Retains No. 1 Private University spot in India in QS Rankings 2026
Shoolini University has retained its position as the No.1 Private University in India, according to the QS World University Rankings 2026 released by global higher education analysts Quacquarelli Symonds (QS). The university has also made a significant leap in the global rankings, moving from 587 last year to 503 in 2026 out of 1,501 institutions worldwide.
This improvement reflects the university’s growing international recognition and continued focus on academic excellence and impactful research.
Among Indian universities featured in the rankings, Shoolini now holds the 11th position, up from 14th last year. It continues to lead as the highest-ranked private university in the country.
A key highlight of this year’s performance is Shoolini’s global rank of 138 in the 'Citations per Faculty' category — a metric that measures research impact. This achievement reinforces the university’s position as India’s top-ranked private university for research.
Founder and Chancellor Prof PK Khosla said, “Our consistent rise in global rankings reflects the academic and research culture we’ve nurtured over the years. It’s rewarding to see our efforts gaining international recognition as we work toward building a truly world-class university from India.”
Pro Chancellor Vishal Anand called the achievement a proud moment. “Securing the 138th global rank in Citations per Faculty highlights the strength of our research ecosystem and the meaningful work being done by our faculty and scholars,” he said.
Vice Chancellor Prof Atul Khosla congratulated the university’s faculty, staff, and students for their role in achieving this milestone. “Whether student, teacher, or administrator, the mindset of innovation and effective use of AI is helping redefine what is possible in education and research,” he added.
The QS World University Rankings assess institutions on several key parameters, including academic reputation, employer reputation, faculty-to-student ratio, citations per faculty member, international student and faculty presence, and sustainability. A total of 54 Indian institutions featured in this year’s rankings.
About Shoolini University
Located in the Himalayan foothills of Himachal Pradesh, Shoolini University is known for its strong research orientation and has consistently ranked among the top private universities in India. It has been recognised as the No. 1 Private University in India by QS World University Rankings 2026, the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025, and was placed in the Top 100 in the NIRF Rankings 2024. The university also holds NAAC A+ accreditation.
With a fully solar-powered campus, advanced research centres, and a commitment to sustainability, Shoolini University offers a unique blend of academic rigour, innovation, and eco-conscious development.
June 19, 2025