KIIT Deemed to be University has registered a strong showing in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026, placed in the 501–600 global band and ranked 5th among Indian universities. KIIT is also the only institution from Odisha to feature in the national top-10 list, reflecting the state’s growing academic footprint.
According to the university, the latest outcome marks an improvement from last year’s 601–800 bracket, underlining KIIT’s rising global competitiveness. THE evaluated 2,191 universities worldwide, including 128 from India. The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) leads among Indian institutions, with KIIT placed 5th nationally.
In parameter-wise performance, KIIT said it is ranked 259th globally in ‘Academic Excellence’ this year. It also reported its strongest national performance in Industry Integration, Internationalisation of Higher Education, and Social Commitment (SDGs).
Commenting on the milestone, Dr Achyuta Samanta, Founder of KIIT and KISS, said:
“Every state aspires to have a university ranked among the top 500 globally. I am happy that KIIT, only 28 years since its inception and 22 years as a Deemed to be University, has been placed among the world’s top premier universities in the 501 cohort. This accomplishment is a source of pride for Odisha specifically and for India as a whole.”
The university added that its showing in THE 2026 reflects a decade-long transformation from local excellence to global recognition, driven by innovation, inclusivity and quality education.
