Author – Ritesh Ranjan: The QS World University Rankings 2027 have brought major recognition for Indian higher education, with the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi achieving its best-ever global performance. IIT Delhi has secured the 118th position worldwide, making it the highest-ranked Indian institution in the latest QS rankings. This achievement marks an important milestone not only for the institute but also for India’s growing presence in global higher education.
IIT Delhi’s rise in the rankings reflects years of academic growth, research excellence, strong industry connections and global recognition. The institute improved by five places from its previous global rank of 123, continuing its steady upward movement among the world’s leading universities. For students, researchers, policymakers and education leaders, this performance highlights the increasing competitiveness of Indian institutions on the international stage.
IIT Delhi Becomes India’s Top-Ranked Institution
In the QS World University Rankings 2027, IIT Delhi has emerged as India’s number one institution. With a global rank of 118, it has moved ahead as the best-performing Indian university in the list. This is a proud moment for the institute, which has consistently worked towards improving its academic reputation, research output, employer perception and international collaborations.
The achievement is also significant because IIT Delhi has shown remarkable improvement over the last few years. In 2024, the institute was ranked 197th globally. By 2027, it has climbed to 118th position, improving by 79 places in four years. This upward journey shows how focused academic investment, research strength and institutional planning can help Indian universities compete with some of the best institutions in the world.
IIT Delhi’s performance also strengthens the reputation of the Indian Institutes of Technology system, which continues to dominate India’s global higher education presence. The IITs are widely known for engineering, technology, innovation, entrepreneurship and research-led education. IIT Delhi’s new ranking further reinforces this reputation.
Other Indian Institutions in QS Rankings 2027
While IIT Delhi leads the Indian list, several other Indian institutions have also performed well in the QS World University Rankings 2027. IIT Bombay has secured the 134th position globally, while IIT Madras has been ranked 170th. Both institutions are also placed within the global top 200, showing the continued strength of India’s top technical institutes.
Other major Indian institutions featured in the list include IIT Kharagpur at 205th, IIT Kanpur and the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru jointly at 221st, Delhi University at 322nd, IIT Roorkee at 335th and IIT Guwahati at 349th.
The presence of multiple Indian universities in the global rankings shows that India’s higher education ecosystem is expanding in both scale and quality. It also indicates that global agencies are increasingly recognizing Indian institutions for their academic contribution, research output and graduate employability.
India’s Growing Presence in Global Higher Education
One of the biggest highlights of the QS World University Rankings 2027 is the growing number of Indian institutions featured in the list. In 2014, only 11 Indian institutions were included in the QS rankings. In 2027, that number has increased to 52. This sharp growth reflects India’s expanding academic footprint and its rising competitiveness among G20 nations.
The increase in ranked institutions shows that Indian universities are becoming more visible globally. This growth has been supported by better research performance, stronger faculty engagement, improved infrastructure, international partnerships and higher recognition among employers.
India’s education sector has also benefited from increased emphasis on innovation, technology, start-up ecosystems and interdisciplinary learning. Institutions like IIT Delhi are playing a major role in this transformation by producing skilled graduates, supporting advanced research and collaborating with global academic and industry partners.
Why IIT Delhi’s Ranking Matters
University rankings are more than just numbers. They influence how students, employers, researchers and international institutions view a university. A strong global ranking can help an institution attract better research partnerships, international students, faculty collaborations and funding opportunities.
For IIT Delhi, the 118th global rank will further strengthen its image as a world-class institution. It can also help the institute attract more attention from international universities, research organizations and global companies.
The ranking is particularly important for students who are planning higher education in India. A globally recognized institution gives students greater confidence in the quality of education, placement opportunities and research exposure. IIT Delhi’s performance shows that students in India can access world-class academic opportunities without necessarily going abroad.
Factors Behind IIT Delhi’s Rise
IIT Delhi’s improvement in QS rankings can be linked to several key factors. The institute has built a strong academic reputation over the years and continues to be one of India’s most preferred institutions for engineering, technology and research.
Its employer reputation is another major strength. Graduates from IIT Delhi are highly valued by top companies in India and abroad. Many alumni have gone on to become leaders in technology, business, public policy, research and entrepreneurship.
The institute has also focused on research output and innovation. With active research in areas such as artificial intelligence, sustainability, engineering, healthcare technology, data science, climate studies and public policy, IIT Delhi has expanded its impact beyond traditional engineering education.
International outlook has also become increasingly important. Collaborations with foreign universities, student exchange programmes, joint research projects and global academic partnerships have helped IIT Delhi build a stronger international presence.
A Boost for Indian Students
For Indian students, IIT Delhi’s achievement is highly encouraging. It shows that Indian institutions are gaining stronger recognition at the global level. Students looking for high-quality education, research exposure and strong placement opportunities can see IIT Delhi’s ranking as evidence of India’s improving academic standards.
This ranking also creates a positive impact for students applying abroad or entering global job markets. When Indian institutions rise in international rankings, their graduates benefit from improved recognition among global employers and academic institutions.
The achievement may also inspire other Indian universities to focus more on research, internationalization, academic quality and industry partnerships. Healthy competition among institutions can improve the overall quality of higher education in the country.
A Major Moment for Indian Higher Education
The QS World University Rankings 2027 are a sign that India is becoming a stronger force in global higher education. IIT Delhi’s rise to 118th position is not an isolated achievement; it is part of a larger trend in which Indian universities are gaining visibility and credibility worldwide.
With 52 Indian institutions now featured in the rankings, India’s higher education system is moving towards greater international recognition. This progress reflects the efforts of universities, faculty members, researchers, students and policymakers who are working to improve academic standards and research outcomes.
IIT Delhi’s best-ever performance is a proud moment for the country. It shows that Indian institutions have the potential to compete with leading global universities and contribute meaningfully to science, technology, innovation and society.
As India continues to invest in education, research and innovation, more Indian universities may move higher in global rankings in the coming years. For now, IIT Delhi’s rank of 118 in the QS World University Rankings 2027 stands as a powerful symbol of India’s academic progress and global ambition.
FAQs
1. What is IIT Delhi’s rank in QS World University Rankings 2027?
IIT Delhi has secured the 118th position globally in the QS World University Rankings 2027.
2. Which is the top-ranked Indian institution in QS Rankings 2027?
IIT Delhi is the top-ranked Indian institution in the QS World University Rankings 2027.
3. How much has IIT Delhi improved in recent years?
IIT Delhi has improved from 197th rank in 2024 to 118th rank in 2027, marking a rise of 79 places in four years.
4. Which other Indian institutions are in the QS Rankings 2027?
Other Indian institutions in the list include IIT Bombay, IIT Madras, IIT Kharagpur, IIT Kanpur, IISc Bengaluru, Delhi University, IIT Roorkee and IIT Guwahati.
5. Why is IIT Delhi’s QS ranking important?
The ranking improves IIT Delhi’s global reputation and can help attract international students, research collaborations, employer attention and funding opportunities.