QS Best Student Cities 2026: Mumbai Ranks 98, Seoul Tops the List

Current Context: The QS Best Student Cities Ranking 2026, released by QS Quacquarelli Symonds on 9 July 2025.

Key Highlights

• Seoul ranks #1 globally, surpassing London due to better affordability and student satisfaction.
• Tokyo (2nd), London (3rd), Munich (4th), and Melbourne (5th) round out the top five cities worldwide.
• Mumbai ranks 98th, making it India’s highest-ranked city; noted for strong employer activity and affordability.
• Delhi ranks 104th and is #1 globally in affordability, reflecting low living costs for students.
• Bangalore (108th) jumped 22 spots, driven by improved employability and tech-sector relevance.
• Chennai (128th) rose 12 ranks, benefiting from affordability and growing academic visibility.
• The rise of Indian cities is attributed to reforms under NEP 2020 and increasing global recognition of Indian institutions.

Question:

Q.1 According to the QS Best Student Cities Ranking 2026, which Indian city achieved the highest rank?
a) Delhi
b) Bangalore
c) Chennai
d) Mumbai

Answer: d) Mumbai ranked 98th, making it the highest-ranked Indian city in the 2026 QS list, recognized for strong employer activity and affordability.