New Delhi – The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi has secured India’s top position in the recently released QS World University Sustainability Rankings 2026. This places IIT Delhi ahead of IIT Bombay and IIT Kharagpur, which ranked second and third among Indian institutions. Globally, Sweden University achieved the top spot for the first time since the rankings began in 2023, surpassing former leaders University of Toronto and UCL.
India demonstrates a significant presence in the 2026 rankings, with 103 universities featured. This makes India one of only four higher education systems worldwide to include over 100 institutions in the sustainability assessment. Of these, 26 Indian universities are new entries this year, expanding the nation’s footprint on the global sustainability stage.
Indian Universities Show Varied Performance
Overall performance among Indian institutions was varied. Thirty-two universities improved their ranking from the previous year, while 15 maintained their position. Conversely, 30 Indian universities experienced a drop in their rankings. IIT Delhi, while leading in India, secured the 205th rank globally. The institution recorded a higher overall score compared to the 2025 iteration of the rankings, indicating progress in its sustainability efforts.
Among the 15 Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) included in this year’s assessment, six showed improved rankings compared to 2025. IIT Delhi is notable for its consistent progress since the inaugural rankings three years ago, being one of these six institutions.
Global Sustainability Leaders
The 2026 QS World University Sustainability Rankings saw a shift at the very top. Sweden University claimed the number one position globally, marking its first time leading the list. The University of Toronto, which held the top spot in both 2024 and 2025, now ranks second worldwide. UCL from the UK moved up two places to secure the third position overall, reflecting evolving global benchmarks in sustainability performance.
Highest Scores Achieved by Indian Institutions
Nine Indian universities achieved their highest-ever scores in the 2026 iteration, placing them within the top 700 globally. These institutions demonstrate a commitment to sustainability initiatives and environmental impact. The universities include:
| University Name | Achievement |
|---|---|
| Vellore Institute of Technology | Achieved highest-ever score |
| IIT Roorkee | Achieved highest-ever score |
| Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences | Achieved highest-ever score |
| Lovely Professional University | Achieved highest-ever score |
| Panjab University | Achieved highest-ever score |
| Banaras Hindu University (BHU) | Achieved highest-ever score |
| National Institute of Technology (NIT), Rourkela | Achieved highest-ever score |
| IIT, BHU | Achieved highest-ever score |
| UPES | Achieved highest-ever score |
India’s Strengths in Sustainability
Indian universities perform strongly in specific areas assessed by the QS Sustainability Rankings. Institutions particularly excel in knowledge exchange and environmental sustainability metrics. The higher education system features strong individual performances, especially from the IITs and institutions like the University of Delhi. These rankings underscore the critical role of universities in addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development.
Jessica Turner, CEO of QS, commented on India’s contributions. She stated, “India’s role in sustainable development can neither be understated.” Turner highlighted the country’s ambitious renewable energy goals and its commitment to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on development in the Global South. She emphasized the need for robust research capabilities and the development of ‘green skills’ within the academic sector.
Turner further added that continued support for Indian universities is essential. This support enables institutions to provide both the talent and the innovation required for a sustainable future, aligning with national and global sustainability objectives.