PM Modi lauds 5 IITs, DU, and IISc for securing spots in QS Asia top 100 rankings

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the sharp rise in the number of Indian institutions featured in the QS Asia University Rankings 2026, calling it a reflection of the country’s accelerating progress in education, research, and global academic competitiveness.

PM Modi noted that the achievement reflects the positive outcomes of ongoing reforms designed to strengthen universities and enhance their research capabilities.

He underscored that the government remains committed to driving innovation, expanding institutional capacity, and fostering an ecosystem in which Indian students and researchers can thrive globally.

In his post on X, PM Modi said: "Glad to see a record increase in the number of Indian universities in the QS Asia University Rankings over the last decade."

India’s presence in the QS Asia University Rankings has expanded remarkably, from just 24 institutions in 2016 to 294 in 2026. In the 2026 edition, India delivered a landmark performance with 294



universities featured, including 137 first-time entrants, marking the country’s highest-ever single-cycle increase.

Seven Indian institutions secured spots in Asia’s top 100, while 20 ranked within the top 200. IIT Delhi remained India’s top performer, placing joint 59th in the region.

India also emerged as Asia’s leader in papers per faculty and staff with PhDs, highlighting the country’s rapidly strengthening research ecosystem. Notably, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology, West Bengal, achieved the Number 1 position in Asia for research productivity.

This year proved exceptional for Indian universities overall, with 19 institutions—including Chandigarh University, BITS Pilani, Shoolini University, and OP Jindal Global University, achieving their best-ever rankings.

The number of Indian institutions outperforming 90 percent of their Asian peers has also climbed from three in 2016 to 11 in 2026, reflecting a decade of sustained academic progress.