Sixty-nine Indian universities have been included in the rankings, with 424 entries in the 2024 QS World University Rankings by Subject. This represents a notable increase of 19.4 percent from the previous year’s 355 entries.
“Interestingly, 72 percent of the Indian entries this year are either new to the list, have shown improvement, or have maintained their positions, whereas a mere 18 percent experienced a decline. Overall, India has demonstrated a significant 17 percent year-on-year improvement.”
The list is compiled by global higher education experts QS Quacquarelli Symonds.
“The 12 Institutes of Eminence (IoE), which represent just a fraction of Indian universities, contribute 40 percent of the country’s total entries, amounting to 180. Furthermore, the IoE lead the way with 47 of the 69 top-100 Indian positions and 14 of the 21 positions across 55 academic disciplines and five faculty areas in the 14th edition of the rankings.”
The University of Delhi, IIT Bombay, and IIT Kharagpur are the most represented Indian universities in this edition of the rankings, with 30, 28, and 27 entries respectively. IIT Madras follows closely with 22 entries this year, showing improvements in eight, decline in six, and no change in four. IIT Delhi secured the fifth spot with 19 entries, out of which 11 improved, three declined, and three remained unchanged.
“IIT Guwahati has been named as one of the world’s top universities for the study of Data Science and Petroleum Engineering subjects, securing a global ranking of 51-70, and Petroleum Engineering, where it ranks 51-100 globally. Additionally, four of IIT Guwahati’s subjects have witnessed an improvement in rank this year.”
IIT Guwahati’s subject wise ranks
| Sr. No | Subject/ Department | Rank – 2024 |
| 1. | IIT Guwahati – Engineering and Technology | 210 |
| 2. | Chemical Engineering | 201-250 |
| 3. | Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering | 201-250 |
| 4. | Electrical & Electronics Engineering | 201-250 |
| 5. | Computer Science & Information Systems | 251-300 |
| 6. | Chemistry | 251-300 |
| 7. | Physics & Astronomy | 301-350 |
| 8. | IIT Guwahati – Natural Sciences | 343 |
| 9. | Biological Sciences | 401-450 |
| 10. | Mathematics | 301-350 |
| 11. | Petroleum Engineering | 51-100 |
| 12. | Environmental Studies | 201-250 |
| 13. | Civil Engineering | 151-200 |
| 14. | Economic & Econometrics | 451-500 |
| 15. | Data Science | 51-70 |
| 16. | IIT Guwahati – Arts & Humanities | 501-550 |
| 17. | Business & Management Studies | 501-550 |
| 18. | Agriculture & Forestry | 351-400 |
Jindal Global Law School has made a significant leap to the 72nd rank in the world this year from the 84th rank last year, maintaining its top position for the fifth consecutive year. Other Indian law schools included in the list are National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru (ranked 151-200), and the Faculty of Law, University of Delhi (ranked 201-250).
Jessica Turner, QS CEO, highlighted the challenges faced by India in providing high-quality tertiary education amidst increasing demand. She also noted the positive progress made by several programs at India’s three privately-run Institutes of Eminence, emphasizing the role of well-regulated private provision in enhancing India’s higher education sector.
“While there is still room for improvement in standards, access to higher education, universities’ digital readiness, and global competitiveness, it is evident that India is moving in the right direction.”
