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Kamaldeep
20 July, 2024
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If you are a college student or about to start your college journey, you are probably facing a million decisions with thousands of things on your mind. Choosing the right course is important as it is just the beginning. Now, here is the most awaited question: Which college will you call your academic abode?
This choice can feel overwhelming but do not worry. The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) rankings can help you to navigate these college crossroads. This is one such institution that plays a crucial role in helping you decide whether the chosen college holds value or not.
NIRF rankings, launched by the Indian government in 2016, assess and rank higher education institutions across India. These rankings consider various factors like teaching resources, research output, and perception.
Let’s talk in detail about NIRF Parameters for Ranking Higher Education Institutions.
Teaching, Learning, and Resources.
Research and Professional Practice.
Graduation Outcome.
Outreach and Inclusivity.
Perception.
The above figure shows the sub-parameters for each group.
It is not like global rankings, which heavily focus on perception and international presence. The NIRF prioritises reliable data collection and verification. This approach is more objective and less prone to manipulation, which is crucial in India’s large higher education system. However, gathering and verifying data from many institutions is challenging.
So, how exactly do NIRF rankings influence your college decision and future career?
Let’s Check out
Suppose you want to build a career in a Computer Science related field. NIRF rankings can be a fantastic starting point for researching colleges with strong computer science programmes. They highlight institutions known for their quality faculty, cutting-edge labs, and industry collaborations. For instance, a student aiming for a career in Artificial Intelligence might prioritise colleges ranked highly in research output for this specific field. NIRF rankings provide that filter.
With countless colleges offering similar courses, NIRF rankings can help shortlist your options. Say you’re interested in pursuing a law degree. Looking at the NIRF rankings for law colleges will show you institutions consistently ranked high for aspects like qualified faculty and placement opportunities. This helps you focus your application efforts on colleges that align with your goals.
Top NIRF-ranked colleges often have strong reputations within the professional world. Having a degree from a highly-ranked institution can put your resume at an advantage during placements or job applications. Companies often target these colleges for recruitment drives, knowing they’ll find graduates with a strong academic foundation. While not the sole factor, a good NIRF ranking can be a positive indicator for potential employers.
However, it’s important to remember that NIRF rankings aren’t the holy grail of college selection. Here’s why you shouldn’t rely solely on them:
NIRF rankings provide a broad picture, but they don’t capture everything. What if you thrive in smaller class sizes or have a specific research interest? Research more! Visit college websites, talk to current students or alumni, and see if the college fosters an environment that aligns with your learning style and career aspirations.
A great college experience goes beyond academics. Consider factors like campus culture, extracurricular activities, hostel facilities, and location. For instance, someone passionate about theatre might prioritise a college with a strong dramatics society, even if it’s not ranked super high in NIRF.
The job market is dynamic. Skills and experiences valued today might not be the same tomorrow. Focus on developing a well-rounded skillset through internships, projects, and relevant coursework. A strong skillset, coupled with a good understanding of your chosen field, will prepare you for future opportunities, regardless of the college’s ranking.
| Name | City | NIRF Ranking |
| Indian Institute of Technology Madras | Chennai | 1 |
| Indian Institute of Science | Bengaluru | 2 |
| Indian Institute of Technology Delhi | New Delhi | 3 |
| Indian Institute of Technology Bombay | Mumbai | 4 |
| Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur | Kanpur | 5 |
| All India Institute of Medical Sciences | New Delhi | 6 |
| Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur | Kharagpur | 7 |
| Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee | Roorkee | 8 |
| Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati | Guwahati | 9 |
| Jawaharlal Nehru University | New Delhi | 10 |
| Banaras Hindu University | Varanasi | 11 |
| Jamia Millia Islamia | New Delhi | 12 |
| Jadavpur University | Kolkata | 13 |
| Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad | Hyderabad | 14 |
| Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham | Coimbatore | 15 |
| Manipal Academy of Higher Education | Manipal | 16 |
| Vellore Institute of Technology | Vellore | 17 |
| Anna University | Chennai | 18 |
| Aligarh Muslim University | Aligarh | 19 |
| University of Hyderabad | Hyderabad | 20 |
– Source
NIRF rankings are a valuable tool, but they should be one piece of the puzzle when making your college decision. Use them to shortlist options, but don’t let them overshadow the importance of researching specific programmes, campus life, and how the college can help you achieve your career goals.
Remember, the best college for you is the one that ignites your passion for learning and equips you with the skills and experiences to thrive in your chosen field.
So, I would suggest you research wisely so that you can prioritise your needs and choose a college that aligns with your goals. Get ready to start on an exciting academic adventure!
Good Luck!
