What happened: MoE’s Lok Sabha update on NIRF progress and education-quality initiatives

The Ministry of Education (MoE) shared a written reply in the Lok Sabha by Minister of State for Education Dr Sukanta Majumdar. The MoE discussed how National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 aims to improve higher education quality in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and connected those aims with the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) and multiple quality, research, infrastructure, and employability initiatives.

Background and earlier position: NEP 2020 and the NIRF design

NEP 2020 emphasizes improving overall education quality in HEIs through initiatives such as multidisciplinary education, critical thinking and analytical ability, research and innovation, better infrastructure, and effective teacher training. NIRF was launched in 2015 by the Government of India for annual ranking of higher education institutions in India (called India Rankings). NIRF uses five broad parameters: Teaching, Learning and Resources; Research and Professional Practices; Graduation Outcomes; Outreach and Inclusivity; and Peer Perception.

What changed now: NIRF participation growth and new/expanded quality capacity

NIRF participation increased substantially, and the MoE also highlighted government-funded and regulator-led initiatives meant to raise education quality and industry-relevant skills.