Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) and Indian School of Business (ISB) are two of the most prestigious business schools in India. In this blog, we will analyze and compare the data provided by Financial Times (FT) Ranking 2025 to determine which school is better.
India’s two most prestigious business schools, IIM Ahmedabad (IIMA) and ISB (Indian School of Business), offer globally recognized MBA programs that attract top-tier applicants. However, their curriculum structure, rankings, and career outcomes differ significantly.
IIM Ahmedabad vs. ISB: Which MBA Program is the Best for You in 2025?
For professionals trying to decide between a one-year MBA vs. a two-year MBA in India, this analysis compares IIM Ahmedabad vs. ISB MBA based on the QS Global MBA Rankings 2025 and Financial Times (FT) MBA Rankings 2025 across employability, ROI, salary growth, diversity, and career impact.
1. Global MBA Rankings 2025: QS vs. FT
The global rankings of an MBA program determine its international reputation and recruiter perception.
QS Global MBA Rankings 2025
Institution | QS Global Rank 2025 | QS Asia Rank 2025 |
ISB MBA | 27 | 4 |
IIM Ahmedabad MBA | 31 | 5 |
IIMA vs ISB in FT Global MBA Rankings 2025
Institution | FT Global Rank 2025 | FT Asia Rank 2025 |
ISB MBA | 27 | 2 |
IIM Ahmedabad MBA | 31 | 3 |
Key Takeaways:
ISB ranks higher globally in both QS and FT rankings.
ISB is also ahead of IIM Ahmedabad in Asia-focused rankings.
IIM Ahmedabad maintains strong competitiveness as India's top IIM MBA program.
Verdict: If global reputation matters for your MBA, ISB has a slight advantage.
2. MBA Employability & Alumni Network in India and Beyond
A strong MBA in India should provide high employment rates, strong alumni networks, and premium job opportunities.
QS MBA Employability Rankings 2025
Institution | Employability Score (40%) | Employability Rank (QS) |
ISB MBA | 83.5 | 6 |
IIM Ahmedabad MBA | 80.2 | 8 |
FT MBA Career Progress Rankings 2025
Institution | Career Progress Rank (FT) | Employed at 3 Months (%) |
IIM Ahmedabad MBA | 1 | 85% |
ISB MBA | 33 | 85% |
Why ISB MBA Scores Higher in QS Employability?
More international recruiters (McKinsey, BCG, Google, Amazon).
The one-year MBA format at ISB attracts job-ready professionals.
Broader industry mix in consulting, tech, and e-commerce.
For immediate employability, ISB MBA has an edge.
For long-term career acceleration, IIM Ahmedabad MBA ranks number 1 in FT Career Progress.
3. ROI of MBA in India: Salary vs. Investment
The ROI of an MBA in India depends on fees, opportunity cost, and salary post-MBA.
FT MBA Salary & ROI Rankings 2025
Institution | ROI Score (FT, 20%) | ROI Rank | Average Salary (USD) |
ISB MBA | 82.1 | 5 | $186,238 |
IIM Ahmedabad MBA | 79.8 | 7 | $219,901 |
Key Insights on Salary & ROI
IIM Ahmedabad MBA graduates earn a higher average salary of $219,901.
ISB MBA has a better ROI score (82.1) and shorter time to recoup costs.
ISB’s one-year format reduces opportunity cost.
Choose IIMA MBA for a higher post-MBA salary.
Choose ISB MBA for a faster ROI with lower opportunity cost.
4. Thought Leadership & Research Impact: IIM Ahmedabad vs. ISB MBA
For those interested in academia, research, or policy roles, faculty reputation matters.
QS Thought Leadership Score 2025
Institution | Thought Leadership Score (QS, 15%) | Thought Leadership Rank |
ISB MBA | 80.5 | 8 |
IIM Ahmedabad MBA | 76.4 | 10 |
Why ISB MBA Leads in Thought Leadership?
Global faculty partnerships (Wharton, Kellogg, MIT Sloan).
Stronger international faculty hiring.
Higher academic citations and research output.
For a research-driven global faculty, ISB MBA is the better choice.
5. Diversity & Global Exposure in MBA Programs
A diverse MBA class prepares students for global business leadership.
QS Diversity Score 2025
Institution | Diversity Score (QS, 10%) | Diversity Rank |
ISB MBA | 74.2 | 12 |
IIM Ahmedabad MBA | 68.5 | 15 |
What This Means
ISB MBA has a higher percentage of international students and professionals.
IIM Ahmedabad MBA attracts more engineers and consultants from India.
For global networking and diverse peer learning, ISB MBA is the better choice.
Final Verdict: IIM Ahmedabad vs. ISB MBA – Which One Should You Choose?
Criteria | Winner | Why? |
Global MBA Ranking | ISB MBA | Higher in QS & FT Global MBA Rankings 2025 |
Employability | ISB MBA | Stronger international recruiter network |
ROI & Salary | IIMA MBA | Higher average salary post-MBA |
Thought Leadership | ISB MBA | More international faculty and research partnerships |
Diversity & Global Exposure | ISB MBA | More diverse class with better global networking |
Career Progression | IIMA MBA | Faster career mobility within India |
Conclusion: Should You Choose IIM Ahmedabad MBA or ISB MBA?
🎯 Choose IIM Ahmedabad MBA if:
✔ You want a two-year MBA with a traditional academic focus.
✔ You aim for a high-paying finance or consulting career.
✔ You prefer structured learning and campus immersion.
🎯 Choose ISB MBA if:
✔ You need a one-year MBA for experienced professionals.
✔ You aim for global exposure and faster career shifts.
✔ You prioritize higher salary growth and ROI.
1. ISB Admission Guide
Comprehensive Resource Guide for IIM admissions, including IIMA PGPX, IIMB EPGP, and IIM Executive MBA programs across multiple campuses.
1. General IIM Admission Guidance
2. IIM Ahmedabad (IIMA) PGPX Resources
General Overview:
Admissions & Course Structure:
Placements & Career Outcomes:
Success Stories:
Program Evaluation:
3. IIM Bangalore (IIMB) EPGP Resources
General Overview:
Placements & Career Outcomes:
Program Insights:
Alternative Programs:
4. IIM Calcutta (IIMC) MBAEX Resources
5. IIM Lucknow (IIML) IPMX Resources
6. IIM Kozhikode (IIMK) PGP-BL Resources
General Overview: