QS Sustainability Rankings 2026: 9 Indian Universities In Top 700
On November 18, 2025, the QS World University Sustainability Rankings were unveiled, showcasing the commitment of universities around the globe to sustainability practices. This year, India has made a significant mark, placing fourth globally in representation among the top universities.
Top Indian Universities in the Rankings
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi emerged as the highest-ranked institution in India, followed closely by IIT Bombay and IIT Kharagpur. This achievement underscores the growing emphasis on sustainability in higher education institutions across the country.
Leading Global Institutions
Lund University in Sweden claimed the top position for the first time since the inception of the QS Sustainability Rankings in 2023. The University of Toronto has slipped to second place, while University College London (UCL) in the UK secured the third spot. This shift highlights the dynamic nature of sustainability efforts in academia.
India’s Performance in the Rankings
This year, a total of 103 universities from India were included in the QS Sustainability Rankings, with 26 new entries. India is one of only four higher education systems worldwide to have more than 100 universities featured in the rankings. The breakdown of performance among Indian institutions is as follows:
- 32 universities improved their rankings compared to last year.
- 15 universities maintained their positions from the previous year.
- 30 universities experienced a drop in their rankings.
Indian Universities in the Top 700
The following nine Indian universities have made it to the top 700 in the QS Sustainability Rankings:
- IIT Delhi
- IIT Bombay
- IIT Kharagpur
- Vellore Institute of Technology
- IIT Roorkee
- Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences
- Lovely Professional University
- Panjab University
- Banaras Hindu University
- National Institute of Technology (NIT), Rourkela
- IIT (BHU)
- UPES
Notable Absences
Despite the overall success of Indian universities, it is noteworthy that no institution from Telangana made it to the top 700 ranks this year. This absence raises questions about the sustainability initiatives and practices being implemented in that region’s higher education institutions.
Conclusion
The QS Sustainability Rankings serve as an important benchmark for universities worldwide, reflecting their commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship. The performance of Indian universities in this year’s rankings is a testament to their efforts in promoting sustainability in education, research, and campus operations. As more institutions strive to improve their sustainability practices, it will be interesting to see how these rankings evolve in the coming years.
Note: The QS World University Sustainability Rankings are an essential tool for prospective students and educators to assess the commitment of universities to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
