IIT Delhi India’s Top-Ranked Institute in QS Sustainability Rankings
On November 18, 2025, the QS World University Sustainability rankings were announced, revealing that the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi has emerged as India’s top-ranked institution. Following closely behind are IIT Bombay and IIT Kharagpur, showcasing the strength of Indian higher education in sustainability.
Global Rankings Overview
This year, Lund University in Sweden has claimed the top position for the first time since the QS Sustainability rankings were established in 2023. The University of Toronto, which held the top spot in 2024 and 2025, has dropped to second place. University College London (UCL) has made significant strides, climbing two positions to secure third place overall.
Indian Institutions in the Rankings
India is making a notable impact in the QS Sustainability rankings, with a total of 103 universities featured. This places India among only four higher education systems globally that have more than 100 universities represented in the rankings. Among these:
- 32 universities improved their rankings this year.
- 15 universities retained the same rank as last year.
- 30 universities experienced a drop in their rankings.
IIT Delhi’s Performance
IIT Delhi continues to be the best-performing institution in India, ranking 205th overall. Notably, the institution has achieved a higher overall score compared to the previous year, indicating progress in its sustainability efforts.
Of the 15 IITs that participated in this year’s rankings, six have improved their standings compared to the previous year. IIT Delhi is among these six institutions that have shown significant advancement since the inaugural rankings three years ago.
Other Notable Indian Universities
Several Indian universities have achieved their highest-ever scores in the 2026 iteration of the QS Sustainability rankings, including:
- 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
These institutions have made their mark by ranking within the top 700 and achieving their best positions to date.
Highlights of Indian Universities
Indian universities have excelled particularly in areas such as knowledge exchange and environmental sustainability. The performance of individual institutions, especially the IITs and the University of Delhi, has been commendable. Jessica Turner, CEO of QS, emphasized the importance of higher education in combating climate change and highlighted India’s significant role in sustainable development.
The Role of Higher Education in Sustainability
Turner noted that India’s ambitious renewable energy goals and commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) necessitate strong research capabilities and green skills. It is crucial for Indian universities to continue receiving support to cultivate the talent and innovation required for a sustainable future.
Conclusion
The QS Sustainability rankings reflect the growing commitment of Indian universities to sustainability and environmental responsibility. With IIT Delhi leading the charge, followed by IIT Bombay and IIT Kharagpur, the future of higher education in India appears promising as it aligns with global sustainability efforts.
Note: The information presented in this article is based on the QS World University Sustainability rankings released on November 18, 2025.
