QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026: India’s Showing
Why in the news
The 2026 subject-wise QS rankings were published, with India improving its footprint and two institutions reaching 21st place in their fields.
Key facts
| Institution | Subject | Global rank |
|---|---|---|
| IIT (ISM) Dhanbad | Mineral and Mining Engineering | 21 |
| IIM Ahmedabad | Business and Management | 21 |
| IIM Ahmedabad | Marketing | 21 |
| IIT Delhi | Engineering and Technology | 36 |
| BITS Pilani | Pharmacy and Pharmacology | 45 |
| Jawaharlal Nehru University | Development Studies | 26 |
India’s standing
- 99 institutions ranked, compared with 79 in 2025.
- 599 subject entries, including 120 new entries.
- India is the 4th largest higher education system globally.
- Top-50 presence has doubled since 2024, now at 27 entries.
Leading countries
- United States: first in 37 subjects.
- United Kingdom: first in 15 subjects.
About the QS ranking
QS ranks universities worldwide using indicators such as academic reputation, employer reputation, citations and international faculty. A subject ranking applies this to individual disciplines like engineering, management and natural sciences.
Exam angle
- Publisher: Quacquarelli Symonds.
- Rank 21 holders: IIT (ISM) Dhanbad and IIM Ahmedabad.
- India’s ranked institutions: 99.