In his characteristic style, Prof. Philip Altbach has analysed the inherent limitations in an India-specific ranking of universities (“ >Getting real about rankings ,” Oct.22). While the need for an India-specific ranking needs no overemphasis, the process cannot be a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma. Beginning from the drawing board, the representation has to be all-encompassing and not just restricted to the IITs and Central universities which are already obsessed with achievements that are grossly disproportionate to the type of support they receive from the Central government. To calibrate rankings and to accommodate all real-time issues, the exercise needs to include private universities, autonomous institutions, reputed research agencies and an industry association to ensure that the ranking is free from inherent bias. Otherwise, the Russian experience will be Indian as well.
S. Vaidhyasubramaniam,
Thanjavur
