Symbiosis Climbs to 175th in QS Asia Rankings 2027; Pune University Slips Sharply to 274th
Pune, 3rd November 2026: Symbiosis International (Deemed University) has emerged as the highest-ranked institution from Pune in the newly released QS World University Rankings: Asia 2027, climbing 25 places to 175th overall. The rankings, published today by Quacquarelli Symonds, show a mixed picture for the city’s higher education institutions amid a broader trend of declines for most Indian universities.
Symbiosis improved from 200th in the previous edition (Asia 2026), placing it among the 21 Indian institutions in Asia’s top 200. It is one of only a handful of Indian universities that recorded gains this year.
Dr. Ramakrishnan Raman, Vice Chancellor of Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune, said, “Symbiosis’ impressive performance in the QS Asia Rankings 2027 is a reflection of our sustained focus on strengthening research, empowering our faculty, and building a strong culture of academic excellence. The contributions of our researchers and faculty members, the continued engagement and support of our alumni, the achievements of our students, and the confidence that employers place in Symbiosis talent have collectively contributed to this progress. This recognition reinforces our belief that institutions grow in stature when research, innovation and academic excellence become an integral part of their culture. We are proud of this achievement and remain committed to reaching even greater global heights.”
Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU), the city’s major public university, experienced a steep drop, falling 67 places to 274th from 207th last year. Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth (DPU), Pimpri, slipped 15 places to 584th (from 569th). Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University) was placed in the 1101–1200 band (previously 1001–1100).
The QS Asia 2027 rankings feature 1,722 universities from 26 higher education systems. India is the second-most represented system with 325 institutions (up 34 new entrants), behind mainland China. However, 71% of previously ranked Indian universities declined, 18% improved, and 11% held steady. All six of India’s highest-ranked institutions also dropped, with IIT Delhi remaining the top Indian entry at 66th (down from 59th).
In the parallel QS World University Rankings 2027, SPPU is ranked in the 791–800 band (down from =566 in the 2026 edition).
The results highlight both the expanding footprint of Indian higher education and the intensifying regional competition, particularly in academic reputation and international engagement metrics that influence QS scores.
