IIM-K retains top spot in NIRF for third consecutive year

In a significant milestone, the Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIM-K) has been ranked among the top three management institutions in the country by the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) for the third consecutive year. The 10th edition of the prestigious NIRF rankings 2025 was released by Union Minister for Education Dharmendra Pradhan in New Delhi on Thursday (September 4, 2025).

“This hat-trick of being ranked among the top three management institutions in India by NIRF is a testimony to IIM-K’s relentless pursuit of academic excellence, diversity, innovation, and inclusivity,” said Prof. Debashis Chatterjee, Director, IIM-K.

“Breaking into the top three in 2023 was a proud milestone,” he added, “but sustaining this position for the next two successive years underscores the dedication and commitment of our faculty, students, alumni, and staff. As we step into our third decade, this recognition inspires us to continue shaping future-ready, humanistic leaders and advancing the global footprint of Indian thought.”

The NIRF, introduced by the Ministry of Education in 2015, ranks institutions based on parameters such as Teaching, Learning and Resources (TLR) 30%, Research and Professional Practice (RP) 30%, Graduation Outcomes (GO) 20%, Outreach and Inclusivity (OI) 10%, and Perception (PR) 10%.

A press release said that IIM-K has sustained its forward momentum with an overall score rising from 74.74 in 2022 to 76.48 in 2023, 77.90 in 2024, and now 79.85 in 2025. The nearly two-point improvement over 2024 has enabled IIM-K to significantly close the gap with the older IIMs.

Noteworthy gains were recorded in TLR (86.99 to 87.75) and RP (58.96 to 64.14), underlining the institute’s growing academic depth and expanding research output. GO also improved to 95.35, reflecting strong student placements, entrepreneurial success, and alumni achievements.

This performance strengthens IIM-K’s academic reputation, enhances its visibility in global rankings, and reinforces its appeal to prospective students, recruiters, and international collaborators. The steady upward trajectory validates the institute’s emphasis on inclusivity, innovation, and impact-driven research. The latest ranking further highlights IIM-K’s growing influence in global business education, underscoring its commitment to both academic rigour and social impact.