India set to become second-best represented nation in Times Higher Education rankings

India is poised to make a remarkable leap in global higher education, becoming the second most represented nation in the 2026 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, second only to the United States (US). This milestone was highlighted by the Chief Global Affairs Officer at Times Higher Education, Mr. Phil Baty, during the fifth anniversary of India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. According to him the number of Indian universities featured in the rankings has nearly tripled from 49 in 2019 to 128 in 2026, reflecting a significant increase from about 4% to nearly 6% of all ranked universities worldwide. This growth signifies India’s universities increasingly positioning themselves alongside the global research elite. Despite the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, India’s bold and pioneering education reforms under NEP 2020 are paying off, enhancing higher education quality and embracing internationalisation in a robust manner.

Beyond academic representation, India’s universities are also excelling in social and economic impact, as measured by the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, rebranded as the Sustainability Impact Ratings for 2026. These rankings evaluate universities based on their contributions to the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including teaching, research, community outreach, and sustainable resource management. He emphasised that India’s higher education institutions are not only increasing their global visibility but are also demonstrating significant improvements in quality and impact. The NEP’s vision has encouraged universities to improve data transparency, engage in international benchmarking, and foster research collaboration and talent exchange, helping them thrive on the global stage. This progress reflects India’s nationwide commitment to elevating its higher education system and amplifying its socio-economic contributions through education and research.

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