- India features 54 institutions in the QS 2026 rankings — its highest-ever tally.
- IIT Delhi leads Indian universities, ranking 123rd globally, rising over 70 spots in two years.
- India is now the 4th most represented country, after the US, UK, and China.
The QS World University Rankings 2026 have marked a significant moment for India’s education landscape, with a record-breaking 54 institutions included — a jump fueled by the addition of eight new entrants.
The rankings, published by UK-based Quacquarelli Symonds, are based on factors like research output, academic reputation, and international outlook.
India Rises in QS Rankings 2026: 54 Universities Make the Cut, Says PM Modi
The QS World University Rankings 2026 reflect India’s rising stature in global higher education. With 54 Indian institutions featured this year, the country has achieved its strongest presence ever in the prestigious list. Eight of these were new entries, showcasing the expanding academic footprint of Indian universities.
IIT Delhi stood out as the top performer among Indian institutions, reaching the 123rd rank globally. This sharp climb — over 70 spots in just two years — signals a growing emphasis on research output, global collaborations, and academic excellence at premier Indian tech institutes.
India’s leap in rankings comes amid a global shift where more emerging economies are being recognized for education quality. Apart from India, countries like Jordan and Azerbaijan also showed notable progress, adding six universities each. However, India remains the only country with eight new entries this year.
This momentum aligns with the Modi government’s National Education Policy (NEP) goals, which aim to globalize Indian education and foster world-class research. Increased government funding, international partnerships, and emphasis on skill development are contributing factors to this upward trend.
India’s performance in the QS 2026 rankings underlines the country’s growing global competitiveness in higher education, with a clear trajectory toward innovation-driven academic excellence.
“The QS World University 2026 Rankings bring great news for our education sector. Our Government is committed to furthering research and innovation ecosystems for the benefit of India’s youth.” — PM Narendra Modi
