QS Sustainability Rankings 2025: Top Ranked IITs
In the latest QS Sustainability Rankings for 2025, Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) have showcased their commitment to environmental sustainability and knowledge exchange, essential for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and renewable energy objectives. This article explores the rankings and highlights the performance of IITs in this significant global assessment.
Overview of QS Sustainability Rankings 2025
The QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2025 emphasizes the increasing influence of Indian universities in higher education and their response to global sustainability challenges. Lund University in Sweden has claimed the top position for the first time, followed by the University of Toronto and University College London (UCL) in second and third places, respectively. This year, the rankings feature 103 universities from India, including 26 new entries, underscoring India’s growing prominence in the global education landscape.
Performance of Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)
IIT Delhi remains the top-performing university in India, despite a slight decline to the 205th position globally. Notably, it achieved a higher overall score compared to previous editions, demonstrating its commitment to sustainability. Other IITs also performed well, with several institutions achieving their highest rankings ever.
Key Rankings of IITs
- IIT Delhi: 205th globally, score of 83.1
- IIT Bombay: 2nd in India, 206th globally, score of 81.4
- IIT Kharagpur: 3rd in India, 207th globally, score of 81.3
- IIT Madras: 305th globally, score of 77.3
- IIT Kanpur: 310th globally, score of 78.0
- IIT (BHU) Varanasi: 672nd globally, score of 62.5
- IIT Roorkee: 352nd globally, score of 74.9
- IIT Hyderabad: 792nd globally, score of 58.7
- IIT Gandhinagar: Not specified in ranking
- IIT Guwahati: Not specified in ranking
Other Notable Indian Universities in the Rankings
In addition to the IITs, several other Indian universities have made significant strides in the QS Sustainability Rankings. Below is a list of universities that ranked within the top 700 globally:
| Rank Bracket | Institute Name (Location) | Institution Type | Key Focus Area (According to QS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top 700 | IIT Madras | Institute of National Importance (INI) | Knowledge Exchange & Environmental Sustainability |
| Top 700 | IIT Kanpur | Institute of National Importance (INI) | Knowledge Exchange & Environmental Sustainability |
| Top 700 | IIT Roorkee | Institute of National Importance (INI) | Knowledge Exchange & Environmental Sustainability |
| Top 700 | Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) | Private (Deemed University) | Knowledge Exchange & Environmental Sustainability |
| Top 700 | Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore | Research Institute (INI) | Knowledge Exchange & Environmental Sustainability |
| Top 700 | Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) | Private (Deemed University) | Knowledge Exchange & Environmental Sustainability |
| Top 700 | IIT BHU Varanasi | Institute of National Importance (INI) | Knowledge Exchange & Environmental Sustainability |
| Top 700 | IIT (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad | Institute of National Importance (INI) | Knowledge Exchange & Environmental Sustainability |
Conclusion
The QS Sustainability Rankings 2025 highlight the growing role of Indian universities, particularly IITs, in promoting sustainability and knowledge exchange. As India strives to meet its renewable energy targets and sustainable development commitments, the performance of these institutions is crucial in shaping a sustainable future.
Note: The information provided in this article is based on the QS Sustainability Rankings 2025 and is subject to updates as new data becomes available.

