NIRF 2026 SDG Ranking: Top Institutes Driving Sustainable Development

The NIRF 2026 Rankings will be disclosed soon and will be released by the Ministry of Education. The rankings will help students target colleges based on criteria such as job and business ecosystem, research patent support, and placement records. The rankings are decided based on several goals and metrics, among them are Sustainable Development Goals, which has been recently introduced in 2025. The objective is to assess Indian institutions in higher education based on how well they are performing in areas such as eco-friendly practices, sustainability research, and social inclusivity.

To evaluate your college options based on the sustainability goals, candidates can check a list of colleges provided here that qualify these goals, along with other details.

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What is Sustainable Development Goals? 

The NIRF 2026 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) department is a new addition and was introduced in NIRF 2025. The total national ranking category, since then shifted from 16 to 17. This department ranks higher learning institutions in India based on eco-friendly practices, sustainability studies, social inclusivity, and contribution to the outcomes beyond traditional academic milestones including their societal influence and relationship with the UN. 

The list provided here for Top Universities in the NIRF for the SDG category includes only the best 10 institutions without score details. However a detailed scoring of these institutions based on the goal is expected to be released in future. 

Sustainable Development Goals Category measures:

• This category spots the educational institutions that implement sustainable practices at college campuses including energy efficiency, water conservation and waste management.

• Alignment of their research based on the UN 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

• Strengthening community outreach, helping people take social initiatives.

• Promoting diversity, equity, and inclusivity on campus.

NIRF 2026: Top Institutions For Sustainable Development Goals Ranking

This sustainability approach represents a shift in Indian higher education by switching the system from a teaching placement-focused track to environmental, social, and economic responsibility.

As per the NIRF 2025 data, 791 institutions are included in the Sustainable Development Goals. Some of the other renowned higher education institutions include IIT Madras, IARI New Delhi, and JMI New Delhi.

Top Institutes in NIRF 2025: Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

With the introduction of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the NIRF 2025 is adding 17 sustainability categories based on those provided by the United Nations. According to the NIRF 2025 SDGs Ranking, IIT Madras ranks as first, this is followed with IARI New Delhi, and Jamia Millia Islamia New Delhi. Check the complete details of these institutions and areas which converted their efforts in SDG ranking. 

1. Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), Chennai, Tamil Nadu

• NIRF SDGs Rank 1: Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), Chennai, Tamil Nadu

IIT Madras has gained number one position in Sustainable Development Goal NIRF Ranking. In 2025, it became the first to achieve the milestone nationwide. It also holds the position as an Institute of National Importance. Established in 1959, IIT Madras secured the top position  recognized for its contribution to higher technical education, green technology initiatives, and basic & applied research.

2. Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi

• NIRF SDG Rank: Rank 2: Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi

The research institute, also known as Pusa Institute, was established in 1905. The IARI achieved 2nd position because of factors like agricultural research, food security advancement, and sustainable farming development.

3. Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi 

•  NIRF SDG Rank Rank 3: Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi

Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, has gained top 3 position in NIRF SDG Rankings 2025. As an old college offering admission in different discipline, the Jamia college has been stressing on research and sustainable approach. The university, established in 1920 has been granted Central University status in 1988, secured 3rd position, reflecting its commitment to social inclusion, environmental studies, and community outreach.

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NIRF 2025 Top SDG Ranking 

Check out a list of top Sustainable Development Goals institutions with NIRF 2025 rankings shared in the table below.

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17 Sustainable Development Goals By the United Nations

Here is a list of 17 Sustainable Development Goals adopted by the United Nations in recent years. 

The parameters on which colleges are evaluated for NIRF rankings is helpful for students to choose college wisely. The NIRF Sustainable Development Goals rankings offers a metric wise comparison of higher learning institutions from across the country. These metrics are essential in tracking the campuses across the country and establish measures tgo fo on eco-friendly practices, sustainability research, and social inclusivity. 

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