NIRF University Rankings 2024: Spotlight on India’s Top Universities – IISc, JNU & More
Likhith
August 3, 2025
Introduction: Why NIRF University Rankings Matter
The NIRF university rankings 2024 offer a trusted benchmark for evaluating the best higher education institutions in India. Launched by the Ministry of Education in 2015, the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) ranks universities annually based on metrics such as teaching quality, research, graduation outcomes, and inclusivity.
In this year’s edition, the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru has secured the #1 position for the fourth time in a row. Following closely are Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), both from New Delhi, showcasing academic excellence in both research and social impact.
Table of Contents
How NIRF Evaluates Universities: Ranking Criteria
NIRF evaluates universities using five key categories, each with defined weightage:
| Parameter | Description | Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| Teaching, Learning & Resources (TLR) | Faculty credentials, student-faculty ratio, doctoral programs, infrastructure, digital learning resources | 30% |
| Research & Professional Practice (RP) | Research output, citations, patents, sponsored projects, and SDG-aligned initiatives | 30% |
| Graduation Outcomes (GO) | Success in graduation, Ph.D. output, placement statistics | 20% |
| Outreach & Inclusivity (OI) | Gender diversity, regional representation, support for underrepresented and differently-abled students | 10% |
| Perception (PR) | Reputation among peers, employers, and the general public | 10% |
These parameters provide a balanced view of academic performance and societal impact.
Top 10 Universities in NIRF University Rankings 2024
| Rank | University | City | State | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indian Institute of Science (IISc) | Bengaluru | Karnataka | 83.29 |
| 2 | Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) | New Delhi | Delhi | 69.80 |
| 3 | Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) | New Delhi | Delhi | 68.11 |
| 4 | Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) | Manipal | Karnataka | 67.18 |
| 5 | Banaras Hindu University (BHU) | Varanasi | Uttar Pradesh | 66.05 |
| 6 | University of Delhi (DU) | New Delhi | Delhi | 65.90 |
| 7 | Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham | Coimbatore | Tamil Nadu | 65.73 |
| 8 | Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) | Aligarh | Uttar Pradesh | 65.57 |
| 9 | Jadavpur University | Kolkata | West Bengal | 65.39 |
| 10 | Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) | Vellore | Tamil Nadu | 64.79 |
Why IISc, JNU, and JMI Are Leading the Pack
Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru
- Ranked #1 in India for the fourth year in a row
- Globally recognized for research excellence, innovation, and patents
- High placement packages; median salary close to ₹30 LPA for top programs
Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi
- Strong in social sciences, humanities, and interdisciplinary programs
- Inclusive campus with excellent outreach scores
- High perception rating among academia and recruiters
Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), New Delhi
- Known for gender balance, regional diversity, and inclusive education
- Rising reputation in research, especially in applied sciences and media studies
- Continues to climb in rankings through improved outcomes and perception
Career Plan B: Helping You Navigate Your University Journey
Career Plan B is more than just a guidance platform. We help students from all academic streams match their goals with India’s top universities through a structured and personalized approach.
What We Offer:
- Decode NIRF rankings based on your academic stream
- Compare similar-ranked institutions based on your career aspirations
- Curate a customized application roadmap (exam prep, SOPs, profiles, etc.)
- Help you discover emerging fields and specialized programs
- Provide expert mentorship without offering direct admissions
Whether you’re from humanities, commerce, science, or vocational backgrounds — Career Plan B ensures your stream never limits your options.
Sample Success Story
A humanities student from Delhi dreamt of pursuing environmental research. Through Career Plan B, they discovered interdisciplinary programs at JNU, prepped for CUET-UG, documented their prior climate research, and built a compelling SOP. Today, they are part of JNU’s sustainability and policy research team, actively publishing and interning with NGOs. Their stream never held them back — because they had the right strategy and support.
What’s New in NIRF 2024 Rankings?
- Online education and Multiple Entry/Exit frameworks are considered in TLR scores
- Greater emphasis on Intellectual Property Rights and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Women representation, social inclusivity, and regional balance are major Outreach indicators
- NIRF rankings now influence NAAC accreditations and college autonomy status
Why Students Should Trust NIRF Rankings
- Backed by the Government of India and updated annually
- Based on a transparent and comprehensive methodology
- Valued by employers, international institutions, and scholarship programs
- Helps distinguish between hundreds of institutions offering similar degrees
FAQs on NIRF University Rankings 2024
Q1. What’s the difference between University, Overall, and Research rankings?
A: University rankings include all-round performance — teaching, research, diversity, and perception. Overall rankings also include IITs and professional institutions. Research rankings focus solely on publication and innovation metrics.
Q2. Does a higher NIRF rank guarantee better placements?
A: Not directly, but high-ranked universities usually offer stronger placement support, industry connections, and faculty mentorship.
Q3. Can Arts or Commerce students apply to institutions like IISc or JNU?
A: Yes! Programs in interdisciplinary sciences, economics, social sciences, and liberal arts are often open to students from varied backgrounds.
Q4. Does Career Plan B offer direct admissions?
A: No. We provide expert guidance, preparation strategies, and profile-building support not direct admissions.
Q5. How can I strengthen my university application?
A: Focus on academic consistency, research exposure, competitions, internships, and crafting an impactful Statement of Purpose.
Conclusion
The NIRF University Rankings 2024 serve as a trusted compass for students navigating India’s vast higher education landscape. From premier institutions like IISc and JNU to rising stars like Chandigarh University and KIIT, the rankings reflect academic integrity, inclusivity, and innovation.
At Career Plan B, we believe that your academic stream is just the beginning — not a limitation. With the right guidance, preparation, and clarity, you can access top-tier education in India regardless of your background.
Ready to plan your future with the top-ranked universities in India?
Let Career Plan B help you turn your dream into a direction.
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