"Indian Institutes' Growing Presence in THE World University Rankings

Delhi University Among Top Global Institutions for Law and Psychology

The Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings by Subject for 2025 revealed that the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru is the only Indian institution in the top 100 for computer science, securing the 99th rank. This is the first time an Indian university has achieved this ranking. Last year, IISc was in the 251-300 band. Additionally, Delhi University (DU), ranked in the 301-plus band, was the only Indian university to feature in the global top universities for law and psychology.

The World University Rankings by Subject covered 11 categories, including arts and humanities, business and economics, education studies, engineering, law, life sciences, medical and health, physical sciences, psychology, and social sciences. Key highlights showed that 53 Indian universities made it into the top global institutions for computer science, up from 47 in 2024, with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) ranked 96th. Oxford University topped the list, followed by the University of Cambridge and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

In the business and economics category, 24 Indian institutions made it to the top universities list, up from 15 in 2024. Amity University, Noida; KIIT University, Bhubaneswar; the University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES), Dehradun; and Delhi University (DU) were ranked in the 401-500 band. Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, ranked in the 251-300 band, led among 28 Indian institutions recognized in the medical and health subjects category. In arts and humanities, both Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and Delhi University (DU) improved their rankings from the 501-600 band to the 401-500 band. Jadavpur University, West Bengal, entered the rankings for the first time, securing a position in the 601+ band. In social sciences, 14 Indian universities retained their positions among the top global institutions for 2025, matching last year’s performance.

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Stanford University topped the rankings in all 11 subject categories. Phil Baty, THE’s chief global affairs officer, noted that while Western countries still dominate, the rise of China and East Asian nations in the global knowledge economy reflects a global levelling up of excellence. It was noted that Stanford, Harvard, and Cambridge universities are the only institutions ranked in the top 10 across all 11 subjects in the report. The analysis also highlighted that the United States dominated the top 10 list in every subject and was the most represented country in each subject category in the overall report.

Overall, the 2025 Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject highlights the impressive progress of Indian institutions, with significant improvements and new entries in various categories. This development underscores India's growing presence in the global academic landscape and its commitment to excellence in higher education.

Editor's Note:

The recent Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject for 2025 highlight the impressive growth of Indian institutes. Notably, the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru achieved a historic 99th rank in computer science, marking the first time an Indian university has made it into the top 100. Additionally, other Indian universities have shown significant improvements across various subjects. To achieve new heights, Indian institutes need to focus on enhancing research capabilities, attracting talented faculty, and increasing investment in infrastructure and technology. Collaborations with international universities and industries can also play a crucial role in driving innovation and academic excellence.

Skoobuzz believes that with continued efforts and strategic initiatives, Indian institutions can further strengthen their global standing and contribute to the advancement of education and knowledge.