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Indian universities climb QS rankings — but can they go global?
The latest QS World University Rankings 2025 highlight the steady rise of Indian universities on the global academic stage. With 79 Indian institutions making the list—an increase from 69 last year—this progress reflects ongoing efforts to enhance research and employer reputation. However, India still lags in key areas such as faculty quality, student learning experiences, and global academic collaborations. This article critically analyzes the strengths and challenges of Indian universities in their quest for global recognition.
Achievements of Indian Universities in QS Rankings
(i) Increase in Representation: The number of Indian institutions in the rankings has grown, with nine universities in the top 50 across various disciplines.
(ii) Strong Performance in Key Fields: Indian universities excel in engineering (24 institutions ranked), social sciences (20 institutions), and natural sciences (19 institutions).
(iii) Improved Employer Perception: The QS survey acknowledges that top Indian universities are increasingly recognized by global employers, which indicates progress in bridging the skill gap.
Challenges Hindering Global Recognition
A. Faculty Shortage and Quality
(i) Indian universities score poorly in teaching resources and faculty strength (10-20 out of 100 in QS rankings).
(ii) The IITs have been recruiting faculty consistently, but hiring has not kept pace with student enrollments.
(iii) The lack of a centralized monitoring system for faculty quality hampers effective recruitment and development.
B. Limited Global Collaborations
(i) Indian scholars have restricted access to international academic debates and research collaborations.
(ii) Although India has invited foreign universities to set up campuses (e.g., IIT Madras in Zanzibar, Tanzania), the pace of internationalization remains slow.
(iii) Bureaucratic hurdles in student and faculty exchange programs limit global exposure.
C. Insufficient Research Ecosystem
(i) While research output has improved, funding and infrastructure constraints prevent universities from competing with top global institutions.
(ii) India lacks large-scale interdisciplinary research centers that can drive innovation and global recognition.
D. Industry-Academia Linkages
(i) Unlike universities in the US and Europe, Indian institutions have weak ties with industries for research and skill development.
(ii) The IIT-Bombay and Monash University partnership is a rare success story, but more such collaborations are needed.
Way Forward for India’s Higher Education
(i) Enhancing Faculty Recruitment & Training: A systematic mechanism to monitor faculty hiring and development should be implemented to improve teaching quality.
(ii) Strengthening International Collaborations: Indian universities must liberalize student and faculty exchange programs and create joint research opportunities with top global institutions.
(iii) Boosting Research & Innovation: Increased government and private sector investment in research can help Indian universities compete with global peers.
(iv) Industry Integration: Expanding university-industry linkages will make graduates more employable and drive innovation.
Conclusion
The QS 2025 rankings reflect India’s progress in higher education but also underline the gaps that must be addressed. To truly compete on the global stage, Indian universities need comprehensive reforms in faculty quality, global integration, and research infrastructure. By addressing these challenges, India can position itself as a global knowledge hub, contributing significantly to the global academic and economic landscape.
Disclaimer:
This analysis is based on the editorial content published in Indian Express and is intended solely for informational and educational purposes. The views, opinions, and interpretations expressed herein are those of the author of original article. Readers are encouraged to refer to the original article for complete context and to exercise their own judgment while interpreting the analysis. The analysis does not constitute professional advice or endorsement of any political, economic, or social perspective.
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