The University of Delhi has consolidated its position in the QS World University Rankings 2026, bagging the 30th rank globally in employment
outcomes category — an improvement of 14 spots compared to last year. This marks the highest ranking in the category among Indian institutions. According to DU Vice Chancellor Professor Yogesh Singh, the university recorded a 26 per cent improvement in its overall score, rising from 33.8 in 2025 to 42.6 in 2026.
“This reflects the increasing depth, quality, and global impact of our academic efforts. Our faculty, researchers, and students are driving this change through innovation, high-impact research and international collaborations,†he said.
DU also improved significantly in other key performance metrics: International Research Network ranking improved from 406 to 294, while its position in Citations per Faculty rose from 488 to 403, indicating enhanced research visibility and scholarly output.
IIT Delhi has climbed more than 70 places in two years, ranking at 123rd this year compared with 197th in 2024 and 150 in 2025.
This makes it the highest-ranked Indian institution in the QS 2026 rankings. The institute recorded strong performance across several key metrics: it ranked 50th worldwide in Employer Reputation, 86th in Citations per Faculty, and 142nd in Academic Reputation.
Among central universities, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) retained its position by fetching 558 rank, continuing its strong performance in academic reputation and research output. Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) featured in the 761-770 bands, furthering its visibility on the global stage.
Meanwhile, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU) made a remarkable leap in the rankings, entering the 951-1000 band, up from 1001-1200 last year and 1401+ in 2024. Ranked 35th among Indian institutions, GGSIPU's most notable achievement came in Citations per Faculty, where it placed 384th globally.
A total of 54 universities are featured this year, including 12 Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). Eight universities have made their debut. India is now the fourth most represented country, after the United States, the United Kingdom and China.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday lauded India's performance in the rankings, saying the country has hit a new high.
The global list continues to be led by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), marking its 14th consecutive year at the top.
With eight new institutions added to the ranking this year, India now has 54 institutions included, making it the fourth most represented country behind only the US (192 institutions), the UK (90 institutions) and Mainland China (72 institutions).
No other country or territory has seen as many universities added to the ranking this year. Jordan and Azerbaijan are second most improved and have both seen six added in 2026 rankings.
