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The recent QS Best Student Cities 2026 rankings highlight a significant advancement for Indian metropolises in the global higher education landscape. Mumbai and Delhi have both demonstrated considerable progress, reaffirming India's burgeoning position as an attractive destination for students worldwide. Mumbai re-entered the top 100, securing 98th position with a rise of 15 places, while Delhi moved up seven places to claim the 104th spot. This upward trajectory indicates a positive shift in India's education ecosystem, driven in part by the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP-2020). The policy's focus on global engagement and student-centric learning appears to be bearing fruit, as evidenced by the improved rankings of Indian cities. The QS ranking assessed 150 cities and is a valuable insight into the global higher education choices of students around the world. The rise in rankings for Indian cities provides a potential boost to the education sector within the country as the visibility of the colleges and universities within these cities increases significantly. Furthermore, it helps to encourage international collaborations and knowledge exchanges, fostering a more interconnected global academic community. The affordability factor plays a crucial role in attracting students, and Delhi has emerged as a leader in this aspect, being recognized as the most affordable student city globally. Mumbai and Bengaluru also performed well in terms of affordability, securing positions within the top 15. This affordability, coupled with the improving quality of education, makes Indian cities increasingly appealing to students from diverse backgrounds and economic circumstances. This is particularly important in a world where the cost of higher education is a significant barrier for many aspiring students. Therefore, the relative affordability of Indian cities is a key competitive advantage that can attract a wider pool of talent from around the globe. The success of Indian cities is not limited to just Mumbai and Delhi. Bengaluru and Chennai have also shown significant improvements in their rankings, with Bengaluru leaping 22 places to reach 108th and Chennai advancing 12 places to 128th. This widespread progress across multiple cities suggests a systemic improvement in India's education sector, rather than isolated instances of success. It reflects a concerted effort to enhance the quality of education, infrastructure, and overall student experience in these metropolitan areas. However, student mix is an area that Indian cities need to improve on. The rankings were low for Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai and Delhi.
The employer activity indicator, which reflects the employment prospects for graduates, further reinforces the positive outlook for Indian students. Delhi and Mumbai have broken into the world's top 50 in this category, demonstrating the strong demand for graduates from these cities. Bengaluru's remarkable 41-place leap and Chennai's 29-place advancement also highlight the growing global recognition of the skills and capabilities of Indian graduates. The rise in employer activity underscores the importance of aligning education with industry needs. Indian universities and colleges are increasingly focusing on developing curricula that equip students with the skills and knowledge required to succeed in the modern workforce. This emphasis on employability is a key factor in attracting both domestic and international students, as they seek to gain valuable skills that will enhance their career prospects. Jessica Turner, CEO of QS, emphasized that India's improved rankings are not merely a statistical anomaly but rather a reflection of a deeper transformation taking place in the country's education sector. She highlighted the role of NEP-2020 in driving this progress, noting that its focus on global engagement, quality enhancement, and student-centric learning is beginning to yield positive results. Turner expressed optimism about the future, suggesting that if this momentum continues, India is likely to witness even greater advancements in the years to come. The QS Best Student Cities 2026 ranking assessed 150 cities worldwide and has a number of different factors that contribute to the ranking. These include university rankings, employer activity, affordability, desirability, and student mix. Each of these factors are carefully considered when producing the final ranking. There is still room for improvement in Indian cities in many of these areas.
While Indian cities have made significant progress in several areas, there are also areas where further improvement is needed. One notable area of concern is the student mix indicator, which assesses the number of international students and the inclusivity of the city and country. Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Delhi all ranked low in this category, indicating a need to enhance efforts to attract and integrate international students. Improving the student mix is crucial for fostering a more diverse and inclusive learning environment. It allows students to interact with individuals from different cultures and backgrounds, broadening their perspectives and enhancing their intercultural skills. To address this challenge, Indian cities need to implement strategies to attract more international students, such as offering scholarships, providing tailored support services, and promoting the cultural diversity of the country. Asia's rise in the QS Best Student Cities 2026 rankings is a noteworthy trend. Seoul displaced London to claim the top spot, while Kuala Lumpur, Beijing, and Taipei also achieved their highest-ever positions. This shift reflects the growing strength and competitiveness of Asian universities and cities in the global education landscape. Over the past decade, India has witnessed a substantial increase in the number of universities featured in the QS World University Rankings. This upward trend is now being mirrored at the city level, with Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Chennai establishing themselves as globally connected and opportunity-rich destinations for students. This suggests that India's commitment to investing in higher education and fostering a conducive environment for learning is paying dividends, attracting both domestic and international students and strengthening the country's position as a global education hub. However, continued focus on infrastructure improvements, curriculum development, and international collaboration is essential to sustain this momentum and further enhance the quality and attractiveness of Indian cities for students worldwide. The continued adoption and implementation of the NEP 2020 will be key.
Source: Mumbai, Delhi among world's best in QS student cities rankings