QS Rankings 2026

In a remarkable achievement for Indian higher education, a record 54 Indian institutes have secured positions in the latest QS World University Rankings, marking the highest-ever representation of India in the global rankings to date. This milestone reflects the rising global stature of Indian academia.

Among the institutions featured, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi has emerged as India’s top-ranked university, registering a significant leap in its global standing. The institute improved its position from 150th to 123rd—the highest QS World University Ranking ever achieved by IIT Delhi.

Reacting to the rankings, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan took to social media to express pride in this accomplishment. He highlighted that the number of Indian universities featured in the QS Rankings has grown nearly five-fold—from just 11 in 2014 to 54 in the latest edition. This, he noted, is a testament to the transformative educational reforms undertaken under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Minister particularly underscored the pivotal role of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, describing it as a revolutionary framework that is not only reshaping but revolutionising India’s educational landscape. The NEP 2020 introduces several reforms, such as multidisciplinary education, increased autonomy for institutions, and a shift toward outcome-based learning—all designed to enhance global competitiveness and learning outcomes.

Further adding to India’s global recognition, Pradhan noted that India is now the fastest-growing education system among G20 countries. It has also become the fourth most represented nation in the QS World University Rankings, trailing only the United States, the United Kingdom, and China.