QS Asia University Rankings 2027: 71% of Indian Universities Decline

The QS Asia University Rankings 2027, released on 3 November 2026, recorded a decline in rank for approximately 71% of Indian universities. India had 325 institutions in the rankings, including 34 new entrants, and remained the second most represented country after Mainland China.

Performance of Indian institutions

All six of India’s highest-ranked universities fell in the rankings. IIT Delhi was the highest-ranked Indian institution at 66th, down from 59th; IISc Bangalore fell 15 places to 79th, and IIT Bombay dropped to 83rd from 71st. No Indian university entered the overall top 50 for the second consecutive year.

Reputation indicators and research output

Declines in academic reputation affected more than 76% of Indian institutions, while employer reputation fell for 83% and the international student indicator for 85%. In research output per academic staff member, 27 Indian institutions placed among Asia’s top 50, with IISc Bangalore ranked first.

Important Facts for Exams

• Asian ranking origin: The QS Asia ranking began in 2009 through a partnership with South Korea’s Chosun Ilbo newspaper to rank Asian universities independently.
• Regional methodology: QS regional rankings adjust indicator weightings and add region-specific measures, including exchange-student flows, academic staff with PhDs and web visibility.
• Regional eligibility: The 2022 QS Asia edition used the UN M49 standard to determine eligibility for inclusion.