The government informed Parliament that the number of Indian higher education institutions (HEIs) in the QS World University Rankings (QS-WUR) has doubled over the last five years. According to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, India’s representation rose from 27 institutions in QS-WUR 2021 to 54 in QS-WUR 2026, marking the country’s strongest presence in the global rankings so far.
Highlighting the steady progress, Pradhan noted that India’s representation has grown significantly over the last decade — from 11 institutions in QS-WUR 2015 to 54 institutions in the 2026 edition. This marks the highest-ever participation by Indian universities in the global ranking system, reflecting improvements in academic and research performance, international outlook, and overall global standing.
The minister further informed that eight Indian institutions have been ranked for the first time in the 2026 edition. This is the highest number of new entrants for any country this year, not just within the G20 but also worldwide, underlining India’s rising footprint in global higher education.
