India Shines in THE Impact Rankings 2025: Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham and Three Others in Global Top 100

As sustainability becomes a cornerstone of global higher education, Indian universities are making their mark on the world stage by championing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

The Times Higher Education (THE) University Impact Rankings 2025, released on June 18, has brought cause for celebration in India’s academic landscape. Four Indian institutions have earned coveted spots in the global top 100, showcasing the country’s growing commitment to sustainability, community engagement, and inclusive education.

At the forefront is Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, which secured the 41st position globally, emerging as the best-performing Indian university in this year’s sustainability rankings. Following closely are Lovely Professional University (LPU) at 48th, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research at 56th, and Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, which placed 96th.

These rankings, which evaluate global universities based on their performance in fulfilling the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), provide a unique perspective on higher education’s role in building a more sustainable and equitable world.

What Are THE Impact Rankings?

Unlike traditional rankings that focus on academic reputation, research output, or teaching quality, the THE Impact Rankings assess how universities are addressing key global challenges. These include efforts in areas like gender equality, quality education, climate action, clean water and sanitation, decent work and economic growth, among others.

In 2025, a total of 2,526 universities from 130 countries and territories were assessed—making this edition the most diverse and competitive to date. The rankings offer insights into how institutions are aligning their strategies, research, outreach, and operations with the global development agenda.

Global Leaders: Australia, UK, and South Korea Lead the Pack

Western Sydney University in Australia retained the No. 1 position globally for the fourth consecutive year, continuing its exceptional record in embedding sustainability into its institutional DNA.

It was followed by:

• University of Manchester (UK) – 2nd
• Kyungpook National University (KNU) (South Korea) – 3rd
   

Interestingly, Asian universities now lead 10 out of the 17 SDGs, reflecting the region’s increased focus on sustainability-led education and community impact.

Also notable was Indonesia’s Universitas Airlangga, which tied at 9th place, making it the top-ranked institution from an emerging economy.

Indian Institutions in the Spotlight

🔹 Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham – Ranked 41st

Known for its holistic education model and deep-rooted commitment to societal development, Amrita University has consistently featured among India’s best in THE Impact Rankings. Its strong performance across SDGs such as good health and well-being, quality education, and clean water initiatives helped it secure a high global position.

🔹 Lovely Professional University (LPU) – Ranked 48th

LPU has emerged as a force in sustainability, innovation, and inclusive education. Its placement in the top 50 globally is a testament to its efforts in driving impactful research, improving access to education, and fostering a green campus ecosystem.

🔹 JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research – Ranked 56th

Based in Mysuru, JSS Academy has consistently focused on healthcare education, medical research, and public health outreach. Its efforts in SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 4 (Quality Education) significantly contributed to its high rank.

🔹 Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences – Ranked 96th

A relatively young university from Himachal Pradesh, Shoolini has made sustainability a core pillar of its mission. It has shown exemplary progress in environmental stewardship, student outreach, and faculty engagement with SDG-aligned programs.

Other Notable Mentions: Institutions Ranked Beyond Top 100

Beyond the top 100, THE uses rank bands to categorise institutions. Several other Indian universities have also made significant contributions in their respective bands.

Ranked 101–200:

• Anna University
• BS Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology
• KIIT University
• Manipal Academy of Higher Education
   

Ranked 201–300:

• Nitte (Deemed to be University)
   

Ranked 301–400:

• Centurion University of Technology and Management
• Chitkara University
• Dr. DY Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune
• IIT Gandhinagar
• Manipal University Jaipur
• Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences
• Shiv Nadar University
   

Ranked 601–800:

• IIT Guwahati
• Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT)
   

Ranked 1001–1500:

• IIT Mandi
• NIT Silchar
• Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU)
   

These placements highlight India’s growing and diverse participation in the global sustainability movement within higher education.

Global Trends and Emerging Countries

The 2025 rankings also saw eight countries debut in the list, reflecting widening global participation. These include:

• Botswana
• Burkina Faso
• El Salvador
• Estonia
• Maldives
• Namibia
• Papua New Guinea
• Senegal
   

Their inclusion indicates the expanding global awareness and institutional efforts towards sustainable development, even in regions historically underrepresented in global education rankings.

Why These Rankings Matter

THE Impact Rankings are more than just a list—they signal a paradigm shift in how universities are measured. Institutions are now being recognised for their ethical leadership, social responsibility, and ability to drive tangible change in their communities.

For Indian universities, performing well on this global stage reinforces the narrative that education in India is not only about academic excellence but also about building a sustainable and inclusive future.

Final Thoughts

With Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham leading the charge and several others following suit, Indian higher education is beginning to make a global impact through sustainability. These achievements underscore a growing realisation that universities must act as catalysts for change, driving progress toward the UN’s 2030 Agenda.