In a year marked by global changes in educational policies and fierce academic competition, Indian universities have made significant strides in international rankings in 2024. At the end of the year, a review of the performance of Indian universities in major global rankings shows steady progress and developing impact. Indian Institutions. From the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings to the QS World University and Financial Times MBA Rankings, Indian institutions showed a mix of stability, improvement and opportunities for growth.
Indian Universities in World Ranking 2024
The Times Higher Education (The) World University Rankings 2024 painted a stable but slightly different picture for Indian universities. Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore, a consistent top performer, was rated in the 201-250 band, maintaining its position from the previous year. However, other universities showed significant improvement or maintained their rankings. In total, 91 Indian universities appeared in the 2024 THE ranking, a significant increase from 75 in 2023. Here is a list of universities worth noting:
- Anna University jumped from 801-1000 band to 501-600 band in 2023.
- Mahatma Gandhi University dropped to 401-500 band and returned to 501-600 band.
- Jamia Millia Islamia remained stable within the 501-600 band.
- Shuolini University joined the 501-600 group, reflecting increased global visibility.
IITs dominate Indian universities in QS World Ranking 2024
The QS World University Rankings 2024 presented a strong showing for India, with 69 Indian universities listed, making it the second-most represented Asian country after China. The ranking was dominated by the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and other leading institutions:
- IIT Bombay ranks highest in the Indian cohort, ranking 149th globally.
- Followed by IIT Delhi, ranked 197th.
- IISc Bangalore, while consistently ranked in THE, saw a QS ranking of 225th.
- Other notable appearances included IIT Kharagpur (271st) and IIT Kanpur (278th).
India’s strategy of focusing on prestigious institutes paid off, as they accounted for nearly 40% of the country’s total entries. This strategy emphasizes investment in key areas such as research and innovation to increase global competitiveness.
Indian business schools shine in Financial Times MBA rankings
Indian business schools continue to shine in the Financial Times MBA Rankings 2024, underscoring their reputation for providing world-class management education. The Indian School of Business (ISB) led the way among Indian institutions, achieving an impressive 31st position globally. Other top performers include:
Trends in rankings: Despite progress, challenges remain
Across the three rankings, IISc Bangalore has emerged as a consistent performer, albeit with minor fluctuations based on the methodology used.
The IITs maintained their reputation as hubs of technological and research excellence, with IIT Bombay continuing to lead both the QS and THE rankings. Notably, universities such as Anna University and Mahatma Gandhi University found their mention in the ranking, highlighting the improvement of India’s higher education ecosystem beyond traditional institutions.
The increase in the number of ranked universities, especially in the rankings, suggests that India’s concerted efforts to improve research output, international cooperation and academic quality are yielding tangible results. A similar trend can be seen in the improved performance of business schools in the Financial Times MBA rankings.
In 2024, Indian universities demonstrated appreciable progress at the global level. Despite these advances, Indian universities still face challenges that hinder them from reaching the top tier globally. Factors such as funding limitations, research product quality, and international collaboration need to be addressed for sustainable improvement among key players globally.