10 Top Universities in South Asia in QS University Rankings
By TOI Desk Report
December 6, 2023
Update on : December 6, 2023
Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) has recently published the 20th edition of QS Asia University Rankings. Al-Farabi Kazakh National University has secured the top position in Central Asia while Peking University in Eastern Asia, National University of Singapore (NUS) in South-eastern Asia, and Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB) in South Asia.
First top six universities in South Asia from India
How many indicators are gathered to generate rankings for top universities in South Asia?
The QS World University Rankings comprises 1,500 institutions in 104 regions in its 20th edition. Over 240,000 academic faculty and employers provided their expert opinions to get the results of the ranking. Besides, 17.5 million academic papers were also analysed to do this. The QS also used 11 indicators to compile the QS Asia University Rankings by introducing three new metrics.
They are: Academic Reputation, Employer Reputation, Faculty Student Ratio, Citations per Faculty, International Faculty Ratio, International Students Ratio, International Research Network, Employment Outcomes, and Sustainability.
Which three new indicators are included to generate QS ranking for top universities in South Asia?
Sustainability
Global institutions recognised their worldwide impact as sustainability has become a touchstone for them. But, students now expect institutions to address concerns of social and climate justice. According to the QS International Student Survey 2022, eighty percent of students believe universities could do more to help the environment. This reflects a larger trend of younger students who are vocal about social and environmental advocacy. The QS responded to this call to action by introducing a 5% weight Sustainability lens.
Employment Outcomes
The Employment Outcomes is the second new indicator to recognize the importance of research in changing the world. Additionally, the education network has kept expanding insight into the capability of attaining a job to incorporate employability into the methodology. To do this, they increased the proportion of Employer Reputation to 15% and added Employment Outcomes at 5%.
International research network
As the third new indicator, the International research network is another method of recognizing the significance of research in developing the world. This metric generates ways to make an institution’s research global connection as well as emphasizing the greater significance of collaboration in research.
What are Rankings and Ratings of Top Universities in South Asia?
| University | Rank in South Asia | Rank in Asia | Global Rank | Overall Score |
| Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB) | 1 | 40 | 149 | 67.2 |
| Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IITD) | 2 | 46 | 197 | 64 |
| Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM) | 3 | 53 | 285 | 56.8 |
| Indian Institute of Science | 4 | 58 | 225 | 54.8 |
| Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (IIT-KGP) | 5 | 59 | 271 | 54.5 |
| Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK) | 6 | 63 | 278 | 53.4 |
| National University of Sciences And Technology (NUST) Islamabad | 7 | 64 | 367 | 53.3 |
| Sharif University of Technology | 8 | 85 | 334 | 46.7 |
| Quaid-i-Azam University | 9 | 86 | 315 | 46.6 |
| University of Tehran | 10 | 88 | 360 | 46.4 |
1. Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB)
IIT Bombay, one of the top universities in South Asia and the best technical universities in the world, was established in 1958. The institute was the first to be set up with a UNESCO fund. The IITs were designated as ‘Institutes of National Importance’ by Parliament in 1961. The institute is regarded as the world’s leading institution in engineering education and research. It is known for the high level of students, who graduate from undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. The institute is also famous to students for its bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programmes. An outstanding faculty conducts Research and academic programmes at IIT Bombay. Many of the faculty have received honour for their research contributions internationally. In order to improve research and enrich educational programmes, the institute collaborates with peer universities and institutes on a national and international level. The institution continues to collaborate closely with alumni to improve its activities through engagement in academic and research programmes, as well as to raise finances.
What are the Ranking Criteria?
IIT Bombay secured the first position in India and South Asia in the QS Rankings 2024. It also ranked 40th rank this year in the Asia University Rankings. The institute secured an overall score of 67.2 out of 100.
The IIT Bombay has scored 83.5 in academic reputation while 96 in employer reputation, 9.3 in citation per paper, and 14.8 in faculty-student ratio. It has also scored 100 in staff with PhD, 95.7 in papers per faculty, 66.3 international research network and 11.1 in international faculty ratio. Besides, the institute received 3 in international students ratio, 2.1 in inbound exchange, and 4.1 in outbound exchange all scores out of a maximum of 100 points.
Among the 11 indicators, Staff with PhD was the most significant for IIT Bombay, ranking 18th in the region.
IITB has 12,702 total students while 102 international students, 773 total faculty staff, 43%UG students, 57% PG students, 100% PG students, 96% domestic staff, and 4% Int’l staff.
2. Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IITD)
ITD Delhi is one of the seven Institutes of Technology in India and the top universities in South Asia. The institutes are established as centres of advanced education, research, and development in science, engineering, and technology. It was founded as the College of Engineering in 1961. Under the “Institutes of Technology (Amendment) Act, 1963,” the Institute was later declared an Institution of National Importance and was renamed “Indian Institute of Technology Delhi. The total number of students at the institute is 11, 510 and of them, 109 are international students. There are a total of 965 faculty staff.
What are the Ranking Criteria?
It secured 197th position in the QS World University rankings while 46th in the QS Asia University rankings and ranked 2 in the QS South Asia University rankings.
The institute has secured 64 points in overall score while 79.4 in academic reputation, 93.1 in employer reputation, 24.1 in faculty-student ratio, 14.2 in citation per paper, 59.7 in International Research Network, 83.3 in Paper per faculty, 75.4 in faculty staff with PhD, 3.4 in international students, 5 in international faculty, 2.1 in Inbound Exchange and 4.3 in Outbound Exchange.
3. Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM)
Indian Institute of Technology Madras is one of the leading institutes in higher technological education and applied research and top universities in South Asia. Its campus is located in Chennai city, the state capital of Tamilnadu in India. Chennai was previously known as Madras. The German government donated technical help for the establishment of an engineering institute for higher education in India in 1956. In 1959, The first Indo-German signed an agreement in Bonn for the establishment of the Indian Institute of Technology Madras. IIT Madras is a residential institute with a self-contained campus in land of about 250 hectares. It has nearly 540 faculty, 8400 students and 700 administrative and supporting staff. The institute has built a premier centre for teaching, country’s research, and industrial consulting. The Institute contains sixteen academic departments and a few advanced research centres in diverse technical and pure science fields, with nearly 100 laboratories.
What are the Ranking Criteria?
It secured 285th position in the QS World University rankings while 53th in QS Asia University Rankings and 3 in the QS South Asia University Rankings.
The institute has secured 56.8 overall scores while 68.7 in academic reputation, 79.5 in employer reputation, 29.5 in faculty-student ratio, 8.8 in citations per paper, 36.1 in International Research Network, 82 in Papers per faculty, 100 in faculty staff with PhD, 3.2 in international students, 5.5 in international faculty, 4.7 in Inbound Exchange and 7.7 in Outbound Exchange.
4. Indian Institute of Science (IISc)
As the outcome of the collaborative efforts of Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata, the Government of India, and the Maharaja of Mysore, the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) was established in 1909. Jamsetji Tata in 1886 considered a university of science for the benefit of India and created a donation for establishing such an institution in 1898. The Indian government then decided to locate the Institute in Bangalore after consulting with scientists in England and in India while Maharaja of Mysore offered 372 acres of land. Supported by 600 administrative personnel, the institute has over 40 departments, units, or centres, 4,000 students, and about 500 academic and scientific staff, although it began with only 2 departments and 21 students in 1911.
What are the Ranking Criteria?
It secured 225th position in the QS World University rankings while 58th in QS Asia University Rankings and 4 in the QS South Asia University Rankings.
The institute, one of the top universities in South Asia, has secured 54.8 overall scores while 72.4 in academic reputation, 37.8 in employer reputation, 45.2 in faculty-student ratio, 24.6 in citations per paper, 49.2 in International Research Network, 100 in Papers per faculty, 100 in faculty staff with PhD, 4.8 in international students, 7.3 in international faculty, 6.1 in Inbound Exchange and 3.6 in Outbound Exchange.
5. Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (IIT-KGP)
Established in 1951, IIT-KGP is the first of the sixteen Institutes established in the IIT system and one among the top universities in South Asia. The institute is renowned for its outstanding academic and research, as well as its top-class faculty. It has 19 academic departments, seven centres & eight schools of excellence. IIT Kharagpur offers 15 B.Tech.(Hons.) programmes, 38 Dual Degree Programmaes, two Interdisciplinary Dual Degree Programmes, six Integrated M.Sc and 5 Two Year M.Sc. degree programmes of Joint M.Sc.-Ph.D. Yoga Karmashu Kaushalam (Excellence in action is Yoga) is the slogan of IIT Kharagpur. With total 823 faculty staff, the IIT-KGP has 12,099 and of them, 81 are international students.
What are the Ranking Criteria?
The institute secured 271th position in the QS World University rankings, 59th in QS Asia University Rankings, and 5 in the QS South Asia University Rankings. The institute has secured 54.1 overall scores while 57.9 in academic reputation, 66.6 in employer reputation, 12.7 in faculty-student ratio, 20.9 in citations per paper, 71.8 in International Research Network, 93.5 in Papers per faculty, 100 in faculty staff with PhD, 2.7 in international students, 7.1 in international faculty, 1.3 in Inbound Exchange and 10.2 in Outbound Exchange.
6. Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK)
IITK, located in Kanpur, India is one of the best institutes in the country and top universities in South Asia. It was established on the land of 430 hectares in 1959 under the technical assistance of the Kanpur-IndoAmerican program – KIAP. The institute offers excellence in education, research, and innovation. IIT Kanpur has 18 academic departments and five interdisciplinary programmes. IITK provides undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD Degree courses through 18 departments –10 engineering, two humanities, five science, and one management. The extremely flexible course structure at IITK enables students to broaden their horizons and select courses of their own choice. The top-ranked industries and research organizations often choose IITK as the first choice to meet their hiring needs. Currently, a total of 61 firms are now incubated at IIT Kanpur’s Startup Innovation and Incubation Centre (SIIC), with 62 having graduated thus far. IIT Kanpur’s faculty, staff, students, and alumni have always worked for the betterment of society and will continue to do so in the future.
What are the Ranking Criteria?
The institute secured 278th position in the QS World University rankings, 63th in QS Asia University Rankings and 6 in the QS South Asia University Rankings.
The institute has secured 53.4 overall scores while 61.5 in academic reputation, 73.6 in employer reputation, 15.5 in faculty-student ratio, 14.9 in citations per paper, 41.8 in International Research Network, 90.4 in Papers per faculty, 100 in faculty staff with PhD, 1.7 in international students, 4.2 in international faculty, 6.2 in Inbound Exchange and 3.7 in Outbound Exchange.
7. National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST)
NUST, one of the top universities in South Asia, is a university in Pakistan that belongs to the new generation and has an innovative and progressive outlook. It is located in Islamabad, Pakistan. The university is considered to expand a modern centre of excellence in the fields of sciences and technology. NUST’s core underlying foundation focuses on a spectrum blend of engineering, information technology (IT), medical, and management sciences with improved academic quality. It revolves around a spirit of excellence, epitomizing its valued goals. NUST is dedicated to providing intellectual leadership and indigenous technology development in the country. The university emerges as a beacon of light for the country’s scientific and technical advancement and demands. The total number of students at the institute is 11, 994 and of them, 512 are international students. There are a total of 1,701 faculty staff.
What are the Ranking Criteria?
It secured 367th position in the QS World University rankings while 64th in the QS Asia University rankings and ranked seven in the QS South Asia University rankings. The institute has secured 53.3 points in overall score while 37.4 in academic reputation, 88.1 in employer reputation, 82.5 in faculty-student ratio, 26.8 in citations per paper, 88.6 in International Research Network, 16.7 in Paper per faculty, 1 in faculty-staff with PhD, 13.7 in international students, 5.7 in international faculty, 2.1 in Inbound Exchange and 9.6 in Outbound Exchange.
8. Sharif University of Technology (SUT)
SUT, one of the largest engineering schools in Tehran of Iran and the top universities in South Asia, was founded in 1966 under the name of Aryarmehr University of Technology. The university had 54 faculty members and a total of 412 students during the founding time. The authorities renamed the university as Sharif University of Technology which has a total of 300 faculty members. It has also nearly 430 part-time faculty members and a student body of around 12,000.
The university contained four departments– Electrical, Metallurgical, Mechanical Engineering and Chemistry. All departments provide bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD degree programs.
What are the Ranking Criteria?
SUT secured 334th position in the QS World University rankings while ranked eighth in the QS South Asia University rankings.
The university has secured 46.7 overall score while 21.5 scores in academic reputation, 73.4 in employer reputation, 6 in faculty-student ratio, 47.5 in citations per paper, 69.4 in International Research Network, 98.2 in Paper per faculty, 100 in faculty staff with PhD, 2.6 in international students, 17.5 in international faculty, 1.1 in Inbound Exchange and 1.1 in Outbound Exchange.
9. Quaid-i-Azam University
Established in July 1967, Quaid-i-Azam University, one of the top universities in South Asia, offers undergraduate programmes and Master’s graduate. The federal public sector university receives a high number of international students. It also accepts a small number of students from various regions of the country. The university currently contains four faculties, as well as nine other teaching and research institutes, centres, and schools. The faculty includes — Biological Sciences, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, Medicine (affiliated). It has also Area Study Centre for Africa, North and South America. The university contains Centre of Excellence in Gender Studies, National Institute of Pakistan Studies, National Institute of Psychology, National Institute of Historical and Cultural Research, National Institute of Asian Civilizations, and the Computer Centre. It has an enrollment of over 5,500 students.
What are the Ranking Criteria?
Quaid-i-Azam University secured 315th position in the QS World University rankings while ranked ninth in the QS South Asia University rankings.
The university has secured 46.6 overall score while 32.1 scores in academic reputation, 61 in employer reputation, 3.9 in faculty-student ratio, 75.4 in citations per paper, 88.2 in International Research Network, 87.9 in Paper per faculty, 8.7 in faculty-staff with PhD, 3.1 in international students, 7.9 in international faculty, 3 in Inbound Exchange and 4.1 in Outbound Exchange.
10. University of Tehran
The University of Tehran, the symbol of higher education in Iran, was inaugurated in 1934. The University Council was formed with several prominent faculty members. The faculty includes Loghman-o-doleh and Dr Amir A’lam from Medicine; Dehkhoda and Sedig Hazrat (Mohammad Mazaher) from Law; Sedigh A’lam and Mirza Gholam-Hossein Khan Rahnama and others. The university has 1,650 full-time faculty members as well as several hundred part-time, adjunct professors and affiliated members. It also has 3,000 staff that work in various offices, institutes, and centres. The university has 19,000 undergraduate and 13,000 graduate students as well as six colleges with a total of 39 faculties and 120 departments. With seven campuses located in the cities of Tehran, the university offers more than 300 postgraduate programs. It is considered Iran’s main research university, one of the top universities in South Asia.
What are the Ranking Criteria?
The University of Tehran secured 360th position in the QS World University rankings while ranked 10th in the QS South Asia University rankings.
The university has secured 46.4 overall score while 37.2 scores in academic reputation, 65.4 in employer reputation, 3.5 in faculty-student ratio, 44.9 in citations per paper, 99.6 in International Research Network, 66.4 in Paper per faculty, 18.4 in faculty-staff with PhD, 5.1 in international students, 4.2 in international faculty, 4.8 in Inbound Exchange and 1.8 in Outbound Exchange.
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