IFMR Graduate School of Business
Bangalore Urban Karnataka
IFMR Graduate School of Business, part of Krea University, is a leading institution dedicated to creating responsible global leaders through management education that balances rigorous theory with practical exposure. Established as the Institute for Financial Management and Research, IFMR GSB offers a two-year, full-time MBA program, a doctoral research track, an Executive MBA, and custom management development modules. Every course integrates real-world projects, internships, and interactive case studies to ensure that graduates are not only academically proficient but also industry-ready. Situated in Sri City, Andhra Pradesh, the campus features world-class residential and learning facilities, fostering an environment where reflective thought and collaborative innovation thrive.
Key Highlights:
Two-year full-time residential MBA with 54 core and 45 elective credits.
Fully residential five-year integrated management program combining UG and PG study.
Custom executive education and short-term specialisation modules aligned with industry trends.
Extensive summer internships with leading corporations across finance, marketing, data science, and operations.
Renowned faculty publishing in top journals like Routledge Taylor & Francis and the Indian Journal of Marketing.
IFMR Graduate School of Business at Krea University is built on a vision to merge management education with liberal arts, nurturing leaders who are not only technically skilled but also culturally sensitive and ethically grounded. The pedagogy prioritises structured reflection, allowing students to connect academic frameworks with personal values and societal needs. Under the guidance of luminaries such as Dr Raghuram G. Rajan, former RBI Governor and a member of Krea’s Governing Council, the school continually evolves its curriculum to reflect emerging business challenges—from sustainable marketing to digital transformation.
Academic Culture and Community
Reflective Learning: Weekly sessions encourage students to journal and discuss the moral dimensions of business decisions.
Collaborative Projects: Cross-disciplinary teams tackle real-world problems sourced from partner organisations.
Thought Leadership: Faculty publish case studies in platforms like AIMA India Case Research Centre, fostering an environment of intellectual inquiry.
Student Clubs and Events: From Abhyudaya cultural festivals to leadership workshops, IFMR GSB promotes holistic growth beyond classrooms.
Campus Life
Residential Experience: Fully furnished hostel rooms, dining halls, and common areas cultivate a “home away from home.”
Wellness and Recreation: Sports facilities, yoga studios, and meditation zones support physical and mental well-being.
Cultural Diversity: A rich mix of backgrounds and perspectives enhances peer learning and creativity.
By highlighting the unique blend of management rigour and liberal arts essence, this section underscores why IFMR Graduate School of Business is a top choice for aspirants seeking more than just an MBA.
Based on recent surveys and peer reviews:
Consistently rated among the top 25 private business schools in India for ethical leadership and social impact.
Recognised by industry bodies for excellence in finance and sustainability education.
Ranked within the top 15% of management schools in India for research publications per faculty.
IFMR Graduate School of Business offers a suite of flagship programs designed to cater to diverse career aspirations. Each course is crafted with inputs from industry leaders, ensuring currency and relevance. The table below summarises the core offerings:
Program Name | Duration | Credits | Key Specializations |
|---|---|---|---|
Master of Business Administration (MBA) | 2 years full-time | 54 core; 45 elective | Finance; Marketing; Data Science; Operations; OB & HR |
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) | 3–5 years | Research-based | Finance; Marketing; Strategy; Organizational Behavior |
Executive MBA | 18 months part-time | Customized modules | Leadership; Digital Transformation; Sustainability |
Integrated BBA + MBA (5-year residential) | 5 years | 120 credits total | Strategic Management; Entrepreneurship; Analytics |
Short-term Management Development Programs | 1–4 weeks | Variable | Specialised topics per industry trends |
Key Features of Top Courses:
MBA Internship: Mandatory summer internships with Fortune 500 companies.
PhD Research: Fully funded research scholarships with access to global databases.
EMBA Flexibility: Weekend and modular classes designed for working professionals.
Integrated Program: Seamless transition from undergraduate to postgraduate study, fostering deep domain expertise.
Industry Alignments: Guest lectures and live case studies co-developed with corporate partners.
This curated portfolio cements IFMR Graduate School of Business as a destination for students aiming for leadership roles in dynamic, globalised organisations.
While IFMR Graduate School of Business focuses primarily on its transformational pedagogy, it has also garnered recognition through prestigious academic publications and case competitions. Recent highlights include:
Routledge Taylor & Francis Case Publication: A sustainability marketing case study authored by an IFMR GSB professor received global recognition for its innovative industry insights.
AIMA India Case Research Centre: Marketing management case by IFMR faculty featured in AIMA’s latest journal, showcasing application-oriented research.
NACRA Conference Presentation: Co-authored a new-age marketing case presented at the North American Case Research Association’s flagship conference.
INDAM Special Conference: IFMR scholars selected to present research on digital finance, underlining the school’s thought leadership in emerging domains.
Beyond publications, IFMR GSB teams have consistently placed in national case-study competitions, demonstrating the school’s ability to translate classroom learning into real-world strategy.
IFMR Graduate School of Business traces its roots back to 1970, when the Institute for Financial Management and Research was founded to address the need for advanced financial education in India. Over the decades, IFMR GSB evolved into a multidisciplinary business school, expanding its academic offerings to include management, marketing, operations, and organisational behaviour. In 2020, IFMR formally became an integral part of Krea University, embracing a broader liberal arts framework while retaining its specialised management focus.
IFMR Graduate School of Business holds recognition and affiliations that vouch for its academic quality and global standards:
AICTE Approval: All flagship programs are approved by the All India Council for Technical Education.
Member, AACSB Emerging Schools Network: Actively working toward global accreditation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
Ministry of Education, Government of India: Recognised as a higher education institution committed to innovation in teaching and research.
Governing Council: Guided by eminent figures like Dr Raghuram G. Rajan, ensuring strategic oversight and academic integrity.
IFMR Graduate School of Business offers a range of scholarships and financial aid packages to attract top talent and support diversity:
Merit-Based Scholarships: Awarded to candidates with exceptional academic records and leadership potential.
Need-Based Aid: Tailored support for students demonstrating financial necessity, ensuring socio-economic diversity.
Industry-Sponsored Fellowships: Fully funded research grants for PhD scholars sponsored by partner organisations.
Early Applicant Benefits: Tuition waivers for candidates who complete their applications before specified deadlines.
Admission to IFMR Graduate School of Business is a multi-stage process designed to identify candidates with academic excellence, leadership qualities, and a commitment to social responsibility:
Entrance Exam Scores: Valid CAT, XAT, GMAT, or NMAT scores are required for MBA applicants.
Academic Record: Strong performance in undergraduate education with a minimum aggregate as per program norms.
Written Ability Test (WAT): Evaluates critical thinking and communication skills.
Personal Interview (PI): Assesses motivation, clarity of purpose, and cultural fit.
Research Proposal (PhD): PhD candidates must submit a synopsis outlining their intended research area and methodology.
Graduates from the IFMR Graduate School of Business secure placements at leading national and international firms. Top recruiters include:
Deloitte | Goldman Sachs | McKinsey & Company |Microsoft | Hindustan Unilever | Amazon | Tata | |Consultancy Services | ICICI Bank
IFMR Graduate School of Business boasts a modern campus spread across 75 acres in Sri City, featuring:
Facility | Description |
|---|---|
Lecture Theatres | Smart classrooms with AV systems and interactive boards |
Library | 30,000+ books; e-journals; 24/7 digital access |
Residential Hostels | Air-conditioned rooms, common lounges, Wi-Fi |
Cafeteria & Dining | Multi-cuisine options with hygienic practices |
Sports Complex | Cricket pitch, basketball courts, indoor gymnasium |
Innovation Labs | Analytics lab; design thinking studio; VR suite |
Auditoriums | 500 & 200-seater spaces for events and seminars |
Wellness Center | Yoga pavilion, counselling room,s; and medical clinic |