IIMB scores 9.7 in global positive impact rating, retains top pioneering school status
In the 2026 edition of the Positive Impact Rating (PIR) for Business Schools, a global student-led assessment of societal impact, the Indian Institute of Management
In the 2026 edition of the Positive Impact Rating (PIR) for Business Schools, a global student-led assessment of societal impact, the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) earned an overall score of 9.7, substantially higher than the global average of 8.0. The Institute was also designated a Level 5 Pioneering School for the fifth consecutive year, the highest category within the PIR framework. It recorded strong results in the PIR’s ‘Energise’ and ‘Educate’ parameters. Under ‘Energise’, which evaluates governance (9.8) and culture (9.7), IIMB scored 9.8.
Under ‘Educate’, which assesses programmes (9.7), learning methods (9.6) and student support (9.6), the Institute scored 9.6 overall, breaking the global average of 7.9. Parameters such as role model and public engagement under ‘Enable’ also recorded standout performances, according to a release. U. Dinesh Kumar, director-in-charge, IIMB, said, “The year-on-year feedback we receive through the PIR helps validate our efforts at a time when the modern B-school is being called to a higher purpose than ever before. We will continue to play a conscious role in addressing challenges that matter to society in our journey to be among the world’s leading centres of management education.” Meanwhile, Mukta Kulkarni, dean, Programmes, IIMB, said, “It is especially encouraging to see IIMB continue to be recognised at the highest level in a rating shaped entirely by student voice.
It challenges us to continue raising the bar.” Positive Impact Rating (PIR) is governed by a Swiss association and was initiated by a coalition of business school experts. It is supported by founding endorsers, including WWF, Oxfam International and the UN Global Compact Switzerland and Liechtenstein, with funding from VIVA Idea and the Institute
for Business Sustainability (IBS). The rating evaluates business schools on the positive impact they create for society rather than focusing solely on academic excellence or institutional reputation. The 2026 edition drew nearly 20,000 valid student responses from 87 business schools across 32 countries and five continents, making it the largest PIR edition to date.
The BriefWire