The QS World University Rankings evaluate institutions based on academic and employer reputation, faculty-student ratio, research impact through citations, and the extent of international engagement and outlook
Published Jun 19, 2025 | 5:40 PM ⚊ Updated Jun 25, 2025 | 6:41 PM
IIT Madras breaks into Global Top 200 in QS world rankings
Synopsis: In a landmark achievement, IIT Madras has entered the top 200 of the QS World University Rankings for the first time, rising 47 spots to rank 180 in 2026—its highest-ever position globally.
In a historic first for Indian higher education, the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has entered the top 200 in the QS World University Rankings, marking a major milestone in the institute’s global academic standing.
IIT Madras climbed an impressive 47 spots, moving from rank #227 last year to #180 in the 2025 edition of the rankings released by QS Quacquarelli Symonds, one of the world’s most influential higher education analytics firms.
This is the highest-ever global rank achieved by the institute since the rankings began.
The QS World University Rankings assess institutions across multiple metrics, including academic reputation, employer reputation, faculty-student ratio, research impact (citations per faculty), and international outlook.
IIT Madras’ leap reflects both sustained academic excellence and rising international recognition in science, technology, and engineering disciplines.
“This achievement reflects the continuous efforts of our faculty, students, and staff and the impact of our global collaborations,” said an official from IIT Madras. “Breaking into the top 200 is a proud moment not just for the institute but for Indian academia at large.”
India’s growing academic presence on the global stage is evident in the 2026 rankings, which include 54 Indian institutions among the 1,501 ranked universities across 106 countries.
Of these, 22 Indian universities improved their rankings, 11 dropped, 13 remained stable, and 8 made their debut.
Top Indian universities in QS 2026 Rankings:
Other top-20 Indian entries include JNU, University of Delhi, Anna University, Savitribai Phule Pune University, and Chandigarh University.
Globally, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) continues to hold the #1 position. Imperial College London retains the #2 spot, while Stanford University has risen to #3.
The University of Oxford and Harvard University now rank fourth and fifth, respectively.
Switzerland and Singapore are also represented in the global top 10, with ETH Zurich and the National University of Singapore (NUS) ranking seventh and eighth.
IIT Madras’ entry into the global top 200 is seen as a significant moment for India’s higher education system, which is striving for greater global competitiveness and visibility.
The institute’s ascent is expected to boost its global partnerships, attract top-tier faculty and researchers, and inspire other Indian institutions to aim higher on the world stage.
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
