Is the QS World University Rankings 2026 a Matter of Immense Pride for India?
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Synopsis
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan celebrates India's record performance in the QS World University Rankings 2026, with a historic 54 institutions listed among the world's best. This achievement reflects India's educational reforms and positions it as a leader in higher education among G20 nations.
Key Takeaways
- 54 Indian institutions are now ranked in the QS World University Rankings 2026.
- IIT Delhi is the top-ranked Indian institution, moving up to 123rd globally.
- India's education system is the fastest-growing among G20 countries.
- Significant improvements were noted for several institutions, including IIT Madras, which jumped 47 places.
- For the first time, eight Indian institutions debuted in the rankings.
New Delhi, June 19 (NationPress) Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has applauded the QS World University Rankings 2026, describing it as a moment of immense pride for India.
“With an unprecedented 54 higher education institutions (HEIs) featured among the world’s elite, India has achieved a remarkable milestone in the QS World University Rankings 2026. From a mere 11 institutions in 2014 to 54 today, this nearly five-fold increase showcases the transformative educational reforms initiated under Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji’s leadership,” Pradhan stated in a post on X on Thursday.
He attributed the groundbreaking changes in the nation’s education system to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
“The NEP is not just changing but revolutionizing our educational landscape. It is a matter of immense pride that India stands as the fastest-growing education system among G20 nations and ranks fourth in representation in the QS rankings — trailing only the US, UK, and China,” he remarked.
A total of 54 Indian institutions have made their mark in the QS World University Rankings 2026, released on Thursday — marking the highest representation for India. The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi has emerged as the top-ranked Indian institution, climbing from 150th to 123rd globally — its best performance to date.
“IIT Delhi spearheads the list as India’s premier institute. This represents a historic achievement for the institution in QS rankings,” the Ministry of Education posted on X. “India's higher education institutions are experiencing an unparalleled global rise, with more universities than ever establishing their presence.”
The ministry also highlighted that India has achieved a remarkable 390 percent growth in representation within QS rankings over the past decade, the fastest among G20 nations.
IIT Bombay, which held the title of India’s top institute last year, fell from 118th to 129th this year. IIT Madras showed impressive progress, rising 47 places to rank 180th, up from 227 last year.
For the first time, eight Indian institutions debuted in the rankings — the highest number of new entries from any single country. Consequently, India has become the fourth most represented nation globally.
Almost 48 percent of India's ranked universities improved their standings this year. Five Indian institutions also made it to the global top 100 for Employer Reputation.
Other notable Indian institutions include IIT Kharagpur (215), IISc Bangalore (219), and Delhi University (328). Private universities such as BITS Pilani (668) and OP Jindal Global University (851-900) were also recognized.
Globally, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has maintained its top position for the 14th consecutive year.
Point of View
I believe the recognition of Indian institutions in the QS World University Rankings signifies our commitment to excellence in education. The remarkable growth in representation demonstrates the effectiveness of our educational reforms and positions India as a key player in global academia.
NationPress
19/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the QS World University Rankings?
The QS World University Rankings is an annual publication that ranks universities worldwide based on various criteria, including academic reputation, employer reputation, faculty/student ratio, and research output.
How many Indian institutions are ranked in 2026?
In the QS World University Rankings 2026, a record 54 Indian institutions are featured, marking a significant increase from previous years.
What has contributed to India's rise in these rankings?
The transformation of India's education system through initiatives like the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has significantly contributed to the rise in rankings.
Which Indian institution ranked the highest in 2026?
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi ranked the highest among Indian institutions, rising from 150th to 123rd place globally.
What does the representation growth signify?
The 390 percent growth in India's representation in the QS rankings over the last decade signifies the country's progress in higher education and its global competitiveness.
