Published on November 05 , 2025
Delhi, India
The QS Asia University Rankings 2026, released on November 4, 2025, spotlight India’s surging influence in Asian academia. With 294 Indian institutions featured—more than double last year’s 148—India ranks as the second-most represented country after China. Despite some rank slips due to expanded competition, seven universities have claimed spots in the top 100, underscoring strengths in research, employability, and faculty quality. This edition evaluates 1,529 institutions across 25 systems, emphasizing innovation and global impact.
Top 7 Indian Universities in the QS Asia Top 100
These trailblazers highlight India’s focus on STEM excellence and interdisciplinary growth. Here’s the breakdown:
- IIT Delhi (59th, Score: 78.6): Tops India for the fifth year running, excelling in academic reputation and employer demand. A slip from 44th last year, but strong in AI and sustainable engineering.
- IISc Bengaluru (64th, Score: 76.5): The research juggernaut leads in citations per faculty, driving breakthroughs in biotech and quantum tech.
- IIT Madras (70th): Climbed on employability scores, renowned for robotics and renewable energy programs that fuel startup ecosystems.
- IIT Bombay (71st): Down from 48th, yet a powerhouse in computer science and finance, with alumni dominating global tech roles.
- IIT Kanpur (77th): Shines in aviation and materials science, bolstered by international research ties.
- IIT Kharagpur (77th, tied): Evolves with ocean engineering and sustainability initiatives, tying for a solid mid-pack position.
- Delhi University (95th): The lone non-IIT, blending humanities and STEM for broad appeal and rising internationalization.
Performance Trends: Gains, Slips, and Volatility
The rankings reveal a mixed bag of progress amid fiercer regional rivalry from China (395 institutions) and Singapore.
- Overall Growth: 36 institutions improved; 16 stayed steady; 105 declined—largely due to 130 new entrants causing volatility.
- Top Percentile Power: 41 Indian universities in the 80th percentile, with India leading Asia in “Staff with PhD” (45 in top 100).
- Research Dominance: Five Indian unis in Asia’s top 10 for papers per faculty; 28 in top 50—outpacing China’s 14.
- Broader Reach: 20 in top 200; 66 in top 500. Standouts like Chandigarh University jumped to 109th, its best ever.
- Challenges Ahead: Declines in internationalization (e.g., fewer global exchanges) and faculty resources, but employer reputation rose for 36 institutions.
Methodology Insights: What Drives These Ranks?
QS assesses universities on 11 indicators, weighted for Asia’s context:
- Academic Reputation (30%): Peer reviews highlight India’s rising global esteem.
- Employer Reputation (20%): Grads’ job market edge, especially from IITs.
- Faculty/Student Ratio (10%) and International Faculty/Students (5% each): Areas for improvement.
- Research Metrics (25% total): Citations per paper and papers per faculty, where India excels.
- Sustainability and Networks (10%): Emerging focuses rewarding eco-innovators.
This holistic approach ensures rankings reflect real-world impact, not just prestige.
