Can a business school do more than create CEOs?
Can it shape leaders who care about climate change, inequality, and social justice?

Today’s students want more than degrees and jobs—they want to make a difference. They’re asking:

• “Will my MBA help me drive real change?”
• “Am I being trained to lead with conscience, not just competence?”

This is where the Positive Impact Rating (PIR) 2025 comes in. And this year, India has made history. Out of 86 business schools from 28 countries, six Indian B-Schools earned the prestigious Level 5 “Pioneering” status—a rank given to institutions making a deep societal impact through their governance, programs, and student engagement.

These schools didn’t just rank—they redefined what excellence in business education looks like.

Let’s discover how India’s top management institutes are leading the world with impact.

What is the Positive Impact Rating (PIR)?

The PIR is a globally recognised, student-led rating system that assesses how business schools are creating positive societal change. Schools are evaluated across seven key dimensions:

1. Governance
2. Culture
3. Programs
4. Learning Methods
5. Student Support
6. Institution as a Role Model
7. Public Engagement

In 2025, the PIR incorporated feedback from over 17,000 students and introduced faculty input, providing a more comprehensive picture of a school’s mission and practices.

Six Indian B-Schools Rated as “Pioneers” in PIR 2025

1. Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB)

• Ranked among the global top 11 in PIR 2025
• Highly rated in Governance, Campus Culture, and Public Engagement
• Known for initiatives like NSRCEL, green campus operations, and ethical leadership programs

2. Indian Institute of Management Indore (IIM Indore)

• Earned Level 5 in PIR 2025 for its progressive efforts
• Focused on inclusive leadership, sustainability, and value-based governance

3. SP Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR), Mumbai

• Level 5 rating for the fifth straight year
• A pioneer in experiential social impact education
• Signature programs:
  • Abhyudaya – MBA students mentor schoolchildren from low-income communities
  • DoCC – mandatory rural internships to build empathy and understanding
  • Spirituality and design labs integrated into business curriculum

4. Universal AI Business School

• A rising star in management education
• Combines cutting-edge AI curriculum with ethical and social frameworks
• Earned Level 5 recognition for its focus on future-ready, responsible leadership

5. Woxsen University School of Business, Hyderabad

• PIR Score: 9.7/10 – one of the highest globally
• Achieved Level 5 for the fourth consecutive year
• Leading in ethics, sustainability, and social innovation
• Standout initiatives:
  • Project Aspiration
  • TRY – Transforming Rural Youth
  • EmpowerIT & Elevate – programs that serve thousands in rural India

6. XLRI Xavier School of Management, Jamshedpur

• One of the oldest and most respected B-schools in India
• Strong legacy in ethical business education
• Recognised for its deep commitment to human-centric leadership

Why PIR 2025 Matters More Than Ever

• Students are driving change: PIR reflects what students truly value—ethics, sustainability, purpose.
• Faculty input added: For the first time, faculty insights were included, showing alignment between educators and learners.
• Asia leads globally: Asian schools, especially from India, outperformed many Western institutions in impact metrics.

Why It Matters for Students and Recruiters

• For aspiring MBA students: Choosing a PIR Level 5 school means choosing values + vision—education that prepares you for both boardrooms and communities.
• For recruiters and businesses: These institutions are developing professionals who lead with purpose and responsibility, not just profit.

Final Thoughts

The Positive Impact Rating 2025 is more than just a ranking—it’s a glimpse into the future of business education, where values meet vision and impact outweighs prestige. With six Indian B-Schools earning the top recognition, it’s clear that India is not just participating in this global shift—it’s helping to lead it.

 Planning to pursue an MBA that aligns with your purpose?
At Guide Me Education, we help aspiring students like you discover and apply to business schools that match your career goals and core values—whether in India or abroad.

 Explore top MBA options, get expert guidance, and make informed decisions—because your future deserves more than just a degree.