The NIRF 2026 rankings are expected from the Ministry of Education with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) ranking continuing to be an important aspect of the assessment process. The SDG ranking, which was introduced in NIRF 2025, focuses on evaluating the contributions of higher education institutions towards sustainability, environmental accountability, social inclusivity, and research related to the developmental goals of the world.
Up until the release of the NIRF 2026 rankings, the NIRF 2025 SDG ranking will serve as the latest official standard. In the NIRF 2025 rankings, IIT Madras emerged as the winner, followed by Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, and Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi.
What is the NIRF SDG Ranking?
The SDG ranking category was introduced to the National Institutional Ranking Framework in 2025, bringing the number of NIRF ranking categories up from 16 to 17.
It ranks institutions beyond traditional academic metrics. It measures how the institutions contribute to the cause of sustainability through means like,
- Efficient use of energy and environmental responsibility
- Water management and waste disposal
- Research on the 17 SDGs proposed by the UN
- Community outreach and social engagement
- Diversity, equity and inclusion
- Sustainable development contributions through teaching and research
The addition of this category is an indication of a more holistic approach towards ranking institutions of higher learning.
NIRF 2025 SDG Ranking: Top 10 Institutes
The latest official NIRF report lists IIT Madras, IARI and Jamia Millia Islamia as the top three institutions in the SDGs Institutions category.
| Rank | Institution | City/State | Key SDG Areas |
| 1 | Indian Institute of Technology Madras | Chennai, Tamil Nadu | Green technology, technical education, sustainable research |
| 2 | Indian Agricultural Research Institute | New Delhi | Sustainable agriculture, food security, rural technology |
| 3 | Jamia Millia Islamia | New Delhi | Social inclusion, environmental studies, community outreach |
| 4 | S.R.M. Institute of Science and Technology | Chennai, Tamil Nadu | Environmental engineering, renewable energy |
| 5 | Manipal Academy of Higher Education | Manipal, Karnataka | Healthcare outreach, campus sustainability |
| 6 | Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee | Roorkee, Uttarakhand | Water resources, green technology, disaster mitigation |
| 7 | Jawaharlal Nehru University | New Delhi | Environmental sciences, social equity, interdisciplinary research |
| 8 | Indian Institute of Technology Delhi | New Delhi | Clean energy, atmospheric sciences, sustainable infrastructure |
| 9 | National Institute of Technology Rourkela | Rourkela, Odisha | Waste management, sustainable materials |
| 10 | Banaras Hindu University | Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh | Agricultural research, community health, environmental sustainability |
IIT Madras Toppers in NIRF SDG Rankings
Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) grabbed the number one position in the SDGs Institutions ranking of NIRF 2025. IIT Madras, founded in 1959, is an Institute of National Importance and known for technical education, research and innovation.
Its top ranking in the SDGs rankings demonstrates the contribution of higher technical institutes in research and innovation regarding sustainable development.
Second Place goes to IARI
The Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), famously known as Pusa Institute, ranked second in the list.
Founded in 1905, IARI has been a pioneer institution in agricultural research. Its concern for agriculture productivity, food security and sustainable farming directly relates to many UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Jamia Millia Islamia is Third on List
New Delhi based Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) ranked third among NIRF 2025 SDG list. Founded in 1920, it was made Central University in 1988.
This ranking is indicative of SDG based ranking system, where besides academic performances, there are other aspects like social inclusion, community engagement and environmental research involved.
What Are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals?
There are 17 Sustainable Development Goals adopted by United Nations as part of 2030 Agenda. These goals deal with global issues that range from poverty and hunger to climate action and sustainable communities.
These 17 goals are,
- No Poverty
- Zero Hunger
- Good Health and Well-being
- Quality Education
- Gender Equality
- Clean Water and Sanitation
- Affordable and Clean Energy
- Decent Work and Economic Growth
- Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
- Reduced Inequalities
- Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Responsible Consumption and Production
- Climate Action
- Life Below Water
- Life on Land
- Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
- Partnerships for the Goals
Why is the NIRF SDG Category Important?
SDG Ranking increases the scope of assessment of the Indian higher education institutes by adding environmental and social sustainability to teaching, research, placements, and perceptions of the institute.
In terms of students and institutes, it is another aspect to analyze the institute’s performance in terms of sustainability, research, engagement with society, and inclusive development.
The SDG ranking of NIRF 2026, once published, will reflect the performance of the institutes based on the sustainability parameters.
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