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The NIRF 2025 rankings were released on September 4, 2025, while the 2024 rankings were announced on August 12, 2024.
In NIRF 2025, IIT Madras retained the top position in the overall category for the seventh consecutive year. (File Photo)
The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) Rankings are expected to be released soon. Last year, the Ministry of Education released the NIRF 2025 rankings on September 4. This year, it is yet to announce an official date for the publication of the rankings.
The rankings are among the most awaited annual updates for students, parents and higher education institutions, as they provide a government-backed assessment of colleges and universities across multiple categories.
According to the NIRF portal, data submission through the Data Capturing System began on January 6, 2026, and closed on March 16, 2026. While there is no confirmed date, the rankings are expected to be released by this month.
NIRF Rankings Date: Past Year Trends
The NIRF rankings have been released on different dates over the past five years, with no fixed annual schedule. The NIRF 2025 rankings were released on September 4, 2025, while the 2024 rankings were announced on August 12, 2024. In 2023, the rankings were released on June 5, followed by the 2022 rankings on July 15. The 2021 rankings were announced on September 9.
The National Institutional Ranking Framework was launched by the Ministry of Education in 2015 to rank higher education institutions in India using a common methodology. The first India Rankings were released in 2016.
The framework evaluates institutions on parameters including:
– Teaching, Learning and Resources
– Research and Professional Practices
– Graduation Outcomes
– Outreach and Inclusivity
– Perception
The weightage of these parameters varies depending on the category being ranked.
Which categories are covered?
NIRF publishes rankings across several categories and subject domains. These include:
– Overall
– Universities
– Colleges
– Research Institutions
– Engineering
– Management
– Pharmacy
– Medical
– Dental
– Law
– Architecture and Planning
– Agriculture and Allied Sectors
– Innovation
– Open Universities
– Skill Universities
– State Public Universities
– Sustainable Development Goals
Who topped NIRF 2025?
In NIRF 2025, IIT Madras retained the top position in the overall category for the seventh consecutive year. IISc Bengaluru topped the Universities category, IIM Ahmedabad led the Management category, and AIIMS Delhi retained the top position among Medical institutions.
Quick Answers
Ask News18Students can refer to the NIRF rankings to identify the top colleges in India and their respective ranks. The rankings help students choose institutions by evaluating them on key factors such as the quality of education, faculty, placements, infrastructure, and academic performance.
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September 04, 2026, 13:38 IST
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