THE Rankings 2018: IISc rises up to 13th place among institutions in emerging economies

India continues to struggle to make a mark in global higher education rankings, but the latest table of institutions in 42 emerging economies reveals that it has significantly raised its profile among 350 universities, retaining its second position after China.

The 2018 Times Higher Education Emerging Economies ranking revealed on Wednesday includes 42 of India’s institutions, with the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, rising up to the 13th place. The Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, is at 26th place.

The ranking also reveals that the National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, is India’s highest riser – leaping 57 positions to number joint 138th – due to improvements in research influence and citations, Times Higher Education (THE) said.

Tezpur University gains 41 places to break into the top 100, sharing the 99thplace with Russia’s National University of Science and Technology. The Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, maintains its position at number 26.

However, THE said that while several Indian institutions made big gains and their overall representation has increased, the majority of its previously ranked institutions have dropped places, and both the Indian Institute of Technology Madras and the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi drop from the top 50.

Phil Baty, editorial director of global rankings for THE, said: “India undoubtedly has the potential to emerge as an eminent player in global higher education in the coming years. This is a pivotal moment”.

“Sustained investment, a relentless drive to attract leading global talent, and a reinforced emphasis on international benchmarking will be crucial steps in helping India realise its global higher education ambitions”.

He added that the Narendra Modi government’s Study in India programme to increase international student numbers is “very encouraging” and said he saw much potential in the new Institutions of Eminence initiative.

China’s domination of the ranking remains uncontested: it has 63 institutions represented and 52 of its institutions make the table’s top 200 – more than any other country. Pakistan has 10 institutions represented, up from seven, with Quaid-i-Azam University ranked at joint 85th.