IIT Madras Tops NIRF Rankings for Sixth Consecutive Year; Hindu College Becomes Top College in India

The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M) has maintained its status as the premier educational institution in India for the sixth consecutive year, as revealed by the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) rankings released recently. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced the ninth edition of these rankings in the national capital, underscoring IIT-M’s consistent excellence in the overall category.

In a significant shift in the rankings, Delhi University’s Hindu College has overtaken Miranda House as the best college in the country, ending Miranda House’s seven-year streak at the top. Minister Pradhan highlighted the significance of these rankings, stating, “Rankings, ratings, and accreditation is a vital recommendation of NEP 2020,” and congratulated institutions for their “excellence in teaching, innovation, research, graduation outcomes and other parameters.”

The Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, and IIT Bombay secured the second and third positions in the overall category, with IIT Delhi, previously ranked third, dropping to fourth place. This year’s NIRF introduced three new categories: State Public Universities, Skill Universities, and Open Universities. Anna University in Chennai led the State Public Universities category, while the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) topped the Open Universities ranking.

Anil Sahasrabuddhe, chairman of the National Board of Accreditation, which is responsible for preparing the rankings, announced that a Sustainability Ranking would be launched next year, reflecting an increasing focus on carbon neutrality and sustainability within educational institutions.

The NIRF 2024 edition witnessed participation from 6,517 unique institutions, a significant rise from 2,426 in 2016, when the rankings were first introduced. The total number of applications across various categories reached 10,845, indicating a 204.21% increase since the framework’s inception.

Institutions were assessed based on five key parameters: Teaching, Learning, and Resources; Research and Professional Practice; Graduation Outcomes; Outreach and Inclusivity; and Perception. Additional criteria aligned with the G20 Mission LIFE, based on Sustainable Development Goals, were also incorporated this year.

In specific category rankings, IISc Bengaluru took the top position among universities, followed by Jawaharlal Nehru University and Jamia Millia Islamia. In the engineering category, IIT Madras continued to lead, with IIT Delhi and IIT Bombay following in second and third places, respectively.

In the field of management, the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad maintained its top spot among management institutions, followed by IIM Bangalore and IIM Kozhikode. The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi was ranked as the best medical institution, while in the dental category, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences in Chennai, along with Manipal College of Dental Sciences, retained the top two positions, with Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, New Delhi, ranking third.

In the category of law colleges, the National Law School of India University, Bengaluru, was ranked first. Other top state public universities, apart from Anna University, included Jadavpur University in Kolkata and Savitribai Phule Pune University in Pune.

Minister Pradhan emphasized the importance of comprehensive evaluation, stating, “Knowing the quality, performance, and strengths of an academic institution is a right of students and parents. Therefore, all the 58,000 HEIs (higher education institutions) in the country must come under the ranking and rating framework.” He also advocated for the inclusion of employability and skills as ranking parameters and encouraged institutions to “set ambitious goals and strive for higher rankings in future editions.”

University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Jagadesh Kumar praised the participating institutions and urged others to join the process. He remarked, “The NIRF is not merely a ranking exercise but an indicator for institutional change. It encourages institutions to compare their performance with peers, identify strengths, and address areas of improvement.” He further noted, “Let us remember that the NIRF ranking is a signpost, not a destination. It is a continuous process of self-evaluation and growth. I am confident that the collective efforts of our higher education institutions will elevate the standards of education in India.”

The consistent performance of IIT Madras in the NIRF rankings showcases its continued commitment to excellence in various fields, including research, teaching, and overall academic standards. As these rankings evolve and expand to include new categories and criteria, institutions across India are increasingly motivated to improve their standards and aim for higher positions. This spirit of healthy competition is expected to drive further advancements in the Indian education system, aligning with global standards and meeting the diverse needs of students across the country.

The NIRF rankings serve as a crucial tool for evaluating the quality and performance of higher education institutions in India. They provide valuable insights for students, parents, and educators alike, helping them make informed decisions about educational choices. With the continued support and participation of institutions across the nation, the NIRF framework is poised to play an even more significant role in shaping the future of education in India, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and sustainability in the years to come.