Likhith · September 5, 2025 
Introduction
The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) serves as India’s official yardstick to measure higher education excellence. Understanding State Public University Rankings is crucial for students seeking quality education at affordable costs through government institutions nationwide.
Every year, NIRF evaluates universities based on teaching quality, research output, graduation outcomes, inclusivity, and public perception. The 2025 State Public University Rankings have brought surprising shake-ups compared to previous years, reshaping how students view state university options.
This year’s State Public University Rankings revealed dramatic changes with Jadavpur University dethroning Anna University, established giants experiencing significant drops, and several new universities breaking into the coveted top 25 positions for the first time.
Table of Contents
NIRF State Public University Rankings 2025 – Key Highlights
Big Movers in 2025
Jadavpur University is the new #1, overtaking Anna University by a razor-thin margin.
Anna University slips to #2, despite maintaining strong scores.
Panjab University climbs to #3, improving its national standing.
Andhra University re-enters the top 5 at Rank 4.
University of Kashmir makes a big jump, from Rank 14 → Rank 8.
Mumbai University rises 6 spots to Rank 12.
Major Drops in 2025
Savitribai Phule Pune University: Fell 8 spots (#3 → #11).
Calcutta University: Steepest drop, down 11 spots (#4 → #15).
Mahatma Gandhi University and University of Madras: Each down 6 ranks.
Acharya Nagarjuna University: Dropped 4 ranks (#20 → #24).
New Entrants (Top 25)
IIIT Delhi (Rank 19): Strong entry driven by innovation and global collaborations.
MMMUT Gorakhpur (Rank 23): Emerging powerhouse in Uttar Pradesh.
Gujarat University (Rank 25): Represents Gujarat’s rise in higher education.
Dropouts from 2024
Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) – Rank 22 (out).
Bangalore University – Rank 24 (out).
Periyar University – Rank 25 (out).
Top 10 State Public Universities (2025)
| Rank | University | City | State | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jadavpur University | Kolkata | West Bengal | 76.08 |
| 2 | Anna University | Chennai | Tamil Nadu | 76.06 |
| 3 | Panjab University | Chandigarh | Chandigarh | 69.92 |
| 4 | Andhra University | Visakhapatnam | Andhra Pradesh | 68.91 |
| 5 | Kerala University | Thiruvananthapuram | Kerala | 67.93 |
| 6 | Cochin University of Science & Technology | Cochin | Kerala | 66.24 |
| 7 | Osmania University | Hyderabad | Telangana | 65.64 |
| 8 | University of Kashmir | Srinagar | J&K | 65.17 |
| 9 | Gauhati University | Guwahati | Assam | 64.24 |
| 10 | Bharathiar University | Coimbatore | Tamil Nadu | 64.09 |
Insights: Why These Changes?
Research Quality & Patents boosted Jadavpur and IIIT Delhi.
Perception & Placements improved ranks for Mumbai, Kashmir, and Cochin.
Lagging Innovation & Visibility hurt Calcutta and Pune universities.
Government Push for Regional Development elevated MMMUT and Gujarat University.
Course Strength Matters – A lower-ranked university may still excel in your subject.
Placement Track Record – Industry tie-ups are more valuable than just ranks.
Alumni Network – Stronger networks help in jobs and mentorship.
Affordability & Location – Choose what is practical for your family and future.
👉 If your dream university slipped (like Pune or Calcutta), don’t panic — their legacy, alumni base, and networks still hold great value.
Have any doubts?
📞 Contact our expert counsellor today and get all your questions answered!
FAQs
Q1. Why did Jadavpur University rise to #1 in 2025?
Due to excellence in research, faculty quality, and global recognition.
Q2. Is Anna University still strong despite dropping to #2?
Absolutely. Anna remains one of the top engineering and research hubs in India.
Q3. Should I choose a new entrant like IIIT Delhi over an older university?
Depends on your field:
For tech & CS → IIIT Delhi is excellent.
For classical sciences/humanities → Legacy universities may be better.
Q4. Why did Calcutta University fall so sharply?
Likely due to declining research output and weaker perception scores.
Conclusion
The NIRF 2025 rankings reflect the evolving face of Indian higher education. Jadavpur University’s rise, Anna University’s slight slip, Pune and Calcutta’s fall, and the arrival of IIIT Delhi, MMMUT, and Gujarat University highlight how dynamic and competitive this space has become.
For students, the takeaway is simple:
Use rankings as a guide, but choose universities based on your course, career goals, and personal fit.
