India's QS Rankings Rise to 52 Institutions
Analysis based on 10 articles · First reported Aug 10, 2026 · Last updated Aug 11, 2026
The expansion of Indian institutions in global rankings may enhance the reputation of Indian higher education, potentially attracting more international students and research collaborations. However, the direct financial market impact is limited, as universities are not publicly traded entities, though improved rankings could influence government funding and private investment in education.
The Indian government reported to the India — Lok Sabha that the number of Indian institutions in the QS World University Rankings increased from 11 in 2015 to 52 in 2027, attributing this growth to the India — National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) launched in 2015 and various policy measures. NIRF participation expanded significantly, with applications rising from 6,272 in 2021 to 14,163 in 2025, and unique institutions from 4,030 to 7,692. In the QS 2027 rankings, 26 Indian institutions improved, 9 remained unchanged, and 15 declined; 18 achieved their highest-ever rankings, including 13 non-IIT institutions. IIT Delhi rose to 118th, matching the best-ever Indian position, while IIT Bombay slipped to 134th. Notable gains were seen at VIT, BITS Pilani, IIT Hyderabad, Jamia Millia Islamia, and Shoolini University. The government credited NEP 2020, the Institutions of Eminence scheme, and RUSA/PM-USHA support for these improvements.
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