QS Rankings 2027: Indian institutions rise nearly fivefold since 2015, says Centre

India has expanded its presence in the QS World University Rankings 2027, with 52 institutions now featured and IIT Delhi emerging as the country's top-ranked campus. The Centre linked the rise to NIRF, sectoral expansion and policy support, but said further gains will depend on stronger research and teaching.QS Rankings 2027: Indian institutions rise nearly fivefold since 2015, says Centre (Image: PTI)India has made a significant jump in global university rankings, with 52 institutions featuring in the QS World University Rankings 2027, up from 11 in 2015, the Centre told the Lok Sabha. The government said the rise reflects the expansion of the country’s higher education sector and reforms introduced over the past decade.The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), introduced in 2015, evaluates institutions on parameters including teaching and learning, research, graduation outcomes, inclusivity and overall academic performance.Participation in the framework has increased significantly. The number of applications rose from 6,272 in 2021 to 14,163 in 2025, while the number of participating institutions increased from 4,030 to 7,692 during the same period.Of the 52 Indian institutions featured in the QS 2027 rankings, 26 improved their positions, nine retained their ranks and 15 slipped. Two institutions entered the rankings for the first time. IIT DELHI LEADS INDIAN INSTITUTIONSIIT Delhi emerged as India’s highest-ranked institution, climbing five places to 118th globally. IIT Bombay followed at 134th, IIT Madras at 170th, IIT Kharagpur at 205th and IISc Bengaluru at 221st.Several non-IIT institutions also recorded notable gains. VIT climbed 94 places to 597th, while BITS Pilani rose 93 places to 575th. IIT Hyderabad and Jamia Millia Islamia also registered significant improvements. The Centre linked the progress to a series of higher education reforms and institutional expansion, including initiatives under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The policy focuses on multidisciplinary education, critical thinking, research and innovation, infrastructure and teacher training.The government also highlighted the Institutions of Eminence scheme, along with support for state universities through RUSA and PM-USHA and continued infrastructure development.Since 2014, 43 new premier institutions have been established, including seven IITs, eight Central universities and nine IIMs, according to the government.India’s growing representation in global rankings reflects the expansion of its higher education sector. However, sustaining this progress will require continued improvements in research, teaching quality and academic outcomes.- EndsPublished By: Apoorva AnandPublished On: Aug 11, 2026 08:52 IST