NIT Rourkela has significantly strengthened its global position in the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2026, climbing 12 places from last year’s rank of 664 to secure the 652nd position worldwide. The institute has also earned an impressive 180th rank in Asia and 20th rank in India, reaffirming its reputation as the top-ranked NIT in this category and the highest-ranked educational institution in Odisha.

The improvement reflects the institute’s sustained commitment to sustainability-focused initiatives and structured planning. Director K Umamaheshwar Rao highlighted that the progress is the result of the collective efforts of students, faculty, and staff who have actively contributed to impactful sustainability programmes throughout the year. The Sustainability Report 2026, prepared by the Ranking & Accreditation Cell and the Sustainable Development Goals Committee under the guidance of Prof H B Sahu, showcases a wide range of initiatives undertaken across the campus.

These initiatives include weekly Clean Campus Swachhata drives, the integration of SDG-oriented curriculum components, and research activities dedicated to solving environmental and societal challenges. Additional efforts such as supporting sustainability-based start-ups, implementing efficient water, energy, and waste management systems, adopting solar energy solutions, operating a functional carbon-capture unit, and conducting plantation drives have further enhanced the institute’s sustainability credentials. Awareness programmes promoting health, well-being, and reduced plastic usage have also played a key role in strengthening NIT Rourkela’s profile.

According to NIT-R sources, the QS Sustainability Rankings 2026 evaluated 2,002 institutions globally, including 827 from Asia and 103 from India. The sustainability framework assesses both the social and environmental impact of universities as centres of education, research, and societal development. NIT Rourkela’s consistent rise in these rankings reflects its long-term vision, strong execution, and unwavering dedication to building a sustainable and globally competitive academic environment.