Four Indian business schools have made it to LinkedIn’s list of the world’s top 20 MBA programmes. The Indian School of Business (ISB) stands out as the only Indian institute to feature in the top 10, while others like IIM Calcutta, IIM Ahmedabad and IIM Bangalore follow in the top 20. Interestingly, IIM Ahmedabad which is often considered India’s best B-school is ranked below ISB this time.
Unlike traditional rankings that rely on reputation or academic metrics, LinkedIn’s list uses real-world data. The platform analysed how well MBA graduates from each school perform after completing their studies, including how quickly they land jobs, climb the corporate ladder or reach top leadership positions.
“The ranking is entirely based on real outcomes of alumni, looking at metrics like job placements, promotions, and professional networks,” LinkedIn said.
Indian School of Business ranked 5th globally
The Indian School of Business (ISB), with campuses in Hyderabad and Mohali, claimed the fifth position on the global list. Its flagship Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP) has gained global recognition.
ISB is known for its one-year intensive MBA programme designed for professionals with prior work experience, a model that differs from the traditional two-year programs offered by IIMs.
Stanford tops the global MBA chart
The Stanford Graduate School of Business grabbed the top spot in the list, overtaking Harvard Business School, which came second. Stanford alumni are often seen holding top positions such as co-founders and CEOs.
Notable graduates include Mukesh Ambani, Steve Ballmer and former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
Harvard, INSEAD and Wharton follow close behind
Harvard Business School in Boston stood second, followed by INSEAD in third place and The Wharton School (University of Pennsylvania) in fourth.
These institutions continue to dominate the global business education scene, producing some of the world’s most influential leaders and entrepreneurs.
Other Indian institutes in top 20
Beyond ISB, three Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) also found a place in LinkedIn’s global top 20. IIM Calcutta secured the 16th position, outperforming IIM Ahmedabad, which ranked 17th. Ahmedabad’s alumni include prominent names such as Raghuram Rajan, Falguni Nayar and Ajay Banga.
Meanwhile, IIM Bangalore rounded off the list at 20th place, reaffirming the global presence and reputation of Indian management education.
LinkedIn MBA Rankings 2025: Top 20 institutions list
| Rank | Institution | Location | Notes |
| 1 | Stanford Graduate School of Business | California, USA | Known for innovation, entrepreneurship, Silicon Valley ties |
| 2 | Harvard Business School | Massachusetts, USA | Prestigious, global alumni network |
| 3 | INSEAD | France & Singapore | Top European MBA, highly international |
| 4 | University of Pennsylvania (Wharton) | Pennsylvania, USA | Finance and leadership focus |
| 5 | Indian School of Business (ISB) | Hyderabad & Mohali, India | Youngest top global B-school, strong career outcomes |
| 6 | Northwestern University (Kellogg) | Illinois, USA | Renowned for marketing and team learning |
| 7 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Sloan) | Massachusetts, USA | Leader in tech and analytics-driven MBAs |
| 8 | Dartmouth College (Tuck) | New Hampshire, USA | General management focus, selective |
| 9 | Columbia Business School | New York, USA | Finance and consulting strength |
| 10 | London Business School | London, UK | Top European global MBA |
| 11 | University of Chicago (Booth) | Illinois, USA | Economics and analytical rigor |
| 12 | University of Oxford (Said) | Oxford, UK | Leadership and global reputation |
| 13 | Duke University (Fuqua) | North Carolina, USA | Team learning focus, healthcare and consulting strengths |
| 14 | Yale University | Connecticut, USA | Public service and sustainability focus |
| 15 | University of California, Berkeley (Haas) | California, USA | Entrepreneurship and innovation |
| 16 | Indian Institute of Management – Calcutta | Kolkata, India | First IIM, strong finance and alumni network |
| 17 | Indian Institute of Management – Ahmedabad | Ahmedabad, India | Flagship IIM, known for case studies and leadership |
| 18 | University of Virginia (Darden) | Virginia, USA | Teaching excellence, case-based curriculum |
| 19 | Cornell University (Johnson) | New York, USA | Strong consulting and tech placements |
| 20 | Indian Institute of Management – Bangalore | Bengaluru, India | Premier IIM, strengths in entrepreneurship and strategy |