The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) was established in 2015 by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (now Ministry of Education) with the goal of ranking educational institutions across India. NIRF rankings are crucial in identifying the top law schools in the country. The framework evaluates law colleges based on the following parameters, each carrying a specific weightage in the overall ranking:
Teaching, Learning, and Resources (40% Weightage)
- This parameter focuses on the quality of academics and teaching provided to students.
- Key factors include:
- Student Strength: Number of students enrolled.
- Student-Faculty Ratio: Ratio of students to faculty members.
- Combined Metric for Faculty: Evaluation of faculty qualifications and experience.
- Financial Resources and Utilization: Assessment of the financial resources available and how effectively they are used.
Research and Professional Practices (15% Weightage)
- This criterion assesses the research environment and professional practices within the institution.
- It includes:
- Combined Metrics for Publications: Quality and quantity of research publications.
- Quality of Publications: Impact of published research.
- Footprint of Projects and Professional Practice: The extent and impact of research projects and professional activities.
Graduation Outcomes (25% Weightage)
- This parameter measures the success of students after graduation.
- Factors considered include:
- Combined Metrics for Placement and Higher Studies: Success in job placements and further education.
- College Examinations Metrics: Performance in internal examinations.
- Median Salary Offered: Average salary of graduates.
- PhD Graduations: Number of PhD students who successfully graduated.
Outreach and Inclusivity (10% Weightage)
- This criterion evaluates how inclusive and diverse the campus is, as well as the outreach activities undertaken by the institution.
- Key factors include:
- Percentage of Students from Other States or Countries: Diversity in the student body.
- Percentage of Women: Gender diversity.
- Economically and Socially Challenged Students: Inclusion of students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
- Facilities for Physically Challenged Students: Availability of infrastructure and support for students with disabilities.
Perception (10% Weightage)
- The final parameter measures the reputation of the institute as perceived by employers, academic peers, and the general public.
- It includes surveys and feedback from various stakeholders to gauge the institution’s standing.