Likhith · September 5, 2025 
NEW DELHI, September 4, 2025 – The Ministry of Education has officially released the NIRF Rankings 2025 under the National Institutional Ranking Framework. Trusted by students, parents, and educators, these rankings evaluate institutions on teaching, research, graduation outcomes, inclusivity, outreach, and perception. The results highlight India’s top universities and colleges while mapping the broader landscape of higher education excellence.
Highlights of NIRF Rankings 2025
This year, IIT Madras retained its No. 1 overall position for the seventh consecutive year. Its strong academic record, innovation culture, and global research collaborations make it the benchmark among Indian institutions. IISc Bengaluru secured the second spot, while IIT Bombay climbed to third, reflecting intense competition among premier research institutes.
The NIRF Rankings 2025 also assessed colleges, universities, engineering, management, law, pharmacy, medicine, and new SDG-based parameters. This multi-dimensional approach allows students and educators to analyze institutions based on specific strengths.
Top Colleges: Hindu College, Delhi topped the list, followed by Miranda House and Hans Raj College. For the first time, an SDG-aligned list recognized institutions contributing to Sustainable Development Goals and community growth.
Universities: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Karnataka, entered the top three for the first time, marking a historic milestone for private universities.
Regional Distribution: Tamil Nadu placed 33 colleges in the top 100, while Delhi had 32. Both states continue to dominate the higher education landscape.
State Universities: Kerala University ranked fifth, while Kochi University of Science and Technology (KUSAT) came sixth, highlighting Kerala’s rising presence.
Open Universities: IGNOU maintained its lead in the open university category, reinforcing its role in distance and online education.
The NIRF Rankings 2025 carry major implications. They guide student admissions, shape government policies, and encourage institutions to innovate. This year’s list shows continuity with IIT Madras’s dominance, transformation with MAHE’s rise, and progress with the inclusion of sustainability-focused rankings.
For students, the rankings serve as a roadmap for choosing the right institution. For universities, they provide motivation to compete globally and strengthen India’s position in the international education space.
📄 Source: NIRF Official Website
