A total of 3,898 Indian researchers from 1,185 academic and research institutions have been featured in the 2026 edition of the World’s Top 2% Scientists list, released by Stanford University in collaboration with global academic publisher Elsevier. The recognition highlights the contributions of Indian scientists across a wide range of research disciplines. The Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, led the national tally with 139 researchers, followed by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi with 114. However, India’s representation declined significantly from 6,239 researchers in the 2025 edition to 3,898 in 2026.
Stanford–Elsevier Ranking Evaluates Global Research Impact
The World’s Top 2% Scientists list evaluates researchers worldwide using citation data from the Scopus database, indexed up to 1 August 2026. The assessment relies on a composite citation indicator known as the c-score to measure researchers’ scientific impact. The methodology considers several factors, including total citations, the h-index, co-authorship adjustments and authorship positions. It also calculates indicators both with and without self-citations to provide a broader assessment of research influence. Furthermore, the ranking covers 22 broad scientific disciplines and 174 sub-fields under the Science-Metrix classification system. It publishes two datasets: one assessing career-long research impact and another measuring research performance during a single year. Together, these datasets offer an international benchmark for evaluating scientific contributions and research influence across disciplines and institutions.
IISc and IIT Delhi Lead India’s Representation
The Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, secured the highest number of entries among Indian institutions, with 139 researchers on the list. IIT Delhi followed with 114 researchers. Their strong representation highlights the contribution of leading Indian research institutions to scientific advancement across multiple disciplines. Meanwhile, several National Institutes of Technology and private universities also secured recognition, demonstrating the broader reach of India’s research ecosystem.
NIT Rourkela Records 30 Researchers in the Global List
The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela reported that 29 faculty members and one research graduate featured in the 2026 ranking. The recognised researchers represent diverse fields, including metallurgical and materials engineering, biotechnology, food process engineering, life sciences and mining. Among them, 19 researchers earned recognition in the career-long research impact category. The institute’s representation highlights its contributions to research across engineering, technology and the life sciences. The list also includes Srimanta Patra, a research graduate of NIT Rourkela who currently serves as a Department of Science and Technology (DST)-INSPIRE Faculty member at IIT Guwahati.
KIIT University Reports 34 Researchers
The Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), based in Bhubaneswar, reported 34 researchers on the global list. Of these, 33 are affiliated with KIIT, while one represents the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS). Additionally, 13 researchers secured recognition in the career-long research impact category, reflecting their sustained contributions to scientific research. The results underline the growing participation of private academic institutions in internationally recognised research and publication networks.
Shoolini University Gains Recognition Across 12 Disciplines
Shoolini University in Himachal Pradesh recorded 25 researchers in the 2026 World’s Top 2% Scientists list, with representation spanning 12 scientific disciplines. These fields include biotechnology, pharmacology and environmental sciences, among others. Furthermore, seven faculty members earned recognition in the career-long research impact category. The university’s performance highlights the breadth of research activity across its academic departments and its contribution to India’s presence in global scientific rankings.
Indian Research Institutions Strengthen Global Scientific Presence
The 2026 Stanford–Elsevier list recognises researchers from a broad range of Indian institutions, spanning established research universities, technical institutes and private universities. Although India’s total representation declined compared with the previous edition, the recognised scientists continue to demonstrate the country’s contributions across engineering, medicine, biotechnology, environmental sciences and other research fields. As reported by educationtimes.com, the ranking provides an international reference point for research impact while highlighting the role of academic institutions in advancing scientific knowledge and strengthening India’s global research profile.
