Top 10 Research Institutions In India - NIRF Ranking 2025

The daunting task of finding the best course of research has been simplified for millions of students and researchers with the release of NIRF 2025 rankings. NIRF publishes its rankings in 17 categories, however, in this, we will discuss the category of research institutions and their top 10 ranking.

Having done their undergraduate studies, most students and professionals would like to undertake advanced research programs in order to access career opportunities that are promising and rewarding in the fields of academia, industry, and innovation. Together with the domain of research and specialization, the institution is another important aspect that may greatly influence their research life and future career.

Teamwork in the research environment of the institution, level of supervision, modern research facilities, infrastructure, faculty qualification and research product are essential in shaping innovative thought and research excellence among the young scholars. Therefore, NIRF rankings that take all of these factors into account are among the most accurate and thorough methods of selecting the most appropriate research institution to meet your academic and professional development needs!

Overview of NIRF

The Ministry of Education released the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) on September 29, 2015, as part of the National Education Policy framework. NIRF is the first Indian ranking system of higher education institutions, developed to assess and rank colleges and universities on a number of criteria.

The main goal of NIRF was to develop a clear, objective, and internationally comparable methodology of ratings. The framework will seek to foster good competition among institutions as well as promote excellence in education and research. NIRF assists students, parents and stakeholders to make informed decisions about their choice of higher education by offering standardized evaluation criteria.

The ranking system covers multiple categories, including overall, SDGs institutes, universities, colleges, research institutions, engineering, management, pharmacy, medical, dental, law, architecture and planning, agriculture and allied sectors, Innovation, open universities, skill universities, and state public universities. Each category follows specific parameters tailored to assess the unique aspects of different institutional types.

The rankings offered by NIRF have achieved tremendous credibility over the years, and institutions are engaged in the evaluation process. The rankings are used as a standard of institutional performance and have played a significant role in influencing higher education policies and reforms in India. The framework has been developing and has been updated based on feedback provided by academic communities and in line with methodologies of world rankings.

NIRF Ranking Parameters & Weightage For Research Institutions Category

The NIRF research institution ranking methodology uses a five-parameter evaluation system and this assessment system is comprehensive as each parameter measures various elements of excellence within the institution. These parameters are important to understand how institutions are evaluated and ranked.

1. Teaching, Learning and Resources:  This parameter is used to measure the quality of teaching faculty, student-teacher ratio, financial resources and the general learning environment. It consists of faculty credentials, the presence of PhD holders in the faculty, diversity of students, and facilities. In the case of research institutions, this parameter especially targets research supervision abilities and the quality of the doctoral program.
2. Research and Professional Practice:  This is the most important parameter in research institutions, as it determines the quality and quantity of research output. It assesses the publications in the peer-reviewed journals, citations obtained, research funding obtained, patents applied and granted, and joint research ventures. The parameter also takes into account the factor of the influence of publications and international research cooperation.
3. Graduation Outcomes:  This parameter is used to measure the career outcomes and further studies of the graduates. It consists of employment rates, median salary packages, percentage of students going to higher education, and entrepreneurship activities of alumni. In the case of research institutions, it especially focuses on the placement of PhD graduates in research and academic jobs.
4. Outreach and Inclusivity:  This parameter measures how the institution is socially responsible and whether the institution is inclusive in its education. It measures gender diversity, student admissions challenged economically and socially, facilities provided to students with disabilities, and outreach. The contribution to society by research and community participation is measured in research institutions.
5. Peer Perception: This is a parameter that reflects how the institution is perceived by its peers, employers, and the academic fraternity. It is founded on surveys that have been carried out among peers in the academician field, employers, and also published research citations. The perception score represents the reputation that the institution has in the academic and professional community.

Parameters are graded out of 100 points, and the resulting ranking score is the weighted average of all five parameters. This is a holistic approach because institutions are not assessed based only on research output but also on teaching, student outcomes, social responsibility, and reputation.

Top 10 Research Institutions in India: NIRF 2025 Ranking

The research category NIRF offers a list of the best research institutions in India that allow students and researchers to attain the level of academic excellence internationally in their respective fields. Based on the evaluation criteria mentioned above, the top 10 research institutions in India as per NIRF 2025 rankings are:

Institute ID	Institution Name	State	NIRF Score 2025	NIRF Rank 2025	NIRF Rank 2024	NIRF Rank 2023
IR-R-U-0220	IISc Bengaluru	Karnataka	85.01	1	1	1
IR-R-U-0456	IIT Madras	Tamil Nadu	82.99	2	2	2
IR-R-I-1074	IIT Delhi	Delhi	80.42	3	3	3
IR-R-U-0306	IIT Bombay	Maharashtra	77.80	4	4	4
IR-R-U-0573	IIT Kharagpur	West Bengal	71.61	5	5	5
IR-R-I-1075	IIT Kanpur	Uttar Pradesh	69.80	6	7	6
IR-R-U-0304	Homi Bhabha National Institute	Maharashtra	69.39	7	6	15
IR-R-U-0560	IIT Roorkee	Uttarakhand	67.27	8	9	7
IR-R-U-0713	Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research	Uttar Pradesh	67.15	9	8	12
IR-R-U-0053	IIT Guwahati	Assam	64.18	10	10	9

Having discussed the best 10 research institutions, now, we can look into some of the important factors that you should take into consideration before deciding on one to pursue your higher education or research life. Other significant institutional selection criteria are accreditations and awards, research facilities, faculty experience, opportunities in funding, international partnerships, and graduate professional results.

Here is a detailed introduction to the top 10 research institutions in India to give you an idea of the impact they are having on the research scene in the nation and around the world.

1) Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore (IISc)

The leading research institution in India, IISc Bangalore, is the leading company that offers education and research opportunities in the field of science and engineering at the highest level in the world. It is ranked 1st in NIRF 2025, similar to the past years, in the research category. Founded in 1909 through the foresight of Jamsetji Tata and with the assistance of the Government of India, it provides undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral courses in different scientific fields.

IISc is regarded as a great research organization in the world and has been ranked as one of the best institutions in the world. The institute has been proclaimed as an institution of national importance and it has received numerous international awards concerning the undergraduate courses.

The IISc research ecosystem is designed to stimulate discovery of science and innovation. The institute has established several Centres of Excellence and collaborated with other important international institutions in its research. Its alumni has Nobel winners, company heads, and renowned scientists who have made numerous contributions to science and technology worldwide.

2) Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras)

Ever since its inception in 1959, IIT Madras has been a foremost teaching and research centre in the field of technology. It was ranked 2nd in the NIRF 2025 research rankings and has been still doing well in the top category. The institute is believed to be a leader in engineering and technology and other interdisciplinary research programs.

IIT Madras has been accredited in most international standards and has never failed to be ranked among the top engineering schools in the world. The institute has been established by the Government of India to be an Institution of National Importance.

The culture at IIT Madras is one that emphasizes research on both innovation and practice. The institute has established a number of research centers around emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, renewable energy and biotechnology. This has resulted in a large entrepreneurial ecosystem in India where many successful startups have been incubated in its incubation centres.

3) Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) 

In 1961, IIT Delhi was established and it is an extremely good technical college in India with history of quality engineering education and research, and development. It maintained its 3rd place on NIRF 2025 research rankings and is stable in academic performance. The institute offers a large number of undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral courses in various areas of engineering and science.

IIT Delhi has gained fame on the international front, taking 197th position in the QS World University Rankings 2025. The institute has also gained the status of an institution of national importance by the Government of India and has several international collaborations with other major universities of the world. It has a grade of A+ by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC).

IIT Delhi provides an interdisciplinary and innovative research environment. The institute has many research centres and labs, which are well furnished with all the modern facilities. It also has a dynamic technology transfer office, through which research findings are commercialised to create numerous patents and commercial agreements.

4) Indian Institute of Technology Bombay

IIT Bombay is among the finest technical and research institutions in India and its foundation started in 1958. It was also ranked 4th on the NIRF 2025 research ranking and remains one of the best research institutions in the country. The institute is a good research innovation centre with good interaction with the industry and is believed to be an academic excellence centre.

IIT Bombay was declared as an institution of national importance in 1961 and other national and international accreditation agencies have affirmed it. The MHRD, Government of India also has accredited the institute.

IIT Bombay has a research ecosystem that is oriented towards the impact on society and innovation of technology. The institute has established a number of Centres of Excellence and an active collaboration with the most renowned global institutions. It is through the entrepreneurial cell that the start-up culture has improved and numerous success stories have emerged as a result of their incubation programmes.

5) Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (IIT Kharagpur)

IIT Kharagpur was the first IIT established in India in 1951 and has a long tradition of academic success and research discoveries. It has also been one of the best research institutions in India and 5th in NIRF 2025 research rankings. The institute is explained as a multi-disciplinary research approach and broader-based academic courses.

The institute has acquired international recognition and was ranked in various international ranking schemes as one of the top 300 universities in the world. IIT Kharagpur is a national level institution and is accredited by other national and international accreditation agencies. The institute is also closely associated with the world-renowned research organizations and leading universities.

ITT Kharagpur has done research in numerous areas like engineering, science, medicine and management. The institute has a number of research centers and is much geared towards translational research in relation to real-life problems. 

6) Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur)

IIT Kanpur was founded in 1959, and it is regarded as the pioneer of computer science education and research in India. It was ranked 6th-best research institution amongst NIRF 2025 research rankings, continuing to uphold its status as one of the best research institutions in the country. The institute has played a crucial role in launching a number of new academic courses as well as research in India.

The institute has gained recognition around the world and has always ranked among the best technical institutions in the world. IIT Kanpur is an Institution of National Importance and is accredited by a number of national and international agencies. The institute has formed collaborations with the top world universities and research institutions.

The IIT Kanpur research ecosystem is highly focused on both theoretical and practical research. The institute has led computer science research in India and has also contributed to other areas of research such as artificial intelligence, aerospace engineering and materials science in India. Its graduates have produced successful entrepreneurs, researchers, and industry leaders who have contributed significantly to technology and innovation.

7) Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI)

In 2005, the Homi Bhabha National Institute was inaugurated as a specialised deemed-to-be university with a focus on nuclear science, engineering and interdisciplinary fields. It was ranked 7th in NIRF 2025 research rankings, which shows the level of excellence in a specific area of research. HBNI is based in Mumbai and runs several constituent institutions throughout India under the Department of Atomic Energy.

The institute has gained credit owing to its nuclear science and technology specialized programs. HBNI is accredited by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) and is a deemed-to-be university as issued by the University Grants Commission. The institute has partnerships with the major world associations of nuclear science and research.

The HBNI research specialization is distinctly placed in nuclear science, atomic energy, and associated interdisciplinary sciences. The institute contains the latest research facilities and laboratories in the fields of nuclear physics, reactor technology, and materials science. Its research works have played a significant role in the nuclear program and the peaceful use of atomic energy in India. The researchers and faculty of the institute have contributed an important part to the research/study of nuclear science in the world.

8) Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee)

IIT Roorkee was founded in 1847 under the name Thomason College of Civil Engineering, and it is one of the oldest technical colleges in India. It also ranked 8th in NIRF 2025 research rankings, and it still excels in research and academic programs. The institute has become a full-fledged university that provides courses in different fields of engineering and science.

The institute has become known internationally and has been ranked in various ranking systems as one of the 400 best universities in the world. IIT Roorkee is an institution of national importance and has multiple global partnerships and exchange programs. The institute is recognized to be highly focused on civil engineering, earthquake engineering, and the management of water resources.

IIT Roorkee has a research culture that focuses on problem-solving and innovation. The institute has also established a number of specialized research centres and laboratories in subjects such as earthquake engineering, alternative hydro energy and sustainable development. Its research works have inspired much in the development of infrastructure and management of disasters in India.

9) Academy of scientific and innovative research (AcSIR)

In 2010, the Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research was founded as a special institution and provides Ph.D. and integrated Ph.D. degree programs via a system of CSIR laboratories in India. It is ranked 9th in the NIRF rankings of 2025 research, thus meaning that it is involved in building research excellence through the CSIR network. acSIR is based in Ghaziabad and has utilized the research facilities of CSIR laboratories across the country.

The academy has gained fame due to its creative style in doctoral education and training in research. AcSiR is accredited by the University Grants Commission and has forged alliances with the best universities in the world. The academy is interested in translational research that assists in bridging the gap between laboratory findings and social uses.

The research ecosystem of AcSiR covers various fields such as chemical sciences, biological sciences, physical sciences, engineering sciences and mathematical Sciences. The academy draws on the huge research facilities of 37 CSIR labs nationwide to offer the students access to high-quality facilities and qualified guidance. Its research programmes are geared towards national priorities and international challenges in science and technology.

10) Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT Guwahati)

IIT Guwahati is a relatively newer IIT that was founded in 1994 and has quickly become one of the most successful research institutions in India. It has also secured the 10th position in the 2025 research rankings of NIRF, which shows its growing research prospects and academic supremacy. It is located in Northeast India, which has contributed to the creation of technology and education in the area.

The institute also focuses on research in other emerging areas like nanotechnology, biotechnology and renewable energy. IIT Guwahati has developed some Centers of Excellence and research centers that assist advanced research. It has contributed significantly to various fields of science and technology as a result of its interdisciplinary emphasis in its study.

The emerging research fields in the institute include nanotechnology, biotechnology and renewable energy. IIT Guwahati has also set up a few Centers of Excellence and research centers, which facilitate advanced research. Its focus on interdisciplinary research has seen it make a substantial contribution to other disciplines in the sciences and technology.

How to enroll with the best Research Institutions in India?

Admission into the best research institute in India involves a lot of planning, preparation and knowledge about the admission process. 

The majority of the leading research institutions in India are open to admission via various channels such as entrance exams, direct admission on the basis of academic merit and interviews. In the case of research programs, especially PhD and postdoctoral jobs, institutions usually want applicants to have the appropriate academic credentials, as well as research experience and potential in research.

The common minimum eligibility criteria are having a bachelor's or master's degree program from a well-known institution with a minimum percentage or CGPA. In the case of PhD programs, several institutions mandate applicants to pass national-level entrance examinations such as GATE, UGC-NET, JRF or college-specific entrance tests.

Each of the above-mentioned research institutions has certain requirements for admission to various programs. They are usually entry tests, interviews, or screening of academic papers. The following are some of the typical entrance exams and other eligibility criteria:

Entrance Exam/Program	Eligibility Criteria
Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE)	Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Technology or Master's degree in any relevant science subject
Joint Admission Test for M.Sc. (JAM)	Bachelor's degree with relevant subjects as specified by individual IITs
Common Entrance Examination for Design (CEED)	Bachelor's degree in any discipline
Joint Entrance Examination Advanced (JEE Advanced)	Qualification in JEE Main and fulfilling the top percentile criteria
National Eligibility Test (NET)	Master's degree in a relevant subject with a minimum of 55% marks
Joint CSIR-UGC NET	Master's degree in Science/Relevant subject with minimum 55% marks
Institute Specific Tests	Varies based on institution and program requirements
Direct Ph.D. Programs	Master's degree with an excellent academic record and research aptitude

Conclusion

When you have all the information you need to consider, the process of choosing a research institution becomes manageable. Not only do the NIRF rankings make you aware of the pecking order of the best institutions, but also give you enlightenment of the novel research methodologies and facilities that these institutions are undertaking in order to elevate the learning and research experience of their students and faculty.

These leading research institutes have made a groundbreaking change in the scientific and technological development in India by the initiative of promoting advanced level research and ensuring world standards. The selection of the most desirable research institutions to undertake advanced studies and research has enhanced career path of millions of researchers, scientists and academicians who are already making contributions in different fields at national and global scales.

This and the promise of the best research facilities in the world and the willingness to deliver the best have made the vision of Nelson Mandela, Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world to come true to millions of students and researchers who have been pursuing their academic and research dreams.