India’s rapid economic and technological advancement has positioned it as a global powerhouse. Indian universities have consistently achieved high rankings in national and international rankings with the highest number of innovative and technologically advanced students graduating each year. In the National Institutional Ranking Framework and other metrics, universities are ranked on various factors like research output, academic performance, quality of infrastructure, and faculty strength.
These rankings reflect the quality and diversity of courses offered, with institutions excelling in fields like engineering, medicine, law, and management. In India, institutes like the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, and Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi hold the top spot whereas the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore aced the ranks in 2024.
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Top Universities in India
The leading Universities in India for higher degrees are as follows:
1. Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore
2. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras
3. Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi
4. Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), New Delhi
5. University of Delhi (DU), New Delhi
6. Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Aligarh
7. All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi
8. University of Hyderabad (UoH), Hyderabad
9. Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore
10. Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi
1. Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore
The Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, is a public, well-known research university established in 1909 with the support of Jamsetji Tata. Locally known as the Tata Institute, IISc focuses on higher education and research in science, engineering, design, and management. IISc was granted deemed university status in 1958, while in 2018, it became an Institute of Eminence. The institute’s main campus houses over 40 departments broadly categorized into the faculties of Science and Engineering. IISc offers a range of academic programs, including post-graduate research and coursework programs, as well as an undergraduate program.
IISc collaborates with various government organizations such as the Indian Ordnance Factories, DRDO, ISRO, and Bharat Electronics Limited, as well as private industries and research labs. The institute is renowned for its partnerships with key institutions in the defense, aerospace, and technology sectors. Internationally, IISc is highly regarded, ranking 211th in the world and 58th in Asia in 2024 according to QS World University Rankings. In India, NIRF ranks the institute number one among all research institutions and universities in 2024. IISc trains future leaders in science and technology and contributes to the creation of wealth and social welfare for the country.
2. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras
Indian Institute of Technology Madras is a public technical institute located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It has been recognized by the Department of Higher Education of the Ministry of Human Resources Development, India. One among eight Institutes of Eminence, IIT Madras is categorized as an Institute of National Importance. With an enrollment of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students in courses in engineering, science, humanities, and management studies, the institute also caters to international students.
IIT Madras was established with significant technical and financial assistance from the West German government, making it one of the largest international educational collaborations at the time. The agreement between India and Germany signed in 1959 formed the basis for IITM, modeled after the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The institute aims to advance knowledge in both pure and applied sciences, engineering, and social sciences and has been a leader in technical education and research in India since its inception.
In the QS World University Rankings 2024, it is ranked 227 worldwide and 74th in Asia. IITM hosts India’s first research park at the level of a university, which provides incubation and infrastructure support to innovation, facilitating start-ups. The success of this park has inspired the Central Government to plan the development of 50 such similar parks, sponsored under the Startup India initiative.
3. Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi
Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), established in 1969, is a prestigious public research university located in New Delhi, India. Named after India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, the university is recognized for its excellence in research, particularly in social and applied sciences. JNU offers various courses along with officially recognized degrees, ranging from bachelor’s degrees in a wide range of fields of study. JNU’s academic departments are divided into 20 Schools and Centers, with a strong focus on social sciences, management, research, and development.
The university has granted recognition to various defense institutions and research centers, reinforcing its status as a leader in academic and research innovation. Furthermore, JNU was given the “Visitor’s Award” as “Best University” in 2017 by the President of India. As of 2024, NIRF ranked JNU in the top three universities in India, strengthening further its academic reputation.
JNU offers a variety of academic facilities to its students including study abroad and exchange programs. The International Student’s Association was established in 1985 and plays an active role in maintaining cultural exchange and friendly relationships among students of different nations. Currently, the university is home to 133 international students, showcasing its global reach and commitment to diversity.
4. Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), New Delhi
Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), established in 1920, is a prestigious non-profit public higher education institution located in New Delhi, India. Originally founded in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, during the British colonial era, the university moved to its current location in Okhla, Delhi, in 1935. Recognized by the University Grants Commission of India, it offers a wide range of academic programs, including pre-bachelor’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in several fields.
Jamia Millia Islamia provides a diversified learning environment with a lot of academic facilities and non-academic facilities including opportunities for international applicants to apply for admission. The university also offers opportunities for students to study abroad or participate in exchange programs besides online courses and distance learning options. The mission of the university is to contribute to the nation through effective teaching and research by producing skilled, sensitive, and competent individuals while striving for sustainable societal development.
The university has a rich historical legacy, having been founded by prominent leaders like Allama Muhammad Iqbal, Mohammad Ali Jauhar, Hakim Ajmal Khan, and Mahatma Gandhi, among others. Over the years, JMI has earned international recognition, ranking 801 in the QS World University Rankings of 2023 and 501 globally in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings of 2023.
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5. University of Delhi (DU), New Delhi
The University of Delhi (DU), established in 1922, is a prestigious non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban expanse of New Delhi. Recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) of India and designated as an Institute of Eminence, DU has grown into one of the largest university systems in the world, with over 400,000 students. The university offers a vast array of programs and degrees, including bachelor, master, and doctoral levels.
In the light of a vision to nurture well-rounded, multi-skilled, and socially responsible global citizens, DU places considerable emphasis on its vision of becoming internationally renowned for excellence in teaching, research, and outreach. The university motto is “Dedication, Steadfastness, Truth,” which shapes commitment toward intellectual growth and personal development.
The Academic Structure of Delhi University is vast, with 86 departments divided across 16 faculties and 91 affiliated colleges. On the global stage, DU has achieved impressive rankings, being placed 521 in the QS World University Rankings 2023 and ranked 85 in Asia. Nationally, the university secured one of the top positions in the National Institutional Ranking Framework 2024, reaffirming its reputation as a leading institution in India.
6. Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Aligarh
Aligarh Muslim University is a public non-profit higher education university located in the city of Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh. The university has its main campus in Aligarh and three regional campuses in New Delhi, Agra, and Mathura. The University has been officially recognized by the University Grants Commission of India, as a coeducational institution formally affiliated with the Islamic religion. The university offers a wide range of courses leading to degrees such as diplomas, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees in various fields of study.
Originally the foundation of the institution was laid in 1875 as the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, the institution later became Aligarh Muslim University in 1920. Now, there are three off-campus centers located in Malappuram (Kerala), Murshidabad (West Bengal), and Kishanganj (Bihar).
AMU offers over 300 courses across a variety of traditional and modern disciplines ranging from Agricultural Sciences, Arts, and Commerce to Engineering & Technology, Law, and Life Sciences. Its academic structure is organized into 13 faculties and 7 colleges, providing both technical and vocational education. Internationally, AMU has earned a place in prominent rankings, such as 1001 in QS World University Rankings 2023 and 801 according to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023.
7. All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi
Located in New Delhi, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences is a prestigious non-profit public higher education institution. Officially approved by the Department of Higher Education at the Ministry of Human Resources Development, AIIM, Delhi has a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate programs. It was originally conceived in 1946 based on a recommendation of the Health Survey of the Government of India.
The foundation stone for AIIMS Delhi was laid down in 1952, and through the years it has had many developments through which it has evolved into a leading medical research university and hospital, governed by the AIIMS Act of 1956. The institution is profoundly recognized for quality medical research work and health care to its patients, and its missions include advancing child health, ensuring equity-driven health care, and providing policy assistance to government bodies.
Today, AIIMS Delhi provides 42 specialty postgraduate courses and has more than 45 superspecialities at the higher master’s degree level. The National Institutional Ranking Framework ranked it first among medical colleges in India in 2024. It has made many medical breakthroughs such as being the first to have made successful cardiac transplantation in India, and it has a leading role in stem cell therapy.
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8. University of Hyderabad (UoH), Hyderabad
The University of Hyderabad (UoH) stands out as a leading institution in India, driven by its core values of fulfilling national needs while maintaining global standards, innovation, public engagement, and social impact. As a major contributor to the nation’s knowledge enhancement, it offers various knowledge services across diverse fields, consistently producing high-quality research, teaching, and learning outcomes.
UoH’s mission is to provide advanced knowledge through instructional and research facilities of international standards with particular emphasis on interdisciplinary studies to ensure a balance between aesthetic, technological, and socio-political dimensions of research and teaching.
Established in 1974, UoH is a central public research university with a student strength of over 5,000 and 400 faculty members in the city of Hyderabad, Telangana. Recognized as an Institute of Eminence by the University Grants Commission (UGC) the campus shows high research activities through its every department. UoH provides approximately 300 doctorates annually and occupies a prominent position in the line of research output in natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities. It ranks 802 globally according to the QS World ranking in 2023.
9. Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore
Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) is a private non-profit higher education institution located in Vellore, Tamil Nadu. Recognized by the University Grants Commission of India, VIT is a large institution having a second campus in Chennai while also providing admissions to international students. It has earned a reputation for providing quality education in several areas of study ranging from engineering to modern sciences. It was founded in 1984 as Vellore Engineering College, a self-financing engineering college under Anna University by its founder G. Viswanathan.
VIT’s academic structure is divided into 20 schools of study across its Vellore and Chennai campuses. The institution offers 66 undergraduate, 58 postgraduate, 15 integrated, and two research programs. Over the years, the institution has expanded its reach by establishing sister universities in Andhra Pradesh, Bhopal, and Bengaluru. VIT’s commitment to excellence is reflected in its global rankings, including positions in the 1001–1200 range in the QS World University Rankings 2023, and 801–1000 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. Nationally, it was ranked 11th among engineering institutes in 2024 by the National Institutional Ranking Framework.
VIT’s mission is centered on providing world-class education, conducting high-quality research, and making a positive impact on society. The institution grooms a responsible and efficient workforce, provides partnerships with national and international industries, and contributes to economic development.
10. Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi
Banaras Hindu University (BHU), founded in 1916, is a central, collegiate, and Research University located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. It was built upon the foundation of the Central Hindu College, established by Indian Home Rule and Theosophist Annie Besant in 1898. BHU is a prominent institution in India, known for its diversity in disciplines, including six institutes, 14 faculties, and 140 departments. BHU is a hub for various academic and professional studies, including fields like Arts, Social Sciences, Commerce, Management, Medical Sciences, and Engineering.
The Faculty of Management Studies at BHU was created to serve the business and industry sectors. Its mission is quality education, research consultancy, and other professional services. It aims to be a globally admired center of excellence by creating socially responsible and sensitive leading managers. The university also maintains several interdisciplinary schools and research centers funded by national bodies like DBT, DST, ICAR, and ISRO. Several departments benefit from the University Grants Commission’s Special Assistance Program (SAP), ensuring ongoing research and development across various scientific and social disciplines.
In national rankings, BHU is highly regarded as it stood 16th in research, 7th in medical studies, 25th in law, and 48th in management studies according to NIRF in 2024. Additionally, its engineering institute, IIT, BHU was ranked 10th in the NIRF Engineering ranking for 2024, reflecting BHU’s status as a leading educational institution in India.
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Conclusion
India is developing rapidly making its place in the international realm both economically and technologically and the brilliant minds that are shaping the country’s future rely on the performance of these institutes. These significant institutes are not only putting their best efforts into shaping young minds but eventually propelling India further into harnessing global success. Furthermore, these efforts are not only limited to Indian students but also offer international students to tap into these reservoirs of knowledge. Though India is not yet the most popular Asian destination for international students, it is enhancing its capacity to welcome more international students.
FAQs
What Are the Most Employable Degrees in India?
The list of most employable degrees in India includes Medicine, Engineering, Computer Science, Human Resources, Architecture, Advertising, Law, Psychology, Accountancy, Data Science, and Product Management.
What Is the Largest University in India?
G.B. Pant University, Uttarakhand, with a sprawling campus spanning over 12,611 acres, this university takes the very title of being the largest university in India by land area.
Which University Is the Hardest to Get Admission to in India?
There are dozens of highly regarded universities in India, and the state of competition depends on the subject that you are interested in pursuing. However, the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) are known to be some of the toughest colleges to get into.
What Are the Most Expensive Degrees in India?
Medicine, Engineering, Business, Law, Aviation, Design, and Media are some of the most expensive degrees to pursue in India.
