Draft devised for ranking system framework of Indian universities

According to the officials of the Delhi University (DU), an initial draft to devise a national ranking system framework for all the central universities in India has been drawn.

A council of vice-chancellors (VCs) of 7 central universities was conducted by DU recently, to to work out the modalities of developing a National Ranking System, during which a draft consisting of the ranking parameters was drawn up, DU officials added.

The participants agreed on six parameters for the proposed ranking system. The parameters are academic reputation, training and placement, research development and innovation, internationalization, outreach or geographical reach of universities as well as per capita academic performance. As per a directive of the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), work has been initiated on the framework.

The proposals relating to the new ranking system have taken into account parameters which cover the requirements and strengths of the higher education institutes in India. Moreover, they are also suitable at the international level.

Following a meet of VCs last month, two committees were set up by the MHRD to devise an India-specific ranking method for all the central universities and to come up with a common entrance test plus curriculum for them. Other issues discussed included a national credit transfer system as well as faculty and student mobility.

A India-specific ranking method for higher education institutes is expected to improve the standing of the country's institutes in global ratings.