IIT Delhi Tops India in QS Sustainability Rankings
In a significant achievement for Indian higher education, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi has been ranked as the best institution in India according to the QS World University Sustainability Rankings announced on November 18, 2025. This marks a notable recognition of the institute’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Overview of the Rankings
The QS World University Sustainability Rankings evaluate universities based on their contributions to sustainability and environmental management. This year, Lund University in Sweden has claimed the top global position, a first since the rankings were established in 2023. The University of Toronto, which held the top spot in 2024 and 2025, has dropped to second place, while University College London (UCL) has climbed to third.
Indian Institutions Performance
In total, 103 universities from India participated in this year’s rankings, making India one of only four higher education systems with over 100 universities featured. Among these institutions:
- 32 universities improved their rankings.
- 15 universities retained their previous ranks.
- 30 universities saw a decline in their rankings.
Top Indian Universities in the Rankings
IIT Delhi leads the pack, securing the 205th position globally. Notably, its overall score has improved compared to previous years. Following IIT Delhi, the other top Indian institutions include:
- IIT Bombay
- IIT Kharagpur
Significant Progress Among IITs
This year, six out of the fifteen IITs that were ranked showed improvement compared to the previous year. IIT Delhi is among these six institutions that have made substantial progress since the inaugural rankings three years ago. A number of Indian universities achieved their highest-ever scores in the 2026 iteration of the 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
Insights from QS
Jessica Turner, CEO of QS, emphasized the importance of higher education in addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development. She stated, “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 Indian Universities in Sustainable Development
India’s commitment to sustainable development is underscored by its ambitious renewable energy goals and adherence to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Turner highlighted that achieving these goals will require strong research capabilities and green skills. She stressed the importance of supporting Indian universities to nurture the talent and innovation needed for a sustainable future.
Conclusion
The QS Sustainability Rankings reflect a growing recognition of the role that higher education institutions play in fostering sustainability and addressing global challenges. With IIT Delhi at the forefront, Indian universities are increasingly positioning themselves as leaders in sustainability, contributing to both national and global efforts to combat climate change and promote sustainable practices.
Note: The information provided in this article is based on the QS World University Sustainability Rankings announced on November 18, 2025.
