SYLLABUS

GS-2: Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.

Context: Recently, the QS World University Rankings 2027 were released by QS Quacquarelli Symonds, with the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi emerging as India's highest-ranked institution at 118th globally.

Key Findings

Global Highlights:

• More than 1,500 institutions from 106 countries and territories were evaluated. 

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology retained the 1st position globally for the 15th consecutive year. 

• Top 5 universities globally: 

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (USA) 

2. Stanford University (USA) (Joint 2nd) 

3. Imperial College London (UK) (Joint 2nd) 

4. University of Oxford (UK) 

5. Harvard University (USA) 

India-Specific Findings:

• India has 52 universities in the rankings, making it the 5th most represented higher education system 

• globally after the USA, UK, China and Germany. 

• The number of Indian institutions ranked increased from 14 in 2017 to 52 in 2027, marking a 271% increase, the fastest proportional growth among G20 nations. 

• 18 Indian universities achieved their highest-ever ranking, including 13 non-IIT institutions. 

• India now possesses the world’s third-largest research output base. 

• IIT Delhi: India’s Best Performer

• Retained its position as India’s highest-ranked university for the second consecutive year. 
• Improved from 123rd to 118th globally, matching the highest-ever rank achieved by an Indian institution. 
• Climbed 79 places in four years (197th in QS 2024 to 118th in QS 2027). 
• Employer Reputation improved to 39th globally.
• Employment Outcomes improved by 60 places.
• Citations per Faculty improved significantly to 60th globally

• Major Movers Among Indian Universities:

• VIT climbed 94 places to 597th globally. 
• BITS Pilani climbed 93 places to 575th globally. 
• Jamia Millia Islamia improved by over 75 places to 686th globally. 

• Research & Employability Performance:

• 11 Indian universities feature among the global top 100 in Citations per Faculty. 
• 6 Indian universities are among the global top 100 in Employer Reputation. 
• IIT Bombay ranked 32nd globally in Employer Reputation (best in India). 
• IISc Bengaluru ranked 21st globally in Citations per Faculty. 

• Key Challenges: Indian institutions continue to lag in international student ratio, international faculty ratio, global academic engagement, and faculty-student ratio. 

• No Indian institution is currently among the global top 100 in Academic Reputation. 

Significance

• Reflects the global competitiveness of higher education institutions.

• Evaluates performance across teaching, research, employability and internationalisation.

• Serves as an important benchmark for students, universities and policymakers worldwide.

• Highlights India's emergence as a major global knowledge and research hub under the broader vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.