QS World University Rankings 2026: IIT Delhi Climbs to 123rd Rank Globally; 8 Indian Universities Make Debut

In a significant achievement for Indian higher education, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi has climbed to the 123rd position globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026, marking a substantial improvement from its previous year’s rank of 150. This leap highlights IIT Delhi’s growing global reputation for academic excellence, research output, and innovation.
In addition to this accomplishment, eight Indian institutions have made their debut in the prestigious global rankings this year, indicating a positive shift in India’s global academic standing.
IIT Delhi: A Rising Global Powerhouse
IIT Delhi’s improved rank is attributed to strong performances in:
Academic reputation
Employer reputation
Citations per faculty
Sustainable research practices
International faculty and student diversity
Reacting to the ranking, Director Prof. Rangan Banerjee said:
“Our focus on cutting-edge research, global partnerships, and student-centric innovation has contributed to this remarkable rise. We aim to be among the top 100 soon.”
8 New Indian Entrants in QS Rankings 2026
The QS 2026 rankings have witnessed eight Indian universities entering the list for the first time, showcasing India’s expanding footprint in global academia. These include a mix of central universities, state universities, and private institutions that have shown promise in research, global engagement, and academic development.
While the full list of new entrants is expected to be released in detail by QS in the coming days, sources indicate that institutions from states like Kerala, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu are among the notable debutants.
India’s Overall Performance
With over 45 Indian institutions featured in the QS World University Rankings 2026, India has reinforced its position as a key player in global education. Other top-ranked Indian institutions include:
IIT Bombay – 148th
IISc Bangalore – 179th
IIT Madras – 226th
University of Delhi – 407th
Global Trends
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) continues to retain the top spot globally, followed by University of Cambridge and University of Oxford. However, the upward mobility of Indian institutions reflects a gradual narrowing of the global academic gap.
Looking Ahead
With the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasizing internationalization, research, and multidisciplinary learning, experts believe more Indian universities will feature prominently in global rankings in the coming years.
“India’s educational landscape is undergoing rapid transformation. These rankings reflect that momentum,” said a senior QS analyst.
Stay tuned for a detailed breakdown of QS World University Rankings 2026 and expert insights into what this means for Indian students and institutions.
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