In a significant development, India has surpassed China in the QS Asia University Rankings 2025, securing the top position with 162 universities ranked. This is a clear indication of India’s increasing presence and improvement in the global higher education landscape. China, which secured the second spot, had 135 universities ranked in the list, while Japan followed closely with 115 institutions.
The rankings, compiled by the London-based QS University Rankings agency, evaluated 6,278 universities across Asia, using 11 performance indicators. These included metrics such as Employer Reputation, Academic Reputation, International Faculty Ratio, Research Output, and Faculty-Student Ratio, among others.
India’s Remarkable Growth in University Representation
India’s rise in the QS Asia Rankings represents the highest growth in university representation among all countries. With 162 Indian universities ranked, the country has not only outperformed China but has also seen a significant increase in the number of institutions making it to the rankings in recent years.
Seven Indian institutions were ranked among the top 100 universities in Asia. Notable names include Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, IIT Bombay, IIT Madras, Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore, IIT Kharagpur, and IIT Kanpur, all of which are key players in India’s higher education sector.
Among these, IIT Delhi led the way, securing 44th place, marking the highest ranking for any Indian institution in the region this year. However, IIT Bombay dropped to second place, a significant shift after it held the top spot in previous rankings.
Chandigarh University: Leading the Private Sector
In the private university category, Chandigarh University (CU) stood out by improving its ranking from 149th in 2024 to 120th in 2025. This stellar performance cemented CU’s position as the top-ranked private university in India. The university’s growth reflects its dedication to research, innovation, and enhancing its international appeal.
Chandigarh University’s performance has been exceptional, contributing significantly to India’s overall success in the rankings. The university’s climb is a testament to the strategic investments made in areas such as academic reputation, international collaborations, and research-driven initiatives.
Factors Behind India’s Rise in Global Rankings
India’s remarkable progress in global rankings is largely attributed to the ongoing reforms in its higher education sector, including the implementation of the New Education Policy (NEP), which prioritizes research, innovation, and internationalization. These efforts have resulted in India’s significant rise in global innovation metrics.
In the Global Innovation Index, India’s position improved dramatically, rising from 81st place in 2014 to 39th place in 2025. This surge is further supported by the rise in patent filings, with India registering 83,000 patents in 2023, a 31% increase from the previous decade. These advancements reflect India’s growing emphasis on innovation, scientific research, and the development of a knowledge-driven economy.
The Impact of Research and Internationalization
The focus on international collaboration and research output has been key to India’s success. The number of academic publications has surged, with India ranking 4th globally in terms of academic research output, contributing significantly to the academic community worldwide.
With international faculty ratios improving and the number of outbound and inbound exchange students on the rise, India has strengthened its reputation as an academic destination for global students. Universities like IITs, IISc, and others have also become attractive to international faculty and researchers, enhancing India’s global academic standing.
Chandigarh University’s Role in the Global Context
The growth of Chandigarh University (CU) is a key example of how private universities in India are pushing the boundaries of academic excellence. CU’s rise in the rankings has been driven by improvements in key metrics like academic reputation, faculty-student ratio, and international student engagement. The university has also significantly improved its Employer Reputation, which moved up by three places to 56th in the QS rankings.
Satnam Singh Sandhu, Chancellor of Chandigarh University, attributed India’s rise in global rankings to the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has emphasized making India a global hub for higher education. Sandhu also highlighted that India’s improvement in the Global Innovation Index and increasing international interest in Indian higher education reflect the country’s growing influence in global academic and research communities.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for India’s Higher Education
India’s stellar performance in the QS Asia University Rankings 2025 signals a transformative shift in the nation’s higher education landscape. With increased university representation, improved research capabilities, and a stronger international presence, India has positioned itself as a global leader in education.
As more Indian universities continue to improve their rankings and contribute to academic research and innovation, the future of India’s higher education system looks promising. This growth reflects the country’s ongoing efforts to invest in research, academic excellence, and global collaborations, making India an increasingly attractive destination for students, researchers, and academics worldwide.
