Indian Institutes of Management Strengthen Global Standing in FT Rankings

UK Universities for Master's in Management See Decline Amid Global Competition

The Financial Times Masters in Management( MiM) Ranking is well-known as a benchmark for evaluating top-tier business schools which offer pre-experience master’s programmes in management. Published annually, this ranking assesses institutions on different measures, including alumni salary growth, career progression, international diversity, value for money and gender balance. The MiM ranking has reportedly signalled a notable shift in global business education; UK universities showed a decline in performance, while Indian institutions gained ground, particularly in salary and career progression metrics. In the 2025 edition, the University of St Gallen in Switzerland was said to have retained its top position for a record 14th year, reinforcing its reputation among the Top Business Schools in the World.

London Business School, previously ranked sixth, was understood to have dropped to joint tenth place, with other UK university rankings, such as Warwick, Edinburgh, Cranfield, and Manchester, also reflecting downward movement. Analysts have attributed this trend to a combination of reduced international student inflows post-pandemic, tightening immigration policies, and financial constraints affecting Master's Programs in England.  In contrast, the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) network, specifically IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, and IIM Calcutta, was recognised for leading salary outcomes, placing them firmly among the Top Business Schools in India. These institutions have reportedly performed strongly in alumni earnings and career trajectory, contributing to a rise in the Indian University Ranking across global platforms.

Among the top eight MiM programmes globally, France and China were said to have dominated, with HEC Paris, Insead, and ESCP representing France, and Tongji University, Tsinghua University, and Shanghai Jiao Tong University: Antai representing China. Nova School of Business and Economics in Portugal also featured prominently. Chinese institutions were noted for their value-for-money metrics, which factored tuition and living costs against post-graduation earnings.

The FT ranking methodology is understood to include alumni salaries three years post-graduation, career advancement, international diversity, gender balance, and institutional value. Employment outcomes were reportedly mixed, with 31 schools falling below the 90 per cent employment threshold within three months of graduation. Lancaster University Management School was highlighted for having one of the lowest employment rates at 54 per cent.

The gender pay gap among alumni was said to have widened to 15 per cent in 2025, up from 13 per cent the previous year. Despite this, 21 institutions were reported to have achieved gender parity, while 31 had a higher proportion of female graduates. Sustainability initiatives in the environment were spearheaded by SDA Bocconi in Italy, BI Norwegian Business School, and IE Business School in Spain. Shanghai Jiao Tong: Antai was highlighted for the greatest alumni satisfaction, with the second being Vlerick Business School in Belgium and Stockholm School of Economics.

Reflecting on the outcome, Dean of St Gallen's School of Management Björn Ambos was quoted as saying that the school is still overhauling its courses while staying devoted to training responsible leaders with a global perspective and solid business orientation. The wider implications are that while Study UK is still in vogue, the Master's in Management UK market might have to retune its strategic positioning in order to stay competitive. In the meantime, Top Universities in India are seen to be strengthening their global pull, as evidence of a shift in the geography of academic greatness and talent flows.

Editor’s Note

The recent Financial Times MiM ranking provides more than a reordering of figures; it is an indication of a deeper realignment in international business education. The downturn in UK university performance must not be considered in a sort of vacuum; rather, it is an indicator of structural issues that increasingly require strategic focus. From immigration policy to pressure on funding, the UK's dependence on overseas enrollment has transformed from an asset into a liability. While the improved performance of Indian business schools, especially the Indian Institutes of Management, is a strong indicator that increasing confidence in home-grown talent and institutional capacity is on the ascendant. Not only do they perform well in salary and career indices, but the evidence implies that global employers are increasingly realising the worth of Indian management education. What is most striking is the shifting geography of power. Europe might continue to host the lion's share of MiM programmes, but Asia is decisively influencing the future of business education.

Skoobuzz highlights that in order to compete, UK universities need to reimagine their value proposition, not only to students, but to the global marketplace that they serve.

FAQs

1. Which are the top business schools in the UK for Master's in Management?
Some of the top business schools in the UK offering Master's in Management include London Business School, Imperial College Business School, Warwick Business School, and the University of Manchester’s Alliance Manchester Business School. These institutions are well known for their international student base, strong academic reputation, and links to global employers. However, in the 2025 rankings, several UK universities saw a position drop, which suggests they may need to adapt to changing global expectations.

2. Why are Indian universities rising in the FT MiM rankings? 
Indian universities, especially the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), are climbing the rankings because their graduates are earning high salaries and progressing quickly in their careers. IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta have shown strong results in employment rates and return on investment. Their programmes are also gaining more international attention, and they offer good value for money compared to many Western institutions. This rise reflects India’s growing reputation in global business education.

3. How do UK business schools compare with Indian business schools in 2025? 
In 2025, UK business schools will still attract many international students, but they will be facing challenges such as stricter immigration rules and reduced funding. Indian business schools, on the other hand, are performing better in areas like salary outcomes and job placements. While UK schools offer global exposure and strong networks, Indian schools are proving to be more cost-effective and competitive in terms of career results. The gap between the two is narrowing, especially in terms of value and impact.

4. What is the value of an MiM degree in the UK versus India? 
An MiM degree from the UK gives students access to European job markets and international experience, but it often comes with high tuition fees and living costs. In contrast, an MiM from India, particularly from the IIMs, offers strong career outcomes at a lower cost. Graduates from Indian schools are seeing high salary growth and quick career advancement. For many students, the Indian option now offers better value for money, especially when considering long-term returns.

5. Which Indian Institute of Management ranks highest in the MiM rankings? 
In the 2025 Financial Times MiM rankings, IIM Bangalore holds the highest position among Indian institutions. It ranks 28th globally and is praised for its strong salary outcomes, high employment rates, and growing international reputation. IIM Ahmedabad and SPJIMR Mumbai also performed well, but IIM Bangalore leads in terms of overall impact and recognition.