Release of QS World University Rankings 2027 in June has once again triggered the usual debate over the relevance and fairness of such rankings. There are 14 Indian institutions among the world's top 500 universities, prompting celebration in some quarters and sharp criticism in others. Many questioned not just the methodology but also the credibility of such exercises. The sentiment is no different even when India's education ministry releases its National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF).
Globally, more than 50 organisations rank universities, though QS and Times Higher Education rankings are the most influential. Each uses its own indicators and weightages. So, the same university often occupies different positions across rankings, raising legitimate questions about objectivity, comparability and credibility.
