Indian Universities Shine in Global Rankings Amid Mixed Progress

As 2024 draws to a close, the global academic performance of Indian universities has come under the spotlight. The QS World University Rankings for 2025 and the Times Higher Education (THE) rankings reflect both achievements and areas for growth. These rankings underline the growing influence of Indian institutions on the global stage, showcasing steady advancements and notable breakthroughs.

Over the past five years, from 2021 to 2025, India’s academic institutions have made remarkable strides, with several universities achieving new milestones.

The Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) have demonstrated a strong upward trajectory in the QS World University Rankings. Among them, IIT Bombay has been the standout performer, improving its rank from 172 in 2023 to 118 in 2025. This steady climb underscores the institution’s growing reputation worldwide. Similarly, IIT Delhi has made significant gains, advancing from rank 197 in 2024 to 150 in 2025. This progress highlights the institution’s focus on research, innovation, and educational excellence.

Other IITs, including IIT Madras and IIT Kanpur, have also improved their standings. IIT Kharagpur and IIT Guwahati have shown consistent progress, cementing their places in the rankings. The rise of these institutions highlights the broader commitment of IITs to enhancing their academic and research contributions.

Beyond the IITs, other Indian universities have also gained recognition. Delhi University (DU) recorded a significant improvement, jumping from the 521-530 range in 2023 to rank 328 in 2025. This leap reflects its increasing global influence and academic excellence. Similarly, Anna University has risen rapidly, moving from the 801-1000 range to rank 383 in 2025, underscoring its emphasis on quality research and education. These achievements represent a broader effort by Indian universities to align with global standards and attract international attention.

Indian higher education has seen dynamism with new entrants and institutions improving their standings. For example, IIT Roorkee made a significant debut in the QS rankings, entering the top 335 in 2025 after not being listed in earlier years. IIT Guwahati has also steadily risen, progressing from rank 470 in 2021 to 344 in 2025. These improvements reflect growing academic and research outputs from these institutions.

In the Times Higher Education (THE) rankings, IISc Bangalore has consistently performed well, maintaining a position in the top 300 over the years. From being in the 301-350 range in 2021, it climbed to the 251-300 range by 2025. However, not all institutions have shown positive trends. IIT Ropar, for instance, experienced a decline, dropping from the 351-400 range in 2021 to the 801-1000 range in 2025. IIT Gandhinagar and IIT Guwahati showed fluctuations, with the latter rising from the 1001+ range in 2021 to 601-800 in 2024 before slipping to 801-1000 in 2025.

Despite challenges, IIT Patna and IIT Indore maintained stable performances, consistently ranking in the 501-800 range. These varied performances highlight the diverse pace of development and competitiveness among the IITs.

However, the six older IITs—Bombay, Madras, Delhi, Roorkee, Kanpur, and Kharagpur—have been absent from the THE rankings since 2020. This boycott stemmed from concerns about the transparency of the ranking methodology.

Meanwhile, the National Institutes of Technology (NITs) have also made strides in the THE rankings. NIT Rourkela advanced from the 1001+ range in 2021 to 601-800 in 2024, although it slipped back to the 801-1000 range in 2025. Similarly, NIT Silchar maintained stability within the 601-800 range in 2023 and 2024. On the other hand, NIT Tiruchirappalli has remained consistent in the 801-1000 bracket over the years.

Other Indian universities and colleges have displayed a mix of progress and stability in the THE rankings. Anna University and Mahatma Gandhi University have performed exceptionally well, securing positions in the 401-500 range in 2025. Shoolini University has consistently ranked in the 351-400 and 401-500 ranges, reflecting its strong emphasis on research.

Institutions like KIIT University, Jamia Millia Islamia, and Panjab University have maintained their positions in the 501-800 range, indicating a steady academic reputation. However, universities such as Lovely Professional University (LPU) and Delhi Technological University (DTU) have struggled to break out of the 801-1000 range. This highlights the need for these institutions to focus more on research output and global collaboration.

Despite encouraging progress by some, others face challenges in meeting global standards. This mixed performance underscores the evolving nature of Indian higher education and its efforts to compete internationally.

As 2024 ends, the growing presence of Indian universities in global rankings offers a reason for optimism. Institutions like IIT Bombay, Delhi University, and Anna University have set benchmarks for others to follow. While challenges remain, particularly in ensuring consistency and global competitiveness, the progress made over the past five years signals a promising future for Indian higher education.

This review of Indian universities’ performance reflects both their achievements and the hurdles they need to overcome as they continue striving for excellence on the global stage.