IIRF Ranking 2026: Ashoka University retains top spot in New Age Private University overall category

Ashoka University, Sonipat, Haryana, has secured Rank 1 in the IIRF Ranking 2026 for the New Age Private University Overall category, retaining its leadership position from 2025.

The private research university continues to be recognized for its multidisciplinary education model, strong research focus, academic excellence, and placement performance.

Established in 2014 and approved by the UGC, Ashoka University offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD programmes across liberal arts, humanities, sciences, economics, and interdisciplinary studies.

Top Three Institutions in IIRF Ranking 2026

Dhirubhai Ambani University, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, retained Rank 2 in the IIRF Ranking 2026, maintaining the same position as in 2025. Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University, Dharwad, Karnataka, also held on to Rank 3, unchanged from last year.

While the top three institutions remained stable, XIM University, Bhubaneswar, recorded one of the biggest improvements in the rankings, moving up from Rank 11 in 2025 to Rank 6 in 2026.

Ashoka University Strengthens Leadership in Higher Education

Ashoka University has emerged as one of India's leading private universities with a strong focus on liberal arts, sciences, economics, and interdisciplinary learning. The university operates through 20 academic departments and four schools of study.

The university offers undergraduate majors in Economics, English, History, International Relations, Philosophy, Political Science, Sociology and Anthropology, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Economics and Finance, Management, Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology.

Students also have access to interdisciplinary programs and minors that align with the objectives of the National Education Policy.

At the postgraduate level, Ashoka University offers programs including M.A. in Economics, M.A. in Economics and Data Analytics, M.A. in English, M.Sc. in Biology, and Master's in Liberal Studies.

Doctoral programs are available across disciplines including Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics, English, History, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology, and Sociology and Anthropology.

The university has also established a strong placement record, attracting recruiters such as McKinsey & Company, BCG, Bain & Company, HUL, ITC Limited, and Deutsche Bank.

Dhirubhai Ambani University Maintains Second Position

Dhirubhai Ambani University, formerly known as DA-IICT, retained Rank 2 in the New Age Private University Overall category.

Established in 2001 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, the university is recognized by the UGC, accredited with an A+ grade by NAAC, and designated as a Centre of Excellence by the Government of Gujarat.

The university specializes in Information and Communication Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Engineering, Design, and emerging technologies. Its academic portfolio includes B.Tech., integrated BS-MS programs, M.Tech., M.Sc., M.Des., and Ph.D. programs.

Key undergraduate offerings include B.Tech. in ICT, Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence, Electronics and Communication Engineering-AI, Mathematics and Computing, and Electronics and VLSI Design.

Postgraduate programs include M.Tech. specializations in Machine Learning, Software Systems, VLSI and Embedded Systems, and Wireless Communication, along with M.Sc. and M.Des. programs.

According to the 2025 placement report, the university attracted more than 150 recruiters and generated over 400 job offers. The highest package reached ₹53 lakh per annum, while the average package stood at ₹9.15 lakh per annum. Major recruiters included Amazon, Google, Apple, Goldman Sachs, and Oracle.

SDM University Holds Third Rank

Established under the Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University Act 2018, the institution has become a significant center for medical, dental, nursing, pharmacy, physiotherapy, and allied health sciences education.

Approved by NMC, INC, and DCI, the university offers 69 undergraduate, postgraduate, certificate, diploma, and fellowship programs across 43 specializations. Major programs include MBBS, BDS, B.Sc. Nursing, B.Pharm, MBA, M.Sc., MD, MS, MDS, and allied healthcare courses.

The university provides specialized education in medicine, dental sciences, nursing, physiotherapy, pharmacy, biomedical sciences, emergency and trauma care, respiratory therapy, medical imaging technology, optometry, and related disciplines. The median placement package reported by the university stands at ₹7,44,375.

Top 10 New Age Private Universities in India: IIRF Ranking 2026

About IIRF Ranking

The Indian Institutional Ranking Framework (IIRF) is a ranking system that evaluates more than 5,000 academic institutions across India.

It ranks universities, colleges, and business schools based on research performance, placements, faculty quality, industry collaboration, and other institutional indicators. IIRF is registered under India's Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) through the Companies Act, 2013.

The IIRF India Ranking conducts a comprehensive assessment of more than 2,500 institutions, including over 500 universities, 300 engineering colleges, 300 business schools, 300 undergraduate colleges, and more than 100 institutions each in law, design, architecture, medicine, dental sciences, nursing, pharmacy, physiotherapy, and public health.

IIRF Ranking Parameters

The rankings are based on nine key parameters:

• Academic Reputation: The Pedagogy of Practice (25%)
• Graduate Outcome & Employability: The Return on Investment (23%)
• Research Outcome: Volume, Income & Reputation (22%)
• Demand Ratio & Student Profile (6%)
• Employer Reputation & International Outlook (6%)
• Wellbeing & Institutional Development (5%)
• Peer Perception and Alumni Feedback (4%)
• Public Perception & Data Verification (4%)
• Impact and Value Addition (5%)

The ranking framework provides insights to students, parents, educators, and policymakers seeking information on higher education institutions in India. More details are available at www.iirfranking.com.