The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025, developed by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, has unveiled its latest list of top-performing universities and institutions advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These rankings highlight academic excellence and recognize institutions contributing research to environmental sustainability, community development, and climate action.
If you are a student, researcher, or policymaker looking for institutions committed to sustainable education, this blog provides a detailed look at the Top 10 SDG Institutions in India 2025 for sustainable research and PhD study, along with their sustainability initiatives and regional advantages.
NIRF SDG Institutions Ranking 2025 – Top 10
| Rank | Institution Name | City | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indian Institute of Technology Madras | Chennai | Tamil Nadu |
| 2 | Indian Agricultural Research Institute | New Delhi | Delhi |
| 3 | Jamia Millia Islamia | New Delhi | Delhi |
| 4 | S.R.M. Institute of Science and Technology | Chennai | Tamil Nadu |
| 5 | Manipal Academy of Higher Education-Manipal | Manipal | Karnataka |
| 6 | Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee | Roorkee | Uttarakhand |
| 7 | Jawaharlal Nehru University | New Delhi | Delhi |
| 8 | Indian Institute of Technology Delhi | New Delhi | Delhi |
| 9 | National Institute of Technology Rourkela | Rourkela | Odisha |
| 10 | Banaras Hindu University | Varanasi | Uttar Pradesh |
1. Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Located in the coastal city of Chennai, IIT Madras leads the country with its impressive sustainability measures:
- Green Campus: 417 acres with over 48,000 trees.
- Smart Energy: 2.4M kW generated, 47M kW consumed (2023–24).
- Eco Programs: Annual tree planting (500–1000), rainwater harvesting (270M liters), ban on single-use plastics.
- Community Engagement: Medical camps, educational outreach, food donation drives.
- Research Impact: 2469 full-time PhDs and ₹165 crores in sponsored projects.
2. Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, Delhi
At the heart of India’s capital city, this institute is a green powerhouse:
- Massive Green Cover: Over 1,000 acres with 7400+ trees.
- Water Solutions: Rooftop and surface rainwater harvesting.
- Social Programs: Skill development for rural communities, food donation, and sustainable transportation.
- Research Powerhouse: ₹206 crores in research funding in 2023–24.
3. Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, Delhi
Jamia is a central university with a 239-acre campus focused on sustainability:
- Eco-Friendly Campus: Solar panels, composting units, e-waste recycling.
- Community Development: Social entrepreneurship programs, job training, and medical camps.
- Research Strength: ₹93 crores in sponsored research, integrated SDG-focused curriculum.
4. S.R.M. Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
A prominent private research hub in Chennai’s suburban corridor:
- Environmental Initiatives: Nearly 73,000 trees, rainwater harvesting, waste-to-biogas generation.
- Transport Focus: Bicycle-friendly campus and electric mobility.
- Research Output: 1,760+ full-time PhDs and 106 sponsored projects in 2023–24.
5. Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka
Set in the lush coastal town of Manipal, this academy is a sustainability champion:
- Water & Energy: 1.5B liters of water recycled, strong biogas generation.
- Green Campus: 35,000+ trees and 213 acres of green cover.
- Social Efforts: Rural skill training, health initiatives, community gardens.
- Research Strength: ₹47 crores in sponsored research projects (2023–24).
6. Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Uttarakhand
- Geo Highlight: Situated in the scenic Himalayan foothills.
- Sustainability Actions: Rainwater harvesting, solar power generation, and extensive green campus initiatives.
- Research Excellence: Leading projects in water resource management and sustainable infrastructure.
7. Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, Delhi
- Campus Efforts: 1,000+ tree plantation drives, solar installations, water recycling systems.
- Social Impact: Inclusive education programs and rural outreach projects.
- Academic Focus: Major contributions to climate change research and social sciences.
8. Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, Delhi
- Sustainability Drive: Smart energy monitoring, electric vehicle adoption, and green building certifications.
- Innovation Hub: Cutting-edge research in clean energy, AI for sustainability, and urban development.
9. National Institute of Technology Rourkela, Odisha
- Green Campus: Rich biodiversity, sustainable waste management, and rainwater harvesting.
- Community Engagement: Regional development projects and student-led eco campaigns.
- Research Strength: Focus on renewable energy, smart grids, and sustainable manufacturing.
10. Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- Eco Programs: Heritage campus with tree preservation, composting systems, and water conservation.
- Social Development: Rural healthcare initiatives, women empowerment programs.
- Research Legacy: Strong emphasis on agriculture, Ayurveda, and environmental sciences.
Why Choose an SDG-Ranked Institution for PhD?
Choosing a top SDG institution for PhD means joining a campus that prioritizes:
- Environmental Responsibility: Green campuses, renewable energy adoption, and waste management.
- Community Upliftment: Programs that benefit society and create skilled individuals.
- Global Research Impact: High volume of PhD research, projects, and international collaborations.
- Future-Ready Education: Focused on building a sustainable future aligned with UN SDGs.
Conclusion
The NIRF India Rankings 2025 for SDG Institutions present a roadmap for students and researchers seeking environmentally conscious, socially responsible, and academically strong universities. Whether it’s IIT Madras’ massive tree cover, IARI’s agricultural sustainability, Jamia’s solar energy projects, SRM’s eco-innovation, or Manipal’s water recycling, these institutions are leading India toward a greener future.
FAQs about NIRF SDG Rankings 2025
What are SDG Institutions?
SDG Institutions are universities and colleges that actively work toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through research, campus initiatives, and community outreach.
How are NIRF SDG rankings calculated?
NIRF evaluates institutions on parameters like research output, sustainability practices, outreach programs, and contributions to social and environmental development.
Why should students choose SDG-ranked institutions?
They offer eco-friendly campuses, research opportunities on sustainability, and exposure to socially responsible projects—ideal for students aiming for impact-driven careers.
Which city has the most SDG-ranked institutions in 2025?
New Delhi leads with four institutions (IARI, Jamia Millia Islamia, JNU, IIT Delhi) featured in the top 10.
Are SDG rankings important for career growth?
Yes! Employers increasingly value graduates from institutions committed to sustainability and global development, aligning with ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) priorities.
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