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India's Global Rankings Surge: 11 to 52 Institutions!
10 Aug
Summary
- Indian institutions in QS World Rankings grew from 11 in 2015 to 52 in 2027.
- NIRF applications doubled, with unique participants increasing significantly.
- Government initiatives boost higher education quality and research.
The number of Indian higher education institutions featured in the QS World University Rankings has seen a remarkable increase, climbing from 11 in 2015 to 52 by 2027. This expansion is closely linked to the introduction of India's National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) in 2015, designed to promote healthy competition.
The NIRF framework, which evaluates institutions on teaching, research, outcomes, inclusivity, and peer perception, has experienced a surge in participation. Applications more than doubled, and the number of unique participating institutions also grew substantially between 2021 and 2025.
Complementing these national efforts, the government has implemented several key initiatives to elevate the quality of higher education. These include financial assistance programs like RUSA and PM-USHA, and the Institutions of Eminence (IoE) scheme launched in 2017 to foster world-class academic and research centers.
Further strengthening the sector, the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasizes multidisciplinary learning, research, and improved infrastructure. These comprehensive measures reflect a concerted push to enhance India's global academic standing and research prowess.
