9 months ago
India Leads Asia in Research Productivity, QS Rankings Show
Imagine a big school contest for universities across Asia.
Even though some of India's top schools didn't get the very highest overall scores this time, they did something amazing!
India's universities are now the best in Asia at writing research papers for every teacher they have.
This means Indian teachers are busy discovering and writing about new things a lot!
Also, India has the most teachers with PhDs, which is like having the smartest teachers in the room.
It's not just the famous schools like IITs, but others too, showing that great research can happen anywhere.
This good news is partly because of a new plan for education in India.
However, experts say it's important to write really important papers, not just many papers, and that schools still need better buildings and resources.
India leads Asia in 'Papers per Faculty' and 'Staff with PhDs' according to QS Asia University Rankings 2026.
Despite an increase in the number of Indian institutes, none were in the top 50 overall, and several IITs saw a dip in their positions.
India has more universities in the top 100 for 'Papers per Faculty' (45) than mainland China (30).
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology (MAKAUT) in West Bengal is Asia's most research-productive institution, followed by Bharathiar University and IISc Bengaluru.
Education analysts see this research achievement as positive but emphasize the need for publishing in high-impact journals and translating research into real-world impact.
- Who
- Indian universities and institutions
- What
- Topped QS Asia University Rankings 2026 in 'Papers per Faculty' and 'Staff with PhDs', indicating high research productivity and qualified academic talent.
- Where
- Asia
- When
- Last week (referring to the release of QS Asia University Rankings 2026)
- Why
- Strong performance attributed to increased research output, potential influence of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, and a focus on academic qualifications.
Key facts
- Total Indian Institutes in QS Asia 2026
- 294
- India's Rank in Papers per Faculty
- Asia's Leader
- India's Rank in Staff with PhDs
- Asia's Leader
- Most Research-Productive Institution in Asia
- Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology (MAKAUT), West Bengal
- Second Most Research-Productive University in Asia
- Bharathiar University, Coimbatore
- Third Most Research-Productive University in Asia
- IISc Bengaluru
Quotes
QS
QS, an organization that publishes university rankings
“this component measures the volume of research publications against the size of a university’s academic staff.”
financialexpress.com
An analyst
An education analyst commenting on the rankings
“Even though broader challenges such as limited physical and academic infrastructure remain, these two indicators show that Indian institutes are strengthening research output. But academicians should aim at publishing in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals, instead of publishing frequently regardless of significance, just because there is peer or institutional pressure.”
financialexpress.com
Sources
Related news
Lodha Urges Schools to Prioritize Welfare, Skills and Drug Prevention
NCERT Prepares Classes 10-12 Textbooks For Responsible AI Use
Ramesh Seeks Funds for 13 JNVs and Two AIIMS
Andhra Pradesh Government Schools Told to Prioritize Practical Skills
West Bengal, UNICEF Begin Workshop on Inclusive Education
