Rourkela: The National Institute of Technology-Rourkela (NIT-R) has climbed 12 places from its previous position of 664 last year in the ‘QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2026’.
In the 2026 edition, the institute has secured a global rank of 652 and also stands 180th in Asia and 20th in India under the QS sustainability framework. It continues to be the top-ranked NIT in this category and retains its position as the highest-ranked institution in Odisha.
Director, NIT Rourkela, K Umamaheshwar Rao noted that the Institute’s improved standing reflects structured planning and the sustained efforts of the campus community. He acknowledged the contributions of students, faculty, and staff engaged in sustainability-linked initiatives that enhance the institute’s global visibility.
The Sustainability Report for 2026 was prepared by the Ranking & Accreditation Cell and the Sustainable Development Goals Committee under the guidance of Prof H B Sahu. “The institute’s performance reflects a range of initiatives throughout the year, such as weekly Clean Campus Swachhata activities, SDG-oriented curriculum efforts, and research addressing environmental and societal challenges. Support to sustainability-focused start-ups, efficient water–energy–waste management systems, solar energy usage, functioning of the carbon-capture unit, plantation drives, and awareness campaigns on health, well-being, and reduced plastic usage have all contributed to strengthening the Institute’s sustainability profile,” said Sahu, who is the chairman of the Sustainable Development Committee.
NIT-R sources said the QS Sustainability Rankings 2026 included 2,002 participating institutions globally, including 827 from Asia and 103 from India. The sustainability framework evaluates the social and environmental impact of universities as centres of education and research.
Earlier this year, NIT Rourkela secured the 9th position in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) category of the NIRF 2025 rankings, emerging as the only NIT in the country and the only institution from Odisha to feature in the top 10.
