PM Modi Lauds India’s Strong Performance In QS World University Rankings 2026

PM Narendra Modi welcomed India’s performance in the QS World University Rankings 2026, describing it as encouraging news for the country’s education sector.

In a post on social media platform X, the PM said the government remains committed to strengthening research and innovation ecosystems to benefit India’s youth.

“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,” PM Modi wrote.

Education Minister highlights surge in Indian institutions

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also shared the rankings on social media, celebrating a record 54 Indian higher education institutions (HEIs) securing spots among the world’s best.

He pointed out that the number has increased fivefold since 2014, when only 11 Indian institutions featured in the rankings.

Taking to X, Dharmendra Pradhan posted, “From just 11 universities in 2014 to 54 in the latest rankings, this five-fold jump is a testament to the transformative educational reforms ushered by PM @narendramodi ji’s govt. in the last decade. NEP 2020 is not just changing our educational landscape, it is revolutionising it.”

Pradhan credited the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 for driving this progress and hailed it as a revolutionary shift in India’s educational framework.

India is fourth most represented country in QS Rankings

With 54 institutions featured, India ranks fourth globally in terms of representation in the QS Rankings, following the US, UK, and China.

Pradhan emphasised that India also holds the title of the fastest-growing education system among G20 nations.

He expressed confidence that with continued emphasis on research, innovation, and internationalisation through NEP, more Indian HEIs will achieve global excellence in the years ahead.

IIT Delhi emerges as India’s top-ranked Institute in QS history

Among Indian institutions, IIT Delhi achieved the highest ranking, moving up from 150th to 123rd position, its best-ever performance in QS history.

IIT Bombay, which previously held the top spot in India, ranked 129th, down from 118th in 2025.

IIT Madras registered a major leap, climbing 47 positions to reach 180th, compared to its previous rank of 227.

This year saw eight Indian institutions enter the QS World University Rankings for the first time, the highest number of new entries from any single country.

Additionally, 48% of Indian institutions improved their rankings, with five of them placing in the global top 100 for Employer Reputation.

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