India has emerged as the second most represented country in the Times Higher Education (THE) Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026, with 110 universities featured in the global rankings, underscoring the country’s growing participation in sustainability-focused higher education.

Released at the Global Sustainable Development Congress in Jakarta, the rankings assess universities against the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A total of 1,646 institutions from 116 countries and territories were evaluated across 18 tables, including one overall ranking and 17 SDG-specific rankings.

The Philippines topped the list in terms of representation with 160 institutions, followed by India with 110. Asia accounted for more than half of all ranked universities, with 962 institutions, and five Asian universities secured places in the global top 10.

Among Indian institutions, Lovely Professional University was the country’s highest-ranked university, placed 23rd overall. India also led two individual SDG tables, alongside Hong Kong, South Korea and Thailand.

Globally, the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom secured the top position, followed by Griffith University in Australia and Western Sydney University in Australia.

The rankings evaluate universities based on research, teaching, outreach and stewardship, measuring their contribution to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Institutions must submit data for SDG 17 and at least three other SDGs to qualify for the overall ranking.

The 2026 edition also marked the debut of Mali, Nicaragua, Niger and Tajikistan in the global rankings.

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