QS Asia University Rankings 2026: Top Indian Universities
The QS Asia University Rankings 2026 underline India’s rising influence in the Asian higher education landscape with a total of 20 institutions featured within the top 200. These universities have demonstrated exceptional performance across multiple parameters.
QS Asia Rankings 2026: Top 7 Ranked Indian Universities
The following section presents the top seven Indian universities featured in the QS Asia University Rankings 2026, along with a comparison to their previous year’s ranks and the corresponding changes in position.
QS Asia Ranking 2026: Top Indian Universities 2025 v 2026
| Institution | Rank 2025 | Rank 2026 | Change |
| Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi | 44 | 59 | -15 |
| Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore | 62 | 64 | -2 |
| Indian Institute of Technology, Madras | 56 | 70 | -14 |
| Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay | 48 | 71 | -23 |
| Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur | 67 | 77 | -10 |
| Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur | 60 | 77 | -17 |
| University of Delhi | 81 | 95 | -14 |
- IIT Delhi (Rank 59): Continues to be India’s highest-ranked institution despite slipping 15 positions from last year.
- IISc Bangalore (Rank 64): Maintains a strong standing in research output and academic reputation, with only a minor drop from 62 to 64.
- IIT Madras (Rank 70): Experiences a notable decline from rank 56 to 70.
- IIT Bombay (Rank 71): Falls from 48 to 71, showcasing a notable plunge.
- IIT Kanpur (Rank 77): Drops 10 positions.
- IIT Kharagpur (Rank 77): Shares the same rank as IIT Kanpur, falling from rank 60 last year.
- University of Delhi (Rank 95): Remains India’s top non-IIT institution in the list but records a gradual decline, moving from 81 to 95.
- All seven of the top-ranked Indian universities have experienced a decline in their rankings this year.
QS Asia University Rankings Indicators
QS Asia University Ranking employs a specialized methodology that includes additional indicators and region-specific weightings to reflect the distinct priorities of Asian higher education institutions. A total of 11 indicators are used to determine each university’s ranking. Indicators used in the QS Asia University Rankings:
1. Academic reputation: Based on a global survey of academics, this indicator identifies universities recognized as leaders in their fields and reflects their standing within the international academic community.
2. Employer reputation: Derived from feedback from global employers, it highlights universities known for producing capable, career-ready graduates and strong employability outcomes.
4. International research network: Evaluates the extent of a university’s global research collaborations using Scopus data, measuring the diversity and strength of international partnerships.
5. Citations per paper: Indicates the average number of citations per published research paper, reflecting the impact and quality of an institution’s research.
6. Papers per faculty: Measures the number of research papers produced per faculty member, showcasing the university’s research productivity.
7. Staff with a PhD: Look at the proportion of academic staff holding a PhD, demonstrating the institution’s commitment to a highly qualified teaching team.
9. International students: Shows the proportion of students from abroad, reflecting the university’s international appeal and cultural inclusiveness.
10. Inbound exchange students: Measures the number of students from other institutions who study through exchange programs, showcasing the university’s global connections.
11. Outbound exchange students: Tracks the number of students who go abroad on exchange programs, indicating opportunities for international learning and exposure.
Scholarships for Universities in India
Access to scholarships is a vital factor in promoting higher education, enabling students to meet tuition fees, living costs, and other academic expenses. The table below presents some of the leading scholarships available for university students in India, outlining their eligibility requirements and the major benefits they provide.
Top Scholarships for Universities:
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Benefits |
| NSP Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme for ST Students, Jammu and Kashmir | ST students studying Class 11 to postdoctoral level | Monthly maintenance allowance up to ₹1,200 and other benefits |
| PM Yasasvi Post-Matric Scholarship for OBC Students | OBC students in Class 11 and above | Annual academic allowance and tuition fees up to ₹20,000 |
| AICTE Pragati Scholarship for Girls | Female students in first year of technical diploma or degree courses | ₹50,000 per annum |
| Raman Kant Munjal Scholarship | Students pursuing finance-related UG courses | Up to ₹5,50,000 per annum |
| Legrand Empowering Scholarship Program (Special Category) | Differently-abled girls, LGBTQ+, Covid-affected students, single-parent or orphaned students | 80% of annual course fees, up to ₹1,00,000 per per annum |
| Infosys Foundation STEM Stars Scholarship | First-year girls pursuing UG courses in STEM disciplines | Up to ₹1,00,000 per annum |
| Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships | UG students | Up to ₹6,00,000 over the duration of the course |
| Kotak Kanya Scholarship | Meritorious girls in the first year of graduation programs | ₹1,50,000 per per annum |
| Dr. Reddy’s Foundation Sashakt Scholarship | Female students applying for B.Sc. in Natural/Pure Sciences, B.Tech., or MBBS | ₹80,000 per per annum
for 3 years |