New Delhi: The Ministry of Education (MoE) will announce the much-awaited National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025 today, September 4, listing the top-performing universities, colleges, and subject-specific institutions across India. It will be the 10th edition and the rankings serve as a vital benchmark for aspirants seeking the best institutes for higher education.
The release this year was delayed following an interim stay by the Madras High Court, after a petition alleged lack of transparency and data manipulation. With the stay vacated, the National Board of Accreditation (NBA) has completed the evaluation on behalf of NIRF. The final list, featuring the top 100 institutes in each category, will be unveiled during an event at Shastri Bhawan by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
New categories, rules in NIRF 2025
This year, the NIRF has introduced new rules and evaluation norms to strengthen credibility. A negative marking system has been added to account for retracted research papers, ensuring that institutions maintain academic integrity. The methodology continues to be based on six core parameters which include teaching, learning and resources; research and professional practice; graduation outcomes; outreach and inclusivity and perception.
Additionally, sustainability has emerged as a key focus. New indicators reflect the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 reforms, including the Indian Knowledge System, use of regional languages, and multiple entry-exit options for students.
The institutions will now be ranked in 17 categories, with three new additions- open universities, skill universities, and state-funded public universities. Last year, a record 10,885 institutions applied for evaluation, highlighting the growing importance of rankings as a tool for reputation and accountability.
Top performers in NIRF 2024
In last year’s rankings, IIT Madras retained its position as the best overall institute in India, followed by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru and IIT Bombay. Among universities, IISc topped the list, while Hindu College led in the college category. AIIMS Delhi was ranked the best medical institute, and NLSIU Bengaluru topped law.
Over the past three years, IIT Madras has consistently maintained its lead, establishing itself as the most sought-after institute. Other top institutes, such as IIT Delhi, IIT Bombay, IIT Kanpur, and AIIMS Delhi, have also held strong positions across various categories.