In a remarkable feat, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has once again secured the prestigious top position in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), maintaining its reign for the fifth consecutive year. This outstanding achievement is a testament to the institute’s unwavering commitment to excellence in both research and education. The recently released NIRF rankings, a comprehensive evaluation of educational institutions across 13 categories, took into account various parameters such as perception, outreach, and research output.
The consistent dominance of IIT Madras, along with other IITs, underscores their pivotal role in the realm of research and academia. Notably, the IITs collectively contributed a staggering 35.17% of the research papers published in the year 2021-22, exemplifying their significant contributions to the advancement of knowledge. Such accomplishments reflect the relentless efforts of Indian educational institutions in enhancing their infrastructure and upholding their reputation.
The NIRF rankings encompassed diverse categories, including overall rankings, universities, colleges, engineering institutions, management institutes, pharmacy colleges, law schools, medical colleges, architecture institutions, dental colleges, research institutions, agricultural universities, and institutions promoting innovation. The evaluation process involved five crucial parameters: teaching, learning, and resources; research and professional practices; graduation outcomes; outreach and inclusivity; and perception. Notably, the agriculture and allied sector category was introduced for the first time in this edition of the NIRF rankings.
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras Emerges as NIRF Top Ranker, IITs Show Research Prowess
Alongside IIT Madras, numerous other esteemed institutions shone in their respective categories. Miranda House, affiliated with Delhi University, claimed the top spot among colleges for an impressive seventh consecutive year. The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru was recognized as the best university for the eighth consecutive time. The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad retained its position as the premier business school for the fourth consecutive year. Similarly, AIIMS Delhi topped the medical category, while the National Law School of India University in Bengaluru secured the first rank in the law category for the sixth consecutive year.
The sustained dominance of these institutions can be attributed to their robust research ecosystem, inclusive policies, and favorable learning outcomes. The institutions that consistently secure top ranks are driven to maintain their positions and continuously strive for excellence. It is heartening to witness the emergence of newer institutions ascending the rankings ladder, as this healthy competition fostered by NIRF allows Indian institutions to showcase their strengths on a global stage.
The NIRF rankings also witnessed the inclusion of several new entrants in the top 100 list, such as the National Institute of Technology Calicut, IIT-Jodhpur, Graphic Era University Dehradun, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, and Christ University Bengaluru. The recognition accorded to these institutions signifies their progress and dedication towards achieving academic excellence.
IIT Madras Dominates NIRF Rankings, Reigning with Unmatched Research Supremacy
The release of the NIRF rankings was officiated by Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, the Union Minister of State for Education. He emphasized the significance of rankings and accreditation in assessing the quality of educational programs offered by higher education institutions. The rankings serve as a valuable tool for students in making informed decisions about their choice of universities, taking into account relative standings across various categories and subject domains. Moreover, the rankings assist universities in identifying areas for improvement in teaching, research, resources, and infrastructure.
The growth in the number of participating institutions in the NIRF, from 3,000 to 8,500, showcases the increasing importance and popularity of these rankings. As the number of institutions vying for top positions continues to rise, there will likely be more diversity in the top 10 rankings, fostering a healthy and dynamic educational landscape in India.
F report issued by the Ministry of Education shed light on several significant issues related to faculty and research. It revealed that faculty members with PhD degrees are primarily concentrated in the top 100 institutions. Alarmingly, only 44.51% of engineering faculty across the country possess doctoral qualifications, indicating a significant gap in the availability of qualified mentors for aspiring academics. The report emphasized the crucial role of mentorship during doctoral training in preparing faculty members for successful careers in higher education.
Another noteworthy finding highlighted in the report was the increase in the number of PhDs awarded, with 7,876 doctoral degrees conferred in 2021-22, representing a growth of 17.2% compared to the previous year. This surge in doctoral degrees demonstrates the country’s commitment to fostering research and innovation, as well as the dedication of scholars and institutions to advancing knowledge.
The NIRF rankings serve as a benchmark for excellence in Indian higher education. They not only recognize and reward the achievements of top institutions but also motivate all educational institutions to strive for continuous improvement. As India’s educational landscape evolves and newer institutions rise to prominence, the NIRF rankings will continue to play a crucial role in promoting healthy competition, fostering innovation, and establishing a global identity for Indian educational institutions.