New Delhi, June 26: Lovely Professional University (LPU) has entered the global Top 25 universities in the prestigious Times Higher Education (THE) Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026, securing the 23rd rank and emerging as India‘s No. 1 university. Assessed across 116 countries and territories, the rankings evaluate universities across all 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), recognising institutions that deliver measurable impact through education, research, innovation, governance, environmental stewardship and community engagement. LPU‘s achievement reinforces India‘s growing presence among the world’s leading institutions committed to sustainable development.
With an outstanding overall score of 95.2, LPU outperformed several globally renowned institutions, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (USA) [201–300], University of Edinburgh (UK) [91], King’s College London (UK) [101–200], University of Bristol (UK) [56], University of Minnesota (USA) [101–200], Michigan State University (USA) [80], Penn State (Main Campus) (USA) [101–200], University of Southampton (UK) [101–200], University of Liverpool (UK) [74], University of Technology Sydney (Australia) [63], and Arizona State University (Tempe) (USA) [33]
Dr. Ashok Kumar Mittal Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and Founder Chancellor of LPU, stated, “Universities today are expected to do much more than impart education. They must become institutions that solve problems, uplift communities, protect the environment and contribute meaningfully to national progress. This recognition reflects LPU‘s belief that education must ultimately improve lives. Every research initiative, every innovation, every community outreach programme and every academic intervention at LPU is guided by the larger purpose of creating positive societal impact. This achievement belongs not only to LPU but also to the larger vision of India‘s higher education ecosystem.”
LPU’s exceptional performance across the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) further demonstrates the university’s comprehensive approach to sustainability. LPU achieved the World No. 1 position in Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7), World No. 3 in Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6), World No. 6 in Zero Hunger (SDG 2), World No. 11 in No Poverty (SDG 1) and Climate Action (SDG 13), World No. 18 in Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), World No. 22 in Life on Land (SDG 15), and World No. 31 in Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11).
Further reinforcing its achievement, LPU secured the No. 1 position in India across SDGs 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 15, and 17. The university also ranked 2nd in India for Life Below Water (SDG 14), 3rd for Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9), Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), and Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (SDG 16), 6th for Quality Education (SDG 4), 12th for Gender Equality (SDG 5), and 24th for Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3).
Driven by a vision of education with purpose, LPU has embedded sustainability across its academic ecosystem, research, governance, and community engagement.
Through initiatives such as Project SATHI, which has transformed over 20 villages, along with a 600-acre green campus powered by renewable energy, a zero tree-cutting policy, and a Net Zero Emissions target by 2029, the university continues to demonstrate that meaningful progress is achieved when academic excellence is matched with responsibility towards society and the environment.