The Times Higher Education World University Rankings, also known as the THE Rankings, are a prominent annual publication by the Times Higher Education magazine. Since their inception in 2004, these rankings have provided a comprehensive and balanced evaluation system for global research universities. Phil Baty, Chief Global Affairs Officer at Times Higher Education, recently highlighted India’s significant strides in these rankings over the past two decades.
A Growing Presence on the Global Stage
Phil Baty expressed his excitement over India’s progress in higher education. He noted that when he first visited India 15 years ago, there was a prevailing sentiment of reluctance towards participating in global rankings. However, this attitude has drastically changed. “We’ve seen an extraordinary growth in participation from India,” Baty stated. The number of Indian universities engaging in international rankings has risen notably, demonstrating a shift in India’s approach to global education metrics.
Unprecedented Participation in Rankings
Baty pointed out the remarkable increase in the number of Indian universities included in the global rankings. Twenty years ago, Indian institutions were barely present. Fast forward to 2025, India is set to have an unprecedented 107 universities featured in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, matching the representation of the United Kingdom and ranking as the third best-represented country globally.
Government Initiatives and Educational Reforms
Baty commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision and efforts in modernizing India’s education system. He acknowledged Modi’s success in achieving a balance between expansion and quality. This focus has enabled Indian universities to make a more substantial social and economic impact by aligning educational objectives with the country’s economic needs.
Recent Achievements and Future Prospects
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the achievements of Indian colleges in the THE World University Rankings in June of this year. Current figures from Times Higher Education indicate a dramatic surge in Indian university enrolment in global rankings since 2016. In that year, only 31 universities participated, a number that has since grown to 133. For the 2024 rankings, participation reached 124 universities, positioning India as the fourth-most represented country.
India’s continuous improvement in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings underscores the country’s commitment to enhancing its higher education landscape. With ongoing support from the government and a strategic focus on quality and expansion, Indian universities are poised to continue their upward trajectory in the global academic arena.
