Indian universities have performed strongly in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2025, which assess how well universities are addressing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs). This year’s rankings saw significant progress from several Indian institutions, particularly in the areas of education, health, and gender equality.

• Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham emerged as the top Indian performer, ranked 41st globally — a major jump from its position in the 401–600 band last year. The university ranked 5th in Quality Education, 14th in Gender Equality, 29th in Good Health and Well-being, and 66th in Clean Water and Sanitation.
• Lovely Professional University (LPU) was placed 48th overall. It earned high rankings in Zero Hunger (8th), Quality Education (18th), and No Poverty (22nd), although its rank for Good Health and Well-being was lower, falling in the 401–600 range.
• Shoolini University came in at 96th place globally, with notable rankings in Clean Water and Sanitation (22nd) and Affordable and Clean Energy (21st), despite scoring between 201–300 in Good Health and Well-being and Gender Equality.
• KIIT University was ranked in the 100–200 range overall. It performed well in Quality Education (20th), Reduced Inequalities (15th), and Affordable and Clean Energy (37th).
• JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research (JSS AHER) in Mysuru achieved 56th position overall. It ranked 20th globally in No Poverty, 69th in Good Health and Well-being, and was placed in the 101–200 bracket for Zero Hunger.
• Dr D Y Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune, made an impressive leap from the 601–800 range in 2024 to the 301–400 bracket this year. It was ranked 13th in Good Health and Well-being, 55th in Zero Hunger, 201–300 in Quality Education, and 80th in Gender Equality.
• Sri Sri University (SSU), based in Cuttack, was ranked 70th in Zero Hunger, placing it among the top 100 in that category. It also featured in the top 200 for Quality Education and Life on Land, and in the top 300 for Clean Water and Sanitation and Affordable and Clean Energy.
• Shiv Nadar University was ranked in the 310–400 range globally. It stood at 36th in Zero Hunger, and in the 101–200 band for Clean Water and Sanitation and Affordable and Clean Energy. It was placed in the 401–600 range for Reduced Inequalities.

On the global stage, Western Sydney University in Australia retained the top spot for the fourth consecutive year. Asian institutions made a strong showing overall, leading in 10 out of 17 SDG categories. Universitas Airlangga from Indonesia, tied at 9th place, was the highest-ranked university from an emerging economy.

Despite the positive performance, no Indian university featured in the global top 20 for Decent Work and Economic Growth or Responsible Consumption and Production, highlighting key areas where further progress is needed.

Also Read: LPU breaks into global top 50 in THE Impact Rankings 2025