The Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) has secured a significant milestone, making its debut in the QS World University Rankings 2026. The Bhubaneswar-based university has emerged as the number one private university in Odisha, ranking 9th among private universities in India and placing 55th among South Asian universities. This achievement puts KIIT firmly on the global academic map and highlights the growing influence of Indian private universities in international higher education.
KIIT’s inclusion marks the first time the university has participated in the QS global ranking exercise, joining 54 other Indian universities featured in the list. The QS World University Rankings, published annually, assess institutions worldwide based on parameters such as academic reputation, employer reputation, faculty-to-student ratio, research citations per faculty member, international faculty and student ratios, employment outcomes, and sustainability initiatives. KIIT scored particularly well in academic reputation, faculty-student ratio, and research impact, reflecting the university’s sustained investment in educational infrastructure and research output.
Established in 1992 with modest beginnings, KIIT has expanded rapidly over the past three decades into a multidisciplinary institution offering courses in engineering, law, medicine, management, biotechnology, and more. It currently serves over 40,000 students across its various schools and has developed a strong reputation for industry linkages and global partnerships. Over the past decade, KIIT has also consistently ranked high in the Atal Ranking of Institutions on Innovation Achievements (ARIIA), indicating its proactive role in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among students.
Dr Achyuta Samanta, Founder of KIIT, credited the achievement to the university’s sustained efforts toward excellence in teaching, research, and social commitment. “This ranking is the result of our continuous pursuit of academic excellence and global engagement. It reflects the collective effort of our faculty, staff, and students,” he said in a statement following the rankings announcement.
A focus on modern infrastructure, a robust faculty team, and strategic partnerships with global institutions has fueled KIIT’s growth. The university houses advanced research facilities, innovation and incubation centres, and collaborations with international universities from Europe, Asia, and North America. Its faculty-student ratio, a key parameter in global rankings, remains one of the best among Indian private institutions, ensuring personalised attention and mentoring for students.
Beyond academics, KIIT emphasises social impact. Through its sister organisation, Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS), it has provided free education to thousands of underprivileged tribal children in Odisha. This initiative has earned the institution national and international recognition.
This debut in the QS rankings places KIIT alongside major Indian institutions such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), National Institutes of Technology (NITs), and other top private universities. The presence of eight new Indian universities, including KIIT, in this year’s QS list underscores the evolving landscape of Indian higher education, where private institutions are increasingly matching the standards traditionally associated with public universities.
Industry experts believe KIIT’s global recognition will have a positive ripple effect on Odisha’s educational ecosystem and economy. It is expected to attract more international students, foster research collaborations, and enhance the state’s profile as an emerging hub for quality higher education. Moreover, the achievement could inspire other institutions in Eastern India to raise their standards and strive for global benchmarks.
Looking ahead, KIIT plans to expand its global engagement further by increasing research collaborations, enhancing its international faculty presence, and scaling its student exchange programs. The university is also focusing on sustainability-driven research and translational projects in emerging fields, including artificial intelligence, robotics, healthcare technologies, and renewable energy.
