India has significantly expanded its footprint in the global academic landscape, with a record 52 institutions making it into the QS World University Rankings 2027. This marks a substantial rise from just 11 Indian universities included in the 2015 edition, reflecting a concerted national effort to enhance higher education standards.
India's Growing Presence in Global Rankings
The increase in Indian representation in the prestigious QS rankings is attributed to a broader expansion of the country's higher education system and strategic initiatives aimed at improving institutional performance across teaching, research, and student outcomes. Government reforms introduced since 2015 have been pivotal in this upward trend.
A key factor in this growth is the increasing participation of Indian institutions in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), launched in 2015. NIRF assesses universities on various parameters, including teaching resources, research output, graduation rates, inclusivity, and overall performance. The number of institutions participating in NIRF has surged, with applications rising from 6,272 in 2021 to 14,163 in 2025.
Top Performers and Notable Gains
Among the 52 Indian institutions in the QS 2027 rankings, more than half demonstrated improved positions. Twenty-six universities moved up in rank, nine maintained their previous standing, and two institutions were new entrants to the list.
IIT Delhi Leads the Way
The Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) emerged as India's highest-ranked institution, advancing five spots to secure the 118th position globally. Following closely, IIT Bombay ranked 134th, with IIT Madras at 170th, IIT Kharagpur at 205th, and IISc Bengaluru at 221st.
Beyond the premier IITs, other institutions also made significant strides. VIT recorded a remarkable jump of 94 places to reach 597th, while BITS Pilani improved by 93 places to rank 575th. IIT Hyderabad and Jamia Millia Islamia were also highlighted for their notable improvements.
Drivers of Educational Transformation
The government attributes this comprehensive improvement to several transformative changes within higher education. Key among these are measures implemented under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes multidisciplinary learning, research and innovation, critical thinking, infrastructure development, and faculty enhancement.
Additional initiatives contributing to this success include the Institutions of Eminence programme, financial support for state universities through schemes like RUSA and PM-USHA, and sustained investment in educational infrastructure. Since 2014, 43 new premier institutions have been established, including seven new IITs, eight Central universities, and nine IIMs, further bolstering India's academic capabilities.