The UK-based global higher education analytics ranking organization Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) has published the “World University Subject Rankings 2026.” In the rankings, the University of Dhaka (DU) has secured the top position in the country in Engineering, placing within the 500–600 band. Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), JUST, RUET, North South University, and Daffodil International University are jointly ranked within the 601–800 band. In the Engineering & Technology subject category, BUET achieved 282nd position globally, one of the highest standings in the country. Meanwhile, KUET, CUET, Khulna University, University of Chittagong, BRAC University, and AIUB are ranked within the 801–1000 band. Similarly, the Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST) is placed in the 1001–1250 band. In Agriculture & Life Sciences, Gazipur Agricultural University has retained the top national position for the third consecutive year.
QS published this information on its website on 25 March, Wednesday. The rankings are divided into two categories: broad subjects, comprising five categories, and narrow subjects, comprising 55 categories. In the broad subject category, universities from Bangladesh have secured positions in three out of five categories, represented by three public and private universities.
Among them, the University of Dhaka has been ranked in multiple categories—three in total—while BUET and North South University have each secured positions in one category. As a result, DU stands as the country’s leading university in the broad subject area. In this year’s rankings, there are 55 narrow subject categories, where DU also leads, securing positions in a total of 10 subjects.
Additionally, seven other public and private universities have been ranked in specific subject categories. After DU, BUET has secured positions in 7 subjects, North South University in 5, and Daffodil International University in 4. BRAC University, Bangladesh Agricultural University, American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB), and Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET) have each secured positions in one subject category.
According to the rankings, under the Engineering & Technology broad subject, in Computer Science and Information Systems, BUET is ranked 451–500, Daffodil 501–550, North South University and DU 551–600, and AIUB 651–700. In Electrical and Electronic Engineering, BUET is ranked 301–350, North South University 401–450, and DU 501–550. In Engineering—Petroleum, BUET is ranked 101–150 and CUET 151–175. In Mechanical, Aeronautical & Manufacturing Engineering, BUET is ranked 351–400 and DU 501–575.
QS stated that this year’s rankings are their largest to date, covering more than 1,900 institutions worldwide, including over 300 institutions ranked for the first time. Compared to last year, South Asia recorded the highest percentage of improvement, while East Asia saw the highest number of newly ranked institutions.
For the first time in ranking history, 10 departments of the University of Dhaka have been included, the highest achievement among public and private universities in Bangladesh. Last year, 9 departments of DU were ranked.
According to the QS subject ranking report, in the broad subject category of Social Sciences & Management, DU is ranked 371st globally, the highest in Bangladesh. Within this category, Accounting & Finance is ranked 301–375, Economics & Econometrics 301–350, and Business & Management Studies 401–450.
In the Natural Sciences category, only the University of Dhaka from Bangladesh has been ranked, placing within the 501–550 band globally. Within this category, Chemistry is ranked 551–600, Environmental Sciences 401–450, and Physics & Astronomy 501–550.
Although DU did not secure a position in the broad subject category of Life Sciences & Medicine, its Biological Sciences discipline is ranked within the 651–700 band.
In the Engineering & Technology category, DU is ranked 364th globally. Within this category, Computer Science & Information Systems is ranked 551–600, Electrical & Electronic Engineering 501–550, and Mechanical, Aeronautical & Manufacturing Engineering 501–575.
Meanwhile, in the Agriculture & Forestry category, Gazipur Agricultural University has, for the first time, secured a position within the 401–475 band, competing with leading global universities—marking a historic milestone for the institution. Previously, in the QS Sustainability Rankings, the university was placed within the 1071–1080 band globally. In this ranking, more than 21,000 academic programs from over 1,900 institutions across 100 higher education systems worldwide were comparatively evaluated across 55 subjects and five faculties.
Earlier, in the QS World University Sustainability Rankings, Gazipur Agricultural University ranked first among all agricultural universities in the country, third among public universities, and fifth overall among public and private universities.
As part of its continued international recognition, the university secured the top position among all public and private universities in the country in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026. It also ranked first among public universities in Bangladesh in the Life Sciences category of THE Subject Rankings 2026.
Furthermore, in the THE Impact Rankings 2025, the university maintained the top position among public universities in Bangladesh for its contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) 2025, Gazipur Agricultural University ranked first among public universities in Bangladesh in the “Global Top Innovative Universities” category. In the same ranking, it placed 77th among the world’s top 100 influential institutions in technology and innovation and 331st among the global top 400 innovative universities—marking the highest national achievement.
DBTech/MAR/EK/OR
