India Set to Bolster Global Academic Standing in 2026

In a striking development, India is predicted to become the world's second best-represented nation in the Times Higher Education rankings by 2026, trailing only the United States. This shift underscores the significant strides Indian universities have made in global academia.

This prediction was shared by Times Higher Education's Chief Global Affairs Officer, Phil Baty, during an address on the fifth anniversary of India's National Education Policy (NEP) of 2020. Baty emphasized that India's universities are not only excelling in research metrics but are also proving impactful in social and economic spheres, aligning with global standards.

Baty attributed this success to India's forward-thinking NEP 2020, which has led to nearly tripling their university rankings from 49 in 2019 to 128 in 2026. Despite skepticism at its launch and hindrances like the COVID-19 pandemic, the NEP has paved the way for improved data collation and internationalization, showcasing India's educational prowess on a global stage.

(With inputs from agencies.)