In the ISC global ranking by subject, the OECD hierarchical segmentation scheme is used. In this plan, the 6 main categories are natural sciences, engineering and technology, medical and health sciences, agricultural sciences, social sciences and humanities.

The ISC thematic ranking is based on three general criteria of research, international activity and innovation, of which the criterion of research has the most weight.

In this ranking, the country's top universities in 6 of the 7 natural sciences disciplines including mathematics, computer and information sciences, physical and astronomical sciences, chemical sciences, earth and related environmental sciences, life sciences are among the top universities in the world.  In this field, Tarbiat Modares University won the second place.

Additionally, Tarbiat Modares University is in the second place in the field of agricultural sciences, agriculture, forestry and fisheries, chemical sciences, land and environmental sciences, and in the third place in the field of environmental engineering. The university also ranks fourth in chemical engineering, environmental engineering, and other agricultural sciences (including agricultural engineering, economics and agricultural policy, food science and technology).