Research Methodology

Survey Period:

The survey was conducted from the first week of October 2025 to the second week of January 2026. The ranking process this year adopted a comprehensive research approach that integrates both factual and perceptual data. While the factual data captures an accurate representation of the current situation, the perceptual data helps to understand the perspectives of various stakeholders towards different B-schools. These 360 degree methodological components ensure a robust and balanced ranking process.

1. Secondary Desk Research

The first module involved secondary research using various sources such as the internet, magazines, and publications to generate a comprehensive list of B-schools. The sources included:

• Lists of previous surveys
• Secondary reviews of published information
• Inputs and suggestions from respondents during the study

Efforts were made to ensure a comprehensive list of B-schools. If a respondent mentioned a school outside the initial list during the perceptual survey, it was added to ensure all schools had a chance to be covered.

2. Factual Data Collection

The second module involved collecting factual data to understand the actual condition of B-schools on various parameters such as infrastructure and facilities. More than 1000 B-schools were contacted to share factual information. The broad information area for factual information’s are:

Selection Process, Affiliation/Accreditations/Collaborations

Learning Components, Curriculum

Faculty

Pedagogy

Future Orientation

Global Exposure, Industry Interface (e.g., interactions, live projects, internships)

Networking Potential and Alumni Outreach

Infrastructure and Living Experience, Facilities Provided

Extracurricular Activities

Fee Structure, Value for money

Placements etc.

A dedicated team, supervised by senior researchers, sent regular emails and conducted follow-ups via calls to ensure timely participation and completeness of information.

3. Perception Data Collection

In this module, a structured questionnaire was administered to selected respondents, including faculty, alumni, parents, and students, to rank and rate B-schools. The sample selection used convenience, referral, and snowball sampling methods, geographically spread for better representation. Over 1500 sample surveys were conducted across cities. Key parameters covered included:

• Infrastructure
• Faculty
• Course Curriculum
• Industry Interaction
• Pedagogy
• Research Orientation and Focus
• Global Exposure
• Placements
• Value for Money
• Overall Brand Value

Analysis: Final Ranking of B-Schools

A robust approach was followed to determine the final rankings, detailed below:

Factual Score:

• Data collected corresponded to similar parameters as in the perceptual survey.
• A detailed scoring system was developed for each parameter.
• Raw scores were weighted by their importance to arrive at weighted scores.

Perceptual Score:

• Ratings on various parameters.
• Calculated the importance of parameters to determine weights using a regression model.
• Raw and weighted scores for each parameter were calculated.
• Overall scores for each college/institute were determined using important weightages.

Final Rank:

• Calculated for all B-schools that shared factual data.
• The top 30 institutes scoring high in perception (but not submitting factual data) were listed alphabetically.

Caveats

• Only colleges/institutes participating in the Factual Survey were ranked.
• Institutes with less gap scores were awarded the same rank.
• Efforts were made to reach maximum B-schools, many institutes have shared their nomination forms/ factsheets with desired information.
• B-schools not sending complete nomination forms/ factsheets were listed separately based on perception scores.
• Schools not sharing factual questionnaires or explicitly unwilling to participate were excluded.
• Relatively newer B-schools but noteworthy developments were included in the Emerging B-School List.
• Government-funded or grant-receiving institutes were considered as Government Institutes.
• The represented rankings are based on shared information. Avance Insights undertook reasonable measures to get complete and accurate information. However, any lapse or concealment of information or any part thereof that would have influenced results in any way is beyond the control of Avance Insights. Hence, we assume no responsibility towards the said.