Indian Universities Make Strides in Global Impact Rankings

The Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2025, which assess universities' commitment to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), have been released, revealing a mixed performance for Indian institutions. While some universities have made significant progress, India's overall representation in the top echelons remains modest.

This year's rankings included over 2,500 universities from 130 countries, highlighting the increasing global focus on sustainability in higher education. The rankings evaluate universities based on their research, outreach, and stewardship related to the SDGs..

Highlights

• Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham and Lovely Professional University are the only two Indian institutions in the global top 50, ranked 41st and 48th respectively.
• Four Indian universities feature in the top 100, including JSS Academy of Higher Education and Shoolini University, demonstrating a growing commitment to sustainability.
• Asian universities are increasingly prominent in the rankings, with several leading in individual SDG categories, signaling a shift towards Asia in university sustainability efforts.

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Top 5 Key Insights

• India's Top Performers: Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham and Lovely Professional University lead the way for Indian institutions, showcasing strong performance in specific SDGs. Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham excels in Quality Education (SDG 4) and Clean Energy (SDG 7), while Lovely Professional University is recognized for its contributions to Zero Hunger (SDG 2) and Sustainable Cities (SDG 11). These universities demonstrate a focused approach to addressing key global challenges.

• Focus on Sustainable Development Goals: The rankings highlight the importance of universities aligning their activities with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. By measuring performance across various SDGs, the rankings encourage universities to prioritize sustainability in their research, outreach, and campus operations. This comprehensive approach is essential for driving meaningful progress towards a more sustainable future.

• Asian Universities on the Rise: Asian universities are increasingly taking the lead in sustainability, with many institutions improving their performance and claiming top spots in individual SDG rankings. This trend reflects a growing commitment to sustainability in the region, driven by factors such as government policies, increased funding, and a focus on addressing local environmental and social challenges. The rise of Asian universities signals a shift in the global landscape of sustainability in higher education.

• Areas for Improvement: While some Indian universities have performed well, the rankings also reveal areas where improvement is needed. Many Indian institutions are scattered across ranks below 100, suggesting that there is still a long way to go in terms of real-world sustainability impact. Addressing these gaps will require a concerted effort from universities, governments, and other stakeholders to prioritize sustainability and invest in relevant research and initiatives.

• Global Collaboration: The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings underscore the importance of global collaboration in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. By bringing together universities from around the world, the rankings facilitate the sharing of best practices and the development of innovative solutions to global challenges. This collaborative approach is essential for accelerating progress towards a more sustainable and equitable future.

Expert Insights

Times Higher Education Spokesperson: "The Impact Rankings serve as a crucial benchmark for universities to measure their contributions to global sustainable development, encouraging greater commitment and progress."

Wrap Up

The THE Impact Rankings 2025 provide valuable insights into the progress of Indian universities towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. While some institutions have demonstrated strong performance, there is still room for improvement.

By focusing on sustainability and collaborating with global partners, Indian universities can play a significant role in addressing the world's most pressing challenges and contributing to a more sustainable future.

Author

Dr. Mei Lin Chen - A dedicated science communicator and research analyst based in Singapore, with a background in biomedical science. She translates complex scientific findings into accessible insights on breakthroughs and their future implications for Enlightnr.