Why should parents care about NIRF rankings and parameters?

Once JEE is done and dusted with, students either start or resume the research on colleges that they would potentially land, and specifically for those who spend 2-3 years toiling to get that score that would take them to the gates of an Indian Institute of Technology and make them an IITian. While some might not be particular about the location—as long as they get their desired branch—some students tend to strive towards the ‘best’ institute according to them. A ranking is always the first among many criteria that students look at: for many, the higher the rank, the better the institute. Furthermore, rankings, especially NIRF, becomes a tool to compare different institutes of repute. 

At this juncture, it might be beneficial for parents and students to take a step forward, and look at the scores of individual institutes by the different parameters, so as to get a picture of which institute is best suited to the ultimate outcome they expect.

They need to decide whether they want their child to learn at an institute that ranks high in terms of the teaching-learning experience, or one where the resources and infrastructure are top-notch by looking at the numbers that contribute to the TLR parameter. A high TLR score indicates an experienced faculty, state-of-art technology and resources as well as well-structured curricula that parents would want their ward to experience on the academic front, and have a conducive learning environment.

They can take a look at the figures leading up to Outreach and Inclusivity (OI) parameter to determine whether they would have an inclusive campus life, with different modes of outreach from the institute administration and peers, whether they would have a significant say in important matters despite being from a minority group or marginalized community and whether any challenges they face—be it economical, social or physical—be a hindrance to their academic pursuits. The OI scores also help in getting an idea of the financial help a student can possibly receive from various quarters - especially so in the case of parents who might be struggling to fund their children’s education.

Institutions that rank well in NIRF often prioritize research and provide ample opportunities for students to engage in research activities. This can be beneficial for students who have a keen interest in research or aspire to pursue higher studies. Parents who value research-oriented learning may find the RP parameter (Research and Professional Practice) scores in NIRF rankings helpful in identifying institutions that emphasize research. By looking at the number and quality of research publications and patents, potential students might be able to grasp the potential projects and other opportunities in the institute of their choice.

The avenues an institute opens up on graduation, in terms of campus placements, higher education and entrepreneurship, will be one of the key points that students look at while choosing a college. The Graduation Outcomes (GO) parameter in NIRF employs combined metrics to score the institute based on the funding it receives annually, career development programs it offers, placement statistics and even the median salaries obtained by those getting placed. It is also an indicator of the innovation and entrepreneurship ventures that students can explore in an institute. Parents who are looking for a place that fuels their child’s aspirations towards innovation or a start-up, or are primarily focussed on wanting their child to secure a good placement can look at the GO rankings of NIRF, to gain an insight into what different IITs, or any institute for that matter, may have to offer in that direction.

Perception rankings in NIRF are a reflection of the public and industry perceptions of the institute. An institute with a good Perception score shows promise that the peer academic community, industries and organizations, private sector employers and the general public, including parents, have vested their trust in its prowess. This ranking, compiled by qualitative surveys and based on data from the responses, helps parents form an idea of general public opinion of the institute and also how other comparable institutes view a particular college in terms of academic prospects and other aspects, too. An institute that has a good perception among industry and employers can guarantee a good professional journey for the students, which is important to parents at many levels.

Parents should consider a range of factors, including the specific needs and aspirations of their child, location, cost, faculty expertise, extracurricular activities, and the institution's overall culture and values. It may do good to conduct thorough research and visit campuses to get a holistic understanding before making a final decision. Parents may find NIRF parameter rankings useful for comparing different institutions and making an informed decision. It can provide a sense of the relative strengths and weaknesses of different institutions. NIRF ranking can be considered a starting point to locate what your ultimate goal is and which might be a conducive location for the same.