IIT Delhi Secures Top Spot as India’s Best University in QS Sustainability Rankings 2026
On November 18, 2025, the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) was recognized as India’s leading institution in the QS Sustainability Rankings for the second consecutive year. This achievement highlights the institute’s commitment to sustainability and its significant progress in the field of higher education.
Overview of the Rankings
The QS Sustainability Rankings are published annually by Quacquarelli Symonds, a global higher education analyst. In the latest rankings for 2026, IIT Delhi secured an impressive global rank of 205, with a sustainability score of 83.1. Following IIT Delhi, the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) ranked 235th, and the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (IIT KGP) came in at 236th.
Significance of the Rankings
The QS Sustainability Rankings assess universities based on their performance in various sustainability-related categories, including environmental impact, social responsibility, and governance. The recognition of IIT Delhi as the top university in India reflects its dedication to sustainable practices and its role in addressing global challenges such as climate change.
Indian Universities in the Rankings
This year, a total of 103 Indian universities were featured in the QS rankings, making India one of only four higher education systems with over 100 institutions represented. Notably, 32 of these universities improved their rankings compared to the previous year, while 15 maintained their positions, and 30 experienced a decline.
Top Indian Universities in QS Sustainability Rankings 2026
- IIT Delhi – Rank 205, Score: 83.1
- IIT Bombay – Rank 235
- IIT Kharagpur – Rank 236
- IIT Madras – Featured in the top 700
- IIT Kanpur – Featured in the top 700
- IIT Roorkee – Featured in the top 700
- Vellore Institute of Technology – Featured in the top 700
- Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore – Featured in the top 700
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education – Featured in the top 700
- IIT BHU Varanasi – Featured in the top 700
- IIT (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad – Featured in the top 700
Performance of IITs
Among the 15 IITs included in the rankings, six have shown improvement in their standings compared to 2025. This upward trend indicates a growing emphasis on sustainability and environmental responsibility within these prestigious institutions. IIT Delhi’s consistent performance underscores its leadership role in promoting sustainable practices in higher education.
Comments from QS
Jessica Turner, CEO of QS, commented on the significance of these rankings, stating, “Overall, Indian universities excel in knowledge exchange and environmental sustainability. The higher education system also boasts some outstanding individual performances, especially among the IITs and institutions such as the University of Delhi. The role of higher education in the fight against climate change is highlighted in these rankings. India’s role in sustainable development can neither be understated.”
Conclusion
IIT Delhi’s achievement in the QS Sustainability Rankings 2026 not only reflects its commitment to sustainability but also sets a benchmark for other institutions in India and around the world. As universities continue to play a critical role in addressing global challenges, the focus on sustainability will remain paramount in shaping the future of higher education.
Note: The information presented in this article is based on the QS Sustainability Rankings 2026 and aims to provide an overview of the current standing of Indian universities in sustainability efforts.
