Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026: KIIT placed in 501 cohort globally, 5th Best in India

BHUBANESWAR, India, Oct. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — KIIT Deemed to be University, (https://kiit.ac.in/), Bhubaneswar has made a big impact in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026, securing the 5^th position among all the universities in India. Significantly, KIIT is also the only institute from Odisha to feature in the national top 10 list — a matter of immense pride for the state and a reflection of its growing academic excellence.

Globally, KIIT has been placed in the 501–600 band among 2,191 universities and 5th nationally among 128 Indian institutions, marking a notable rise from its previous year’s position in the 601–800 band. This upward movement highlights the university’s sustained progress in global competitiveness and its emergence as one of India’s most dynamic and globally visible institutions. Indian Institute of Science (IISc) topped among Indian universities.

This year, KIIT has been ranked 259th in the world in the ‘Academic Excellence’ parameter of the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. Times Higher Education provides rankings based on five parameters. Remarkably, KIIT has performed best in India in ‘Industry Integration’, ‘International Outlook’ and ‘Social Commitment (SDGs)’ parameters.

According to the Times Higher Education evaluation, KIIT’s performance in THE World University Rankings 2026 reflects a decade of transformation—from local excellence to global recognition. The institution has demonstrated that a socially inclusive university from Odisha can compete with the world’s finest through innovation, compassion, and quality education.

Expressing happiness over this achievement, Dr. Achyuta Samanta, Founder, KIIT, KISS & KIMS, (https://achyutasamanta.com/) said, “Every state aspires to have a university ranked among the top 500 globally. I am happy that KIIT, only 28 years since its inception and 22 years as a Deemed to be University, has been placed among the world’s top premier universities in the 501 cohort. This accomplishment is a source of pride for Odisha specifically, and for India as a whole.”

Highlights

• Ranked 5th in India and the only university from Odisha to feature in the national top 10.
• Significant improvement from last year’s position, reflecting its growing global competitiveness.
• Top performance in India in the parameters of Industry Integration, International Outlook, and Social Commitment (SDGs).

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