How is Our Government Advancing Research and Innovation Ecosystems? PM Modi on QS Rankings 2026

New Delhi, June 19 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi has commended India's standing in the QS World University 2026 Rankings, asserting that it heralds promising developments for education and emphasizes the government's dedication to providing advantages to the youth.

He made this statement in response to a social media update from Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who showcased these remarkable accomplishments.

In his post on X, PM Modi noted, “The QS World University 2026 Rankings deliver excellent news for our education sector. Our Government is devoted to enhancing research and innovation ecosystems for the upliftment of India’s youth.”

While announcing the news, the Education Minister pointed out that a record 54 Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are recognized among the world’s elite, marking a new milestone in the QS World University 2026 Rankings. He remarked, “From a mere 11 universities in 2014 to 54 in the current rankings, this five-fold increase reflects the transformative educational reforms initiated by PM @narendramodi ji’s administration over the last decade.”

Pradhan praised the NEP 2020, stating it is “not just modifying our educational landscape, it is revolutionizing it.”

He highlighted the immense pride associated with India being the fastest-growing education system within G20 nations and the fourth most represented, trailing only the US, UK, and China.

“I am confident that with NEP’s emphasis on research, innovation, and internationalization, more Indian HEIs will achieve global excellence in the future,” he remarked.

A historic 54 Indian institutes have been showcased in the QS World University Rankings 2026, released on Thursday, with the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) standing out as the nation’s highest-ranked institute.

IIT Delhi’s global ranking has significantly improved from the previous 150th position to the current 123rd rank, marking its highest achievement in the QS World University Rankings to date. IIT Delhi is closely followed by IIT Bombay, which was the leading Indian institute last year but has fallen to the 129th position from 118 in 2025.

IIT Madras has made a remarkable leap of 47 places to secure the 180th spot, up from 227 in 2025.

For the first time, eight Indian institutions have made their debut in the QS rankings, the highest number of new entries from any country.

With the 2026 QS Rankings, India has emerged as the fourth most represented nation on the global stage, following the US, UK, and China.

Approximately 48 percent of India’s ranked universities have improved their standings this year. Five Indian institutions rank among the global top 100 for Employer Reputation.

IIT Kharagpur (215), IISc Bangalore (219), and Delhi University (328) are other prestigious Indian institutes that have made it to this esteemed list. It also features private institutions like BITS Pilani (668) and OP Jindal Global University (851-900).

The global rankings continue to be led by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), which has maintained its top position for the 14th consecutive year.