For institutions that have topped the National Institute Ranking Framework list, it was an opportunity to introspect and assess their future course of action.
At the event for the release of ranks, Human Resources Development ministry officials emphasised that the ranking was an effort to improve the quality of higher education and not a reflection on the quality of the institutions. Also, the aim was to make the institutions of higher learning competitive, transparent and accountable.
The ranking offers students and parents a chance to assess what the institutions have on offer in terms of teaching and research, its inclusion and ability to reach out to society through its activities.
IIT-Madras director Bhaskar Ramamurthi said retaining the top slot was a reflection of improvement in their “performance on most parameters and significantly in key areas.” It was “a reflection of the complete commitment of the faculty, staff and students towards fulfilling the objectives of the strategic plan 2020” that the institution had set for itself, he said.
As for Anna University, it is a matter of pride to be the only State university that has been preceded by five centrally funded IITs and Jadhavpur University. He attributed the ranking to the university’s faculty in teaching, research and extension activities in science and technology.
The institution recently received the University with potential for excellence and has also been receiving funding for various central government and state-government research projects.
The second edition of the NIRF ranking had a slot for colleges offering general degrees too.
Among the general colleges category, Loyola College and Women’s Christian College have topped the list in the city. Although for the colleges it is not a surprise as they have been rated in earlier rankings by other organisations on similar issues, that the government has recognised their effort has been heartening.
From being a men’s college, Loyola had moved ahead to appoint a woman as a deputy principal, recalled S. Lazar, secretary and correspondent of the college.
Paul Dhayabaran, Principal of Bishop Heber College, Tiruchi, which has been ranked 4th, said he was surprised to hear about the achievement. The infrastructure, research activities and publications, projects by the college faculty had made the achievement possible, he said. The college had been recently awarded the ‘College of Excellence” status.
For Women’s Christian College’s principal Ridling Margaret Waller, the ranking is a recognition to the remarkable achievements of the college. “This is a perfect gift to WCC in its second century of service to women,” said Ms. Waller who is retiring on Tuesday.
(With inputs from M. Balaganessin in Tiruchi)
