New Dynamics in NIRF 2024: How Institutions Have Moved Up, Down, and Entered the Top 10

An analysis of major upward and downward shifts in the NIRF 2024 rankings compared to 2023, highlighting both stability and surprises in India’s higher education landscape.

The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2024, announced by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, reveals significant shifts in the rankings across various categories. The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras continues to lead in the Overall category, while the number of categories has expanded to 16 from 13 in 2023.

New categories like Open Universities Ranking, Skill University Ranking, and State Funded Government Universities (STFUs) have been introduced. A record 10,885 institutions participated this year, compared to 8,600 last year.

Comparative Analysis: NIRF Rankings 2023 vs. 2024

The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2024 has unveiled significant shifts and continuities within India's higher education landscape. While the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras retains its top position in the Overall category, the rankings have seen notable changes across various domains.

The comparative analysis reveals intriguing dynamics: IIT Bombay and IIT Delhi have swapped places, with IIT Bombay moving up to third while IIT Delhi falls to fourth. In the university category, the University of Delhi makes a significant leap, moving into the top 10, while Jawaharlal Nehru University and Jamia Millia Islamia maintain strong positions. Among colleges, Hindu College has secured the top spot, with Miranda House and St. Stephen’s College also making notable appearances.

Engineering and management institutions continue to show stability at the top, with minor shifts in their rankings. In the medical field, AIIMS Delhi holds onto its number one position, though new entrants and movements among other institutions highlight evolving trends in healthcare education. This detailed analysis of the NIRF 2024 rankings provides a comprehensive view of institutional advancements and the evolving educational priorities across India.

Here's a detailed comparative analysis of the top institutions in each category:

NIRF Overall Ranking

Key Changes:

• IIT Madras remains at the top position but with a slight decrease in score.
• IIT Bombay has moved up to 3rd place from 4th.
• Jawaharlal Nehru University has improved its position, moving into the top 10.

IIT Madras retained its No. 1 ranking in the ‘Overall’ category for the Sixth Consecutive Year and in ‘Engineering’ Category for the Ninth Consecutive Year, right from the first edition of the Rankings in 2016. In the ‘Research Institutions’ category, IIT Madras retained the last year’s position of Rank #2. IIT Madras also retained the #2 rank in ‘Innovations’ category (previously known as Atal Ranking of Institutions on Innovation Achievements), same as the preceding year.

Congratulating all the stakeholders, from students to faculty, alumni and non-teaching staff for their hard work that has resulted in such extraordinary performance, Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, said,“This ninth consecutive NIRF top ranking is more than just an accolade; it's a validation of our dedication to producing world-class talent and driving impactful research that addresses national and global challenges. We are humbled by this recognition and remain committed to serving the nation through education and innovation.”

NIRF University Ranking

Key Changes:

• University of Delhi enters the top 10 for the first time.
• Jadavpur University has dropped out of the top 10, replaced by Vellore Institute of Technology.

NIRF 2023 Vs 2024: Colleges Ranking

Key Changes:

• Hindu College tops the list, with Miranda House falling to second.
• St. Stephen's College and Rama Krishna Mission Vivekananda Centenary College have entered the top 10.

Engineering Ranking: NIRF 2023 vs NIRF 2024

Key Changes:

• IIT Bombay has climbed to 3rd place, pushing IIT Kanpur to 4th.
• National Institute of Technology Tiruchirappalli has dropped out of the top 10, replaced by IIT (BHU) Varanasi.

Management Ranking

Key Changes:

• IIM Ahmedabad retains the top position.
• IIM Bangalore has slightly improved its ranking.
• XLRI has moved down to 9th place, with Faculty of Management Studies entering the top 10.

This analysis highlights the dynamic shifts and stability within India’s top institutions, providing a snapshot of evolving academic excellence across various domains.

Speaking on this achievement, Professor Bharat Bhasker, Director, IIMA, said, “At IIMA, we are committed to upholding the highest standards in management education and research. We are thrilled to be recognised as the best management institute in India for the fifth consecutive year by the Ministry of Education’s NIRF 2024 rankings. This accolade underscores the exceptional education and pioneering research conducted by our faculty, which has a profound influence on business and public policy. While we take pride in this achievement, it fuels our determination to consistently pursue excellence in all our endeavours and contribute significantly to India’s growth narrative.”

NIRF Medical Ranking

Key Changes:

• All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi retains its top position with a slight increase in score.
• Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh has moved to the 2nd place but with a lower score.
• Christian Medical College, Vellore remains in the 3rd place with a slightly lower score.
• Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology has dropped out of the top 10, replaced by Madras Medical College and Government General Hospital.

This analysis provides an overview of significant changes and stability in the medical field's rankings.