Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated India’s premier institutions — five IITs, Delhi University, and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) — for making it to the QS Asia University Rankings 2026 Top 100 list. This recognition highlights India’s growing strength in higher education and research on the Asian stage. The Prime Minister lauded the institutions for their consistent efforts to achieve academic excellence and global recognition.

I’m writing about this development because it’s a proud moment for Indian education. For years, India has been striving to strengthen its position among top global universities, and seeing multiple Indian institutions in the QS Asia Top 100 is a testament to that progress. These rankings are not just numbers — they reflect our country’s collective push toward quality education, world-class research, and innovation-driven learning. More importantly, such milestones inspire students, faculty, and policymakers to continue building an education system that competes globally while staying rooted in Indian values and priorities.

India Shines in QS Asia 2026 Rankings

According to the QS Asia University Rankings 2026, India has performed remarkably well with several top institutions securing positions among Asia’s best. The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru ranked the highest among Indian universities, followed by IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Madras, IIT Kharagpur, and IIT Kanpur. Delhi University also made it into the Top 100, reaffirming its position as one of India’s leading centres for academic excellence and research.

The rankings assess universities based on academic reputation, employer reputation, faculty-student ratio, international research network, and citations per paper. India’s improved performance indicates progress in research output, collaboration, and student satisfaction.

PM Modi’s Congratulatory Message

Prime Minister Modi took to social media to congratulate the institutions, stating that their achievement reflects the dedication and talent of India’s students, teachers, and researchers. He described the accomplishment as a symbol of India’s growing influence in global education and urged other universities to follow this path of excellence.

He also emphasised that the National Education Policy (NEP 2020) is laying the foundation for a more innovative and research-oriented education system. PM Modi said that Indian universities are now competing not just regionally but also globally, thanks to the government’s focus on modern infrastructure, global collaborations, and holistic learning environments.

The Institutions That Made India Proud

Here are the Indian universities that made it to the QS Asia Top 100 list this year:

• Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru – Known for world-class research in science and technology
• IIT Bombay – Leading in engineering, innovation, and global partnerships
• IIT Delhi – Strong in research impact and academic reputation
• IIT Madras – Recognised for sustainability and technological innovation
• IIT Kharagpur – One of the oldest IITs, known for interdisciplinary research
• IIT Kanpur – Popular for its research collaborations and technological contributions
• University of Delhi (DU) – Excelling in arts, social sciences, and research diversity

These institutions have consistently shown growth in global rankings over the years, improving not just in research but also in student diversity and international collaborations.

Growing Global Recognition for Indian Education

India’s presence in the QS Asia Top 100 reflects a larger trend — the steady rise of Indian universities on global platforms. In recent years, government initiatives like “Institutions of Eminence,” “Study in India,” and “PM Research Fellowship” have helped improve academic and research standards. The focus on skill-based education, innovation labs, and global tie-ups has further strengthened India’s reputation.

Education experts believe that if this momentum continues, India could soon see more universities entering the world’s top 200 rankings. The growing emphasis on multidisciplinary education and digital learning is also helping universities reach international benchmarks.

A Step Towards India’s Vision for Global Education

The inclusion of multiple Indian universities in the QS Asia 2026 rankings is not just a milestone — it’s part of a larger vision. As India moves towards becoming a global education hub, such recognitions build confidence among international students and researchers to choose India as a destination for learning and innovation.

Prime Minister Modi’s praise reinforces the message that academic excellence, innovation, and inclusivity must go hand in hand. With continued efforts, India’s higher education system is well on its way to achieving global competitiveness.