What Makes IIT Bombay Shine in QS World University Rankings and Secure a Top Spot in NIRF too?

For many school graduates, particularly those with a strong affinity for science and mathematics, a career in technology is a dream they actively pursue after Class 12. Over the years, engineering has emerged as one of the most preferred career choices in India, with aspirants vying to secure a spot in prestigious institutions. Among these, the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) are widely regarded as the best in engineering education.

IIT Bombay : Top choices for engineering aspirants

IIT Bombay is one of India’s oldest and most esteemed engineering institutes. Established in 1958, it has become a dream destination for students looking to embark on a promising engineering career. The institute offers a wide range of programs at undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels, with popular courses like Computer Science Engineering, Electrical Engineering , among others.

In 2024, IIT Bombay has solidified its position as the premier choice for aspiring engineers, with 72 of the top 100 JEE (Advanced) rankers selecting this esteemed institute. This trend highlights the institution's growing popularity, especially for its highly sought-after computer science program.

With its cutting-edge research facilities, highly qualified faculty, and robust industry connections, and the success of its alumni, many of whom have become leaders in industries across the globe, IIT Bombay has earned a coveted position not just in India but on the global stage as well.

IIT Bombay in the global perspective

In the QS World University Rankings 2024, IIT Bombay achieved an overall rank of 227, with a score of 43.5. This global ranking reflects its competitiveness among the world’s top universities, but the journey to the top is driven by several crucial parameters that QS considers. Let’s take a closer look at these parameters in detail:

Academic Reputation (42.4): This indicator holds the most weight (40%) in the QS ranking system. It is based on a global survey of academics who identify leading institutions in their respective fields. IIT Bombay’s academic reputation is built on its strong research output, experienced faculty, and rigorous academic programs. With numerous publications in top-tier journals, the institute continues to build its profile in the global academic community.

Citations per Faculty (70.3): At 20% weightage, this parameter measures the research impact of an institution by assessing the number of citations per faculty member. IIT Bombay excels here with a strong score of 70.3, indicating the high quality and global relevance of its research work. This score shows that research conducted by IIT Bombay is well-recognized and often cited by peers worldwide, especially in fields like computer science, engineering, and materials science.

Employer Reputation: Another key factor in the QS system is the institution's reputation among employers, making up 10% of the overall score. Companies across the globe seek out IIT Bombay graduates for their technical expertise, innovative thinking, and leadership qualities. This strong industry connection makes its students highly employable, further boosting its employer reputation.

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: With a 20% weight, this metric indicates the institution's commitment to offering personalised attention to students. A lower ratio generally suggests better learning support and a more interactive academic environment. While IIT Bombay’s student-to-faculty ratio is competitive, this is an area where many top global universities excel.

Proportion of International Faculty and Students (5% each): The diversity of faculty and students also plays a role in global rankings. While IIT Bombay attracts top talent from across India, its relatively lower international presence affects these scores, especially when compared to Western universities with greater faculty and student mobility.

IIT Bombay in NIRF 2024 rankings

On the national front, IIT Bombay holds the 3rd position in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2024, with a score of 81.37 overall. The NIRF ranking methodology is distinct from the QS system, focusing on five main parameters:

Teaching, Learning, and Resources (TLR – 83.85): IIT Bombay excels in this category, demonstrating its superior academic resources, quality of teaching, and extensive infrastructure. The availability of top-notch research labs, libraries, and academic resources contribute to its high score. Additionally, the emphasis on extracurricular and co-curricular activities provides students with a well-rounded learning experience.

Research and Professional Practice (RPC – 82.35): In alignment with its QS performance in citations per faculty, IIT Bombay’s research and professional practice are pivotal in its NIRF success. The institute boasts a high volume of research output, industry collaborations, and intellectual property generation through patents, positioning it among the best in the country.

Graduation Outcomes (GO – 83.36): This parameter reflects the success of IIT Bombay students in terms of placements, higher studies, and startup ventures. With an impressive graduation rate and placement statistics, it’s no surprise that IIT Bombay ranks highly in this category. The institute's alumni have gone on to work in leading multinational companies, academia, and government, with a significant number becoming entrepreneurs.

Outreach and Inclusivity (OI – 59.05): This is one area where IIT Bombay shows a lower score. Outreach efforts, diversity in student admissions, and inclusivity factors are still growing, especially in terms of attracting students from different parts of the world and from underrepresented groups within India.

Perception (89.32): Peer perception is an area where IIT Bombay shines in both NIRF and QS rankings. This metric gauges how the institution is viewed by academic peers, industry experts, and other stakeholders. IIT Bombay’s long-standing reputation as a centre of excellence solidifies its position, especially in the eyes of domestic peers and industry leaders.

How IIT Bombay fared across QS and NIRF rankings

While both QS and NIRF rankings offer a comprehensive view of IIT Bombay’s standing, they do so through different lenses. The QS rankings, with their focus on internationalisation and global academic reputation, see IIT Bombay placed lower compared to its national dominance in the NIRF rankings.

This can be attributed to factors like the lower proportion of international students and faculty, areas where Western universities tend to perform better. However, IIT Bombay's exceptional research output is acknowledged globally, as seen in the strong score for ‘citations per faculty’ parameter.

On the other hand, the NIRF ranking emphasises more localised factors such as teaching quality, inclusivity, and graduation outcomes. IIT Bombay’s top scores in teaching resources and peer perception reflect its robust position in the Indian academic landscape.