Mumbai University Breaks Into India’s Top 20 in QS World Rankings 2026
In a significant academic achievement, the University of Mumbai has climbed to the 17th position among Indian universities in the latest QS World University Rankings 2026, up from 20th place the previous year. This rise reaffirms its growing stature as a premier educational institution in India.
Strong Presence Among Maharashtra’s Traditional Universities
Within Maharashtra, Mumbai University now holds the second spot among traditional universities, trailing only Savitribai Phule Pune University, which stands at 14th nationally. Such rankings reflect the region’s vibrant academic landscape and growing competition.
Noteworthy Climb on the Global Stage
Beyond national recognition, the university has made remarkable progress internationally by advancing to the 664th position worldwide, improving from its previous band between 711 and 720. This upward trend continues a five-year journey of steady improvement, having risen well above the 1,000+ mark it held in 2021.
Areas of Excellence Highlighted by QS Metrics
The QS ranking report sheds light on multiple strengths the University of Mumbai boasts:
- Employment Outcomes: The university scored an impressive 91, indicating strong graduate employability.
- Citations per Faculty: Achieved a robust score of 53.7, reflecting impactful research.
- Sustainability: Earned 41.3, showcasing commitment to environmental and social governance.
- Employer Reputation: Scored 31.5, affirming trust and recognition in the job market.
- International Research Network: Logged 27.6, highlighting collaboration with global partners.
The university also showed commendable performance in academic reputation, international student diversity, and faculty-to-student ratio, strengthening its overall profile.
Leadership Perspective and Future Outlook
Expressing pride in this accomplishment, the University’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ravindra Kulkarni, stated,
“These rankings are a testament to the dedicated and persistent efforts of every stakeholder involved. We have introduced the University Department Ranking Framework (UDRF) to propel further improvements. With a steady increase in international student admissions and ongoing recruitment of key faculty members, we anticipate reaching new heights in the coming years.”
Strategic Developments Fueling Growth
The university attributes its ascent to a focused strategy over recent years, including:
- Signing multiple national and international Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) fostering collaboration.
- Launching a variety of professional and skill-based courses to meet evolving industry demands.
- Gaining recognition on a national level through achievements in sports, cultural, and outreach activities.
- Experiencing a remarkable 156% surge in research publications in international journals.
- Having 12 departments and institutes recognized under prominent national programs.
- More than 80 faculty members holding positions in professional bodies.
- Teachers earning 18 national and international awards in the past five years.
- Nearly 20 faculty members traveling abroad annually for academic engagements and collaborations.
Conclusion
The University of Mumbai’s steady rise in the QS World University Rankings underscores its dedication to academic excellence, research innovation, and global engagement. Its strategic initiatives and robust performance metrics pave the way for continued progress, enhancing its reputation both at home and abroad.
