India’s Top Institutions See 60% PhD Faculty, Driving Research and Innovation

India’s higher education landscape is witnessing a remarkable transformation, with faculty qualifications, research output, and global recognition reaching new heights. A recent KPMG study, based on ten years of National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) data, highlights substantial progress in doctoral education and institutional performance.

Surge in PhD-Qualified Faculty

Nearly 60 percent of faculty in the top 100 Indian universities and colleges now hold PhDs, marking a significant increase over previous years. Specialized domains have shown even higher ratios: over 90% in management institutes and more than 80% in engineering colleges. Leading institutions report 73% or more PhD-qualified faculty, reflecting the growing link between faculty credentials and academic excellence.

PhD enrolments have risen by 21 percent, from 97,947 in 2019 to 118,556 in 2025, while completions surged 49 percent, from 16,403 to 24,481. The study attributes this growth to better research supervision, improved infrastructure, and supportive academic ecosystems.

Research Output and Innovation Skyrocket

Research productivity has surged across disciplines. Between 2018 and 2025, publication volumes grew 150% in universities and engineering, and 300% in pharmacy and management. India’s share in global research publications rose from 3.5% to 5.2%.

Top institutions are converting more published patents into granted patents, with the top 25 universities attracting nine times more sponsored research funding than lower-ranked institutions. Government incentives and NIRF’s focus on research ethics have positioned India among the top six countries globally for patent filings.

Global Recognition and Rankings

India’s international presence is also expanding. The QS World University Rankings 2026 feature 54 Indian universities, a fivefold increase since 2015. NIRF participation has jumped 217% since 2016, with public institutions like IISc Bengaluru, JNU, and IIT Madras maintaining dominance, while private players such as BITS Pilani and MAHE rise rapidly.

Looking Ahead: Quality and Integrity

Experts emphasize that the next phase of India’s higher education will focus on research quality, societal relevance, academic integrity, and internationalization. As institutions continue to leverage data-driven strategies, India’s universities are poised to achieve higher global competitiveness and strengthen their culture of innovation.