KEY HIGHLIGHTS:
9 Indian institutions secured top-50 positions in specific subjects in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025.
- ISM Dhanbad leads as India’s highest-ranked institution globally (20th) in Engineering – Mineral & Mining.
- India ranks 5th globally in new entries (after China, US, UK, Korea).
- 79 Indian universities featured (↑10 from 2024); 533 total entries (↑25.7%).
TOP PERFORMERS (SUBJECT-WISE)
- Engineering & Technology:
- IT Delhi: 26th (↑ from 45th in 2024).
- IIT Bombay: 28th (↑ from 45th in 2024).
- IIT Kharagpur: 45th (↓ in Mineral & Mining).
- IISc Bangalore & IIT Kanpur: New entrants in Engineering-Mineral & Mining.
- Business & Management:
- IIM Ahmedabad: 27th (↓ from 22nd).
- IIM Bangalore: 40th (↓ from 32nd).
- Other Notable Entries:
- IIT Madras: Top 50 in Petroleum Engineering (↓ rank).
- JNU: Top 50 in Development Studies (↓ rank).
- Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT): Top 100 in Data Science & AI.
BROAD SUBJECT CATEGORIES
- Engineering & Technology: Only IIT Delhi (26th) and IIT Bombay (28th) in top 50.
- Natural Sciences: Limited presence; dominated by US/EU institutions.
- Social Sciences & Management: IIMs retained global standing despite rank drops.
GLOBAL CONTEXT
- QS Rankings Coverage: 55 subjects across 5 broad areas (Arts, Engineering, Life Sciences, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences).
- Largest Edition: 171 new institutions added; expanded focus on medicine, computer science, and materials science.
- US & China dominate top ranks; India’s progress reflects growing R&D investments.
SIGNIFICANCE FOR INDIA
- Skill Development: Aligns with NEP 2020 focus on multidisciplinary education.
- Global Recognition: Enhances India’s appeal as a study destination.
- Gaps: Limited presence in Life Sciences and Arts & Humanities; reliance on IITs/IIMs.
