QS World University Rankings Workshop for Indian HEIs: Boost Global Standing

QS World University Rankings workshop for Indian higher education institutions strengthens global visibility and academic performance. Learn strategies and insights.

The Ministry of Education recently organised a QS World University Rankings workshop for Indian higher education institutions, marking a significant step toward enhancing the global visibility and performance of India’s Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs). This half-day orientation and training workshop was designed to equip Vice-Chancellors, Directors, and Nodal Officers with the necessary tools to understand global ranking parameters, implement best practices, and develop strategic pathways aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

With the goal of improving India’s international academic reputation, the workshop witnessed participation from Central, State, and Private Universities, including autonomous institutions. Around 400 participants joined online, while over 60 attended in person at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi, reflecting the growing interest among Indian universities to engage actively with global ranking frameworks.

Purpose of the QS Rankings Workshop

The orientation training on QS rankings for vice chancellors and university officials aimed to deepen institutional understanding of the ranking methodology and highlight areas for improvement. Dr. Vineet Joshi, Secretary (Higher Education), emphasised the importance of global benchmarking and international recognition for Indian universities. He encouraged HEIs to actively participate in global ranking exercises to strengthen their academic reputation and worldwide standing.

Mr. Armstrong Pame, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Education, elaborated on the Ministry’s internationalisation initiatives, including SPARC, supernumerary seats for international students, and the Study in India (SII) portal. These programs are critical for enhancing international visibility and improving performance on ranking indicators related to global engagement.

Key Highlights of the Workshop

The workshop, conducted in two detailed sessions by Dr. Ashwin Fernandes, Executive Director (AMESA) at QS Quacquarelli Symonds, offered practical guidance and insights:

1. First Session: Focused on QS ranking methodology, eligibility criteria, and entry points for institutional visibility through world, subject, regional, business, and sustainability rankings. Guidance on submitting accurate data through the QS Hub was also provided.
2. Second Session: Covered research impact and reputation indicators, including academic and employer surveys conducted annually by QS. Strategies to improve research visibility, citation performance, and faculty-student ratios were thoroughly discussed.

These sessions provided Indian HEIs with actionable strategies to improve rankings, attract international students, and enhance research output — all contributing to a stronger global academic profile.

India’s Progress in QS World University Rankings

Indian HEIs have shown remarkable progress in QS rankings over the years. The 2026 edition featured a record 54 institutions, compared to just 12 in 2014. This upward trajectory illustrates India’s growing global academic visibility and reflects the collective efforts of universities to improve performance across multiple parameters, including research output, internationalisation, and faculty-student ratios.

However, there remains substantial potential for growth. Key focus areas for Indian universities include:

• Increasing the number of international students and faculty
• Enhancing research citations per faculty
• Strengthening faculty-student ratios
• Expanding global academic collaborations

Workshops like this QS World University Rankings workshop for Indian higher education institutions play a critical role in addressing these gaps, building institutional capacity, and advancing India’s global academic competitiveness.

Strategic Insights for Indian Universities

To leverage the workshop effectively, universities were advised to:

• Prioritise research visibility: Encourage faculty to publish in high-impact journals and increase international collaborations.
• Enhance employer engagement: Regularly conduct surveys and engage industry experts to improve employability indicators.
• Strengthen internationalisation: Attract top global talent and expand student exchange programs.
• Data accuracy: Ensure timely and precise submissions to QS databases to reflect true institutional performance.

These strategies not only improve rankings but also contribute to the long-term sustainability and global reputation of Indian HEIs.

Expert Opinions

Dr. Ashwin Fernandes highlighted that institutions focusing on research, reputation, and international collaborations see the most substantial gains in QS rankings. He added, “Active engagement with global ranking frameworks allows universities to benchmark themselves effectively and identify areas for improvement.”

Dr. Vineet Joshi reinforced the importance of collective efforts, stating, “Workshops like these empower Indian HEIs to adopt strategic practices that strengthen our global academic standing.”

Benefits of Attending the Workshop

Participants in the QS World University Rankings workshop for Indian higher education institutions gained valuable knowledge about:

• Understanding QS ranking criteria
• Improving institutional research performance
• Enhancing global visibility
• Developing actionable strategies for academic excellence
• Engaging international students and faculty effectively

This orientation training is expected to translate into tangible improvements in global rankings, helping India maintain a competitive edge in international higher education.

Internal and External Linking Opportunities

Indian HEIs and academic enthusiasts can further explore resources and learning materials through the following internal links:

• NCERT Courses: https://courses.edunovations.com/
• Current Affairs Updates: https://edunovations.com/currentaffairs/
• Notes for HEI Students: https://edunovations.com/notes/
• Multiple Choice Questions: https://edunovations.com/mcq/
• Educational Videos: https://edunovations.com/videos/
• Syllabus Updates: https://edunovations.com/syllabus/
• Free NCERT PDF Downloads & Mind Maps: https://courses.edunovations.com/shop-2/

For authoritative external insights, universities can consult: Mart India Infotech for institutional resources.

Conclusion

The QS World University Rankings workshop for Indian higher education institutions represents a significant milestone in India’s journey toward global academic excellence. By equipping Vice-Chancellors, Directors, and university officials with insights into global ranking parameters, research impact, and internationalisation strategies, the Ministry of Education aims to elevate Indian HEIs’ global standing.

This initiative underscores the importance of strategic planning, research enhancement, and international engagement. As Indian universities continue to implement these strategies, the nation is poised to witness sustained improvements in QS rankings, reflecting enhanced global visibility, stronger academic reputation, and higher international collaborations.

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FAQs

1. What is the QS World University Rankings workshop for Indian higher education institutions?
   It is an orientation and training workshop aimed at helping Indian HEIs improve their global visibility and rankings.
2. Who participated in the QS rankings orientation training?
   Vice-Chancellors, Directors, Nodal Officers, and university officials from Central, State, and Private Universities participated.
3. What were the key objectives of the workshop?
   Understanding QS ranking methodology, enhancing research visibility, and adopting internationalisation strategies.
4. How can Indian HEIs improve QS rankings performance?
   By increasing international student engagement, publishing impactful research, and improving faculty-student ratios.
5. Who conducted the QS rankings workshop?
   Dr. Ashwin Fernandes, Executive Director (AMESA) at QS Quacquarelli Symonds, led the sessions.
6. What is the role of internationalisation in university rankings?
   International students, faculty, and collaborations significantly contribute to QS global ranking outcomes.
7. How many Indian institutions are ranked in QS 2026?
   A record 54 Indian HEIs were included in the QS World University Rankings 2026 edition.
8. Where was the in-person workshop held?
   At the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi, with over 60 participants attending.
9. Why is research citation important for rankings?
   Research citations reflect academic impact, which is a major factor in QS ranking methodology.
10. Where can universities access related educational resources?
    Through internal links like NCERT Courses, Current Affairs, Notes, MCQs, Videos, Syllabus, and Mind Maps.