Union Education Minister emphasizes transparency and accountability in NIRF rankings

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said India’s National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) must be objective, transparent, and accountable while enjoying institutional autonomy.

He added that the government is ensuring both NIRF and the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) function independently.

“But they have to function transparently. Democracy thrives in an accountable society. No institution is sacrosanct. They are autonomous, but they have to improve in their governance,” Pradhan said.

Asked about his earlier critique of NIRF, particularly the perception-based parameters, he stressed that the government represents the expectations of students and society.

“I have to put forth the societal expectation in front of these independent and autonomous bodies. They have to reform themselves, and they are reforming. The government is not controlling everything. Gone are those days,” he said.

Pradhan traced the evolution of India’s ranking system, noting its growth since 2016.

“These [institutions] all are doing good things. NAAC has developed good methods, and so has the NIRF. Before 2014, there was no Indian ranking system. It was Prime Minister [Narendra] Modi who envisioned a national ranking system. From 2016 onwards, the NIRF mechanism has come up. It is maturing; it is developing now,” he said.

He added that offering suggestions is not criticism but a way to strengthen governance.

“It is an indication for improvement. It is a governance issue. They have to improve in their governance,” he said.