The Ministry of Education has announced the NIRF 2024 rankings, with IISc Bangalore leading the University category. Following IISc are JNU, Jamia Millia Islamia, Manipal University, and BHU. These universities excel in research, teaching, and inclusivity, reaffirming their status as top institutions in India. The rankings, covering 16 categories, reflect evolving priorities in higher education.

Top Universities in India 2024: The Ministry of Education has officially announced the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2024 rankings today, August 12, highlighting the top universities in India. The rankings were revealed by Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan at a special event held at the Bharat Mandapam, with Minister of State for Education Dr. Sukanta Majumdar also in attendance. This year’s NIRF rankings, now in their ninth edition, continue to set the benchmark for evaluating the performance of higher education institutions across the country.
The 2024 NIRF rankings cover a total of 16 categories, with universities being one of the most anticipated segments. This year, three new categories—Open Universities, Skill Universities, and State Funded Government Universities—were introduced, expanding the scope of the rankings. Notably, Prof. Anil Sahasrabudhe, who addressed the event, announced that a Sustainability ranking category would be added next year, reflecting the evolving priorities in higher education.

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In the University category, the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore has once again claimed the top spot, reaffirming its status as the leading academic and research institution in India. Following IISc are Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Jamia Millia Islamia, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (Manipal University), and Banaras Hindu University (BHU), which round out the top five.
IISc Bangalore: Renowned for its cutting-edge research, world-class faculty, and extensive contributions to science and technology, IISc Bangalore has maintained its position as the best university in India. The institute excels in all the key parameters of the NIRF, including Research and Professional Practices (RP) and Teaching, Learning and Resources (TLR).
Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU): JNU continues to hold its place as a premier institution for social sciences, humanities, and research. Its strong academic programs, diverse student body, and active campus culture contribute to its high ranking.
Jamia Millia Islamia: Jamia Millia Islamia has made significant strides in recent years, emerging as a top contender in the NIRF rankings. The university’s commitment to academic excellence, inclusivity, and research has earned it the third position this year.
Manipal Academy of Higher Education (Manipal University): Known for its robust medical and engineering programs, Manipal University has consistently performed well in the NIRF rankings. Its focus on student outcomes, innovative teaching methods, and global partnerships has secured its spot among the top universities.
Banaras Hindu University (BHU): BHU, with its rich history and strong academic foundations, continues to be a leading institution in India. The university’s emphasis on research, outreach, and inclusivity has helped it maintain a strong presence in the NIRF rankings.
Rank | University Name | City | State |
1 | Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru | Bengaluru | Karnataka |
2 | Jawaharlal Nehru University | New Delhi | Delhi |
3 | Jamia Millia Islamia | New Delhi | Delhi |
4 | Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal | Manipal | Karnataka |
5 | Banaras Hindu University | Varanasi | Uttar Pradesh |
6 | University of Delhi | Delhi | Delhi |
7 | Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham | Coimbatore | Tamil Nadu |
8 | Aligarh Muslim University | Aligarh | Uttar Pradesh |
9 | Jadavpur University | Kolkata | West Bengal |
10 | Vellore Institute of Technology | Vellore | Tamil Nadu |
11 | Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences | Chennai | Tamil Nadu |
12 | S.R.M. Institute of Science and Technology | Chennai | Tamil Nadu |
13 | Anna University | Chennai | Tamil Nadu |
14 | Siksha `O` Anusandhan | Bhubaneswar | Odisha |
15 | Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology | Bhubaneswar | Odisha |
16 | Homi Bhabha National Institute | Mumbai | Maharashtra |
17 | University of Hyderabad | Hyderabad | Telangana |
18 | Calcutta University | Kolkata | West Bengal |
19 | Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani | Pilani | Rajasthan |
20 | Chandigarh University | Mohali | Punjab |
The NIRF rankings are based on five key parameters that offer a comprehensive evaluation of university performance:
Teaching, Learning, and Resources (TLR): Institutions like IISc Bangalore lead in this area due to their exceptional faculty, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and innovative educational practices.
Research and Professional Practices (RP): Top universities have demonstrated significant contributions to research, with high-impact publications and strong industry collaborations.
Graduation Outcomes (GO): This parameter reflects the effectiveness of universities in preparing students for the workforce or further academic pursuits, with top-ranked institutions boasting impressive placement records and skill development programs.
Outreach and Inclusivity (OI): Universities like Jamia Millia Islamia excel in inclusivity, with diverse student populations and strong outreach programs that promote social equity.
Perception (PR): Perception plays a crucial role, with institutions that have built strong reputations for academic excellence and societal contributions scoring highly.
The 2024 NIRF rankings are expected to significantly influence the higher education landscape in India. For students, these rankings provide valuable guidance in selecting institutions that align with their academic and career goals. For universities, the rankings offer insights into their strengths and areas for improvement, encouraging them to continuously enhance their offerings.
As the NIRF rankings continue to evolve, they play a critical role in driving transparency, competition, and excellence in Indian higher education. The 2024 rankings not only celebrate the achievements of the top institutions but also contribute to the overall advancement of the country’s academic and research landscape.

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