Chandigarh University (CU) has continued to mirror its prowess in the world of international academia with its outstanding performance in the QS World University Rankings 2026. This acknowledgment reflects the university’s increasing power in the field of international education, representing itself in the top 2% of the world’s universities, competing with more than 28,500 other institutions. As much as being at the #1 spot, this recognition demonstrates CU’s commitment to academic rigor, research, and internationalization.
Launched in 1990, the QS World University Rankings has established itself as a prime yardstick for assessing universities according to discipline-specific standing and academic excellence. The 2026 version keeps in this custom, recognizing the universities that have been instrumental in world-class research, in spearheading imaginative teaching, and in reaffirming individualized learning and cross-border interactions as drivers of excellence in higher education.
New for this year, the International Student Diversity (ISD) metric is used to evaluate the regional provenance of students. Through comparing its shares of nationality/ethnicities, the indicator has also pointed out CU’s popularity among students in the world, making it a different and inclusive academic city.
Impressive Rise in Global Position
The Chandigarh University has leapt 125 ranks to be in the global #575 position. This leap demonstrates its mission-led academic innovation and international focus. At the domestic level, CU's national ranking is #16 out of all Indian Higher Education Institutions (comprising both the public and private sectors).
Strong Reputation Among Employers
For the Employer Reputation criterion, CU jumps up in ranking, from #171 to #147 in the world. This upgrade is the barometer for the high quality of education the university is providing to the students by making them industry-ready and competent professionals with global standards.
Global Research Impact and Collaboration
CU is repeatedly recognized for its growing global research reach. The university gradually developed into a well-known name in international academic cooperation, with more than 515 partners worldwide. In IRN, the global ranking for CU is now at 12, moving up 14 places from last year, and this is remarkable in terms of the connectivity in research.
Academic Excellence on a Global Scale
Speaking of Academic Reputation, Chandigarh University has now surged 13 ranks globally, a rare feat achieved by a handful of institutions across the world. This underscores our commitment to providing world-class education through great leadership with high academic standards.
Although other top world universities have the advantage of having the force of history behind them, Chandigarh University is creating its history, one of perseverance, inspiration, and determination to excel. Taking the philosophy of its founding organisation, the launch of Chandigarh University, Uttar Pradesh, strives to transform higher education for the better and become a feeding ground for future leaders around the world.
The recently held QS Rankings had more to tell than a mere numerical accomplishment for the Chandigarh University, as it showcased its journey for re-defining the academic excellence and paving the way for a progressive, innovative, and impactful future.