NEW DELHI – The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi has secured 123rd place globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026 . India achieved a record performance with 54 institutions featured on the global list, making it the fourth most represented nation worldwide.
Several other Indian institutions also performed strongly:
| Institution | Global Rank (QS 2026) |
|---|---|
| IIT Delhi | 123 |
| IIT Bombay | 129 |
| IIT Madras | 180 |
| IIT Kharagpur | 215 |
| Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore | 219 |
| IIT Kanpur | 222 |
| University of Delhi | Top 350 |
India’s representation in the QS World Rankings grew significantly from 24 institutions in 2016 to 54 in 2026. In the QS Asia University Rankings 2026 , India became Asia’s second-most represented nation with 294 institutions. Seven Indian institutions entered Asia’s top 100, led by IIT Delhi at 59th. Five institutions also placed in Asia’s top 10 for papers-per-faculty.
Government Credits Policy Reforms
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan attributed India’s improved performance to government reforms, specifically the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 . PM Modi highlighted the government’s commitment to research and innovation. Minister Pradhan noted India’s education system is the fastest-growing among G20 nations.
PM Modi stated the NEP 2020’s focus on interdisciplinarity, internationalisation, and innovation drove these achievements. QS CEO Jessica Turner acknowledged the NEP’s positive influence. Turner emphasized the importance of international collaborations and curriculum updates. Experts noted Indian universities remain globally competitive, despite some IITs facing declines due to advancements by other Asian institutions.
International Education Conference Convenes in Dubai
DUBAI – The first International and 31st Annual Conference of Sahodaya School Complexes opened today, November 5, 2025 , at the Grand Hyatt Dubai. This two-day event marks the first time CBSE’s collaborative learning platform has expanded beyond India. Over 1,000 school leaders and educators from CBSE-affiliated institutions worldwide attended.
The conference theme, “Rooted in Wisdom, Rising with Vision: Reimagining Education through NEP 2020,” guides the discussions. It aims to foster partnerships, implement NEP 2020 strategies, showcase innovations, and encourage strategic collaborations for holistic education. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) organized the event.
CBSE Announces New Curriculum Levels
Consul General of India in Dubai, Satish Kumar Sivan, highlighted India’s educational commitment in the Gulf region. He noted 106 CBSE schools operate in the UAE and 213 across the wider Gulf, serving approximately 250,000 students. CBSE Chairperson Rahul Singh underscored the Gulf region’s importance, calling these schools a “bridge between cultures.”
Chairperson Singh announced significant curriculum changes for the 2026-27 academic year . CBSE will introduce subjects at two levels – standard and advanced – starting from Class 9. This initiative will launch with ten subjects. Singh also unveiled the CBSE Global Curriculum 26 , described as an affordable, world-class curriculum rooted in Indian values.