IIRF Ranking 2026: IISc Bengaluru retains top spot among India's deemed universities

The Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, has secured Rank 1 in the IIRF Ranking 2026 under the Deemed University category.

The institute has retained its top position from IIRF Ranking 2025, continuing its leadership among India's leading deemed universities.

Recognized as an Institution of Eminence by the University Grants Commission and a Centre of Excellence by the Ministry of Mines, IISc offers programs in science, engineering, design, and management through 45 departments and academic units.

Top 3 deemed universities in IIRF Ranking 2026

ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), Pusa, New Delhi, retained Rank 2 in the IIRF Deemed University Ranking 2026, while the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Mumbai, Maharashtra, moved up to Rank 3 from Rank 5 in 2025.

Indian Institute of Science

IISc offers undergraduate, postgraduate, integrated doctoral, and doctoral programs across multiple disciplines.

Its undergraduate programs include B.Tech degrees in Mathematics and Computing, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, and Mechanics and Computing, along with a four-year Bachelor of Science program.

At the postgraduate level, the institute offers M.Tech programs in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and Autonomous Systems, Microelectronics and VLSI, Bioengineering, and Semiconductor Technology. Other programs include Master of Design and Master of Management.

The institute also offers Integrated Ph.D., Ph.D., and M.Tech (Research) programs. Admissions to undergraduate engineering programs are based on national entrance examinations, including JEE Main and JEE Advanced.

IISc has produced notable alumni across science, technology, academia, public service, and industry, including former ISRO chairpersons S. Somanath and K. Sivan, scientist C.N.R. Rao, philanthropist Sudha Murty, and former DRDO chief V.K. Aatre.

ICAR-IARI retains second position

ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, secured Rank 2 in the IIRF Deemed University Ranking 2026, retaining the same position as last year.

Established in 1905, the institute is one of India's leading centers for agricultural education and research. It offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in agricultural sciences, biotechnology, agricultural engineering, bioinformatics, agricultural economics, genetics, plant breeding, agronomy, soil science, and related disciplines.

ICAR-IARI offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs focused on agricultural sciences, biotechnology, agricultural engineering, and related fields.

Undergraduate programs include B.Sc. (Agriculture), B.Sc. (Community Science), B.Tech. in Agricultural Engineering, and B.Tech. in Biotechnology. Admissions to undergraduate programs are based on NTA-CUET scores followed by ICAR counseling.

At the postgraduate level, the institute offers M.Sc. and M.Tech. degrees across 28 specialized disciplines, including Genetics and Plant Breeding, Agronomy, Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Statistics, Entomology, Post-Harvest Technology, Water Science and Technology, and Agricultural Chemicals.

The institute also offers Ph.D. programs in 26 disciplines covering agricultural sciences, natural resource management, biotechnology, and basic sciences.

Admissions to postgraduate and doctoral programs are conducted through examinations managed by the Education Division of ICAR and the National Testing Agency (NTA).

Institute of Chemical Technology rises to third rank

The Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, secured Rank 3 in the IIRF Ranking 2026, improving from Rank 5 in the 2025 rankings.

Originally established as the Department of Chemical Technology under the University of Mumbai in 1933, ICT later received Deemed-to-be University status. The institute is known for its engineering, chemical technology, pharmacy, management, and science programs.

ICT offers undergraduate courses including B.Chem.Eng., B.Tech. in multiple chemical technology specializations, and B.Pharm. programs. Postgraduate offerings include M.Tech., M.Chem.Eng., M.E., M.Pharm., and M.Sc. programs across engineering, pharmaceutical sciences, chemistry, physics, mathematics, biotechnology, food technology, polymers, textiles, and green technology.

The institute also offers Ph.D. programs in engineering, chemical technology, pharmacy, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and biochemistry. Admissions are based on national-level entrance examinations, including JEE Main, CAT, MAT, and other relevant tests.

Top 10 deemed universities in 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.