By Dr Ashwin Fernandes, QS Executive Director for Africa, Middle East and South Asia
Today, India celebrates its 78th Independence Day.
India would not be the same without its higher education institutions. They have a profound impact on our society and contribute to our knowledge economy. Dr Vidya Yeravdekar, Pro-Chancellor of Symbiosis International University, explored the value of university rankings to India.
Following her lead, I’d like to discuss the role of the Government of India’s National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF).
What is the NIRF?
Inspired by global ranking systems, NIRF was established with the mission of providing a national framework that acknowledges the vast and diverse landscape of Indian higher education. For those institutions that excel, NIRF serves as a catalyst, driving them to achieve global university rankings—an essential goal as India aspires to stand shoulder to shoulder with developed nations. Whether it’s through NIRF or the QS World University Rankings, one observation has been clear over the past decade: India is on the rise, and so is its higher education sector. This reflects the vision of Prime Minister, Narendra Modi.
NIRF has emerged as a pivotal national benchmark for evaluating higher education institutions across the country. Established by the Ministry of Education, NIRF offers a comprehensive framework tailored to India’s unique educational needs, assessing institutions on a variety of parameters. QS I-GAUGE is a similar offering.
The presence of ranking and ratings like the QS World University Rankings, QS I-GAUGE, and the NIRF has ignited a growing appetite for global rankings within India, further elevating the country’s standing on the world stage.
Significance of NIRF rankings
The NIRF serves as an indispensable tool for millions of Indians navigating the vast landscape of over 49,000 colleges and 1,000 universities. It provides crucial insights for prospective students, parents, and stakeholders, especially concerning institutions that may not feature prominently in international rankings but have consistently produced exceptional graduates who have made their mark globally.
This national benchmarking initiative has far-reaching effects on higher education in India. It bolsters India’s position as a leader in the global education sector, aligning with other nations that view education as a cornerstone of nation-building. Notably, in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024, 32% of the positions held by Indian universities improved year on year – the highest percentage growth of any G20 nation. This is complemented by its sustained growth in QS Subject and Asia rankings.
NIRF toppers: Proudly showcasing India’s ascent
In the latest NIRF rankings, the top positions have once again been secured by the IITs (Madras, Delhi, Kanpur, Kharagpur, and Bombay) and the IIMs (Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Lucknow, Kozhikode, and Kolkata). This comes as no surprise, as these institutions have consistently upheld their reputation for delivering high-quality and aspirational education.
Similarly, the leading medical institutions—All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Christian Medical College, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), and King George’s Medical University—continue to dominate the top ranks. In the realm of law, National Law School (NLSIU) Bangalore, National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR) Hyderabad, National Law University (NLU), National Law Institute University (NLIU) Bhopal, and National University of Juridical Sciences (NUJS) Kolkata remain at the forefront.
Many of these prestigious institutions also feature prominently in the QS World University Rankings, QS World University by Subject, and our suite of MBA and business school rankings. Institutional performance is measured differently across rankings, so consistent strong performance should be recognised.
Benchmarking quality
NIRF rankings provide essential benchmarks for institutions by evaluating various parameters, including teaching quality, research output, infrastructure, and student outcomes. This enables institutions to compare themselves with their peers and strive for continuous improvement. While global rankings may not always capture the unique characteristics of India, NIRF was specifically created to address these nuances for Indian institutions. It’s for this reason, QS developed the QS World University Rankings: Asia. In our regional rankings we adapt the ranking methodology to better reflect regional nuances.
Rankings foster healthy competition among institutions, encouraging them to enhance their quality and performance. Many institutions set internal goals based on their NIRF rankings, which often lead to increased investments in research, faculty development, and student services.
Fostering research and innovation
NIRF incentivises institutions to invest in research and foster innovation. Better rankings can attract more funding and collaboration opportunities, further boosting the institution’s research capabilities. Several schemes and programmes by the government today are linked to the institutional NIRF rank, which bolsters accountability.
In conclusion
Overall, university rankings like the NIRF and QS World University Rankings serve as a valuable tool for improving the quality of education in India by fostering a competitive and transparent environment. They encourage best practices and guide stakeholders to make informed decisions. The landscape of higher education is continuously evolving, and institutions must stay adaptable to maintain and improve their relative position. Emphasising continuous improvement, embracing innovation, and fostering a culture of excellence are key to navigating the complexities of global competitiveness.
As institutions excel in rankings, they contribute significantly to the advancement of higher education in India and enhance the country’s global stature as a leader in imparting quality education. Major players and top institutions benefit from a boost in their international rankings, which is crucial as India positions itself as a global player – a Vishwaguru (Global Teacher).
The discussions at the QS India Summit 2024 in Chennai, held under the patronage of the Ministry of Education, further explored how the world perceives India’s role in higher education.
Read the QS India Report when it launches on 20 August 2024.
