The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025 rankings usually comes out in August, and this year, they are expected sometime soon. According to the National Board of Accreditation, the final announcement will follow a formal declaration by the Ministry of Education. The framework, released annually, evaluates higher education institutions across India based on a structured methodology. For 2025, several key changes have been introduced, ranging from new ranking parameters to revisions in existing evaluation processes.
What’s new in NIRF 2025 rankings
One of the most notable additions to the 2025 framework is a category focused on Sustainable Development Goals. This reflects a growing emphasis on how institutions contribute to social and environmental responsibility, alongside traditional measures of academic excellence.Another significant change comes under the research component. For the first time, NIRF will assign negative marks for the retraction of research papers. As confirmed by Anil Sahasrabudhe, chairperson of the National Board of Accreditation, a formula has been developed to calculate negative weightage depending on either the number or percentage of retracted publications. While the penalties are minor this year, Sahasrabudhe indicated that the severity will increase over time until retractions are adequately addressed. This negative scoring will apply specifically under the “Research and Professional Practices” parameter, which evaluates institutions on publication volume, quality through citation counts, and other research-related metrics.
How NIRF rankings are processed
The NIRF rankings are based on five broad parameters: Teaching, Learning and Resources; Research and Professional Practices; Graduation Outcomes; Outreach and Inclusivity; and Perception. The methodology is guided by a core expert committee constituted by the Ministry of Education.The process begins with the finalisation of the framework for the year, followed by pre-registration and registration for institutions. Colleges and universities are then required to upload detailed datasets through the Data Capturing System, covering faculty, students, finances, research, citations, patents, and infrastructure. Transparency is a key aspect: Institutions must make these datasets publicly accessible on their websites.After submission, the data is validated, and stakeholders — including the public — are invited to provide feedback. Institutions may be asked to make corrections if necessary. An independent survey captures peer perception, and once all verification, feedback, and analysis are complete, the final rankings are released.
Revisions from previous years
The 2024 rankings introduced major changes as well. For the first time, Open Universities and State Public Universities were included as separate institutional categories. A new focus on innovation encouraged colleges to adopt experimental and forward-thinking practices. Self-citations were removed from research metrics to provide a more accurate reflection of impact. The Faculty-Student Ratio was revised to 1:10 for medical institutions and 1:20 for State Public Universities. Sustainability-linked parameters also made their debut, influenced in part by the G20 Mission LiFE initiative.Additionally, last year’s framework began considering institutional efforts in implementing multiple entry and exit systems, offering courses on Indian Knowledge Systems, and providing instruction in multiple regional languages.
What students should know
For students, understanding these changes is crucial. The introduction of the Sustainable Development Goals category and negative marking for retracted research signals a shift towards evaluating not just academic output, but also ethical practices and social responsibility. Updates in teaching, research, and perception parameters mean that rankings may reflect broader institutional qualities beyond just grades or placements.Students should also be aware of ongoing debates around methodology. Earlier this year, the Madras High Court issued a temporary restraint on publishing the 2025 rankings following a Public Interest Litigation that questioned the reliability and transparency of the framework. While the order did not halt the process entirely, it highlights the importance of interpreting rankings alongside other indicators, such as faculty quality, infrastructure, and student support.
The takeaway
NIRF 2025 rankings are more than a list of top colleges. They are an evolving measure of how higher education institutions balance teaching excellence, research integrity, inclusivity, and sustainability. For students, the key lesson is to look beyond the numbers: Consider the broader context, understand what each parameter measures, and use the rankings as one of several tools to make informed decisions about higher education.TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here.
