How did Indian universities rank on QS?

• Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) has ranked Indian universities in the top 1,500 globally, with IIT Delhi at the top.

• The ranking includes factors such as learning environment, academic reputation, impactful research, diversity, student outcomes, and campus sustainability.

• The ranking has increased from 11 in 2015 to 54 in 2026, with eight universities including Ashoka University and Shiv Nadar Institute of Eminence featured for the first time.

• The ranking reflects Indian universities adapting to global norms, making them comparable to international ones.

• The average undergraduate student to faculty ratio in Indian universities is 19, which is improving to 11.5.

• Indian universities have not prioritized original research, especially in STEM subjects, which is changing.

• The National Education Plan, 2020 (NEP) emphasizes research in universities, leading to more Indian institutions on international ranking lists.

• The rise of Indian universities in international rankings is expected as more universities build research networks and hire quality faculty.

• India needs to encourage international students and faculty to join its educational institutions and work with industry to identify potential employment destinations.