In 30 Seconds
What changed: IIT Delhi fell to 66th in Asia, from 59th last year.
Still No. 1: IIT Delhi stays India’s top university, the sixth year in a row.
Who it affects: students and parents comparing India’s IITs and top universities.
Still unknown: whether IIT Delhi can halt a three-year slide next year.
IIT Delhi is India’s top university in the QS Asia Rankings 2027, released on November 3, 2026. But it slipped to 66th in Asia, down from 59th last year. All six of India’s best-ranked universities fell.
QS is Quacquarelli Symonds, a London firm that rates universities. Its full name for this list is the QS World University Rankings: Asia 2027. It ranked 1,722 universities across 26 Asian systems this year.
How did IIT Delhi perform in the QS Asia Rankings 2027?
IIT Delhi scored 66th in Asia this year. It stood 59th last year, and 44th the year before.
This is a third straight year of decline. IIT Delhi has now fallen 22 places in two years. That is its lowest Asia rank in years.
Still, IIT Delhi beats every other Indian university. QS has placed it first in India for six years running.
Which Indian universities fell in QS Asia 2027?
The University of Delhi dropped out of Asia’s top 100. It fell to 106th, from 95th last year.
IISc Bangalore fell the most among India’s top names. It dropped 15 places to 79th.
Every one of India’s six best universities lost ground this year.
| Institution | Asia 2027 | Asia 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| IIT Delhi | 66 | 59 |
| IISc Bangalore | 79 | 64 |
| IIT Bombay | 83 | 71 |
| IIT Madras | 85 | 70 |
| IIT Kharagpur | 90 | 77 |
| IIT Kanpur | 97 | 77 |
| University of Delhi | 106 | 95 |
Some Indian names still climbed fast. Chandigarh University rose to 104th, from 109th, its best rank yet.
Lovely Professional University jumped to 154th, from 187th. Jamia Millia Islamia rose to 183rd, from 197th.
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GLA University climbed nearly 300 places, the most of any ranked Indian name. Manipal entered Asia’s top 200 for the first time.
Jawaharlal Nehru University held steady. It rose one place to 128th, from 130th.
Where does India still lead in Asia?
India is strong in research output. QS ranked IISc Bangalore first in Asia for papers per faculty.
IIT Madras came third on that measure, and IIT Delhi came seventh.
India also leads Asia on staff with PhD. It holds 47 of Asia’s top 100 places on that measure.
But citations are thinner. Only three Indian names reached Asia’s top 50 for citations per paper.
India did well on jobs too. QS ranked IIT Bombay 7th in Asia for employer reputation, and IIT Delhi 10th.
These were India’s first names in Asia’s top 10 for jobs.
Why does India stay out of Asia’s top tier?
On academic reputation, India’s average score has risen from 29.5 to 52.7 since 2018. Its score for global research links has also jumped since 2018.
Research is not India’s weak spot. Global ties are. India stays low on foreign students and staff.
That gap keeps India’s best below Asia’s top tier. It is the main reason IIT Delhi sits so far down.
QS points to research impact and global links. Ben Sowter is a QS Senior Vice President.
Sowter said India’s research strength must now turn into real impact and global standing.
Ashwin Fernandes is a QS Vice President. He said deeper foreign ties and industry links can lift India’s research.
How many Indian universities made the QS Asia 2027 list?
India had 325 ranked names this year, its most ever. That included 34 new entrants.
This makes India the second biggest country on the list. India had just 24 ranked names in 2016.
India now has 21 names in Asia’s top 200. Last year it had 20.
Who tops the QS Asia 2027 rankings?
The University of Hong Kong topped Asia again, holding first place for a second year.
Peking University came second, and Tsinghua University came third.
City University of Hong Kong came fourth, and the Chinese University of Hong Kong came fifth.
Hong Kong placed five names in Asia’s top 10. Singapore slipped this year.
The National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University both fell from joint third.
No Indian university reached Asia’s top 10. The best, IIT Delhi, sits at 66th.
Should you choose a college by its QS Asia rank alone?
A rank is not a college guide. It measures research, faculty and global links, not your course or your fees.
Check the subject, the placement record and the cost first. Then look at the rank.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is IIT Delhi still India’s top university in 2027?
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Yes. IIT Delhi is India’s highest-ranked university in the QS Asia Rankings 2027. It placed 66th in Asia, ahead of every other Indian institution, keeping the top spot in India for the sixth year running.
Why did IIT Delhi fall to 66th in Asia?
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IIT Delhi fell to 66th from 59th as QS gave weight to research impact and global links, where Asia’s leading universities score higher. QS said India must now turn its research output into greater impact and recognition.
Did the University of Delhi stay in Asia’s top 100?
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No. The University of Delhi dropped to 106th in the QS Asia Rankings 2027, from 95th last year. It is no longer among Asia’s top 100 universities, though it is still India’s top non-technical name on the list.
How many Indian universities are in QS Asia 2027?
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India had 325 ranked universities in the QS Asia Rankings 2027, its highest ever. That count included 34 new entrants this year. India also had 21 universities in Asia’s top 200, up from 20 last year.
Which university is number one in Asia for 2027?
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The University of Hong Kong is first in the QS Asia Rankings 2027. It held the top spot for a second year, followed by Peking University and Tsinghua University. No Indian university made Asia’s top 10.
Last verified: November 4, 2026
Disclaimer: Ranks, scores and eligibility can change without notice. Check with QS before you act.
