QS Asia University Rankings 2026: Marwadi University Becomes Gujarat’s No. 1 Private University

Indian universities are gradually achieving a notable and impressive presence in international ranking systems. This increasing rise is reflective of the country's commitment to academic excellence, research output, and international cooperation. Reuters regarded the QS Quacquarelli Symonds rankings as a forecast to rank universities on indicators such as academic reputation, employer reputation, quality faculty, and overseas presence.

The QS Asia University Rankings, an annual publication of QS Quacquarelli Symonds, evaluate institutions across Asia by a number of performance indicators such as academic reputation, employer reputation, research output, faculty–student ratio, and international diversity. Together, the QS World academic performance metrics provide comprehensive information about how universities contribute to regional and global education.

While public institutions have long dominated India’s representation in higher education rankings in Asia, the time has come for private universities to begin making their own significant mark. The increasingly visible inclusion of Indian institutions in the QS Asia University Rankings 2026 signals a broader shift towards quality and globally relevant education models. Certainly, with Marwadi University, an established private university in Rajkot, Gujarat, achieving this historic milestone, the timing could not have been more fitting. In its very first attempt, the university has secured an outstanding rank of 353 in the QS Asia list—the highest debut position ever achieved by any Indian university. With this recognition, Marwadi University joins the ranks of India’s best private universities and strongly signals its emergence as a new centre for academic and global excellence in Asia.

Now, the university has been recognised as Gujarat’s No. 1 private university and is ranked among the top private universities in India, according to the QS World University Rankings: Asia 2026. It has also emerged as the youngest private university in Asia to debut at this level, which reflects its growing reputation for academic strength and global engagement. Moreover, in the overall ranking, Marwadi University is among the Top 100 in Asia for Faculty Quality and Internationalisation. This highlights the university’s strong international partnerships and diverse student population, as well as its commitment to high-quality teaching and research. In many ways, this is a testament to the institution’s alignment with higher education rankings in Asia and its standing in global university ranking systems.

Marwadi University represents Gujarat in the QS Asia list and is one of the esteemed institutions featured in the QS Rankings 2026. Others listed include Parul University (ranked 1001–1100), Ahmedabad University (ranked 851–900), PDEU (ranked 851–900), IIT Gandhinagar (ranked 300), and MS University (ranked 1100–1200). Thus, Marwadi University is among the few universities in the state to earn international recognition.

On a very proud note, the university has positioned itself for the first time in the QS Asia University Rankings 2026 and reached a major milestone in global university rankings. This achievement reflects its strong leadership, the dedication of its academic staff, and a modern educational approach that focuses on advanced research and global collaboration. Commenting on this achievement, Dr Sanjeet Singh, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Marwadi University, proudly stated that the university’s vision of transforming education through innovation, inclusion, and global relevance has been validated by its QS Asia ranking. He added that this success would inspire the university to set even higher goals in the future.

Since its inception, Marwadi University has remained committed to quality education and societal upliftment. It has received NBA Accreditation, meeting global standards in the delivery and assessment of academic programmes. In addition, the institution has been awarded NAAC A+ Accreditation, making it one of the youngest institutions in India to receive this distinction. Furthermore, the university’s performance in the QS Asia ranking aligns with its standing in national frameworks. Recently, Marwadi University was listed among the Top 150 universities in India under the NIRF Rankings 2025. These recognitions reinforce its reputation across both global university ranking systems and national benchmarks. By strengthening its research capabilities, developing innovative academic areas, and supporting holistic student development, the university continues to drive educational transformation in the region and beyond.

Editor’s Note:

Indian universities are achieving new milestones in higher education, and the recent example of Marwadi University being listed in the QS Asia University Rankings 2026 is a source of national pride. The university has secured an impressive debut ranking of 353, the highest ever achieved by any Indian university, making its first appearance in the QS Asia list. This success is no accident. Marwadi University made strategic investments in faculty development, built a research-focused academic environment, and established meaningful international collaborations. It has distinguished itself in a competitive field by embracing an inclusive educational model, academic rigour, and global exposure for its students. India’s universities have immense potential. With a vast talent pool, diverse academic disciplines, and a growing drive for innovation, the country is well-positioned to become a global hub for higher education. However, to fully realise this potential, institutions must strengthen their research ecosystems, improve faculty–student ratios, and embrace digital transformation.

The Indian government has already taken important steps in this direction. Initiatives such as the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Study in India, and the Institution of Eminence scheme aim to raise academic standards, attract international students, and foster autonomy and excellence. These policies are helping universities align with global benchmarks and prepare for international recognition. The success of Marwadi University is a clear example of what focused leadership and deliberate action can achieve. It is not only a personal triumph for the institution but also a sign of broader change.

Skoobuzz believes that as more Indian universities appear in global university ranking systems, the world will increasingly recognise the strength of India’s educational landscape. This is a moment to celebrate—but also a reminder that the journey towards deeper research, stronger collaboration, and greater impact must continue.

FAQs

1. What is the QS Asia University Rankings 2026?

The QS Asia University Rankings 2026 is an annual publication by QS Quacquarelli Symonds that evaluates universities across Asia. Institutions are assessed using indicators such as academic reputation, employer reputation, research output, faculty-to-student ratio, and international diversity.

2. How did Marwadi University perform in the QS Asia University Rankings 2026?

Marwadi University made its debut in the rankings at an impressive position of 353, the highest debut rank ever achieved by any Indian university in the QS Asia list.

3. What is the ranking of Marwadi University in the QS Asia list?

Marwadi University is ranked 353 in the QS Asia University Rankings 2026, placing it among the top private universities in India and establishing it as Gujarat’s No. 1 private university.

4. Why is Marwadi University’s debut in the QS Asia rankings significant?

This debut marks a major milestone for Indian private universities. Marwadi University is the youngest private university in Asia to enter the rankings at this level, highlighting its academic excellence and global engagement.

5. What factors contributed to Marwadi University’s ranking success?

The university’s strong international partnerships, high-quality faculty, research-driven learning, and inclusive education model contributed to its success. It also secured a Top 100 position in Asia for Internationalisation and Faculty Quality.

6. Which other Indian universities are listed in the QS Asia University Rankings 2026?

Other Indian institutions featured include IIT Gandhinagar (Rank 300), Ahmedabad University (Rank 851–900), PDEU (Rank 851–900), Parul University (Rank 1001–1100), and MS University (Rank 1100–1200).

7. What accreditations does Marwadi University hold?

Marwadi University holds NBA Accreditation for programme quality and NAAC A+ status, making it one of India’s youngest institutions to earn this distinction.

8. How does Marwadi University’s QS ranking relate to national rankings?

The university’s performance in the QS Asia rankings complements its national standing. It was recently listed among the Top 150 universities in India in the NIRF 2025 rankings.

9. What programmes does Marwadi University offer?

Located in Rajkot, Gujarat, Marwadi University offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes across various disciplines, with a focus on academic excellence, research innovation, and holistic student development.

10. How are QS World University Rankings calculated for Asian universities?

QS rankings use a combination of metrics, including academic reputation, employer feedback, research citations, faculty-student ratios, and internationalisation to assess university performance across Asia.