IITs, other Indian universities inch closer to top 100 club in global rankings

Notably, IIT Madras and IIT Kanpur also improved their standings. IIT Kharagpur and IIT Guwahati also recorded gradual progress, marking their presence in the rankings with consistent improvements.

Apart from the IITs, other Indian universities such as Delhi University (DU) and Anna University have made significant contributions to India’s representation in the QS Rankings. DU registered the highest jump this year, moving from the 521-530 range in 2023 to rank 328 in 2025, which showcases its rising global influence and academic strength. 

Anna University, which was earlier placed in the 801-1000 range, has rapidly advanced to rank 383 in 2025, underlining the institution’s growing focus on quality research and education. These improvements highlight the broader efforts of Indian universities to achieve global standards and attract international attention.

New entrants and institutions improving their standings indicate the dynamism of Indian higher education. IIT Roorkee and IIT Guwahati have made notable progress, with IIT Roorkee entering the top 335 in 2025 after not being listed earlier. Similarly, IIT Guwahati’s steady rise from rank 470 in 2021 to 344 in 2025 showcases its growing academic and research output. 

IISc Bangalore has consistently maintained its position in the top 300 over the years in THE Rankings overall category, climbing from 301-350 in 2021 to 251-300 in 2025. IIT Ropar however showed a decline, moving from 351-400 in 2021 to 801-1000 in 2025, while IIT Gandhinagar and IIT Guwahati displayed fluctuations, with the later improving from 1001+ in 2021 to 601-800 in 2024 before slipping to 801-1000 in 2025.

Despite challenges, IIT Patna and IIT Indore maintained stable performances within the 501-800 range. The diversity in performance reflects a varied pace of development and global competitiveness among the IITs.

The six older IITs including IIT Bombay, Madras, Delhi, Roorkee, Kanpur and Kharagpur — ranked the highest in domestic rankings — were missing from this year’s rankings too as they had in 2020 boycotted the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, citing a lack of “transparency” in their assessment.

The NITs, as well, have shown progress in the THE Rankings, with institutions like NIT Rourkela and Silchar improving their standings. NIT Rourkela moved up from 1001+ in 2021 to 601-800 in 2024, though it dropped back to 801-1000 in 2025. Similarly, NIT Silchar achieved a stable position in the 601-800 range in 2023 and 2024. However, NIT Tiruchirappalli has remained consistent in the 801-1000 bracket over the years. 

Performance of other colleges in THE rankings

Other Indian universities and colleges have shown mixed results in the THE Rankings, reflecting the growing competitiveness of Indian higher education institutions.

Anna University and Mahatma Gandhi University have performed well, climbing to 401-500 in 2025. Shoolini University, consistently ranked in the 351-400 and 401-500 ranges, reflects its strong research focus. Institutions like KIIT University, Jamia Millia Islamia, and Panjab University have maintained stability in the 501-800 range, indicating their consistent 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, suggesting the need for enhanced focus on research and global collaboration. While the progress is encouraging for some institutions, others face challenges in keeping pace with global standards.