Hindu Editorial Analysis : 29-June-2023
The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) was introduced by the Ministry of Education in September 2015 with the aim of ranking higher education institutions in India. This framework provides a methodology to assess and compare the quality of colleges and universities across the country. The NIRF ranking metric consists of five parameters with varying weightage: Teaching, Learning and Resources, Graduation Outcome, Research and Professional Practices, Outreach and Inclusivity, and Perception.
Growth and Importance of NIRF Ranking
Participation and Growth
The number of colleges participating in the NIRF ranking has significantly increased over the years, from 535 in 2017 to 2,746 in 2023. While this represents substantial growth, the participating colleges still constitute only a small proportion of the total number of colleges in India. The participation of colleges in the ranking exercise indicates the increasing recognition and credibility of the NIRF ranking. Good-quality colleges participate to enhance their reputation and attract more admissions.
State-wise Share of Colleges
The NIRF ranking data for 2023 reveals that Tamil Nadu has the largest share of top-ranked colleges (35), followed by Delhi (32), Kerala (14), and West Bengal (8). These four states collectively contribute to 89% of the top colleges in the ranking. On the other hand, bigger states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Odisha do not have a single college in the top 100. Southern states, apart from Tamil Nadu, also have a relatively lower representation in the top colleges.
Lessons from Tamil Nadu’s Lead
Tamil Nadu has consistently been the lead contributor of top-ranking colleges in India since 2017. These colleges not only provide quality education but also promote inclusion by catering to rural and underprivileged areas. They offer opportunities for students from disadvantaged social groups who lack economic resources and social networks to study in major cities. Tamil Nadu’s experience demonstrates that quality and inclusion can be achieved consistently and together.
Criticism of the Ranking Framework
Insufficient Quality Parameters
One criticism of the NIRF ranking framework is that the indicators used may not be sufficient to assess the overall quality of an institution. Factors such as the skills imparted by an institution, financial health, and size are not adequately considered. Including these aspects could provide a more comprehensive evaluation of an institution’s quality.
One-Size-Fits-All Approach
The diversity within the Indian education system poses a challenge for a standardized ranking framework. Institutions differ in terms of their age, discipline, ownership (public or private), research focus, and purpose. The current NIRF framework tends to adopt a one-size-fits-all approach, overlooking the unique characteristics and contexts of different institutions.
Ranking vs Accreditation
Another criticism is the disconnect between the ranking and accreditation systems. While some universities have earned high accreditation grades, they may not fare well in the ranking system. This discrepancy raises questions about the alignment between the two assessment mechanisms.
Lack of International Faculty and Research Industry Connections
Compared to global ranking systems, the NIRF lacks the inclusion of international faculty and students as well as the emphasis on research-industry collaborations. These factors are important indicators of the global reputation and impact of educational institutions.
Why In News
The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), implemented by the Ministry of Education, serves as a comprehensive system to assess and rank higher education institutions across various parameters in India. With its rigorous evaluation methodology, NIRF aims to foster a culture of excellence and promote healthy competition among universities and colleges.
MCQs about The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF)
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What are the parameters considered in the NIRF ranking framework?
A. Teaching, Learning and Resources, Research and Professional Practices, Infrastructure, and Perception
B. Teaching, Learning and Resources, Graduation Outcome, Research and Professional Practices, Outreach and Inclusivity, and Perception
C. Teaching, Learning and Resources, Graduation Outcome, Research and Development, Outreach and Inclusivity, and Reputation
D. Teaching, Learning and Resources, Faculty Qualifications, Research and Professional Practices, Infrastructure
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Which state has the highest number of top-ranked colleges according to the NIRF ranking in 2023?
A. Tamil Nadu
B. Delhi
C. Kerala
D. West Bengal
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What is one criticism of the NIRF ranking framework ?
A. Insufficient quality parameters
B. Lack of participation from colleges
C. Lack of transparency in the ranking process
D. Heavy reliance on perception-based rankings
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What differentiates the NIRF ranking system from global ranking systems?
A. Inclusion of international faculty and students
B. Emphasis on research-industry connections
C. One-size-fits-all approach
D. Disconnect between ranking and accreditation
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