IIM Bangalore achieves 9.7 in Positive Impact Rating 2026, far exceeding global average
The Institute earns Level 5 ‘Pioneering School’ distinction for the fifth consecutive year
22 June, 2026, Bengaluru: IIM Bangalore has once again been recognised among the world's foremost institutions advancing responsible management education. In the 2026 edition of the Positive Impact Rating (PIR) for Business Schools, a global student-led assessment of societal impact, IIMB earned an overall score of 9.7, substantially ahead of the global average of 8.0. The Institute was also designated a Level 5 Pioneering School for the fifth consecutive year, which is the highest category within the PIR framework. The distinction is reserved for institutions that demonstrate unique and sustained leadership across all dimensions of impact – Governance, Culture, Programmes, Learning Methods, Student Support, Institution as a Role Model, Public Engagement and Research.
The 2026 edition drew nearly 20,000 valid student responses from 87 business schools across 32 countries and five continents, making it the largest edition of the PIR to date.
The PIR evaluates business schools on the positive impact they create for society. Rather than focusing solely on academic excellence or institutional reputation, the PIR examines how effectively schools contribute to addressing societal challenges and preparing responsible leaders for the future.
The Institute recorded particularly strong results in the PIR's assessment of ‘Energize’ and ‘Educate’ parameters. Under the first, which evaluates governance (9.8) and culture (9.7), IIMB scored 9.8. In the second category evaluating programs (9.7), learning methods (9.6) and student support (9.6), the Institute scored 9.6 overall, beating the global average of 7.9. Parameters such as role model and public engagement under ‘Enable’ also recorded standout performances.
On the recognition, Prof. 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”.
"It is especially encouraging to see IIMB continue to be recognised at the highest level in a rating shaped entirely by student voices”, added Prof. Mukta Kulkarni, Dean, Programmes, IIMB. “It challenges us to continue raising the bar”.
The Positive Impact Rating 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 & Liechtenstein, with funding from VIVA Idea and the Institute for Business Sustainability (IBS). Unlike conventional rankings, PIR uniquely assesses a business school’s contribution to societal progress and global good.
IIM Bangalore achieves 9.7 in Positive Impact Rating 2026, far exceeding global average
The Institute earns Level 5 ‘Pioneering School’ distinction for the fifth consecutive year
22 June, 2026, Bengaluru: IIM Bangalore has once again been recognised among the world's foremost institutions advancing responsible management education. In the 2026 edition of the Positive Impact Rating (PIR) for Business Schools, a global student-led assessment of societal impact, IIMB earned an overall score of 9.7, substantially ahead of the global average of 8.0. The Institute was also designated a Level 5 Pioneering School for the fifth consecutive year, which is the highest category within the PIR framework. The distinction is reserved for institutions that demonstrate unique and sustained leadership across all dimensions of impact – Governance, Culture, Programmes, Learning Methods, Student Support, Institution as a Role Model, Public Engagement and Research.
The 2026 edition drew nearly 20,000 valid student responses from 87 business schools across 32 countries and five continents, making it the largest edition of the PIR to date.
The PIR evaluates business schools on the positive impact they create for society. Rather than focusing solely on academic excellence or institutional reputation, the PIR examines how effectively schools contribute to addressing societal challenges and preparing responsible leaders for the future.
The Institute recorded particularly strong results in the PIR's assessment of ‘Energize’ and ‘Educate’ parameters. Under the first, which evaluates governance (9.8) and culture (9.7), IIMB scored 9.8. In the second category evaluating programs (9.7), learning methods (9.6) and student support (9.6), the Institute scored 9.6 overall, beating the global average of 7.9. Parameters such as role model and public engagement under ‘Enable’ also recorded standout performances.
On the recognition, Prof. 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”.
"It is especially encouraging to see IIMB continue to be recognised at the highest level in a rating shaped entirely by student voices”, added Prof. Mukta Kulkarni, Dean, Programmes, IIMB. “It challenges us to continue raising the bar”.
The Positive Impact Rating 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 & Liechtenstein, with funding from VIVA Idea and the Institute for Business Sustainability (IBS). Unlike conventional rankings, PIR uniquely assesses a business school’s contribution to societal progress and global good.