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NIRF 2025: What Led to IIM Calcutta’s Sharp Fall to 7th While IIM Ahmedabad Stays Unchallenged at No. 1?
The NIRF MBA Rankings 2025 have once again confirmed IIM Ahmedabad’s dominance, as it secured the #1 position for the sixth consecutive year in a row with an overall score of 83.2. In contrast, IIM Calcutta witnessed a steep fall to rank #7, despite having a Graduation Outcomes score of 98.7 and achieving 100% placement with a median salary of around Rs. 30 LPA. The main reason behind its decline can largely be attributed to weaker scores in Research & Professional Practice (54.52) and Perception (85.23), combined with stiffer competition from IIM K, IIM L, IIT Delhi and IIT Bombay.
This Story also Contains
- Why IIM Ahmedabad Still Rules at #1?
- IIM Ahmedabad (PG) Placement Highlights
- Why IIM Calcutta Dropped to #7?
- The Role of NIRF Methodology in the Shift
- Which is Better: IIM Ahmedabad or IIM Calcutta
- What Factors Affect NIRF MBA Rankings?
Why IIM Ahmedabad Still Rules at #1?
IIM Ahmedabad (IIM A), for the sixth consecutive year, has been in the #1 spot in the NIRF MBA Rankings 2025, with an overall score of around 83.2. Aspirants must note that this consistency is not sudden - it is the result of having a balanced performance across teaching, perception, placements and research.
Check out the following reasons why IIM A has been securing the #1 spot in the NIRF MBA rankings.
Superior Teaching, Learning & Resources (TLR)
IIM Ahmedabad’s TLR score (91.84) is among the highest in the country. This number reflects the following:
Strong faculty-student ratio
Advanced infrastructure - libraries, learning labs and digital resources
Rigorous pedagogy centred around the Harvard-style case method
High proportion of PhD-qualified professors.
Outstanding Placement Outcomes (Graduation Outcomes - GO)
With a GO score of 98.72, IIM A continues to dominate the placements for the following reasons:
Consistently high average and median packages
Strong recruiter base across consulting, finance, technology and FMCG.
International offers and leadership track roles for graduates
Strong alumni network
Unbeatable Perception and Brand Value
Perception carries 10% weight in the NIRF rankings, and IIM A’s score of 93.26 reflects unmatched brand power.
Recruiters and industry leaders consistently rank IIM as the best.
Alumni are in CXO and leadership positions across the globe.
Strong collaborations with global universities.
Balanced Research & Professional Practice (RPC)
IIM Ahmedabad’s RPC (64.92) might not be the highest, but it is stable and credible. Here’s why.
High-quality case studies and research output
Industry consulting projects that connect academia with practice
Doctoral and research programmes that feed future academic leaders.
IIM Ahmedabad (PG) Placement Highlights
As you will notice in the placement data mentioned below, across 2021-22 through 2023-24, nearly 100% of PGP students were placed. These placement figures show that IIM A delivers consistently strong results.
Academic Year | No. of students graduating | Students placed | Median salary (Rs.) | No. of students selected for Higher studies |
2023-24 | 431 | 431 | Rs, 30,00,000 | 0 |
2022-23 | 444 | 423 | Rs. 31,00,000 | 12 |
2021-22 | 444 | 434 | Rs. 31,00,000 | — |
Based on all the parameters mentioned, unlike other institutes, IIM Ahmedabad has consistently outperformed across all five NIRF parameters - TLR, RPC, GO, OI and Perception.
Why IIM Calcutta Dropped to #7?
As can be seen from the latest NIRF 2025 MBA rankings, the sharp fall of IIM Calcutta (IIM C) to Rank #7 has come as a surprise to many, given its elite reputation as part of the IIM ‘ABC’ trio. Scores pointing to placements (GO score - 98.87) remained at the top, and the decline is largely due to weakness in research and perception, combined with tougher competition from fellow IIMs and IITs.
Let us look at all the scores in depth to understand the reason behind the decline in NIRF 2025 ranking for IIM Calcutta.
To rank a college/institute, the NIRF has several parameters. The scores obtained by IIM Calcutta for these parameters are mentioned below.
Parameter | Score |
TLR (Teaching, Learning & Resources) | 85.28 |
RPC (Research and Professional Practice) | 54.52 |
GO (Graduation Outcomes) | 98.87 |
OI (Outreach and Inclusivity) | 71.15 |
Perception | 85.23 |
Now, let us look at the placement and higher studies data for the PG program at IIM C of the past three academic years, indicating its performance.
Academic Year | No. of students graduating | No. of students placed | Median salary of placed graduates (Rs.) | No. of students selected for Higher studies |
2023-24 | 528 | 528 | 30,00,000 | 0 |
2022-23 | 521 | 521 | 33,67,000 | 0 |
2021-22 | 540 | 540 | 31,00,000 | 0 |
To conclude, after going through all the scores and placement data, one can make out that the placements and salary outcomes are not responsible for the drop. It is due to its weak Research and Perception scores.
The Role of NIRF Methodology in the Shift
In NIRF 2024-25, the Ministry of Education has tightened the rules for measuring Research & Professional Practice (RPC), which are as follows:
Self-citations excluded
Negative marking for retracted papers
More emphasis on the quality of journals and global impact rather than just publication count.
Impact of these Changes
IIM Ahmedabad balanced across TLR, RPC, GO and Perception and stayed stable.
Whereas, IIM Calcutta, which had a mid-range RPC score (54.5) and with stricter evaluation, could not keep pace.
Which is Better: IIM Ahmedabad or IIM Calcutta
Both IIM Ahmedabad (IIM A) and IIM Calcutta (IIM C) belong to the elite IIM ‘ABC’ trio, and both have consistently featured in the top tier of B-school rankings. But what happened that led to the sudden decline of IIM C, and which one is better: IIM A or IIM C? Let’s find out.
Parameters | IIM Ahmedabad | IIM Calcutta | Final Verdict |
NIRF 2025 Ranking | #1 | #7 | Ahmedabad leads |
Teaching, Learning & Resources (TLR) | 91.8 | 85.3 | Ahmedabad stronger |
Research & Professional Practice (RPC) | 64.9 | 54.5 | Ahmedabad ahead |
Graduation Outcomes (Placements & Higher Studies) | 98.7 | 98.7 | Both strong |
Outreach & Inclusivity (OI) | 72.1 | 71.2 | Almost equal |
Perception | 93.2 | 85.2 | Ahmedabad leads |
Placement Strength | Consulting, General Management, FMCG, Tech | Finance, Investment Banking, Analytics | Depends on career goal |
Median Salary (2023-24) | Rs. 31-32 LPA (approx.) | Around Rs. 30 LPA | Almost same |
Alumni Network | Broader across industries | Strong in finance & global IB | Tie |
Key Takeaways
IIM Ahmedabad is quite balanced and has the strongest brand.
IIM Calcutta is best for finance & quantitative careers, still elite, but slipped due to research and perception.
What Factors Affect NIRF MBA Rankings?
The following table mentions the factors that affect NIRF MBA rankings.
Parameter | Weightage |
Teaching, Learning & Resources (TLR) | 30% |
Research & Professional Practice (RPC) | 30% |
Graduation Outcomes (GO) | 20% |
Outreach & Inclusivity (OI) | 10% |
Perception | 10% |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What decides NIRF ranking?
A:
The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) ranks Indian higher education institutions based on five parameters: Teaching, Learning & Resources (TLR), Research and Professional Practice (RO), Graduation Outcomes (GO), Outreach and Inclusivity (OI) and Perception (PR).
Q: What is the rank of IIM Calcutta in NIRF 2025 MBA rankings?
A:
As per NIRF 2025 MBA rankings, IIM Calcutta saw a sharp decline and dropped to #7 position. The institute had consistently occupied the third rank from 2016 to 2022 and was on #5 last year.
Q: What is the rank of IIM Ahmedabad MBA in NIRF 2025 rankings?
A:
IIM Ahmedabad in NIRF 2025 MBA rankings has secured the #1, for the past six consecutive years.
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Questions related to IIM Ahmedabad (IIMA)
On Question asked by student community
Have a question related to IIM Ahmedabad (IIMA) ?
Yes, if you appear for the CBSE improvement exam as a private candidate and score higher marks, then the latest marksheet will be considered as your valid Class 12th result. For IIM A, B, C and other top IIMs, they look at the final updated marksheet that you present at the time of admission.
So, if you improve your percentage from 70% to 90%, then definitely the improved score will be counted in your profile evaluation. Just make sure you give the exam through the official CBSE improvement route and keep the valid documents.
Hey Ramesh! Looking at your profile—10th: 92%, 12th: 93%, Master’s CGPA: 8.3, no work experience, SC category—you have a solid academic record. For top IIMs like Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta, SC category candidates usually need a CAT percentile of around 92–94 to have a realistic chance at admission. Other IIMs like Lucknow, Indore, Kozhikode may require slightly higher percentiles, around 94–96. For FMS Delhi, SC candidates typically need 95+ percentile.
Remember, these percentiles are approximate and can vary slightly each year depending on the competition and number of seats. Sectional cut-offs also matter, so make sure to perform well in all sections of CAT. Since you have no work experience, your academic record will carry more weight, which is in your favor. My suggestion is to aim for 95+ percentile to keep your options open across IIMs and FMS. Also, consider applying to other top MBA colleges alongside, to maximize your chances. With focused preparation, your profile is competitive for SC category seats.
Hi Lokendra
As you are from SC category and also a PWD candidate, your chances of getting a call from IIM A,B,C will be very good at 60 - 65 percentile. The official minimum percentile required for your category (cutoff) is 50 percentile but the safe percentile for getting a call from IIM ABC is 65 percentile. The safe percentile to guarantee your admission would be 80 percentile.
To know more about CAT: CAT by CAREERS360
Hope this answer helps! Thank You!!!
Hello,
Depending on the IIM, SC or PWD candidates minimal percentile for an IIM call typically falls between 50 and 70. Generally speaking, a percentile score of 80 or more is seen as a safe bet for admission assurance. However, various IIMs and even different years for the same IIM may have varying cut offs and admission chances.
Hello Aspirant,
- Minimum Percentile for IIM A/B: While there isn't a specific percentile to guarantee you admission to IIM Ahmedabad or IIM Bangalore, a 99+ percentile CAT score is typically deemed competitive at these schools in particular for GEM candidates. The percentile is only one consideration alongside your academic history, experience and other accomplishments, so the required percentile is variable.
- Is it worth trying without work experience - It is possible for you to get into IIMs with no work experience; however, preferably in particular for IIM A/B, candidates typically have gained work experience along with 2+ other years in the workplace when they apply for an MBA. These colleges want candidates to demonstrate real-world experiences where they were impactful, have taken on leadership roles etc. In other words, if your goal is Management Consulting, the experience in your current job offer will provide you with solid practical experience and credibility to apply later.
- Should wait or go ahead with job offer - If Management Consulting is your goal, the real value of the job offer is through the work experience. Over the long term, securing work experience through the job offer is valuable and beneficial to your profile. IIMs really appreciate a mix of academic performance, experience in the workforce and individuals who demonstrate past leadership potential to make the jump into an MBA. Besides, if you take the job, it also gives you time to stretch your mind to determine if management consulting is really what you want to do with your life before you apply for an MBA.
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