NIRF is a tool for self-assessment, quality improvement, says UoM V-C

UoM Vice Chancellor N.K. Lokanath (3rd from left), M.K. Savitha, Registrar, and others at the inauguration of a workshop on Tuesday.
| Photo Credit: M.A. SRIRAM

The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) is not only a reflection of an institution’s overall performance but is also a tool for self-assessment, introspection and quality improvement, said N.K. Lokanath, Vice-Chancellor, University of Mysore.

He was speaking at a workshop on ‘NIRF Ranking: A Tool for Self-Assessment and Quality Improvement’, here on Tuesday. The workshop was jointly organised by the Internal Quality Assurance Cell of the University of Mysore and College Development Council, for the benefit of principals and IQAC coordinators of colleges.

Prof. Lokanath said NIRF has become one of the most influential and respected metrics for assessing and ranking higher education institutions on a national scale. ‘’It is not just a reflection of an institution’s overall performance, but also serves as an invaluable tool for continuous self-assessment and quality improvement’’, he added.

The ranking system evaluates key parameters such as teaching, learning and resources, research and professional practices, graduation outcomes, outreach and inclusivity, and perception, he said. These comprehensive parameters offer a nuanced view of an institution’s strengths and areas that require attention, enabling the varsity authorities to focus on real and measurable improvements, he added.

“At University of Mysore, NIRF has proven to be much more than a mere recognition of our academic strength. It has become an integral tool for introspection, pushing us to constantly refine our systems and practices,” he added.

He said this ranking motivates the varsity to set higher goals and work towards enhancing visibility. The V-C further said that the ranking not only serves as a benchmark for assessing the progress but also provides valuable insight that guide decisions on critical areas such as educational quality, research output and global outreach.

He also dwelt on how the NIRF ranking has enabled the University of Mysore to foster new opportunities for collaboration, funding and recognition, which,he said, was important in the increasingly competitive higher education landscape.

Prof. Lokanath said UoM has made remarkable progress in establishing its presence in both national and international rankings. He attributed the positive outcomes to the efforts of the IQAC of the varsity and said that it has been instrumental in ensuring that the rigorous standards set by national agencies such as NIRF and NAAC, are met and even exceeded.

B. Chandrashekara, Regional Joint Director, Department of Collegiate Education, Mysuru Region, N.S. Harinarayana, senior professor, Department of Studies in Library and Information Science, M.K. Savitha, Registrar, and others were present.