THE Awards Asia 2026: The Gold Standard
THE Awards Asia 2026 received over 500 outstanding entries from across the continent, showcasing the region’s higher education vibrancy. Being shortlisted as a finalist is already a major achievement, and IIMT University’s inclusion places it in an elite group competing for category wins at the awards ceremony during the THE Asia Universities Summit in April 2026.
THE editor Chris Havergal noted: “The 2026 shortlist is bursting with stories of great vision, innovation and dedication across the full range of university activities and stands as a reminder that groundbreaking ideas and the seeds of best practice can flourish in institutions of all sizes and missions.” This perfectly describes IIMT’s journey from a regional player to a national and now Asia‑level contender.
Where IIMT is shortlisted (5 categories)
Times Higher Education reports that IIMT University has five shortlist appearances, the joint highest among all institutions listed alongside Hiroshima University. According to the official shortlist page and THE coverage, IIMT University appears in these categories:
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International Strategy of the Year – entry titled “Empowering global access through innovative and inclusive internationalisation.”
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Leadership and Management Team of the Year – highlighting leadership-led transformation and AI-driven NEP implementation under vice-chancellor Deepa Sharma.
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Outstanding Contribution to Regional Development – recognising measurable impact beyond campus.
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Research Project of the Year: STEM – shortlisting IIMT’s research strength in science and technology areas.
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Teaching and Learning Strategy of the Year – validating IIMT’s academic strategy and learning outcomes focus.
Five-category shortlisting is rare because it indicates consistent excellence across strategy, leadership, education delivery, research and community impact—key markers students and parents associate with the best private colleges in India.
What this shortlist means
THE Awards Asia are designed to spotlight specific examples of excellence across the full range of university activity, complementing Times Higher Education’s broader rankings work. For 2026, Times Higher Education confirms it received more than 500 entries, which were narrowed to 80 finalists across 10 categories, spanning 17 countries/territories—making the shortlist intensely competitive.
Being shortlisted signals that IIMT’s institutional work has been evaluated alongside leading universities across Asia and found to be among the strongest submissions in its categories. This is why the recognition supports messaging like “best private university in India” in a credibility‑driven way, especially for international audiences.
Why this is a “landmark” achievement for IIMT?
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International credibility: THE Awards Asia is a continent-wide platform, so a shortlist elevates IIMT’s recognition beyond national-level perceptions.
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Validation across multiple pillars: Being shortlisted in internationalisation, leadership, teaching, research, and regional development shows IIMT is building a well-rounded, high-performance university ecosystem.
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Competitive context: THE notes the shortlist reflects “great vision, innovation and dedication across the full range of university activities,” and finalists should be proud of reaching the final stage in a highly competitive year.
Looking Ahead to THE Awards Asia 2026 Ceremony
Times Higher Education states that winners will be announced at a ceremony in Hong Kong on 22 April, held on the first day of the THE Asia Universities Summit. Until then, being a shortlisted finalist is the headline achievement and can be used across digital campaigns, press releases, admission pages, and stakeholder communications, supported by THE’s shortlist listings.
FAQs
Q1. What is THE Awards Asia 2026?
It is Times Higher Education’s awards program recognising standout university work across Asia, designed to celebrate specific examples of excellence that complement THE’s data-driven rankings approach.
Q2. Is being shortlisted a big achievement?
Yes—THE reports more than 500 entries were submitted and only 80 finalists made the shortlist across 10 categories.
Q3. How many categories is IIMT University shortlisted in?
IIMT University is shortlisted in five categories, which THE reports is the joint highest number of shortlist appearances among institutions.
Q4. Which categories include IIMT University?
International Strategy of the Year, Leadership and Management Team of the Year, Outstanding Contribution to Regional Development, Research Project of the Year: STEM, and Teaching and Learning Strategy of the Year.
Q5. When will the winners be announced?
THE states the winners will be announced on 22 April at the awards ceremony in Hong Kong, alongside the THE Asia Universities Summit.
