Times Higher Education Rankings 2027: Release Date, India, Methodology

The Times Higher Education Rankings 2027 are set to be released on September 30, 2026, bringing the latest global comparison of research-intensive universities into focus. Students, universities and higher education stakeholders will be able to check the THE World University Rankings 2027 once the results go live.

The upcoming edition will be the most extensive THE World University Rankings so far, with 2,297 universities across 118 countries and territories set to feature. India will be the second most-represented country, with 143 ranked universities, according to Times Higher Education.

The ranking will also introduce more detailed ranking bands this year, giving students and institutions more information about where universities stand globally.

THE World University Rankings 2027: Check Key Statistics

The latest participation data shows a significant expansion in the number of universities included in the global ranking. The table below highlights the major figures announced by Times Higher Education.

The United States continues to have the largest number of ranked institutions at 168, while India has retained its position as the second most-represented country with 143 universities.

THE World University Rankings 2027 India: 143 Universities to Feature

The THE World University Rankings 2027 India list will have 143 institutions, making India one of the most widely represented higher education systems in the global table.

India's 143 ranked universities are part of the overall 2,297 institutions included in this year's edition. This means Indian universities will account for a substantial share of the global ranking, although representation should not be confused with individual university positions.

Students waiting for the THE rankings 2027 India list will need to check the individual positions and ranking bands after the official results are published on September 30.

tailed information when comparing institutions that fall outside the highest-ranked group.

THE World University Rankings 2027 Methodology: How Are Universities Ranked?

The THE World University Rankings methodology 2027 evaluates research-intensive universities through five broad performance areas: teaching, research environment, research quality, international outlook and industry.

THE uses 17 performance indicators for the 2027 global ranking. These indicators are grouped under the five core pillars used to assess university performance.

The methodology is intended to measure universities across their core missions rather than relying on a single factor such as academic reputation or research output.

THE Rankings 2027 Eligibility: Which Universities Can Be Ranked?

Not every institution submitting information is automatically included in the final Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2027.

According to THE, universities must teach undergraduates, conduct research across a range of subjects and have published at least 1,000 research publications between 2021 and 2025, with a minimum of 100 publications in each year during that period.

This eligibility framework means the ranking focuses specifically on research-intensive universities rather than attempting to compare every type of higher education institution globally.

Times Higher Education Rankings 2027: Why Students Should Track the Results

The THE World University Rankings 2027 can provide useful context for students researching universities in India and abroad. The ranking considers several areas connected to academic and research performance, including teaching, research quality, international outlook and industry links.

However, students should consider the ranking alongside course-specific factors such as programme curriculum, tuition fees, scholarships, placement opportunities, location, eligibility and admission requirements.

For students comparing Indian universities, the upcoming THE Rankings 2027 India list will offer another international reference point alongside rankings such as NIRF and QS.

Times Higher Education Rankings 2027 FAQs