IIM Ahmedabad Enters Global Top 25 QS Rankings 2026

India’s higher education system has recorded notable progress in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, with increased global representation and improved performance. A total of 99 Indian institutions featured this year, contributing 599 entries across 55 subjects. The data reflects a steady upward trend, with a significant share of institutions improving their rankings, signalling enhanced academic quality and global recognition.

India’s rising presence in global rankings

The QS rankings, published by Quacquarelli Symonds, evaluated over 21,000 academic programmes across 1,900 universities worldwide. India has added 120 new entries this year, making it one of the fastest-growing education systems globally. Notably, 44 per cent of Indian entries have improved, indicating consistent progress across disciplines, although no Indian institution has yet entered the global top 10.

IIM Ahmedabad’s standout performance

The Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad has secured the 21st position globally in Business and Management Studies. This achievement places it among the world’s leading management institutions and reflects its strong academic reputation and employer recognition. The institute has demonstrated consistent performance, reinforcing its position as a premier centre for management education.

Expansion in management education strength

India now has seven institutions in the global top 100 for Business and Management Studies, up from four last year. This highlights the growing strength of management education beyond a few elite institutions. Additionally, IIM Ahmedabad has entered the QS rankings for Marketing for the first time, also securing the 21st position, marking a significant milestone for Indian academia.

Important Facts for Exams

• QS World University Rankings assess institutions based on academic reputation, employer reputation and research output.
• India recorded 99 institutions and 599 subject entries in QS Rankings 2026.
• IIM Ahmedabad ranked 21st globally in Business and Management Studies.
• This is the first time an Indian institute has entered QS Marketing subject rankings.

Implications for Indian higher education

The rankings reflect a broader shift in India’s academic landscape, where disciplines beyond engineering, particularly management studies, are gaining global traction. While challenges remain in areas such as humanities and medicine, the overall trajectory suggests a gradual narrowing of the gap with leading global institutions, driven by improvements in research, teaching quality and international perception.