Maharashtra to Implement University Department Ranking Framework to Boost Academic Quality

Pune, 10th March 2025: In a bid to improve academic standards and foster a competitive environment among universities in Maharashtra, the Department of Higher and Technical Education has introduced the University Department Ranking Framework (UDRF). This initiative aims to evaluate the performance of various university departments and rank them based on key academic and research metrics.

The decision follows concerns over Maharashtra’s poor performance in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF). The state government believes that by ranking individual departments within universities, institutions can focus on improving their academic quality, research output, and student-centric activities.

Inspired by Mumbai University’s Success
The move comes after Mumbai University successfully implemented a departmental ranking system, leading to significant improvements in research, student engagement, and overall academic environment. Seeing its positive impact, the state government decided to extend the initiative to all non-agricultural and public universities.

As per the new guidelines, universities will evaluate their departments based on the NIRF and QS ranking criteria. The assessment will cover the academic year from July 1 to June 30, and rankings will be announced between July and October each year.

According to the government resolution, universities must issue a circular regarding the departmental evaluation in the first or second week of July. Departments will then have two weeks to upload relevant documents for assessment. An external expert committee will oversee the evaluation process and finalize rankings.

Departments will be judged on five key parameters, with a total of 725 points:
Research and professional activities by faculty – 300 points
Implementation of new education policies and teaching methods – 100 points
Administrative and departmental functioning – 110 points
Student progress and opportunities – 140 points
Workshops, conferences, and collaborative activities – 75 points
Departments scoring the highest will receive grants, certificates of appreciation, and medals, while those with lower scores will be required to implement corrective measures to enhance their performance.

Although the ranking framework is scheduled to be implemented from July to October each year, the timeline for 2025 has been adjusted to March-May due to the delayed rollout. Universities have been directed to prepare a schedule immediately and ensure timely execution of the initiative. From the next academic year, the rankings will follow the standard July-October schedule.

With the UDRF in place, Maharashtra’s universities are expected to improve their national and global standings, ultimately benefiting students, faculty, and the overall higher education ecosystem.