India has achieved its best-ever QS World University Rankings result, with 54 institutions featured — including eight new entrants, the highest by any country this year
The gains come with rising inclusivity. India’s gender parity index in higher education has crossed 1.0, and classrooms are becoming more socially diverse
Seven of the eight new entrants are private universities. Private enrolment grew nearly 500 per cent over a decade, outpacing public institutions
But quality remains uneven. Many private institutions lack transparency, academic rigour and research capacity, operating in a regulatory grey zone
Public universities face their own challenges: underfunding, faculty shortages and outdated infrastructure continue to affect a majority of institutions
To sustain progress, India must implement NEP reforms, increase research funding, and strengthen public institutions alongside private expansion