QS Rankings 2026: Four IITs, JNU, BITS Pilani Feature in Global Top 50

Four Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) , Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) , and Birla Institute of Technology (BITS), Pilani are among the world’s top 50 institutions for different subjects, according to the 16th annual QS World University Rankings by Subject announced on Wednesday.

The London-based QS Quacquarelli Symonds , known for its university rankings, evaluated more than 21,000 academic programmes across 1,900 universities in over 100 countries , covering 55 disciplines across five broad faculty areas .

India secured 27 top-50 positions across subjects and broad faculties, more than double the 12 positions recorded in 2024, earned by 12 institutions . Leading the individual charge is the Indian School of Mines University, Dhanbad , ranked 21st globally in Mineral and Mining Engineering , while IIM Ahmedabad secured 21st place in both Business & Management Studies and Marketing , the latter marking India’s debut in global Marketing rankings .

Among the top 50 globally are IIT Bombay, IIT Kharagpur, IIT Madras , along with JNU and BITS Pilani .

IIT Delhi delivered the edition’s most complete single-institution performance , recording six top-50 entries . It leads India in Chemical Engineering (48th globally, its first top-50 appearance) , Electrical & Electronic Engineering (36th) , Mechanical, Aeronautical & Manufacturing Engineering (44th, best in over a decade) , and the Engineering & Technology broad area (36th) . It ranks second in India for Computer Science , at 45th globally .

Jessica Turner, CEO of QS Quacquarelli Symonds , said: "India's rise this year is not just about scale: it's about momentum in quality and global competitiveness. The breadth of improvement across engineering, technology and business signals a system accelerating with intent. The next phase will be defined by how effectively institutions deepen research strength, build global partnerships, and sharpen their distinctiveness on the world stage."

The rankings highlight India’s growing global competitiveness , with institutions showing strength in engineering, technology, and business , along with a broader presence across disciplines and regions.