UGC plans to rank all universities and colleges in the country

University Grants Commission

New Delhi: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has said that it plans to rank all educational institutions in the country, in a move that has upset other regulatory bodies.

As per a report in The Times of India, the UGC rankings will cover private colleges and universities as well.

The UGC has already prepared a National Institution Ranking Framework (NIRF) for varsities and colleges, and has issued instructions to all institutions to take part in the ranking exercise.

The rankings are due to be out by April 2016.

The UGC move has not gone down well with other regulatory bodies like the AICTE (engineering), MCI (medical), NATA (architecture) etc.

Just last month, as per the report, the Karnataka State Higher Education Council had come up with a plan to rank and rate universities.

The UGC directive to institutions read, "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 engagement. 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 program in any institution of higher learning."

The Commission has zeroed in on several parametres that will be used to rank institutions under NIRF.