Published on October 9, 2025
Delhi, India
The Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026, marking its 22nd edition, evaluates 2,191 institutions across 115 countries and territories, assessing excellence in teaching, research, knowledge transfer, and international outlook.
- Key Highlights:
- University of Oxford (UK) holds the top spot for the 10th consecutive year, underscoring sustained global leadership in academic metrics.
- Rankings emphasize holistic institutional performance, with a focus on innovation and societal impact.
India’s Standing
For the first time, India secures the second-highest number of ranked universities worldwide, trailing only the United States, reflecting rapid growth in higher education quality and scale.
- Performance Metrics:
- No Indian institution cracks the top 200, highlighting areas for improvement in global competitiveness.
- This milestone underscores India’s expanding footprint, driven by policy reforms like the National Education Policy 2020 and increased research investments.
Top Indian Universities
India’s ranked institutions demonstrate strengths in specialized fields like science and medicine, with the Indian Institute of Science leading the pack.
- Leading Performers:
- Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru: Positioned in the 201-250 band, excelling in research environment and citations.
- Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences: Ranks 351-400, notable for advancements in health sciences and industry partnerships.
Global Comparisons
While India rises in representation, established powerhouses face challenges, and emerging players like China gain ground, reshaping the international landscape.
- United States: Secures six additional spots in the top 20 and 35 in the top 100 (down from 38 last year); dominates top 500 with 102 institutions—its lowest on record—with an average score decline and 25 universities hitting all-time lows, including University of Chicago (15th), Columbia University (20th), and Duke University (28th).
- China: Advances with five universities in the top 40, up from three in the previous edition, fueled by investments in STEM and internationalization.
- Hong Kong: Claims six positions in the top 200, boosted by enhancements in teaching quality and student experience metrics.
Methodology Insights
THE’s rankings employ a rigorous, peer-reviewed framework balancing 18 carefully calibrated indicators, ensuring fairness across diverse institutional types.
- Core Pillars: Teaching (30%), research environment (30%), research quality (30%), industry (2.5%), and international outlook (7.5%)—with updates reflecting evolving global priorities like sustainability.
Expert Insights
Phil Baty, Chief Global Universities Correspondent at THE, comments on the US trends: “The U.S. has six more spots in the top 20 and a total of 35 in the top 100 – down from 38 last year. While it still dominates the top 500, with 102 ranked institutions, this is its lowest number on record. Its average score has dipped and 25 of its institutions – more than in any other country – have slumped to their lowest-ever positions.”
Implications for Indian Higher Education
India’s second-place ranking signals momentum but calls for targeted reforms to elevate top-tier institutions into elite global tiers.
- Opportunities Ahead:
- Leverage NEP-driven autonomy and funding to boost research output and international collaborations.
- Focus on interdisciplinary programs and faculty development to close the gap with top 200 contenders.
- Potential for India to challenge China’s ascent by 2030, fostering a more competitive, innovative academic ecosystem.
