QS Asia University Ranking 2026: 7 Indian Institutions Among Asia’s Top 100

India Shines in QS Asia University Ranking 2026: IIT Delhi Once Again Ranked as the Country’s Top Institution

Indian higher education has once again made its mark. The Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi (IIT Delhi) has once again proven that it is unparalleled in the fields of excellence, research, and innovation.

In the recently released Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Asia University Ranking 2026, IIT Delhi has secured the position of India’s best academic institution for the fifth consecutive year. A total of seven Indian institutions have successfully made it to the top 100 universities in Asia in this ranking.

The Success Story of IIT Delhi

IIT Delhi was established in 1961 and since then it has become a powerful centre of technical education in the country. With a total score of 65.5, the institution ranked 59th in Asia.

This rank not only reflects the quality of the institution but also shows that India’s higher education is continuously moving towards matching international standards.

Following IIT Delhi, the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore secured the 64th position, while IIT Madras ranked 70th, IIT Bombay 71st, and IIT Kanpur and IIT Kharagpur jointly secured the 77th position. In addition, Delhi University also performed remarkably, securing the 95th position.

The presence of all these institutions in the top 100 in Asia clearly indicates that India is steadily progressing in the field of education and research.

Performance of Indian Institutions: Improvements and Challenges

According to the ranking, seven Indian institutions are in the top 100, 20 in the top 200, and a total of 66 institutions are in the top 500. These figures indicate a positive change in India’s academic landscape. This year, a total of 36 Indian institutions improved their performance, while 16 maintained their position, and 105 institutions saw a decline in their ranking.

These fluctuations also indicate that the competition in global rankings has become more intense than ever before. As the number of institutions included in the rankings increases, the level of competition also rises. Nevertheless, India’s performance in this area remains stable and impressive.

Changes in Rankings Compared to Last Year

Compared to last year’s QS 2025 rankings, IIT Delhi has dropped from 44th to 59th place. IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur, and IIT Kharagpur have also seen a slight decline in their rankings. However, this decline should not be considered a cause for concern, as it also reflects the increasing competition and stricter standards.

Nevertheless, India’s top institutions have maintained their position among the best institutions in Asia. This indicates that India’s education system is moving in the right direction and is in a continuous process of improvement.

Increased Emphasis on Research and Innovation

The biggest reason behind the success of IIT Delhi and other top institutions is their special focus on research and innovation. Education today is no longer limited to merely obtaining a degree; it is linked to the development of society, industry, and science. Institutions like IIT Delhi are promoting research-based education while also striving to provide students with a global perspective.

The research work being done at these institutions is contributing not only to India but also to the global scientific community. This is why global ranking organizations like QS are recognizing these Indian institutions among the top ranks.

Strengths of the Indian Education System

According to the QS ranking analysis, India ranks highest in Asia in terms of the number of “Staff with PhDs,” i.e., teachers with doctoral degrees. This achievement is proof that the quality of teaching in India is continuously improving. Trained and highly educated teachers are considered the backbone of any institution’s success.

In addition, the Indian government has given special attention to higher education in recent years. Since the implementation of the ‘National Education Policy 2020’, the process of institutional reforms has accelerated across the country. This policy is designed with research, innovation, and practical education at its core, enabling Indian universities to compete on global standards.

Government’s Commitment and Future Direction

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his delight at this achievement, stating that the number of Indian institutions in the QS Asia University Rankings has consistently increased over the past decade. This achievement reflects the growing credibility of India’s education system.

The government also reiterated its full commitment to providing quality education to young people. New educational institutions are being established across the country to promote research and innovation. The government’s goal is not limited to higher education alone, but also encompasses skill development and entrepreneurship.

India’s Growing Global Presence

The inclusion of seven Indian institutions among Asia’s top 100 is not just a statistic, but a symbol of India’s academic prowess. This achievement demonstrates that Indian universities are now making their mark not only within the country but also in the global education landscape.

International partnerships, joint research projects, and increasing participation of foreign students at IITs, IISc, and other universities are key indicators of this transformation. In the coming years, India has the potential to emerge as a global hub for education.

IIT Delhi’s consistent top ranking is a matter of pride for India’s education system. This achievement is not just the success of one institution, but a reflection of the entire nation’s educational journey. The inclusion of seven Indian institutions in Asia’s top 100 shows that India is now strengthening itself not only in terms of numbers but also in terms of quality.

If this trend continues in the future, India can become a significant center of global education. For this to happen, continuous improvement, investment in research, and a focus on quality teaching are essential. The success of IIT Delhi and other institutions serves as an inspiration for future generations who will contribute to nation-building through education.

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Aabshar Hassan Quazi

Aabshar H. Quazi is a seasoned education writer associated with ALLEN Career Institute, where he crafts insightful blogs on competitive exam trends, student journeys, and academic guidance. With a background in journalism, Aabshar has worked as Principal Correspondent for Hindustan Times, honing his skills in storytelling, analysis, and impactful reporting. His writing blends credibility with clarity, making complex topics accessible for students and parents alike.