New Delhi, November 5, 2025 — The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi has been ranked as India’s leading university in the QS World University Rankings 2026, securing the 123rd position globally — its highest-ever placement in the prestigious list.
India’s overall performance in the rankings has reached a new milestone, with 54 institutions featured this year, making it the fourth most represented country worldwide. This marks a significant leap from 46 institutions in 2025 and reflects the growing global recognition of India’s higher education system.
Following IIT Delhi, other top-performing Indian institutions include IIT Bombay (129th), IIT Madras (180th), IIT Kharagpur (215th), Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore (219th), and IIT Kanpur (222nd). The University of Delhi also secured a spot within the top 350 globally.
India’s rise in the rankings is attributed to improvements in research productivity, academic reputation, and faculty qualifications. Notably, 19 Indian universities achieved their best-ever performance this year, and five ranked among Asia’s top 10 for ‘Papers Per Faculty’.
QS CEO Jessica Turner remarked that India’s transformation in higher education is now visible in global data, highlighting a system that is both locally empowering and globally relevant.
The rankings underscore India’s emergence as a research powerhouse in Asia, with strong momentum in innovation, international collaboration, and institutional excellence.
