Why Indian universities are struggling to enter the global top 100 rankings

Why Indian universities are struggling to enter the global top 100 rankings

Despite India's expanding role in global education, its universities face significant hurdles in securing top positions in international rankings such as the QS World University Rankings and the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. Institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have made notable progress, yet breaking into the prestigious top 100 remains a challenge.

In an exclusive interview with Moneycontrol.com, Kamlesh Vyas, Partner at Deloitte India, explains what the barriers are holding Indian universities back, and what steps can bridge the gap.

“The majority of universities in the top 100 or 50 are old institutions from the US and Europe, established 400 to 600 years ago. Their long history has allowed them to develop robust research cultures and reputations over centuries,” Vyas pointed out. However, he emphasized that it is possible to break into these prestigious ranks quickly, citing Chinese universities as examples. “Chinese universities, despite being relatively young, have shown that focused strategies can lead to remarkable achievements.”

The Research Deficit

Global university rankings heavily prioritize research output, including Nobel Prizes, publications in prestigious journals like Nature, and high-impact innovations. Vyas noted a glaring gap in this area for Indian institutions. “Only five to seven papers from Indian institutions have ever been published in Nature, with the first one appearing as recently as 2005. This underscores how far we lag in producing high-quality research.”

He explained that insufficient funding is a critical bottleneck. “India invests over 4% to 4.6% of its GDP in education, far below the NEP target of 6%. Even this limited funding is largely spent on salaries, leaving research facilities underfunded. Research remains subcritical, and we are not focusing on building foundational capabilities in basic sciences.”

The Way Forward

Vyas stressed that significant effort is required to elevate Indian universities in global rankings. “We need intensive investment in faculty development, stronger partnerships with global academic and research institutions, and a cultural shift toward prioritizing research. Aligning with global standards is essential if we aim to compete at the highest level.”

While the journey to the top 100 may be challenging, success is achievable with a clear vision, consistent effort, and a strong focus on research and innovation.