India ranks second globally with 128 institutions in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026. The Indian Institute of Science Bangalore holds the top position for India in the 201-250 band. Several universities across multiple ranking bands show steady progress, highlighting India’s growing academic and research prominence on the world stage.
India’s higher education institutions have made a significant mark in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026, reflecting their rising global stature. India now stands as the second most represented country in the rankings with 128 institutions, trailing only the United States, which has 171 institutions listed. This increase marks a steady rise from just 19 Indian universities in 2016, underscoring the country’s expanding presence in global academia.
Leading the way is the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, which maintains its position in the 201-250 rank band as India’s top university. Chennai’s Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences made impressive gains, moving up from the 401-500 band last year to the 351-400 band this year. Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi, and Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Himachal Pradesh, are ranked in the 401-500 band, showcasing consistent progress.
India’s representation extends further into the 501-600 band, including well-known names like Banaras Hindu University, IIT Indore, KIIT University, Lovely Professional University, Mahatma Gandhi University, and the University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES). These institutions reflect India’s commitment to enhancing research quality and academic excellence.
The 601-800 band features over 15 Indian universities such as Aligarh Muslim University, Amity University (Noida), IIT Patna, IIIT Hyderabad, University of Delhi, and VIT University, among others. This broad representation highlights the growing diversification of higher education institutions making a global impact.
The rankings assess universities across five key performance indicators—teaching, research environment, research quality, international outlook, and industry impact—reflecting comprehensive academic standards. Indian institutions’ steady rise in these metrics demonstrates India's evolving academic ecosystem and potential for further growth.
Overall, the 2026 rankings signal India’s emergence as a key player in global higher education, emphasizing expanding research capabilities, international collaborations, and quality education infrastructure. The momentum India has gained positions the country well on its path to becoming home to world-class universities.
Key Highlights:
-
India is the second most represented country in the 2026 THE World University Rankings with 128 institutions.
-
IISc Bangalore tops India’s list, ranked in the 201-250 band.
-
Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences leaps to the 351-400 band.
-
Jamia Millia Islamia and Shoolini University ranked in the 401-500 bracket.
-
Banaras Hindu University, IIT Indore, KIIT University, and others in the 501-600 range.
-
Over 15 universities, including AMU, Amity, IIT Patna, and Delhi University, ranked in the 601-800 band.
-
Rankings based on teaching, research, international outlook, and industry impact.
-
India’s universities show steady global progress and growing academic excellence.
Sources: Times Higher Education, NDTV, Hindustan Times, India Today, India TV News, Indian Express, Jagran Josh.
