IIM Ahmedabad and Calcutta Lead Amid B-School Challenges
The BT-MDRA India’s Best B-Schools Ranking for 2025 has placed IIM Ahmedabad and IIM Calcutta in the top two positions, separated by a narrow margin of 0.6 points. The ranking included participation from 270 business schools, with IIM Lucknow, SP Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR), and IIM Indore completing the top five. The majority of the top ten institutions are government-owned Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), while four are privately managed.
In light of global uncertainties and rapid technological advancements such as artificial intelligence, the B-school landscape is facing significant challenges. These factors have contributed to a hiring slowdown, resulting in a decrease in average salaries for graduates from the Top 25 B-schools—from ₹23.12 lakh (approximately $27,800) in 2023 to ₹22.7 lakh (approximately $27,500) in 2025—and an increase in course fees.
To address these challenges, some business schools are innovating their programs. Notably, NMIMS has launched a 'One MBA' initiative aimed at standardizing curriculum and assessments across its campuses through collaborative faculty efforts. Additionally, there is a growing focus among companies on skill development rather than traditional roles during hiring processes.
Research capabilities among faculty members at leading institutions have improved significantly; approximately 95% hold PhDs according to recent studies. Strengthening academia-industry linkages is deemed essential for enhancing global rankings and credibility within the field.
As businesses encounter ethical dilemmas amid competitive pressures, there is an increasing call for B-schools to rethink their educational goals to prepare future leaders who prioritize integrity alongside agility in decision-making processes.
Original Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 (nmims) (phds) (integrity)
Real Value Analysis
The article provides a detailed overview of the current state of B-schools in India, particularly focusing on rankings, challenges faced by institutions, and trends in hiring. However, when evaluating its usability for a normal person seeking actionable information or guidance, several points emerge.
First, the article lacks clear steps or instructions that a reader can implement immediately. While it discusses the rankings and challenges within B-schools, it does not provide specific actions for prospective students or professionals looking to navigate this landscape. There are no resources mentioned that readers can utilize to improve their situation or make informed decisions about their education or career paths.
In terms of educational depth, while the article presents some statistics regarding average salaries and faculty qualifications (like the percentage holding PhDs), it does not delve into why these numbers matter or how they were derived. The discussion remains somewhat superficial without offering insights into underlying causes or systems affecting these trends.
Regarding personal relevance, while the information pertains to students considering business school and professionals in related fields, its impact is limited to a specific audience. It does not address broader concerns that might affect everyday individuals outside this niche group.
The public service function is minimal; there are no warnings or guidance provided that would help readers act responsibly in light of the information presented. The article primarily recounts facts without offering context that could be beneficial for public understanding.
When evaluating practical advice, there is little actionable guidance offered. The mention of NMIMS's 'One MBA' initiative hints at innovation but does not provide concrete steps for readers to follow if they wish to pursue similar programs elsewhere.
In terms of long-term impact, while some trends are noted—such as shifts toward skill development in hiring—the article fails to offer strategies for individuals to adapt proactively over time. It focuses more on current events rather than providing lasting benefits through foresight and planning.
Emotionally and psychologically, the tone remains neutral without inducing fear or shock; however, it also lacks an uplifting message that could inspire constructive thinking about future opportunities in business education.
There are no signs of clickbait language; however, some claims about salary decreases might benefit from further elaboration on their implications for job seekers.
Finally, missed opportunities include failing to suggest how readers can stay informed about changes in B-school landscapes beyond rankings—such as following industry news sources or engaging with alumni networks for insights into program effectiveness and job market readiness.
To add real value where the article falls short: individuals interested in pursuing an MBA should actively research various programs by comparing curricula and outcomes across different institutions. Engaging with current students and alumni through networking platforms can provide firsthand insights into program strengths and weaknesses. Additionally, staying updated on industry trends through reputable business publications will help prospective students align their skills with employer needs effectively. Finally, considering personal career goals before selecting a program will ensure alignment between educational pursuits and professional aspirations.
Social Critique
The insights provided about the current state of business schools and their challenges reveal a troubling trend that could undermine the very fabric of families, communities, and kinship bonds. As institutions focus increasingly on economic metrics, such as average salaries and course fees, they risk prioritizing financial gain over the holistic development of individuals who are essential to nurturing future generations.
The decline in average salaries for graduates from top B-schools signals a potential weakening of economic stability for families. When young adults enter the workforce with diminished earning potential, it directly impacts their ability to support families and raise children. This situation creates an environment where procreation may be viewed as economically unfeasible, leading to lower birth rates that threaten long-term community survival. The emphasis on skill development over traditional roles may also shift responsibilities away from family units toward impersonal corporate structures, eroding trust within kinship bonds.
Furthermore, the increased course fees at these institutions can impose significant financial burdens on families. This not only strains resources but can also create dependencies that fracture family cohesion. When education becomes a commodity that is out of reach for many, it risks alienating those who cannot afford it and exacerbates social divides within communities.
While some business schools are innovating programs to enhance learning experiences—such as NMIMS's 'One MBA' initiative—these efforts must be scrutinized through the lens of local responsibility and accountability. If educational advancements do not align with community needs or fail to incorporate local knowledge and values, they may inadvertently foster disconnection rather than unity among families.
Moreover, as businesses prioritize skill development over traditional roles during hiring processes, there is a risk that familial duties will be overshadowed by corporate expectations. This shift could diminish personal responsibility towards children and elders within families. The call for B-schools to prepare leaders who prioritize integrity alongside agility in decision-making is commendable; however, if this preparation does not include fostering strong familial ties or understanding local contexts, it may lead to leaders who are disconnected from their roots.
The growing ethical dilemmas faced by businesses highlight an urgent need for B-schools to rethink educational goals in ways that reinforce family duties rather than diminish them. The call for integrity must translate into actionable commitments within communities—where individuals take personal responsibility for nurturing relationships with children and caring for elders.
If these trends continue unchecked—where economic pressures dictate family dynamics and educational priorities disregard local needs—the consequences will be dire: families will struggle under financial strain; children yet unborn may never have the opportunity to thrive; community trust will erode as kinship bonds weaken; stewardship of land will falter without engaged citizens committed to its care.
In conclusion, it is imperative that all stakeholders—including educators—recognize their role in upholding ancestral duties: protecting life through procreation while ensuring care for vulnerable members within our communities. Only through renewed commitment to these principles can we hope to foster resilient families capable of navigating contemporary challenges while preserving our collective future.
Bias analysis
The text uses the phrase "a narrow margin of just 0.6 points" to describe the ranking difference between IIM Ahmedabad and IIM Calcutta. This wording creates a sense of urgency and competition, suggesting that the rankings are very close and thus more significant. It emphasizes the rivalry without providing context about what this small margin truly means in terms of overall performance or quality. This can lead readers to feel that both institutions are equally deserving of their positions when there may be other factors at play.
The statement "challenges persist in the B-school landscape due to global uncertainties and rapid technological advancements like artificial intelligence" frames these challenges as external forces beyond control. This wording could downplay any internal issues within business schools themselves, such as curriculum relevance or administrative decisions. By focusing on external factors, it shifts responsibility away from institutions, which may mislead readers about where the real problems lie.
When discussing salary trends, the text notes a decrease in average salaries for graduates from ₹23.12 lakh to ₹22.7 lakh over two years but does not provide context for this decline. The phrase "decrease in average salaries" could imply a broader economic issue affecting all graduates without exploring other possible reasons for this drop, such as changes in industry demand or graduate skill levels. This omission can create a misleading impression that all graduates are equally affected by these trends.
The mention of NMIMS's 'One MBA' initiative is presented positively as an innovation aimed at standardizing curriculum across campuses. However, it does not address potential downsides or criticisms related to standardization, such as loss of diversity in educational approaches or faculty autonomy. By only highlighting the positive aspects without counterpoints, it creates an overly favorable view of this initiative.
The text states that "companies are increasingly focusing on skill development rather than traditional roles during hiring processes." This phrasing suggests a significant shift in hiring practices but lacks evidence or examples to support this claim fully. Without concrete data or specific instances illustrating how widespread this trend is, readers might be led to believe that all companies are adopting this approach when it may not be universally true.
When discussing faculty research capabilities with "around 95% hold PhDs," there is an implication that having a PhD equates directly with high-quality teaching and research output. This connection oversimplifies complex educational dynamics by suggesting that advanced degrees alone guarantee effectiveness in academia without considering teaching experience or practical knowledge relevant to students' needs.
Lastly, phrases like “growing call for B-schools to rethink their educational goals” suggest an urgent need for change without specifying who is making these calls or what specific changes are being proposed. This vagueness can create an impression that there is widespread consensus on necessary reforms when there may be diverse opinions within academia regarding what those reforms should entail—leading readers toward a potentially false belief about uniformity among stakeholders’ views on education reform.
Emotion Resonance Analysis
The text expresses a range of emotions that reflect the current state of business schools in India. One prominent emotion is pride, particularly evident in the mention of IIM Ahmedabad and IIM Calcutta securing the top two positions in the BT-MDRA rankings. This pride is reinforced by highlighting their achievement over 270 participating institutions, which serves to elevate the status of these schools and instill a sense of accomplishment among stakeholders. The strength of this pride is significant, as it not only celebrates success but also fosters loyalty and admiration for these prestigious institutions.
Conversely, there is an underlying sadness or concern regarding the challenges faced by B-schools due to global uncertainties and technological advancements such as artificial intelligence. The mention of a decrease in average salaries for graduates—from ₹23.12 lakh to ₹22.7 lakh—evokes worry about future job prospects for students and reflects broader economic pressures affecting hiring practices. This emotion is strong enough to prompt readers to consider the implications for their own educational choices or career paths, potentially leading them to feel anxious about entering a competitive job market.
Additionally, there is an element of urgency conveyed through phrases like "growing call for B-schools to rethink their educational goals." This urgency suggests fear regarding ethical dilemmas businesses face amid competitive pressures, prompting readers to recognize the need for change within educational frameworks. By emphasizing this need for re-evaluation, the text inspires action among educators and administrators who may feel compelled to adapt their programs accordingly.
The writer employs emotional language strategically throughout the text to enhance its persuasive impact. Words like "challenges," "slowdown," and "ethical dilemmas" are chosen not only for their descriptive power but also because they evoke feelings that resonate with readers’ concerns about education and employment stability. The use of comparative phrases—such as noting a decline in salaries alongside rising course fees—serves to heighten emotional responses by illustrating stark contrasts that can lead readers toward feelings of frustration or disillusionment.
Moreover, repeating themes such as innovation in programs (e.g., NMIMS's 'One MBA' initiative) reinforces hope amidst adversity while also suggesting that solutions are being actively pursued within academia. This repetition helps solidify trust in these institutions’ ability to adapt despite external pressures.
Overall, these emotions guide reader reactions by creating sympathy towards students facing uncertain futures while simultaneously building trust in top-tier B-schools striving for improvement through innovative measures. The combination of pride in achievements alongside concerns about future challenges effectively shapes public perception and encourages stakeholders—students, educators, employers—to engage with these issues thoughtfully and proactively seek solutions within this evolving landscape.

