Symbiosis climbs 25 places to 175th in QS Asia rankings; SPPU slips to 274th

Pune, November 3, 2026: Quacquarelli Symonds today released the QS World University Rankings: Asia 2027. Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune, is the city's highest-ranked institution, having climbed 25 places to 175th overall. The picture was mixed for the city's higher education institutions, as most Indian universities fell in rank this time.

In the previous edition, Asia 2026, Symbiosis stood 200th. With this jump, it is counted among the 21 Indian institutions in Asia's top 200. It is among the few Indian universities whose rank improved this year.

Dr Ramakrishnan Raman, Vice Chancellor of Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune, said: "Symbiosis's strong performance in the QS Asia Rankings 2027 is the result of our sustained focus on strengthening research, empowering faculty and building a strong culture of academic excellence. The contribution of our researchers and faculty members, the continued engagement and support of alumni, the achievements of students and employers' trust in Symbiosis's talent have together contributed to this progress. This recognition reinforces our belief that when research, innovation and academic excellence become an integral part of an institution's culture, its stature grows. We are proud of this achievement and are committed to reaching even greater global heights."

Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU), the city's large public university, on the other hand, suffered a heavy blow. It was ranked 207th last year and fell 67 places to 274th this time. Dr D Y Patil Vidyapeeth (DPU) in Pimpri slipped 15 places to 584th, from 569th last time. Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University) is placed in the 1101-1200 band, having been in the 1001-1100 band earlier.

The QS Asia 2027 rankings include 1,722 universities from 26 higher education systems. India is second after mainland China, with 325 institutions on the list, including 34 new entries. However, of the Indian universities that had been ranked earlier, 71 per cent fell in rank, 18 per cent improved and 11 per cent remained unchanged. All six of India's top-ranked institutions also moved down. IIT Delhi remains India's top entry at 66th, but it was 59th last time.

In the QS World University Rankings 2027 released alongside, SPPU is in the 791-800 band. In the 2026 edition its rank was =566.

The results show that the scope of Indian higher education is growing, but competition in the region is also intensifying. The contest has grown sharper especially on the measures of academic reputation and international engagement, which affect QS scores.