In today’s competitive world, obtaining higher education has become essential for securing a comfortable career. While the demand for studying abroad is growing in India, many still choose to pursue their higher education domestically. India is home to some of the world’s best universities. From IITs and IIMs to government universities, a wide array of institutions across the country not only offer top-class education but also assist students in securing suitable jobs.
In this article, we will compare the top three Indian universities that have earned a place in two global university rankings: THE World University Rankings 2025 and QS World University Rankings 2025.
Top three Indian universities in THE World University Rankings 2025
In THE World University Rankings 2025, several Indian universities have secured a spot. Although the highest-ranked Indian universities fall within the 251-300 range, we will take a closer look at the top three Indian universities on the list. According to the rankings, the highest-ranked Indian university is the Indian Institute of Science (IISc Bengaluru), placed in the 251-300 range, followed by Anna University in the 401-500 range and Mahatma Gandhi University, also in the 401-500 range.
Scores of top three Indian Universities
In the 2025 World University Rankings, three of India’s leading universities—Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru, Anna University, and Mahatma Gandhi University—have been assessed across various key categories. IISc Bengaluru leads with an overall score ranging between 53.7-55.7, significantly ahead of Anna University (46.0-49.2) and Mahatma Gandhi University (46.9-49.2). When it comes to teaching quality, IISc once again takes the lead with an impressive score of 61.4, while Anna University and Mahatma Gandhi University lag behind at 36.9 and 44.6, respectively.
In terms of research environment, IISc also excels with a score of 50.0, while Anna University scores 28.7 and Mahatma Gandhi University 36.9. Interestingly, in research quality, Anna University scores exceptionally well with 76.7, surpassing both IISc (51.5) and Mahatma Gandhi University (64.8).
For industry engagement, which measures collaboration with businesses and innovation, IISc outshines with a strong score of 94.5, followed by Anna University (65.8) and Mahatma Gandhi University (34.5). In terms of international outlook, IISc achieves 31.6, Mahatma Gandhi University scores 28.0, and Anna University follows at 20.2, highlighting IISc’s stronger global presence. Overall, IISc remains the top performer across most categories.
Top three Indian universities in QS World University Rankings 2025
In the QS World University Rankings 2025, several Indian universities have secured a spot. Although the highest-ranked Indian university is at 118, let’s take a closer look at the top three Indian universities/institutions on the list. According to the rankings, the highest-ranked Indian institution is the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay at 118, followed by the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi at 150 and the Indian Institute of Science at 211.
Scores of top three Indian universities
In the QS World University Ranking 2025, three of India’s premier institutions—Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, IIT Delhi, and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc)—have been evaluated across several crucial categories. IIT Bombay leads with an overall score of 56.3, followed by IIT Delhi at 52.1, and IISc at 45. In terms of academic reputation, IIT Bombay once again takes the lead with a score of 58.5, closely followed by IIT Delhi at 54.1, while IISc trails behind with 45.7.
For citations per faculty, which reflects the quality and impact of research, IISc shines with an outstanding score of 99.9, far surpassing IIT Bombay (79.1) and IIT Delhi (77.4). However, when it comes to employment outcomes, IIT Bombay is significantly ahead with a score of 64.5, while IIT Delhi scores 35.1, and IISc lags with just 13.1.
In international research collaborations, IIT Delhi takes the top spot with 63.3, surpassing both IIT Bombay (52.3) and IISc (39.1). Lastly, in sustainability, IIT Bombay scores 52.5, followed by IIT Delhi at 32.7, and IISc at 23.7. Overall, IIT Bombay stands out as the top performer in most categories, particularly in employment outcomes and academic reputation.
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