Leadership vacuum hits higher edu, NIRF rankings suffer

None of the 25 universities functioning in Himachal Pradesh could secure a position in the top 100 of the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025. This has raised serious concerns over the state’s higher education scenario. In contrast, Punjab secured six positions and Jammu and Kashmir third in the top 100 list in the country, highlighting Himachal’s growing academic gap with its neighbours.

The A+ grade Central University of Himachal Pradesh, Dharamsala, which had earlier scored 985 out of 1000 marks in the Indian Institutional Ranking Framework (IIRF) 2024 and stood eighth among all government universities in India, failed to figure even in the 101-150 or 151-200 band categories in the NIRF list.

This year, NIRF evaluated over 14,000 higher educational institutions nationwide, releasing rankings across three major bands. Recognised as a credible and transparent evaluation system, NIRF assesses institutions on five key parameters — teaching and learning resources, research and professional practice, graduation outcomes, outreach and inclusivity and public perception.

Despite the presence of 17 private universities in Himachal Pradesh, the sector has been struggling with governance issues. The Himachal Pradesh Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Commission, mandated to oversee vice-chancellor appointments and faculty recruitment as per UGC guidelines, fee regulation and student interests, has been without chairman since the Sukhu-led Congress government took office almost a three years ago. The crisis extends to state-run universities as well: Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla — alma mater of many political leaders, including the current Chief Minister — had been without a regular Vice-Chancellor for more than two years.

CSK Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University, Palampur, which earlier figured in the 101-150 band, is missing from the 2025 list and also awaits a permanent VC for more than two years. Dr YS Parmar Horticulture and Forestry University, Solan, and the Technical University, Hamirpur, too, are functioning without Vice-Chancellor under ad hoc leadership.

The only solace for the state is the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi, which secured the 58th position overall in the NIRF rankings. Established in 2010, IIT-Mandi has consistently shown progress in teaching, research and innovation. Meanwhile, HP National Law University has secured 34th rank under the ‘law’ category. Educationists warn that the absence of regular leadership and lack of accountability in governance are eroding the state’s academic competitiveness. With Punjab and J&K steadily improving their positions.

Nauni varsity rises to 12th spot in agri rankings

Solan: In a development highlighting its growing reputation in quality research and education, Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, has secured the 12th position nationally among agriculture, forestry and veterinary universities in the NIRF 2025 rankings released by the Union Ministry of Education last evening.

Established in 1985, the university also ranked 20th among institutions under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in the agriculture and allied sectors category.

As Asia’s first horticulture and forestry university, Nauni university has shown a steady upward trajectory. Its overall score improved from 54.67 in 2024 to 55.53 in 2025. Out of 17 parameters, the university improved in nine, retained its performance in four and identified scope for improvement in the remaining ones. Notable gains were seen in student strength, faculty qualifications and experience, publications, quality of publications, regional diversity and perception.

Beyond subject-specific recognition, Nauni university was also placed in the 101-150 band in the universities category and the 151-200 band in the overall category.

Vice-Chancellor Prof Rajeshwar Singh Chandel praised the achievement, stating: “The university has been a consistent performer in these rankings and this year’s improvement reflects the positive work being done across different parameters. At the same time, we are analysing areas where performance fell short, so corrective measures can be taken to achieve even better results in the future.”

Rankings Riddle: CUHP Falls Short

• The A+ grade Central University of Himachal Pradesh, Dharamsala, which had earlier scored 985 out of 1000 marks in the Indian Institutional Ranking Framework (IIRF) 2024 and stood eighth among all government universities in India, failed to figure even in the 101-150 or 151-200 band categories in the NIRF list.
• This year, NIRF evaluated over 14,000 higher educational institutions nationwide, releasing rankings across three major bands. Recognised as a credible and transparent evaluation system, NIRF assesses institutions on five key parameters — teaching and learning resources, research and professional practice, graduation outcomes, outreach and inclusivity and public perception.

NIT-Hamirpur rises to 97th rank in NIRF engineering rankings

• The National Institute of Technology (NIT), Hamirpur, has registered an improvement in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025 announced by the Ministry of Education on Thursday.
• In the engineering category, the Hamirpur NIT secured the 97th rank, a significant rise from its earlier position in the 100-150 band in 2024. The institute has also shown progress in the architecture category, improving to the 30th rank from 32nd last year.
• Prof HM Suryawanshi, Director of the Hamirpur NIT, said the NIRF rankings were assessed on parameters such as teaching, learning, research, graduation outcomes, outreach and perception. “This year’s results reflect the institute’s consistent efforts towards enhancing academic quality, research output and overall student development,” he noted.
• Expressing satisfaction over the improved performance, Prof Suryawanshi credited the achievement to the dedication of faculty, staff, and students, supported by ongoing infrastructural and academic reforms.
• Registrar Dr Archana Santosh Nanoty also congratulated the NIT fraternity, adding that the improved ranking will further strengthen the institute’s visibility on the national stage and help attract more talented students and researchers to the campus.  OC