The QS World University Rankings: Asia 2026 were announced recently, showing a sharp fall in IIT Bombay’s position from 48th last year to 71st this year.

Scores Improved, But Rank Fell

According to data from Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), a UK-based ranking agency, IIT Bombay actually improved in most performance areas compared to last year. Despite this, the institute’s overall rank dropped by 23 places.

The institute scored better in several categories such as:

• Employer reputation (from 99.5 to 100)
• Papers per faculty (from 96.2 to 99.3)
• Faculty-student ratio
• International faculty and student exchange

However, in academic reputation, IIT Bombay saw a small decline – from 99.6 last year to 99.3 this year.

IIT Bombay to review the drop

Professor Shireesh Kedare, Director of IIT Bombay, said the institute will review the reasons behind the ranking drop, especially since its performance has improved in most parameters.

Other Maharashtra Universities Also Slip

Other universities from Maharashtra have shown mixed results in the QS Asia 2026 list:

• University of Mumbai has maintained its 245th rank.
• Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) fell from 173 to 207.
• Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT) dropped from 336 to 421.

Earlier Decline in Global Ranking

Earlier in June 2025, IIT Bombay also saw a fall in the global QS ranking, slipping from 118 to 129. The institute, which once held the top national position, had lost it to IIT Delhi last year.

Despite improved scores, IIT Bombay’s declining position highlights growing competition among Asian universities and the changing ranking methodology of global agencies.