TN initiates proposal to unveil ranking system for varsities

A memorandum of Understanding was signed between Tamil Nadu State Council for Higher Education (TANSCHE) and the Indian Centre for Academic Ranking and Excellence (ICARE) for launching SURF. ICARE will coordinate with all the 13 universities under the aegis of Higher Education Department by analysing their data on five broad parameters used in National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF).

“This rating process, which will be carried out in 2018-19, will help in enhancing the universities’ strengths and eradicate their weaknesses. It will also help the individual departments to improve their ranking in the coming years,” an official from Higher Education Department said.

According to him, five parameters of the ranking system will include research, teaching, placement, public perception and equity. ICARE will be the source of intelligence in the higher education sector delivering detailed analysis by being committed to the key values of rigorous integrity, undeniable value and accessible presentation.

“To achieve the rating process, the ICARE will encourage self-evaluation, accountability, autonomy and innovation, and provide access to extensive global data and corresponding reports related to education in universities,” the official said. He said the State government has an ambitious target to put at least seven universities of Tamil Nadu at the top level of NIRF rankings.

The official said that ICARE, which aims to improve the ranking of the State universities, will send periodical reports to the government. “Accordingly, the government would extend help to the required university for improving the quality at all the levels so that there is an improvement in the ranking in a very short time,” the official said.