Amrita, LPU, JSS Academy, and Shoolini Enter Global Top 100 in THE Impact Rankings 2025

The universities leading India’s charge are Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham (41st), Lovely Professional University (48th), JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research (56th), and Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences (96th).

India continues to strengthen its global standing in higher education, with 148 Indian universities featured in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2025—the highest from any country for the second consecutive year. For the first time, four Indian universities have secured positions in the Top 100 globally, a significant leap reflecting the nation’s growing emphasis on sustainability-focused education and research.

The universities leading India’s charge are Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham (41st), Lovely Professional University (48th), JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research (56th), and Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences (96th).

Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham Leads India at Rank 41

Consistently recognised for its dedication to sustainable development, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham retained its position as India’s highest-ranked institution, placed at 41st globally. Its excellence spans several SDGs, particularly in Good Health and Well-being, Gender Equality, and Sustainable Cities and Communities.

LPU Breaks Into Top 50, Outperforming Global Giants

Lovely Professional University (LPU) has made history by entering the Top 50 globally, placed 48th—a first for any Indian university in THE Impact Rankings. It outperformed global names like MIT and several IITs, achieving a stellar overall score of 92.6. LPU secured:

18th globally in Quality Education (SDG 4)

5th in Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7)

6th in Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11)

Founder Chancellor Dr. Ashok Kumar Mittal called it a “proud moment for Indian higher education,” stressing the importance of globally competitive and socially responsible institutions.

JSS Academy Climbs to 56th, Continues Strong SDG Focus

With an overall score of 91.9, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, based in Mysuru, achieved the 56th global rank. The university maintained top-tier performances in Good Health and Well-being, Partnerships for the Goals, and Gender Equality, marking a significant improvement over its previous placements.

Shoolini University Makes Historic Entry to Global Top 100

Making its debut in the global Top 100, Shoolini University was ranked 96th globally out of 2,318 institutions, with an overall score of 89.6. It joins just three other Indian institutions in this elite group and has shown stellar performance across a range of SDGs:

38 globally | 1st in India – SDG 13: Climate Action

21 globally | 4th in India – SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

22 globally | 3rd in India – SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

95 globally | 3rd in India – SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies (MRIIRS) has been ranked 9th in India for Gender Equality, and 11th for Life Below Water (SDG 14).

India’s Expanding Global Influence in Sustainability Rankings

From 96 Indian universities in 2024 to 148 in 2025, India’s presence in the THE Impact Rankings underscores a steady rise in institutions aligning academics with the UN SDGs. Nearly half of the global top 50 universities this year come from Asia, signaling a wider regional shift in higher education influence.

These results not only elevate India’s international academic stature but also highlight how Indian universities—public and private alike—are increasingly responding to the global call for socially impactful, environmentally sustainable, and economically inclusive education.