In the latest QS Best Student Cities rankings for 2026, Indian cities have made impressive strides. Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai are now among the world’s top 130 cities for students. Most notably, Delhi has been named the most affordable city for students globally. This reflects a growing trend in India’s higher education system.
The QS rankings, announced recently by a London-based consultancy, show that Mumbai has returned to the global top 100. It climbed 15 spots to reach 98th place. Delhi improved by seven positions, placing it at 104th. Bengaluru made the most significant leap among Indian cities, rising 22 spots to 108th. Chennai also advanced, climbing 12 places to reach 128th.
Both Mumbai and Bengaluru performed exceptionally well in the affordability category, ranking within the top 15 cities worldwide. In terms of job opportunities for graduates, Delhi and Mumbai entered the global top 50. Bengaluru saw the largest improvement in this area, jumping 41 places to rank 59th, while Chennai climbed 29 spots. This indicates a growing recognition of the quality of graduates from these cities.
Jessica Turner, the CEO of QS, highlighted that India’s presence in the QS rankings reflects a significant change in the country’s higher education landscape. As we celebrate the fifth anniversary of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the emphasis on global engagement and quality education is starting to yield results.
The QS Best Student Cities ranking evaluates 150 cities worldwide based on various factors. These include affordability, employer activity, and the overall desirability for students. For instance, Delhi scored exceptionally high in affordability with a score of 96.5, while Bengaluru scored 84.3 and Chennai 80.1. These scores show that the cost of living and tuition fees remain much lower in these cities compared to other global education hubs.
The ranking also reveals that Seoul has taken over London as the top student city in the world. London, which had maintained the number one spot for six consecutive years, fell to third place. This drop was mainly due to a decline in affordability, where it slipped 11 places to rank 137th.
The QS rankings provide a valuable insight into the preferences and opinions of students worldwide. With over 100,000 survey responses, the rankings reflect both prospective and former students’ views on their cities. This year, Indian cities have showcased their potential and appeal in the global education sector.
The improved rankings of Indian cities align with a broader trend of rising academic visibility and quality education in the country. The National Education Policy aims to enhance international collaboration and standards in Indian education. As a result, more universities in India are gaining recognition for their academic strength and research output.
In addition to the QS Best Student Cities rankings, the QS World University Rankings for 2026 also highlight a notable increase in the number of Indian universities represented. A total of 54 Indian universities made the list, marking a five-fold increase from just 11 ranked institutions in 2015. This growth positions India as the fastest-rising G20 nation in the rankings.
The advancements in the QS rankings for Indian cities and universities are encouraging. They signal a shift in the perception of Indian higher education on a global scale, reflecting improvements in quality, affordability, and workforce relevance. As these cities continue to enhance their educational offerings, they are likely to attract more international students, further bolstering their status as leading educational hubs in the world.