In a groundbreaking debut, O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) has stormed into the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings by Subject 2026, securing top spots in India and making waves globally. This private powerhouse in Sonipat clinched the number one position in Law across India, landing in the global top 300 among universities from 53 countries. Psychology followed closely with a stellar second place nationally and a spot in the worldwide top 500 from 64 countries.
The rankings spotlight JGU’s prowess in Arts & Humanities, Social Sciences, and Business & Economics too, cementing its status as India’s leading multidisciplinary global university. Out of 2,191 institutions from 115 countries evaluated under THE’s rigorous data-driven criteria—focusing on teaching excellence, research quality, and reliable data—JGU emerged as a fierce competitor against hundreds of top global players.
THE’s methodology weighs heavily on research pillars, accounting for 60-65% of the score, including research environment, quality, approach, and industry impact. Across 18 performance indicators grouped into teaching, research environment, research quality, international outlook, and industry, JGU shone brightly, especially in international outlook for Law, Psychology, and Social Sciences, boasting diverse faculty, students, and collaborations.
Founder Chancellor Naveen Jindal hailed the achievement: ‘JGU’s undisputed leadership in these subjects is a testament to our faculty, researchers, and staff’s dedication.’ Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar added that these rankings affirm JGU’s place among India’s elite as the country boasts the second-highest number of globally ranked universities after the US.
Dean Prof. Padmanabha Ramanujam, who led the ranking process, emphasized how this debut reflects JGU’s visionary foundation and relentless pursuit of excellence. The results underscore rapid research advancements, robust international ties, and outstanding academic performance across disciplines, positioning JGU as a global benchmark in higher education.