QS Ranking: India Writes New Chapter in Higher Education

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi is the best-ranked Indian institution in QS World University Rankings for 2026 as it climbed more than 70 places in two years to secure the 123rd spot in the coveted list.

- TDG NETWORK

With eight new institutions added to the ranking this year, India now has 54 institutions included, making it the fourth most represented country behind only the US (192 institutions), the UK (90 institutions) and Mainland China (72 institutions).

No other country or territory has seen as many universities added to the ranking this year. Jordan and Azerbaijan are second most improved and have both seen six added in 2026 rankings.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that the QS World University Rankings 2026 have brought great news for India's education sector with a record 54 institutions figuring in the list.

"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," Modi wrote on X.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also lauded India's performance in the rankings saying the country has hit a new high.

IIT Delhi ranked 123rd this year compared with 197 and 150 in previous two years. This has been due to outstanding results in Employer Reputation (where it now ranks 50th), Citations (86th), Sustainability (172nd), and Academic Reputation (142nd).