Banaras Hindu University (BHU) has seen a significant decline in its position in the QS World University Rankings for Asia over recent years. The latest 2027 ranking places BHU at 234th in Asia, marking a drop of 35 places in four years and 10 places from the previous year.
This decline is noteworthy as it lags behind other prominent Indian universities such as Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), University of Delhi (DU), and Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI).
Specifically, BHU ranked 199th in Asia in 2024, 203rd in 2025, 224th in 2026, and now 234th in 2027. The fall by 31 places over the past three years reflects growing concerns about its competitive position in Asia.
The rankings consider factors including academic reputation, employer reputation, research output, and internationalization. Part of the internationalization measurement involves inbound and outbound student exchange programs, where inbound refers to foreign students coming to BHU for study periods, and outbound refers to BHU students studying abroad under formal institutional agreements.
Context and Impact
BHU is one of India’s oldest and largest central universities with a strong legacy. Its decline in rankings compared to other Indian central universities may influence student and faculty choices, funding decisions, and global collaborations. The university and stakeholders may seek to address these challenges to improve quality and visibility.
NAAC A
NIRF #6 (2025)Banaras Hindu UniversityVaranasi, Uttar PradeshAdmission: CUET UG, CUET PG, NET/JRFEst. 1916View details
NAAC A+
NIRF #10 (2025)Aligarh Muslim UniversityAligarh, Uttar PradeshAdmission: CUET UG, CUET PG, NET/JRFEst. 1920View details
NAAC A
NIRF #37 (2025)Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar UniversityLucknow, Uttar PradeshAdmission: CUET UG, CUET PG, NET/JRFEst. 1996View details
NAAC B++
Central UniversityAllahabad UniversityPrayagraj, Uttar PradeshAdmission: CUET UG, CUET PG, NET/JRFEst. 1887View detailsRGNAU
Central UniversityRajiv Gandhi National Aviation UniversityRaebareli, Uttar PradeshAdmission: Own EntranceEst. 2013View detailsRLBCA
Central UniversityRani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural UniversityJhansi, Uttar PradeshAdmission: CUET UG, CUET PG, ICAR AIEEAEst. 2014View detailsWhat to Watch Next
Further developments to monitor include BHU’s strategic plans to strengthen research, infrastructure, faculty recruitment, and international partnerships, which could help reverse the downward trend in future QS rankings.
