Delhi University has emerged as the leading institution among the 56 Indian universities included in the QS World University Sustainability rankings, as announced by officials. In the national standings, the second and third positions were secured by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bombay, and Madras, respectively. On a global scale, the University of Toronto claimed the top spot, with the University of California, Berkeley (UCB), and The University of Manchester following in the second and third positions.

In the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2024, 1,397 institutions from 95 countries and territories were evaluated, marking a twofold increase from the previous year's pilot edition. These rankings center on social impact, environmental impact, and governance, providing a holistic framework to assess how universities are tackling global challenges.

QS Senior Vice President Ben Sowter emphasized the significant role of Indian universities in addressing climate challenges, highlighting areas of achievement and improvement. While recognizing commendable efforts in certain areas, he pointed out the need for enhanced research capabilities, diversity, and inclusivity to align with India's environmental commitments.

The rankings evaluated universities using three criteria: Environmental Impact, Social Impact, and Governance. India performed exceptionally well in indicators related to Environmental Impact, with four Indian universities securing positions among the top 100 globally in Environmental Sustainability. Leading the nation in this category was the Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), which claimed the 49th position worldwide and the tenth highest in Asia.