | |
NMIMS (Mumbai) | Maharashtra | |
SCMHRD (Symbiosis), Pune | Maharashtra | |
SIBM, Pune | Maharashtra | |
IMT Ghaziabad | Uttar Pradesh / NCR | |
Great Lakes Institute of Management | Tamil Nadu / Chennai | |
Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham | Tamil Nadu / Coimbatore | |
MICA (Ahmedabad) | Gujarat |
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