PU slips, private varsities rise in QS Asian rankings

The Panjab University (PU) slipped while private universities recorded an improvement in Quacquarelli Symonds’ (QS) 2026 Asia University Rankings.

PU ranked the (=)276 rank, down from (=)269 last year. The varsity had remained in the 301-350 bracket for four consecutive years before that.

As per the ranking criteria, the PU bagged a score of 42.6 in the overall category, followed by 7.6 in inbound exchange, 95.8 in staff with PhD, 28.3 in faculty-student ratio, 35.7 in academic reputation, 45.3 in citations per paper, 63.8 in papers per faculty, 75.8 in international research network, 10.7 in international students, 6.9 in outbound exchange and 39.2 in employer reputation.

“PU recorded a significant improvement in its overall performance. The university achieved an overall score of 42.6 in 2026, up from 31.3 in 2025,” said a varsity spokesperson, adding, “The university secured rank 276 in Asia in 2026. While this marks a marginal positional shift due to an increased number of institutions participating in the rankings this year, the substantial rise in PU’s performance scores clearly demonstrates strong and consistent improvement across academic and research parameters.”

Meanwhile, Chandigarh University, Gharuan, was placed 109 and Chitkara University scored a ranking of 325. Chandigarh University was ranked (=) 120, ahead of Chitkara University which was ranked at 399 in last year’s standings.

Chandigarh University, which recorded a big jump of 29 places, had also secured 16th rank among private varsities in Asia. It has emerged as India’s top private university in the rankings. It improved its overall score from 52.5 in 2025 to 66.6 in 2026. The university also secured first rank in employer reputation, second in academic reputation, 115th place in academic reputation and climbed 112 places in international research network.

“It indeed is a proud moment that Chandigarh University has been recognised as one of the top universities in Asia and improved 11 places to achieve 109th place among higher educational institutions in the largest continent in the world. Chandigarh University has also been ranked number 1 among all Indian private universities for third consecutive year, which indeed is a marvellous feat,” said Rajya Sabha MP and Chandigarh University Chancellor Satnam Singh Sandhu.

Chitkara University had an overall score of 38.9. It witnessed a major jump in the international research work with 85.9 score, followed by 42.3 in employer reputation, 37 in academic reputation, 26,8 papers per faculty, 23.9 outbound exchange, 11.9 citation per paper, 18.8 international students, 39.1 staff with PhD and 23.9 in outbound exchange.

“We have come a long way from 2021 from featuring at 601 rank to today’s 325. We are putting a major focus on our research and the results are very satisfying. These rankings have motivated us to perform well in coming months and years. Our power lies with our faculty, students and intense research work,” said Dr Madhu Chitkara, Pro Chancellor of the university.

Patiala-based Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, which stood 261 last year, jumped to 249 this time, while IIT, Ropar, has been ranked (=) 623 with an overall score of 44.8. The Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Studies, Solan, ended with overall rank with a score of 57.1.