JGU Becomes The Youngest University To Enter QS World University Rankings 2020

Haryana-based O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) has become the youngest and the only new Indian university to break into the top 1000 in the prestigious Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings. 

The QS global rankings 2020 were released on 19th June in London. Out of 50 new entrants globally, JGU is the youngest university which has achieved this distinction.

Welcoming this development, philanthropist, Naveen Jindal, Founding Chancellor of JGU said, “JGU’s maiden entry into the QS World University Rankings 2020 is a phenomenal achievement as we celebrate our 10th anniversary. When we established the university in 2009 in memory of my father, Mr. O.P. Jindal, the vision was clearly to build a world-class university in India. This global recognition for JGU is a testament to the power of private philanthropy in the higher education arena. It goes to show that a private university doing excellent work can become a world-class university. My congratulations to the leadership, students, faculty and staff of JGU”.In the university’s tenth year of existence, JGU is now placed amongst the top 2.67% of all universities globally.

Out of more than 28,000 universities in the world, only top 1001 were ranked by QS in terms of their performance criteria. 

C. Raj Kumar, Founding Vice-Chancellor of JGU said, “This is an extraordinary recognition for a university which is barely a decade old. Our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of excellence since our founding has helped us achieve this distinction. I would like to thank our benefactor and founding Chancellor, Naveen Jindal for his vision, generosity, and magnanimity in building a university that is deeply committed to excellence and public service. Breaking into the QS world rankings is a significant achievement for India, which would not have been possible but for the outstanding contributions of faculty, students and staff of JGU.”

JGU has become the only Indian university in the QS world rankings which is mainly focused on social sciences and humanities. Historically, university rankings have favoured universities that are oriented towards Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) disciplines, and Medicine. However, JGU is the only Indian university to challenge this tradition solely focusing on social sciences, arts, humanities, and professions such as law, business administration, and architecture. 

Ashwin Fernandes, Regional Director – Middle East, North Africa & South Asia, QS Quacquarelli Symonds said “It is moment of pride for India, as one of its youngest universities – O.P Jindal Global University, has made a remarkable entry into the global league tables with the launch of the 2020 edition of QS World University Rankings. I am elated to see that an institution which celebrates its tenth anniversary this year, has put wheels in motion in its early days to aspire to be world-class, and rankings are merely a tool which captures such achievement.” He added that “to be amongst the 23 Indian universities to be ranked this year, out of the 1000 which are ranked globally, clearly makes a statement that with the right mix of leadership, faculty, infrastructure – and most importantly ‘determination’ that we can have many more Indian universities featuring in global rankings in the future”.

The QS WUR is relied upon by millions of students annually to make higher education and admissions-related decisions. The rankings are based on a combination of parameters including research output and impact, academic and industry reputation, faculty-student ratio and internationalization.