India, a land of diverse cultures and traditions, is also home to some of the largest and most esteemed universities in the world. In this article, we delve into the academic landscape of the country to explore the biggest universities that play a crucial role in shaping the educational future of millions.
India boasts a diverse and expansive higher education landscape with renowned universities. The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) leads in distance education, while the University of Delhi and the University of Mumbai stand out for their academic excellence. Anna University excels in technology, while Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University focuses on open learning. These institutions collectively contribute to India’s rich educational fabric, fostering knowledge and innovation.
In the latest QS Asia University Rankings 2024, a remarkable achievement for India is noted, with a record-breaking 148 universities securing positions. The rankings assess various factors, including academic and employer reputations, faculty-student ratios, citations per paper, international research networks, faculty with a PhD, and measures of internationalization. This recognition underscores the diverse strengths and academic prowess across a significant number of Indian universities on the regional stage.
The significance of the biggest universities lies in their pivotal role as educational powerhouses that impact individuals, communities, and the nation as a whole. These institutions provide:
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bombay, with the 40th rank in Asian top universities, claims the title of the biggest university in India, followed by IIT (Delhi), IIT Madras, and Indian Institute of Science.
Here is the list of top-10 largest universities in India:
LARGEST UNIVERSITIES OF INDIA | |||
Rank | University | Asian Rank | Location |
1. | Indian Institute of Technology Bombay | 40 | Mumbai |
2. | Indian Institute of Technology Delhi | 46 | New Delhi |
3. | Indian Institute of Technology Madras | 53 | Chennai |
4. | Indian Institute of Science | 58 | Bangalore |
5. | Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur | 59 | Kharagpur |
6. | Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur | 63 | Kanpur |
7. | University of Delhi | 94 | New Delhi |
8. | Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati | 111 | Guwahati |
9. | Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee | 116 | Roorkee |
10. | Jawaharlal Nehru University | 117 | New Delhi |
Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra
establishment: 1958
Securing the top spot in India, the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB) is a powerhouse in engineering education and research, ranked joint 40th in the QS Asia University Rankings. Established in 1958 as the second IIT in India, IITB stands out globally, earning first place for papers per faculty and employer reputation indicators, reflecting its profound impact on various sectors through high-achieving graduates.
Location: New Delhi
Establishment: 1961
Securing the second position is the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, a prominent institution renowned for academic and employer reputation. Notably, IITD holds the coveted ‘Institutes of Eminence’ status, granting increased autonomy in course structures, tuition fees, and academic collaborations. With around 30 percent international student admissions, IITD signifies a global academic hub excelling in both educational excellence and graduate employability.
Location: Chennai
Establishment: 1959
Securing the third position is the esteemed Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM). Despite a slight drop in rankings, IITM excels in employer reputation, ranking third in India and 47th in Asia, along with a strong performance in papers per faculty. Established in 1959 as the third IIT, it hosts 10,000-15,000 students across 16 academic departments and pioneers initiatives like the IIT Madras Research Park, India’s first of its kind. IITM continues to be a major player in India’s educational landscape.
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bombay, with the 40th rank in Asian top universities, claims the title of the biggest university in India.
Banaras Hindu University is the largest residential university in Asia, and is one of India's Institutes of National Importance, each of which is intended to “serve as a pivotal player in developing highly skilled personnel”.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology is the top-ranked university in the world and founded in 1861 to provide the best research program to students. Sloan School of Management and School of Engineering are some of its highly ranked graduate schools.
The top-5 universities in India are: Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Indian Institute of Science and Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur.
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