3 weeks ago
Indian Universities Rise Sharply in QS Rankings Since NIRF Launch
There is a big world competition where universities are ranked by how good they are.
The list is called the QS World University Rankings.
Indian universities are now doing much better in this competition.
In 2015, only 11 Indian universities made it onto the list.
By 2027, 52 Indian universities are expected to be on it.
This improvement started around the same time India made its own ranking system called NIRF.
NIRF checks how well universities teach, do research, and help students finish their studies.
Every year, more and more Indian universities join this national ranking.
A government minister told the parliament about this good news.
He said it shows that Indian universities are becoming stronger and more respected around the world.
The number of Indian institutions in the QS World University Rankings grew from 11 in the 2015 edition to 52 in the 2027 edition.
Minister of State for Education Sukanta Majumdar shared the data in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.
The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) was introduced by the Centre in 2015 for annual assessment of higher education institutions.
NIRF evaluates institutions on five parameters: teaching, learning and resources; research and professional practices; graduation outcomes; outreach and inclusivity; and peer perception.
NIRF applications rose from 6,272 in 2021 to 14,163 in 2025, while unique participating institutions grew from 4,030 to 7,692.
- Who
- Minister of State for Education Sukanta Majumdar and Indian higher education institutions.
- What
- The number of Indian institutions in the QS World University Rankings rose from 11 to 52 since NIRF was launched, with NIRF participation also growing sharply.
- Where
- India; announced in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.
- When
- Reported on Monday; covering the QS WUR 2015 edition through the QS WUR 2027 edition.
- Why
- NIRF was introduced to encourage healthy competition and continuous improvement in academic and institutional performance, contributing to India's stronger global presence.
Key facts
- QS WUR 2015 Indian institutions
- 11
- QS WUR 2027 Indian institutions
- 52
- NIRF launch year
- 2015
- NIRF evaluation parameters
- 5
- NIRF applications 2021
- 6,272
- NIRF applications 2025
- 14,163
- Unique institutions 2021
- 4,030
- Unique institutions 2025
- 7,692









