A recent research paper by V Ramgopal Rao, former IIT Delhi director, and Abhishek Singh of BITS Pilani, raises concerns about the reliability of India’s National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF).
Teaching Quality Neglect: The NIRF ranking system needs mechanisms to assess teaching quality directly. Crucial aspects like classroom observations, student evaluations, and alumni feedback are overlooked.
Ranking Fluctuations: Large year-to-year variations in rankings raise questions about stability and reliability. Unlike some global ranking systems, NIRF lacks a mechanism to smooth out these fluctuations.
Data Integrity Concerns: Reliance on self-reported data creates uncertainty. Institutions with varying resources may interpret and report data differently, potentially impacting outcomes.
Transparency Issues: The methodology and data verification processes lack transparency, raising concerns about potential biases and errors.
Impact on Credibility: The identified inconsistencies can significantly impact the credibility of NIRF rankings. Rankings influence the perceptions of students, parents, and policymakers. Only accurate or reliable rankings can mislead these stakeholders.
The study acknowledges the value of NIRF rankings in comparing Indian institutions. However, it calls for an ongoing dialogue and refinement of the framework. Addressing the identified inconsistencies is crucial to ensure the credibility and NIRF ranking reliability.
Also Read: NIRF Ranking 2024: Check Out the List of the Top Institutes in India
