Leading IIMs Dominate Research and Graduation Outcomes, Performance Gaps Persist Among Newer IIMs

New Delhi – 09.09.2025. A recent analysis of the Research Productivity and Consulting (RPC) and Graduation Outcome (GO) scores for Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) between 2023 and 2025 reveals a clear hierarchy in performance, with established institutions consistently outperforming their newer counterparts. The data underscores the enduring strength of IIM Ahmedabad and IIM Bangalore, while also highlighting the challenges faced by emerging IIMs in achieving comparable results.

Private B Schools Rank based on Graduation Outcome (GO) of NIRF 2025

The analysis, based on publicly available NIRF (National Institutional Ranking Framework) data, demonstrates that IIM Ahmedabad and IIM Bangalore remain the top-tier performers in the nation. These institutions consistently achieved high scores in both RPC and GO metrics. RPC scores reflect an institution’s research output and consulting activities, while GO scores indicate the success of graduates in securing desirable employment opportunities.

We believe the consistent high performance of IIM Ahmedabad and IIM Bangalore is a testament to their long-standing commitment to cutting-edge research and their strong alumni networks, which provide valuable career opportunities for graduates.

However, the analysis also exposed a noticeable “stratification” in performance, with older, more established IIMs generally scoring higher than the newer ones across both metrics. This suggests that factors such as established faculty, research infrastructure, and industry connections continue to play a significant role in differentiating the performance of management institutions in India.

The newer IIMs are undoubtedly making progress, but they face the challenge of building robust research programs and establishing strong ties with industry in a relatively short period of time. 

Furthermore, the report identified “variability” in the scores of some IIMs from year to year. 

This fluctuation suggests that research output and graduation placement rates can be subject to external factors and internal strategic shifts. The implication being that some institutions are not maintaining constant focus on either research, placement or perhaps both.

The data raises important questions about the need for tailored support and targeted investment in newer IIMs to help them bridge the performance gap. Such support could include faculty development programs, enhanced research funding, and strategic partnerships with industry.

While the analysis acknowledges the overall positive trajectory of management education in India, it also emphasizes the importance of addressing the disparities in performance across institutions. This ensures that all IIMs, regardless of their age or location, are equipped to contribute to the nation’s economic growth and global competitiveness.

General Observations:

• Top Performers: IIM Ahmedabad and IIM Bangalore consistently demonstrate high scores in both RPC and GO across all three years, reflecting their strong research focus and successful alumni outcomes.
• Tiered Performance: There’s a noticeable stratification, with older, more established IIMs generally scoring higher than the newer ones.
• Variability: Some IIMs show more fluctuation in their scores year-to-year, suggesting potential variability in research output or graduation placement rates.

Comparative Data Tables and Analysis

Here’s the breakdown of RPC and GO scores for each IIM over the three years:

Research Productivity and Consulting (RPC)

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Key Takeaways (RPC):

• Most IIMs demonstrate an upward trend in RPC scores, indicating a growing emphasis on research and consulting.
• The magnitude of improvement varies, with newer IIMs showing more substantial gains from a lower base.
• Fluctuations in scores for some IIMs suggest the need for more consistent strategies to maintain research and consulting momentum.

Graduation Outcome (GO)

Key Takeaways (GO):

• GO scores are generally high across all IIMs, reflecting the strong brand reputation and the value of an IIM MBA.
• The top-tier IIMs consistently achieve near-perfect scores, indicating exceptional placement records.
• While most IIMs maintain stable GO scores, continuous efforts are needed to ensure positive career outcomes for graduates, especially for newer institutions.

Recommendations:

• Focus on Research: IIMs with lower RPC scores should invest in faculty development, research infrastructure, and industry collaborations to boost research output and consulting activities.
• Strengthen Industry Connections: All IIMs should continue to strengthen their relationships with industry to ensure high placement rates and relevant career opportunities for their graduates.
• Mentorship and Alumni Engagement: Encourage mentorship programs and alumni engagement to support career development and provide networking opportunities for current students.
• Data-Driven Improvement: Regularly analyze RPC and GO scores to identify areas for improvement and track the effectiveness of implemented strategies

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