The Indian Institute of Management Lucknow (IIM Lucknow) has achieved a significant milestone. It recently received the EFMD Quality Improvement System (EQUIS) Accreditation. This special award means IIM Lucknow is now a "Triple Crown" institution. This places IIM Lucknow among the top 1% of business schools around the world.
Becoming a Triple Crown institution is a rare and respected achievement. It shows that the institute meets the highest global standards in management education. For IIM Lucknow, this means it now holds three important international accreditations. These are: the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business ( AACSB ), the Association of MBAs ( AMBA ), and now EQUIS . Very few business schools in India, less than 1% globally, have earned all three of these recognitions. Each accreditation focuses on different aspects of business education, ensuring overall excellence.
Understanding EQUIS Accreditation
EQUIS is a global mark of excellence for management education programs. The European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD) manages this accreditation. It is known as one of the most rigorous and complete review systems for business schools worldwide. Achieving EQUIS shows a school's strong commitment to quality, international reach, and connection with the business world.
As of 2025 , only 231 business schools across 46 different countries have achieved EQUIS accreditation. This small number highlights how exclusive and important this award is. It proves that an institution offers education of truly global quality and impact.
The Rigorous Assessment Process
The process to earn EQUIS accreditation is very detailed and rigorous. It typically takes between 12 to 24 months to complete. During this time, a team of international experts thoroughly checks many aspects of the business school. They evaluate the institution against a wide range of criteria, going beyond just academic results. This ensures that the school is excellent in all key areas of management education.
Key Areas EQUIS Evaluates:
- Global View: How well the school promotes international understanding and connects with other countries. This includes student and faculty exchange programs.
- Industry Connections: The strength of its partnerships with businesses and other organisations. This helps students get real-world experience and good jobs.
- Research Quality: The standard and impact of the research conducted by professors and students. High-quality research adds new knowledge to the business world.
- Ethics, Responsibility, and Sustainability: How much the school focuses on teaching good values, social responsibility, and care for the environment. This prepares students to be ethical leaders.
- Continuous Improvement and New Ideas: How the school keeps improving its programs and brings new ideas into management education. This ensures the curriculum stays modern and relevant.
Benefits for Students
For current and future students of IIM Lucknow, this Triple Crown status offers many benefits. It means they will receive education that is recognized as world-class. This high standard helps students gain better understanding and skills. It also improves their chances for job opportunities, both in India and globally. Employers everywhere respect degrees from Triple Crown institutions because they know these schools meet top international benchmarks.
This accreditation assures that IIM Lucknow’s programs are relevant, high-quality, and effectively prepare students for successful careers in the global business world. It also makes IIM Lucknow a more attractive option for international students and faculty, further enriching the learning environment.
Professor M.P. Gupta , the Director of IIM Lucknow, expressed his pride in this achievement. He stated, "IIM Lucknow is proud to achieve the prestigious EQUIS accreditation. With existing AMBA and AACSB accreditations, and now EQUIS, we are glad to join the distinguished group of Triple Crown–accredited institutions."
Professor Gupta thanked everyone who contributed to this success. He added, "This milestone belongs to our faculty, students, officers, staff, alumni, and partners. They have all worked tirelessly to advance our vision. Their collective efforts continue to drive our institution to greater heights."
This achievement clearly shows IIM Lucknow's strong commitment to providing excellent management education and preparing future leaders who can succeed anywhere in the world.
