NIRF Rankings 2024 Announced: Anna University, IGNOU, and Symbiosis lead in new categories

Top Institution in News NIRF Categories: The Ministry of Education (MoE) has officially announced the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2024 results, revealing the top-performing higher education institutions across India. In its ninth edition, the NIRF has expanded its scope by introducing three new categories: Open Universities, Skill Universities, and State Funded Government Universities. These additions reflect the Ministry's commitment to providing a comprehensive evaluation of the diverse higher education landscape in the country.

This year, a record number of 10,885 institutions participated in the rankings, underscoring the growing significance of NIRF as a benchmark for educational excellence. The rankings are based on a rigorous assessment across five key parameters: teaching-learning and resources (30%), research and professional practice (30%), graduation outcomes (20%), outreach and inclusivity (10%), and perception (10%).

Also Read: NIRF University Rankings 2024: IISc Bangalore maintains Top Spot, Manipal University rises.

Expanded NIRF Categories

The NIRF 2024 rankings cover 16 categories, including the traditional domains of Overall, Universities, Colleges, Engineering, Management, Pharmacy, Medical, Dental, Law, Architecture and Planning, Agriculture and Allied Sectors, and Innovation. The introduction of the new categories – Open Universities, Skill Universities, and State Funded Government Universities – aims to recognize the contributions of these specialized institutions and their impact on the higher education sector.

Top Performers in State-Funded Government Universities

The newly introduced State Funded Government Universities category highlights institutions that are primarily funded by state governments. Anna University in Tamil Nadu has emerged as the top-ranked institution in this category, followed by Jadavpur University in West Bengal and Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) in Maharashtra.

Anna University’s success can be attributed to its strong focus on engineering and technology, coupled with extensive research output and industry collaboration. Jadavpur University, known for its excellence in arts, science, and engineering disciplines, secured the second position, reflecting its robust academic programs and research initiatives. SPPU, popularly known as Pune University, continues to be a leader in interdisciplinary research and quality education, earning it the third spot.

Top 20 State Government Universities

Excellence in Open Universities

The Open Universities category recognizes institutions that offer flexible learning options, catering to students who seek to pursue education outside the traditional classroom setting. Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has secured the top position in this category, reaffirming its status as the largest and most versatile open university in India. IGNOU’s wide range of programs, coupled with its reach across the country, makes it a leader in distance education.

Netaji Subhas Open University (NSOU) in West Bengal and Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University (BAOU) in Gujarat have secured the second and third positions, respectively, reflecting their growing influence in the field of open and distance learning.

Top Open Universities

1. IGNOU, New Delhi
2. Netaji Subhas Open University, West Bengal
3. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University (BAOU), Gujarat

Pioneering Skill Universities

The Skill Universities category, introduced to recognize institutions that specialize in vocational training and skill development, is led by Symbiosis Skills and Professional University, Pune. The university’s focus on industry-oriented programs and hands-on training has positioned it as a leader in skill education.

Shri Vishwakarma Skill University (SVSU) in Haryana and Bharatiya Skill Development University (BSDU) in Rajasthan secured the second and third ranks, respectively. These institutions are known for their emphasis on equipping students with practical skills that meet industry demands, thus playing a crucial role in bridging the skills gap in India.

Top Skill Universities

1. Symbiosis Skills and Professional University, Pune
2. Shri Vishwakarma Skill University (SVSU), Haryana
3. Bharatiya Skill Development University (BSDU), Rajasthan

Looking Ahead: Sustainability Rankings in 2025

Prof. Anil Sahasrabudhe, Chairperson of the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), announced that the Ministry of Education plans to introduce a new category for Sustainability Rankings in the 2025 edition of the NIRF. This move aligns with global trends and reflects the increasing importance of sustainability in education. The new category will evaluate institutions based on their commitment to environmental sustainability, energy efficiency, and green campus initiatives.

Revised Evaluation Criteria

The NIRF 2024 rankings also featured revised evaluation criteria, particularly in the faculty-to-student ratios. For medical institutions, the ratio has been adjusted from 1:15 to 1:10, reflecting the need for more personalized education in medical training. Conversely, the ratio for state-funded government universities has been increased from 1:15 to 1:20, accommodating the challenges of faculty availability in these institutions.

Also Read: NIRF Ranking 2024: Top Universities, Management, Engineering, Medical and more Colleges in India

Conclusion

The NIRF 2024 rankings provide a comprehensive overview of India’s higher education landscape, highlighting institutions that excel in various domains. The introduction of new categories and the expansion of the ranking framework reflect the evolving priorities in education and the Ministry’s commitment to recognizing excellence across diverse educational models. As institutions strive to improve their standings, the NIRF rankings will continue to serve as a vital tool for students, educators, and policymakers in making informed decisions about higher education in India.