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**Summary:**

A new “Best Student Cities” ranking for 2026, compiled by QS (Quacquarelli Symonds), shows significant improvements for Indian cities. Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai have all climbed in the rankings, with Delhi emerging as the most affordable student city globally. Mumbai re-entered the top 100, and Delhi and Mumbai also performed well in the “Employer Activity” category, indicating strong graduate employment prospects. Jessica Turner, CEO of QS, attributes India’s rising presence to the impact of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the increasing global visibility of Indian universities. Asian cities, in general, have seen positive movement in the rankings. Seoul now holds the top spot, ending London’s long reign. London fell to third place due to affordability issues.

**News Article:**

**Indian Cities Ascend in Global Student Rankings; Delhi Crowned Most Affordable**

**New Delhi, July 16, 2025** – A new report by global higher education consultancy QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) reveals a significant boost for Indian cities in the “Best Student Cities” ranking for 2026. Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai have all shown marked improvements, signaling a strengthening of India’s higher education landscape on the world stage.

Delhi has emerged as the world’s most affordable student city, claiming the top spot in that crucial indicator. Mumbai has re-entered the top 100, rising 15 places to 98th overall. Delhi climbed seven spots to 104th, Bengaluru jumped to 108th from 130th last year, and Chennai significantly advanced 12 positions to rank 128th.

The QS ranking assesses cities based on factors like affordability, safety, pollution levels, desirability, and employer activity. In the “Employer Activity” category, both Delhi and Mumbai broke into the global top 50, showcasing promising employment prospects for graduates. Bengaluru experienced a dramatic rise of 41 places in this dimension, while Chennai climbed an impressive 29 spots.

Jessica Turner, CEO of QS, highlighted the impact of India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 as a key driver of this success. “As we approach the fifth anniversary of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, its focus on global engagement, quality enhancement, and student-centric learning is starting to bear fruit on the international stage,” Turner stated. She also noted a remarkable 390% increase in the number of Indian universities featured in the QS World University Rankings over the past decade.

The broader Asian region also witnessed positive trends, with many cities climbing in the rankings. Seoul secured the top spot globally, ending London’s six-year reign. London slipped to third place due to declining affordability.

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