How Did QS Rankings 2026 Feature a Record 54 Indian Institutes with IIT Delhi Leading?
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Synopsis
The QS World University Rankings 2026 has showcased a remarkable achievement for India, featuring a record 54 institutes, with IIT Delhi taking the top spot. This significant improvement highlights India's rapid growth in higher education, emphasizing the transformative impact of recent educational reforms.
Key Takeaways
- 54 Indian institutes featured in QS Rankings 2026.
- IIT Delhi ranks highest among them.
- India is now the fourth most represented nation globally.
- Significant improvements for 48 percent of ranked universities.
- Five Indian institutions are in the global top 100 for Employer Reputation.
New Delhi, June 19 (NationPress) A remarkable 54 Indian institutes have made their mark in the QS World University Rankings 2026 published on Thursday, with the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) taking the lead as the top institution in the country.
The global ranking of IIT Delhi has significantly improved, moving up from the previous 150th position to securing the 123rd rank.
This achievement marks the highest ranking the institute has attained in the QS World University Rankings to date.
According to the Ministry of Education, “India's higher education institutions are experiencing an unparalleled rise in QS global university rankings, with more universities than ever before gaining recognition on the global stage,” as stated in a post on the social media platform X.
Furthermore, “India is now the fastest-growing G20 nation in the QS World University Rankings, showcasing an impressive 390 percent growth over the last decade,” it added.
IIT Delhi is closely followed by IIT Bombay, which held the top position among Indian institutes last year but has now fallen to the 129th spot from 118 in 2025.
IIT Madras made a significant leap of 47 places, now ranked 180th, up from 227 in 2025.
In a historic first, eight Indian institutions entered the QS rankings, representing the highest number of new entries from any nation.
With these recent rankings, India has now positioned itself as the fourth most represented country globally, following the US, UK, and China.
Approximately 48 percent of India's ranked universities have improved their standings this year.
Additionally, five Indian institutions are listed among the global top 100 for Employer Reputation.
Union Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan commented on X, stating, “From just 11 universities in 2014 to 54 in the latest rankings, this five-fold increase reflects the transformative educational reforms initiated by PM Narendra Modi's government in the past decade. The NEP 2020 is not merely altering our educational landscape; it is revolutionizing it.”
Other notable institutes include IIT Kharagpur (215), IISc Bangalore (219), and Delhi University (328) that made it onto the prestigious list.
The list also features private institutions such as BITS Pilani (668) and OP Jindal Global University (851-900).
On a global scale, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) continues to lead the list for the fourteenth consecutive year.
Point of View
It is with great pride that we acknowledge India's ascent in global education rankings. The impressive performance of our institutions reflects not only their dedication to academic excellence but also the government's commitment to educational reforms. This achievement is a collective victory for the nation, showcasing our potential on the world stage.
NationPress
19/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Indian institutes are featured in QS Rankings 2026?
A record 54 Indian institutes have been included in the QS World University Rankings 2026.
Which Indian institute ranks the highest?
The Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) is the highest-ranked Indian institute, now at the 123rd position globally.
What is the significance of this ranking for India?
This ranking reflects the remarkable growth of India's higher education sector, positioning it as the fourth most represented nation in global rankings.
What reforms contributed to this rise in rankings?
Transformative educational reforms, particularly the NEP 2020 initiated by PM Narendra Modi's government, have significantly contributed to this rise.
How has IIT Delhi's ranking changed over the years?
IIT Delhi has improved its rank from 150th last year to 123rd this year, marking its highest achievement in QS rankings.
