A total of 6,239 Indian scientists have been recognised in the 2025 edition of Stanford University's prestigious Top 2% Scientists list. This marks a significant increase from the previous year, reflecting India's growing influence in global scientific research. The list, compiled by Elsevier and Stanford University, evaluates researchers based on standardised citation metrics, including h-index, co-authorship, and composite citation scores. The 2025 rankings are based on data up to August 1, 2025, with career-long data updated to the end of 2024.
Leading Indian Institutions in the Top 2% Scientists List
Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) lead the list with 755 researchers featured, surpassing the combined total of National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Indian Institute of Science (IISc), and All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). Other notable institutions include:
- NITs: Over 330 researchers
- IISc Bangalore: 117 researchers
- AIIMS: 80 researchers, with 56 from AIIMS New Delhi
- Jadavpur University: 50 researchers
- Chitkara University: 59 researchers
- Banaras Hindu University (BHU): 51 researchers
- Aligarh Muslim University (AMU): 46 researchers
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR): 88 researchers
This distribution underscores the diverse and widespread contributions of Indian researchers across various academic and research institutions.
Trends and Insights from the 2025 Rankings
The 2025 rankings indicate a notable shift in the recognition of Indian scientists:
- Single-Year Impact: 6,239 Indian scientists were recognised for their contributions in 2024, marking a 16% increase from the previous year.
- Career-Long Impact: 3,372 Indian scientists were featured, reflecting a nearly 37% decrease from the 2024 figures, which may be attributed to the evolving nature of research outputs and citation practices.
The decline in career-long recognitions suggests a dynamic landscape in scientific research, where recent contributions are gaining prominence.
Global Context and Comparison
Globally, the United States continues to dominate the list with 87,859 scientists, followed by Great Britain with 20,573 and Germany with 12,165. China has 12,374 scientists on the list, reflecting its significant investment in research and development. India's representation, while substantial, remains behind China, highlighting areas for potential growth in scientific research and publication.
Conclusion
The inclusion of 6,239 Indian scientists in Stanford University's Top 2% Scientists list for 2025 is a testament to the country's expanding footprint in global scientific research. The increasing recognition of Indian researchers, especially in the single-year category, reflects a vibrant and evolving research ecosystem. As institutions continue to foster innovation and collaboration, India's position in the global scientific community is poised for further advancement.
