Argus News - NIT Rourkela Advances to 652nd in QS Sustainability Rankings 2026

Rourkela, Nov 19: The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela in Odisha has once again demonstrated its commitment to sustainability and innovation by advancing in the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2026. The institute secured a global rank of 652, improving from last year’s 664, while retaining its position as the top-ranked NIT in India and the highest-ranked institution in Odisha, officials said on Wednesday.

Strong Regional Standing

In the 2026 edition, NIT Rourkela achieved 180th rank in Asia and 20th in India, reaffirming its leadership in sustainability-linked education and research. The rankings, released on November 18, 2025, evaluated 2,002 institutions worldwide, including 827 from Asia and 103 from India.

Leadership and Initiatives

Director Prof. K. Umamaheshwar Rao credited the achievement to structured planning and the collective efforts of students, faculty, and staff. The Sustainability Report 2026 was prepared by the Ranking & Accreditation Cell and the Sustainable Development Goals Committee under the guidance of Prof. H. B. Sahu.

Prof. Sahu highlighted initiatives such as weekly Clean Campus drives, SDG-oriented curriculum reforms, sustainability-focused start-ups, efficient water–energy–waste management systems, solar energy adoption, carbon-capture technology, plantation drives, and campaigns promoting health, well-being, and reduced plastic usage.

Also Read: NIT Rourkela Patents Green Technology For Black Terracotta Craft

National Recognition

Earlier this year, NIT Rourkela secured 9th position in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) category of NIRF 2025, becoming the only NIT and the only Odisha institution to feature in the top 10.

Global Framework

The QS Sustainability Rankings assess universities on Environmental Impact, Social Impact, and Governance, measuring how institutions address global challenges through education, research, and responsible practices. NIT Rourkela’s consistent progress reflects its alignment with the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

With its improved global standing and recognition in national rankings, NIT Rourkela continues to strengthen its profile as a hub of sustainable innovation, setting benchmarks for other technical institutions in India.