IIM-Ahmedabad Among World’s Top 50, IIM-Calcutta in Top 10 for Executive MBA: QS International Trade Rankings 2026

India’s management education sector has achieved another milestone on the global stage. In the QS International Trade Rankings 2026, IIM-Ahmedabad and IIM-Calcutta have secured prestigious positions among the world’s leading business schools. Released by QS Quacquarelli Symonds in partnership with the Hinrich Foundation, the 2026 edition assessed 106 international trade and management programmes across 31 countries, highlighting excellence in MBA, Master’s, and Executive MBA programmes.

While IIM-Ahmedabad earned the 32nd rank globally in the Master’s and MBA programmes category, IIM-Calcutta made a historic entry into the top 10 list for Executive MBA programmes, securing the 8th position worldwide. These results underscore India’s growing influence in the field of global business education.

QS Rankings 2026: Overview

The QS International Trade Rankings aim to identify and evaluate business schools that prepare students for leadership in international trade and global management. This year’s rankings included Master’s and MBA programmes from 31 countries and 30 Executive MBA courses from 14 countries, focusing on metrics such as academic reputation, employability, industry engagement, research strength, and alumni outcomes.

For 2026, the Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University (US) topped the global list with its Master of Global Management (MGM) programme. It was followed by the National University of Singapore (NUS) in second place and Durham University (UK) in third. The University of Cambridge dominated the Executive MBA category, ranking number one globally, while IIM-Calcutta joined the elite group at rank 8, marking India’s strongest performance in this segment to date.

IIM-Ahmedabad: 32nd Globally, Leading in India

The Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIM-A) continues to uphold its legacy as India’s top-ranked management school. Securing the 32nd position globally, IIM-A outperformed many established Asian and European institutions. The ranking recognized IIM-A’s academic excellence, robust global curriculum, and strong industry interface, which prepare graduates for leadership roles in international business.

India’s representation in this category also includes the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), which ranked 71st globally for its Master’s in Global Management (MGM) programme, reaffirming India’s growing contribution to global trade education.

IIM-Calcutta: Making History with Executive MBA Rank 8

IIM-Calcutta’s Executive MBA programme has earned a spot among the world’s top 10, ranking 8th globally and joining the company of elite institutions such as the University of Cambridge, INSEAD (France), and IMD (Switzerland). The recognition reflects IIM-Calcutta’s focus on executive leadership, innovation-driven management, and global exposure.

In the Executive MBA rankings, University of Cambridge secured the top position, followed by leading names from the United States and Europe. IIM-Calcutta’s achievement highlights India’s ability to deliver world-class executive education that aligns with international standards of management excellence.

Top 20 Master’s and MBA Programmes in QS Rankings 2026

The top 20 list for the Master’s and MBA category is dominated by leading institutions from the US, UK, and Europe. The Thunderbird School of Global Management (ASU) maintained its global lead for the second consecutive year, while NUS (Singapore) and Durham University (UK) followed in second and third positions, respectively.

Here’s the summary of the top 10:

The rankings also recognize Oxford University (UK) at rank 14, Columbia University (US) at 11, and University of Toronto (Canada) at 13, reflecting global diversity in management education leadership.

Strong Regional Performances

The United States remains the most represented country, with 12 business schools featured in the rankings and three in the global top 20. France leads Europe with nine institutions, followed by Spain (6) and Switzerland (4). The United Kingdom continues to show strong representation, with Durham University, Cranfield University, and University of Cambridge all featuring in the global top 10.

Canada has four institutions in the list, led by the University of Toronto, which ranked 13th globally for its full-time MBA. The Université de Montréal also made its debut at joint 38th with its MSc International Programme.

From the Asia-Pacific region, Singapore’s NUS and University of Sydney (Australia) stood out as top performers, while China’s CEIBS (China Europe International Business School) secured the 17th position, showcasing Asia’s growing competitiveness in global management education.

Europe’s Rise and New Entries

Europe saw 38 business schools ranked across continental countries and Ireland. INSEAD’s MBA (France), ranked 4th globally, remains the top performer from the continent. Switzerland’s IMD follows at 6th, while Spain’s Universitat Ramon Llull debuted at joint 8th, marking its best-ever performance.

Seven new European programmes entered the rankings this year, with Rome Business School’s MBA (ranked 26th globally) drawing attention for exceptional graduate outcomes and employer satisfaction.

India’s Growing Presence in Global Business Education

India’s consistent rise in global management education rankings demonstrates its maturing academic ecosystem and increasing global competitiveness. With IIM-Ahmedabad and IIM-Calcutta securing top global positions, Indian B-schools are now being recognized alongside long-established Western institutions.