UGC to rank all univs, irks watchdogs
Pavan MV
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Bengaluru:
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Even Private Colleges To Come Under Its Ambit
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has said it will rank all institutions across the country , including colleges for the study of engineering and medicine, in a move that has been panned as “overreach“ by many watchdogs. Private colleges and universities will also come under the ratings' ambit.Predictably , the move has annoyed other regulatory agencies, like the All India Council for Technical Education (for engineering), the Medical Council of India (medical), and the UGC's own statutory authority National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC).
This is the first time the UGC has set out to rank edu ational institutions.
Having come up with a National Institution Rank ng Framework (NIRF) for universities and colleges, the UGC has directed all institu ions to participate in the ranking exercise by registering themselves on the NIRF website. To rank institutions, the UGC has decided different parameters under NIRF.
It will announce the rankings in April 2016.
For one, the move has created confusion among educationists in Karnataka. Just a few months ago, they point out, the Karnataka State Higher Education Council had decided to rank and rate universities.
In its directive to universities regarding NIRF, the UGC ties regarding NIRF, the UGC said, “The best learning experience in the ideal environment is the ultimate objective of every institution. This objective becomes more highlighted when institutions are constantly adjudged on the basis of excellence in teaching and learning, excellence in research and innovations and excellence in engage ment. Institutions are also expected to provide inspiring learning and living environment on their campuses.“
“These are some parameters which are looked into by students and parents whilst making an informed choice of pursuing a programme in any institution of higher learning,“ it added.
R Chandrashekara, secretary of the Forum of Former Vice-chancellors of Karnataka State Universities, told TOI that ranking institutions at the national level will prove difficult. Since the NAAC grades universities, the NIRF is not required.State-level committees are enough to rate universities and colleges, he added.
“Does the NIRF have sufficient manpower to assess and rank all institutions in the country?“ Chandrashekara added.
Source: Times of India, 17-12-2015
This is the first time the UGC has set out to rank edu ational institutions.
Having come up with a National Institution Rank ng Framework (NIRF) for universities and colleges, the UGC has directed all institu ions to participate in the ranking exercise by registering themselves on the NIRF website. To rank institutions, the UGC has decided different parameters under NIRF.
It will announce the rankings in April 2016.
For one, the move has created confusion among educationists in Karnataka. Just a few months ago, they point out, the Karnataka State Higher Education Council had decided to rank and rate universities.
In its directive to universities regarding NIRF, the UGC ties regarding NIRF, the UGC said, “The best learning experience in the ideal environment is the ultimate objective of every institution. This objective becomes more highlighted when institutions are constantly adjudged on the basis of excellence in teaching and learning, excellence in research and innovations and excellence in engage ment. Institutions are also expected to provide inspiring learning and living environment on their campuses.“
“These are some parameters which are looked into by students and parents whilst making an informed choice of pursuing a programme in any institution of higher learning,“ it added.
R Chandrashekara, secretary of the Forum of Former Vice-chancellors of Karnataka State Universities, told TOI that ranking institutions at the national level will prove difficult. Since the NAAC grades universities, the NIRF is not required.State-level committees are enough to rate universities and colleges, he added.
“Does the NIRF have sufficient manpower to assess and rank all institutions in the country?“ Chandrashekara added.
Source: Times of India, 17-12-2015
