Panjab University holds steady in Times Higher Education rankings

For the third conceive year, Panjab University retained its position in the 601–800 bracket of the Times Higher Education (THE) World University rankings. It recorded a slight improvement in its overall score in the 2026 list, which was released today.

The varsity’s overall score stood at 39.0-43.5 — 38.2 in teaching, 19.6 in research environment, 71.2 in research quality, 48.3 in industry and 24.6 in international outlook. The scores mark improvements from the 2025 figures which stood at 38.2-43.2 for overall score, 35.7 for teaching, 18 for research environment, 65.6 for research quality, 41.6 for industry and 23.9 for international outlook.

The 2026 edition assessed 2,091 universities from 115 countries through the expanded set of parameters.

“The data clearly highlights PU’s consistent rise across various parameters underlining the university’s enhanced contribution to global research and innovation. The upward trend in Teaching and Research Environment indicators highlights steady progress in academic delivery, research culture, and institutional capacity,” said varsity Vice-Chancellor (VC) Renu Vig.

Notably, the varsity was ranked in 801–1000 bracket in 2024 but has been placed in the 601-800 ever since.

Vig added that the varsity is consistently improving its performance in different parameters of global and national rankings. “We are focusing on student-centric initiatives, which have resulted in PU advancing into the 601–800 bracket in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025 (up from 801–1000 in 2023) and moving from the QS 2025 ranking band of 1001–1200 to the 901–950 bracket in the QS World University Rankings 2026, as well as securing third place among state public universities in the NIRF ranking,” she said.

The VC said the varsity demonstrated notable advancement in its overall academic and research profile, with strong performance in research quality (71.2) and industry engagement (48.3), adding, “These are the key indicators reflecting the university’s growing research visibility, innovation ecosystem, and real-world impact. The Teaching parameter stood at 38.2, while Research Environment 19.6.”

Chitkara University

in same bracket

Meanwhile, Chitkara University also retained its position in the rankings’ 601-800 bracket.

The varsity scored 39-43.5 in overall score, followed by 21.1 in teaching, 14.7 in research environment, 91.0 in research quality, 22.7 in industry engagement, and 28. 2 in international outlook.

“We are taking a big leap towards maintaining the university’s commitment to research and its quality. We aim to further strength by helping our students to dominate in the field of research,” said Madhu Chitkara, Pro-Chancellor of the varsity.

Meanwhile, Thapar Engineering College, Patiala, has been ranked 601-800 and IIT Ropar featured in the 1001-2000 brackets.