For the second year running, the National HRD Network will join hands with People Matters to gauge and rank B-schools in the country. Last year, it was the first time that the apex body for leading human resources practitioners partnered with People Matters to enquire about the true picture of the current B-schools so that aspirants could take an informed decision.

The results of this year’s ranking will be revealed in April 2014 when People Matters will publish the same in its April issue. The NHRDN-People Matters B-school rankings are an evaluation of the academic environment and the industry reputation of the leading B-schools in the country.

As Kamal Singh, Director General – National HRD Network says “NHRDN, as the largest professional body of Human Resources in the country, is represented by its members who represent the HR fraternity, and are also the largest employers from Business Schools. Our aim hence is to bring out a credible study backed by Industry and provide our stakeholders with the right information through a professional, transparent, validated process. This is where NHRDN is tirelessly working at, trying to establish its one of its kind, Ranking process driven by an Advisory Committee comprising of distinguished management professionals and an eminent Jury.

I am equally delighted to share that, in the first edition (2012-13), the Ranking had received stupendous response and appreciation both from Industry and Academia, with 42 B Schools participating in the same. This year over 50 Business Schools are participating, including those Schools which did not participate last year, which is a testimony of the success of this initiative.”

Last year, at least 40 schools took part in the rankings and were assessed on nine competencies that measure the quality of knowledge creation, knowledge application and knowledge dissemination in these institutions. The nine competencies were: Intellectual capital, academic excellence, students profile in terms of diversity and quality, corporate connectedness, placements, international accreditation and linkages, infrastructure, campus life and institute leadership and governance. It was only ranking of its kind where more than 30 senior corporate members were involved in its design and execution.

This year, about 40 schools have already confirmed their participation. Many B-Schools from the previous year have participated this year as well confirming how significant the ranking is for them. At least 14 new schools are part of the ranking this year, with many from Tier-II cities like Cochin, Nagpur and Kharagpur.

Watch out this space for more on the NHRDN-People Matters B-School Ranking 2014!