The recently released National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) Rankings 2024 marked a significant milestone in India’s higher education landscape, with a notable increase in participation from Higher Education Institutions (HEIs)—rising from 3,565 in 2016 to over 10,845 in 2024. This growth in participation has been accompanied by an expansion in the categories and subject domains assessed, growing from four in 2016 to 16 in 2024. This year’s rankings not only continued to provide comprehensive ‘overall’ rankings but also introduced new verticals such as state public universities, open universities, and skill universities, reflecting a broader recognition of varied educational models that cater to diverse populations.
Recognizing New Verticals in Higher Education
The inclusion of state public universities, open universities, and skill universities in the NIRF rankings is a significant acknowledgment of the growing importance of these institutions in India’s higher education ecosystem. As Prof. PV Navaneethakrishnan, former professor and director at Anna University, Chennai, notes, “Higher education is incomplete without state public universities, open universities, and skill universities. Their inclusion in the NIRF evaluation is a gratifying step by the Ministry of Education, as these institutions play a crucial role in providing accessible and practical education.”
Anna University, which secured the top position among state public universities, serves as a model for others in terms of research, academic standards, and inclusivity. Similarly, the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) stands out in the open universities category, offering a lifeline to students who missed the opportunity for traditional higher education. The skill universities, integral to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, are pivotal in promoting practical learning and enhancing employment opportunities, making their inclusion in the rankings a reflection of their growing relevance.
Enhancing Quality Standards Through Rankings
The NIRF rankings provide an opportunity for institutions to improve their quality standards and ranking by following periodical assessments and guidelines from authorities like the National Board of Accreditation (NBA). As Prof. Navaneethakrishnan highlights, “Achieving a good NIRF ranking can be a game-changer for state universities, which often face significant financial challenges compared to centrally funded institutions.” A strong NIRF ranking can enhance a university’s reputation, attract high-quality faculty and students, and ultimately lead to increased enrollment and improved academic standards.
The rankings also have the potential to shift government funding priorities in favor of these newly included categories, providing much-needed support to state universities that often struggle with limited financial resources. By recognizing and ranking these institutions, the NIRF rankings can help bridge the gap between centrally funded and state-funded universities, fostering a more equitable higher education landscape.
Expanding Access to Education in Remote Areas
The inclusion of open universities in the NIRF rankings underscores their role in expanding access to higher education, particularly in remote and underserved areas. Anil Sahasrabudhe, chairman of the National Educational Technology Forum (NETF), emphasizes the importance of open universities in increasing the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) as envisaged in NEP 2020. “Open universities permit students in remote areas who do not have enough access or financial resources to get a degree education,” says Sahasrabudhe. This flexibility, combined with advancements in digital technologies, is expected to significantly improve the accessibility and quality of online education, making these universities self-sustaining and driving innovation in the sector.
Skill universities, on the other hand, play a crucial role in creating employability and enhancing the value associated with practical skills. “The mainstreaming and recognizing of skill universities shall enhance the value associated with skills, create awareness, and build a sense of dignity of labor in India,” adds Sahasrabudhe. By including these universities in the rankings, the NIRF is helping to elevate their status and promote a broader understanding of their contributions to the workforce.
Maintaining Consistency in Rankings
To ensure consistency in the rankings, experts suggest that the same parameters used for traditional universities, such as faculty-student ratio, quality of publications, and employability of graduates, should be applied to the newly included categories. “Ensuring these criteria are applied will help maintain consistency in rankings and encourage all institutions to meet high standards,” says Sahasrabudhe. This approach will not only provide a level playing field for all institutions but also encourage continuous improvement across the board.
Long-Term Impact on Higher Education
While the immediate impact of the inclusion of these new categories in the NIRF rankings may be limited due to the relatively small number of participating institutions, the long-term benefits are promising. Amit Singh Khokhar, assistant professor at Delhi Skill and Entrepreneurship University (DSEU), highlights that the inclusion of skill universities aligns with the NEP 2020’s vision and plays a critical role in expanding access to quality education, especially for marginalized sections of society. “In the long run, the rankings are likely to enhance transparency and provide students with a more comprehensive overview of higher education options,” says Khokhar.
Furthermore, the rankings are expected to influence partnerships with industry and improve the employability of graduates. “Well-ranked institutions will be the preferred partners, enhancing graduate employability,” adds Khokhar. This could lead to strategic alliances between top-tier universities and leading companies, further boosting the relevance and impact of these institutions.
Conclusion: A Broader Recognition of Educational Diversity
The NIRF Rankings 2024 mark a significant step towards a more inclusive and comprehensive evaluation of India’s higher education institutions. By acknowledging the contributions of state public universities, open universities, and skill universities, the rankings reflect a broader recognition of varied educational models that provide accessible learning to a diverse population. As these institutions continue to grow and evolve, their inclusion in the NIRF rankings will play a crucial role in shaping the future of higher education in India, promoting excellence, innovation, and inclusivity across the sector.
