Indian cities climb global student rankings

Delhi Named World’s Most Affordable Student City: India’s education sector has received a major boost in the QS Best Student Cities Rankings 2026, with Delhi declared the most affordable student city in the world. Alongside Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai also saw upward movement in the global rankings, highlighting India’s growing appeal as a destination for higher education.

What the QS rankings evaluate

The QS Best Student Cities Rankings are published by Quacquarelli Symonds, a UK-based global higher education analyst. The rankings are based on six key indicators: academic reputation, employer activity, affordability, student view, desirability, and student mix. Delhi’s top rank in affordability marks a significant achievement in the backdrop of India’s expanding academic infrastructure.

Static GK fact: QS also releases annual World University Rankings, in which IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, and IISc frequently appear.

Strong performance by Indian metros

Delhi scored 96.5 in affordability, the highest globally. Mumbai climbed back into the top 100, now ranked 98th. Bengaluru jumped 22 places to rank 108th, and Chennai rose to 128th from its previous 140th position.

This rise reflects a broader trend of Indian universities improving in quality and global reputation. Top institutions like IIT Bombay, IISc Bangalore, IIT Madras, and Delhi University contribute to this progress by maintaining rigorous academic standards.

Static GK Tip: IIT Delhi was established in 1961 and is among the top-ranked institutes in Asia.

Low cost, high impact

India’s cost of living and education remains significantly lower than that in countries like the USA, UK, or Australia. QS affordability scores reinforce this, with Delhi, Bengaluru (84.3), and Chennai (80.1) ranking among the best globally.

Moreover, employer perception has improved. Delhi and Mumbai feature in the top 50 globally for employer activity. Bengaluru rose 41 places to rank 59th, and Chennai improved by 29 spots, indicating rising trust in Indian graduates.

Policy push under NEP 2020

The rankings are aligned with India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which aims to internationalise education and boost research and institutional quality. This policy also complements the Study in India initiative, which promotes Indian higher education globally.

Static GK fact: NEP 2020 replaces the 34-year-old National Policy on Education, 1986.

Future of India as a student hub

The improved rankings reflect India’s potential as a global education hub. Rising scores in affordability, academic reputation, and employability show that Indian metros are becoming more attractive to both local and international students.

With continued policy support, investment in public institutions, and increasing global collaborations, cities like Delhi are set to play a leading role in reshaping India’s image in international education.

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Delhi Named World’s Most Affordable Student City: