Purpose Research on the internationalization of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in India is rapidly expanding and gaining prominence in academia. Numerous studies have explored various aspects of the internationalization process, such as partnerships, faculty and student mobility, and international campuses, which enhance learning experiences and develop 21st-century global skills. However, existing evidence is scattered, indicating a literature gap and the need for a comprehensive profiling of the field. This study aims to fill this gap by conducting an empirical investigation of the top-ranking Indian management institutions. Design/methodology/approach Using the Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control (DMAIC) framework and qualitative thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with international division heads using NVivo and Python. Findings We identified various dimensions such as research activity, international ranking, joint degrees, and training programs, etc. We also highlight critical challenges such as government funding, language barriers, and academic mobility, among others. Our findings offer practical solutions and strong recommendations for future research, empowering academics and practitioners to leverage the success of internationalization in educational services. Originality/value The exclusivity of this study lies in the fact that we provide a comprehensive empirical analysis of the strategies, challenges, and potential solutions pertinent to the internationalization of Indian Higher Education Institutions (IHEIs) and map the prospective benchmarks and total quality standards in the field. No other studies seem to have done so far, to the best of our knowledge. © 2025 Emerald Publishing Limited
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