In a proud moment for India's education sector, the country has recorded its best-ever performance in the QS World University Rankings 2026. As per the QS World University Rankings 2026, 54 institutions have secured a place in the global colleges and universities list. This is the highest number of Indian universities ever featured in the QS World University Rankings 2026. Notably, five institutions from Punjab and Chandigarh have made it to the list, highlighting the region’s growing prominence in higher education.
At the national level, IIT Delhi emerged as India’s top-ranked institution, securing the 123rd position globally. For those who are unaware, the rankings are compiled by UK-based global higher education analyst Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), revealed that India now ranks fourth globally in terms of the number of institutions featured, behind only the United States (192), United Kingdom (90), and China (72).
The following institutions from Punjab and Chandigarh were listed:
- Chandigarh University, Mohali – Rank 575
- Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala – Rank 771-780
- Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar – Rank 901-950
- Panjab University, Chandigarh – Rank 901-950
- Chitkara University, Rajpura – Rank 1201-1400
Other nearby states' colleges in the list are-
- Shoolini University, Solan – Rank 503
- Ashoka University, Sonepat – Rank 851-900
- O.P. Jindal Global University, Sonepat – Rank 1201-1400
- Human Resource Development Centre, Faridabad – Rank 1401+
Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan hailed the achievement as a result of consistent reforms and emphasis on quality education introduced since 2014. He emphasized that such rankings would inspire institutions to strive for global excellence.
What about colleges at the National level?
Top Indian colleges/universities in QS World University Rankings 2026
- IIT Delhi- overall 123
- IIT Bombay- overall 129
- IIT Madras- overall 180
- IIT Kharagpur- overall 215
- IISc- Bengaluru- overall 219
- IIT Kanpur- overall 222
- Delhi University- overall 328
- IIT Guwahati- overall 334
- IIT Roorkee- overall 339
- IIT Indore- overall 556
- II BHU Varanasi- overall 566
- IIT Hyderabad- overall 664
- VIT Vellore- overall 691