Ritik Kumar · September 5, 2025 
Introduction
The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), managed by India’s Ministry of Education, assesses institutions across disciplines based on multiple performance indicators such as teaching quality, research output, graduate outcomes, inclusivity, perception, and SDG-aligned impact. The Overall ranking reflects the establishments that excel across all these dimensions, making it a critical reference for students choosing institutes worth investing in.
Official Top 10 Institutions – NIRF Ranking 2025
From the official NIRF 2025 listing, here are the Top 10 Institutions Overall:
| Institution Name | NIRF Rank |
|---|---|
| Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) | 1 |
| Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru | 2 |
| Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) | 3 |
| Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) | 4 |
| Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur) | 5 |
| Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur | 6 |
| Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee | 7 |
| All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi | 8 |
| Jawaharlal Nehru University | 9 |
| Banaras Hindu University | 10 |
Source: NIRF 2025 Overall Ranking
NIRF Overall: 2024 vs 2025 – Side-by-Side
Here’s how these institutions fared in 2024 compared to 2025:
| Rank | Institution Name | 2025 Rank | 2024 Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) | 1 | 1 |
| 2 | Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru | 2 | 2 |
| 3 | Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) | 3 | 3 |
| 4 | Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) | 4 | 4 |
| 5 | Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur) | 5 | 5 |
| 6 | Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur | 6 | 6 |
| 7 | Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee | 7 | 8 |
| 8 | All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi | 8 | 7 |
| 9 | Jawaharlal Nehru University | 9 | 10 |
| 10 | Banaras Hindu University | 10 | 11 |
Sources:
Key Takeaways from the Overall Rankings
- Uninterrupted Leadership: IIT Madras holds the top spot for the 7th consecutive year.
- Consistent Excellence: Institutions like IISc, IIT Bombay, and AIIMS Delhi maintain their positions, reflecting sustained performance.
Career Plan B – Your Backup for Success
At Career Plan B, our mission is simple: Right to Quality Education and Career, hence Quality Life!
With over 16 years of expertise, we provide:
- One-on-One Counselling Support – Personalized guidance for your career path.
- Career Roadmaps – Clear strategies based on your interests and strengths.
- Backup Strategies – Alternative options so you never miss opportunities.
Book a free counselling session today with Career Plan B
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What does “Overall Category” mean in NIRF?
It includes all disciplines: engineering, medicine, humanities, sciences, etc.
Q2: Which institution is #1 overall in 2025?
IIT Madras, retaining its top position for the seventh year in a row.
Q3: Can ranking positions change drastically?
Yes, they can, but those in the Top 10 usually remain stable unless there’s a major shift in institutional performance.
Q4: How is the Overall category different from subject-wise rankings?
The Overall category looks at an institution’s performance across all disciplines, while subject-wise rankings (like Engineering, University, Medical, Law, etc.) focus only on specific fields.
Q5: Why does IIT Madras consistently rank #1 overall?
IIT Madras excels in research, innovation, teaching quality, and societal impact, making it a consistent leader in the NIRF Overall category.
Q6: Do NIRF Overall rankings affect placements?
Indirectly, yes. Higher-ranked institutions usually attract more recruiters and offer stronger placement opportunities.
Q7: Where can I check the official NIRF 2025 Overall list?
The full rankings are available on the NIRF official website.
Q8: What’s new in the NIRF 2025 Overall methodology?
The 2025 edition includes Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) metrics, highlighting inclusivity, outreach, and social responsibility.
Conclusion
The NIRF Overall Rankings 2025 reaffirm India’s strongest institutions, with IIT Madras holding the #1 spot yet again, followed closely by IISc Bengaluru and IIT Bombay. These rankings not only reflect academic and research excellence but also inclusivity and societal contributions through SDG metrics. For students, the Overall category is particularly valuable because it highlights institutions that perform well across multiple disciplines, ensuring a well-rounded academic ecosystem. Whether you’re aiming for engineering, medicine, or social sciences, the NIRF Overall rankings provide a reliable guide to make informed decisions about your higher education journey.
For expert guidance, contact Career Plan B
