QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2025 - IITs Lead the Charge in Sustainability
In a groundbreaking update to the global higher education scene, QS Quacquarelli Symonds, renowned for its expertise in university rankings, has released the third edition of the ‘QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2025’. This prestigious ranking evaluates universities based on their sustainability initiatives, considering factors like environmental impact, social responsibility, and governance. The 2025 edition has brought notable improvements for Indian institutions, especially the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), with IIT Delhi securing a top spot.
Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IITD) has emerged as the top Indian university in the QS Sustainability Rankings 2025, placing at 171st globally. This represents an impressive improvement of 255 ranks from last year’s global position of 426th. IIT Delhi’s remarkable rise is attributed to its continued commitment to sustainability through green campus initiatives, innovative research, and collaborative projects focused on sustainable development.
The institution has long been a leader in environmental research, with numerous projects dedicated to reducing carbon footprints and promoting clean energy. IIT Delhi’s improvement is a testament to its unwavering focus on integrating sustainable practices into its academic and operational frameworks.
| Rank in India | 2025 Ranking | 2024 Ranking | Change | Institution |
| 1 | 171 | 426 | 255 | Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IITD) |
| 2 | 202 | 349 | 147 | Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (IIT-KGP) |
| 3 | 234 | 303 | 69 | Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB) |
| 4 | 245 | 522 | 277 | Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK) |
| 5 | 277 | 344 | 67 | Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM) |
| 6 | 299 | 220 | -79 | University of Delhi |
| 7 | 376 | 505 | 129 | Indian Institute of Science |
| 8 | 396 | 449 | 53 | Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) |
| 9 | 401 | 576 | 175 | Manipal Academy of Higher Education – Manipal University (MAHE) |
| 10 | 412 | 496 | 84 | Anna University |
| Why in News | QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2025 Update |
|---|---|
| Key Highlight | Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) have shown remarkable improvement in the QS World University Rankings for Sustainability 2025. IIT Delhi has risen significantly to secure a top spot for India. |
| Top Performer | IIT Delhi secured the 171st position globally, an improvement of 255 ranks from 2024 (426th). |
| IIT Delhi’s Achievement | IIT Delhi’s rise is due to green campus initiatives, innovative research, and sustainability-focused collaborations. |
| Improvement Factors | IIT Delhi’s commitment to sustainability, including reducing carbon footprints and promoting clean energy, contributed to its rise. |
| Other Notable IITs | IIT Kharagpur, IIT Bombay, IIT Kanpur, and IIT Madras also made significant improvements in their sustainability rankings. |
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