Press Release

Reaffirms its commitment to responsible leadership and sustainability with Level 5 rating

Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan’s S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR) has once again been recognised for its societal impact and commitment to sustainability in the sixth edition of the Positive Impact Rating (PIR), released today at the PIR Global Summit 2025 and acknowledged during the UN PRME Global Forum.

Chandrika Parmar, Associate Professor, Economics and Policy, and Director, Department of Corporate Citizenship (DoCC) at SPJIMR, noted: “SPJIMR’s continued presence as a Level 5 Pioneering School in the Positive Impact Rating over five consecutive years is a recognition of the principles that guide management education at the Institute—integrating societal impact into management education. This is not about accolades, but about the consistent effort to align what we teach with the realities our students encounter. Programmes such as DoCC, Abhyudaya, and the Science of Spirituality—deeply embedded in our curriculum—encourage students to engage with diverse contexts and develop the sensibilities and mindset required to navigate complexity and change. The rating reflects a collective commitment to shaping institutions that listen, adapt, and act with purpose.”

SPJIMR was one of 86 business schools from 30 countries to participate in this year’s edition, which saw a record 17,000+ student responses—up 13% from last year. The Institute achieved Level 5—the highest rating—earning the distinction of a ‘Pioneering’ school for the fifth consecutive year!

Level 5 is defined as “showing unique sustainable leadership in all impact dimensions” and includes institutions scoring between 8.8 and 10. The PIR assesses schools on seven key impact dimensions: Governance, Culture, Programs, Learning Methods, Student Support, Institution as a Role Model, and Public Engagement. These are grouped under three key areas: Energizing, Educating, and Engaging.

Varun Nagaraj, Dean, SPJIMR said, “To be recognised at the highest level for the fifth consecutive year in a row is both rewarding and deeply encouraging. It reflects the shared values and sustained efforts of our entire community. As we look ahead, we remain focused on advancing wise innovation and preparing our students to lead with both competence and conscience.”

The PIR is a student-driven global rating designed to reflect how business schools are perceived in terms of their positive societal impact. Advait Venkateswaran, PGDM 2024–26 participant at SPJIMR reflected, “The PIR was a valuable experience for the student community. We gathered thoughtful feedback and ideas to strengthen SPJIMR’s commitment to sustainability. The students’ suggestions can help bridge the gap between ongoing efforts and evolving student needs. Their perspectives will help us reflect on our institute’s impact and identify areas for meaningful improvement.”

The Positive Impact Rating was initiated by a coalition of international NGOs including WWF, Oxfam, and the UN Global Compact, and is supported by student-led organisations such as oikos, AIESEC, and Net Impact. It is also backed by VIVA Idea (Costa Rica), the Institute for Business Sustainability Foundation, and FehrAdvice (Switzerland).

About SPJIMR

Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan’s S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR) is a leading postgraduate management institute, recognised by the Financial Times MiM Global Rankings as India’s #1 business school, by Business Today as one of the country’s top five business schools, and by the Positive Impact Rating as one of the top five business schools worldwide for societal impact. Known for its innovative and socially conscious approach to management education, research, and community engagement, SPJIMR aims to influence managerial practice and promote the value-based growth of its students, alumni, organisations and their leaders, and society. SPJIMR holds the international ‘triple crown’ of accreditations from EQUIS, AACSB, and AMBA.

Visit https://www.spjimr.org/ for more information.

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