QS World University Rankings 2026, India’s Performance

Context: The QS World University Rankings 2026 have been released, showcasing remarkable improvement and rising global competitiveness among Indian institutions.

About QS World University Rankings

The QS World University Rankings are a highly influential and well-known yearly publication that ranks the world’s top universities. Published by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), an education analytics company, the rankings are a comparative evaluation of universities through a number of performance indicators.

• An annual global ranking of universities that evaluates:
  • Academic performance
  • Employability
  • Sustainability
  • Global impact
• Launched by: Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), a UK-based global education services firm.
• Objectives:
  • Provide transparent insights into global university standings.
  • Guide students in selecting universities using multiple performance indicators.
  • Motivate universities to improve in research, teaching, internationalisation, and impact.

India’s Performance in QS World University Rankings 2026

• 54 Indian universities featured in the QS Rankings 2026.
• 4th most represented country after:
  • United States (192 universities)
  • United Kingdom (90 universities)
  • Mainland China (72 universities)

• 8 Indian universities entered the rankings for the first time — the highest number of new entrants from any country this year.
• Indian universities in the QS rankings grew from 11 in 2015 to 54 in 2026 — a five-fold increase in just over a decade.
• 48% of India’s ranked universities improved their positions compared to the previous year.
• Top-Ranked Indian Institutions:
• 6 Indian institutions are in the global top 250.
• IIT Delhi is the highest ranked, at 123rd globally (up from 150th in 2025).
• IIT Madras showed a significant jump — up 47 spots, from 227 (2025) to 180 (2026).

Sharing is caring!