The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has clinched the top spot among Open Universities in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2024, as announced by the Ministry of Education yesterday. This year has been the ninth edition of the NIRF Rankings. Union Minister of Education, Dharmendra Pradhan announced the rankings during the Press Conference at Bharat Mandapam , New Delhi yesterday. Prof. Uma Kanjilal, Vice Chancellor of Indira Gandhi National Open University came to receive the award.
The NIRF rankings, an annual exercise by the Ministry of Education, evaluate higher education institutions based on various parameters of quality education. This year marked the first inclusion of a dedicated category for Open Universities, recognizing their pivotal role in democratizing education in India. The accolade reaffirms IGNOU’s commitment to providing quality distance education to millions across the nation.
NIRF 2024: Key Highlights
While IGNOU dominated the Open Universities category, other institutions also made significant strides in the overall rankings. The Other spots in the same category were taken by Netaji Subhas Open University and Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University respectively as second and third ranking. The introduction of the Open Universities category is a nod to the evolving educational landscape, where distance and online learning platforms have gained prominence, especially in the post-pandemic era.
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras retained its position as the top engineering institute, while the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad was once again crowned the premier management institution.
NIRF Ranking 2024: Top 10 Universities in India
| Rank 1: IISc, Bengaluru |
| Rank 2: Jawaharlal Nehru University |
| Rank 3: Jamia Millia Islamia |
| Rank 4: Manipal Academy of Higher Education |
| Rank 5: Banaras Hindu University |
| Rank 6: University of Delhi |
| Rank 7: Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham , Coimbatore |
| Rank 8: Aligarh Muslim University |
| Rank 9: Jadavpur University |
| Rank 10: Vellore Institute of Technology |
Watch the NIRF 2024 Rankings Award Ceremony Here:
IGNOU’s Stellar Performance
Established in 1985, IGNOU has consistently strived to expand access to higher education, particularly for those who cannot attend traditional universities. With a vast network of regional centers and study materials tailored for distance learning, IGNOU has been instrumental in bridging educational gaps.
Over the years, IGNOU has introduced numerous programs catering to diverse fields, from arts and sciences to vocational courses. Its emphasis on leveraging technology, especially during the pandemic, ensured uninterrupted learning for its vast student base.
About NIRF Ranking
The NIRF ranking, which was introduced by the Ministry of Education in 2015, evaluates institutions across various parameters such as teaching, learning, and resources; research and professional practices; graduation outcomes; outreach and inclusivity; and perception. The rankings have been known serve as a testament to the dedication of our educational institutions in fostering excellence.