QS Sustainability Rankings 2026: Over 100 Indian Universities Make the Cut
The QS Sustainability Rankings 2026 have been released, showcasing significant advancements in sustainability practices among universities globally. This year, over 100 Indian universities made the list, with the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) leading the way nationally.
Global Overview
Lund University in Sweden has been recognized as the most sustainable university in the world, followed closely by the University of Toronto and University College London. These institutions exemplify the growing trend of embedding sustainability into research, community engagement, and policy frameworks.
The QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2026 assessed 2,000 universities from 106 locations, reflecting a shift in how universities define their academic and research priorities. Sustainability has transitioned from a peripheral concern to a core metric of institutional credibility, emphasizing environmental impact, social responsibility, and governance standards.
India’s Participation and Progress
India has made a remarkable contribution to the QS Sustainability Rankings this year, with 103 institutions participating, including 26 debutants. This marks India as the fourth-largest contributor to the rankings. Notably, nine Indian universities achieved their highest-ever positions, with several entering the global top 100 in specific sustainability indicators such as environmental sustainability, employability outcomes, and knowledge exchange.
Top Performers in India
The Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) has shown an improved overall score, reflecting stronger outcomes in environmental education and research. Despite a slight fall in its global rank, IIT Delhi remains a leader in sustainability among Indian institutions.
- Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru: Ranked 42nd globally in environmental education.
- Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur: Placed 49th in environmental sustainability.
- Indian Institute of Technology Bombay: Secured 100th position in environmental impact.
- University of Delhi: Risen to 94th in knowledge exchange.
Overall, 32 Indian universities improved their positions this year, and 15 maintained their ranks, showcasing a commitment to sustainability across the higher education sector.
Top 10 Indian Universities in QS Sustainability Rankings 2026
Below is a list of the top 10 Indian universities in the QS Sustainability Rankings 2026, along with their respective scores in various sustainability indicators:
| Rank (India) | Global Rank | Institution | Overall Score | Environmental Sustainability | Environmental Education | Environmental Research |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 205 | Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) | 83.17 | 90.98 | 8.82 | 23.5 |
| 2 | 235 | Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) | 81.48 | 81.18 | 7.28 | 6.83 |
| 3 | 236 | Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (IIT Kharagpur) | 81.38 | 5.97 | 5.98 | 9.14 |
| 4 | 305 | Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) | 77.36 | 7.18 | 6.77 | 4.55 |
| 5 | 310 | Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur) | 77.07 | 0.28 | 4.98 | 2.76 |
| 6 | 352 | Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee) | 74.96 | 4.87 | 5.78 | 5.87 |
| 7 | 352 | Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore | 74.98 | 3.27 | 2.27 | 8.38 |
| 8 | 462 | Indian Institute of Science (IISc Bengaluru) | 70.55 | 4.09 | 6.07 | 8.59 |
| 9 | 467 | Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal | 70.37 | 3.35 | 3.27 | 1.01 |
| 10 | 672 | Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University) Varanasi | 62.54 | 2.76 | 8.17 |
