After missing the first round of the first-ever National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), most top city institutions have finally learnt their lesson and are now participating in the second edition of the competition. Although the city is nicknamed the Oxford of the East, academicians here were in for a shock when prominent universities/colleges failed to feature on the Top 100 list of the biggest universities and colleges in the first-ever NIRF released by the Ministry of Human Resource and Development (MHRD) in April 2016.
This, despite the fact that the city has some of the biggest institutions, including Savitribai Phule Pune University, Bhartiya Vidyapeeth Deemed University, MIT group of institutions, Symbiosis International University. While universities and colleges from Aurangabad, Nagpur, Nashik and other small towns saw a representation, generating debate among academicians.
From lack of clarity in the application process to less time for application, the institutions had distanced themselves from the process. However, this time they seem rather enthusiastic.
Savitribai Phule Pune University Vice-Chancellor Wasudeo Gade confirmed the varsity’s application. “Last time we could not gather all the information within the deadline. A lot of data was required for the participation process, including details of placement records, alumni, academic achievements of staff and faculty. It is a time-consuming process. But this year we started the work months in advance,” he said.
MIT Group of Institutions, trustee Dr Mangesh Karad said that at least five colleges of the institute would be participating. “Last year one of our colleges was ranked 95th but we could have definitely done better and in many more fields but due to lack of time we couldn’t do much. This year, more of our colleges will participate and I am sure that Pune will do very well,” he said.
[Source:-The Indian Express]
