University Ranking Framework-Pros and Cons- Explained Pointwise

In recent times, a lot of importance is being accorded to the University Ranking Frameworks. Global ranking frameworks have gained prominence in recent times, for the rankings of Universities worldwide. India has also instituted its own university ranking framework, National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), for the rankings of Indian Universities.

What are the common University Ranking Frameworks?

Global Frameworks

Indian Framework

What are the advantages of University Ranking Framework?

1. Global Recognition- High rankings for the universities provide a significant boost to a university’s visibility on an international scale. The recognition helps in attracting international students, faculties, donors, and potential research partners from around the world.

2. Performance Assessments- The university ranking framework provides valuable insights into a university’s performance relative to its peers. This information helps institutions in identification of their strengths and weaknesses, guiding them towards strategic planning and resource allocation.

3. Quality Enhancement- The competitive nature of university rankings encourages universities to enhance their educational quality and research output. This drive for improvement leads to better academic programs and student outcomes.

4. Collaboration Opportunities- Higher Rankings help in facilitating partnerships between universities, as institutions often seek collaborations with those having strong reputations. This helps in increasing the number of joint research projects, and exchange programs between the universities.

5. Alumni Connections- Attending a highly-ranked university opens doors to valuable networking opportunities with alumni and industry leaders, making it beneficial for students seeking internships or job placements after graduation.

What are the arguments against these ranking frameworks?

1. Overemphasis on Research- Global rankings heavily prioritize research output, and fail to fully represent the quality and relevance of research.

2. Increased education fees- The focus on rankings has led to the increase in student fees of the public institutions, resulting in higher burden on the students. This has negatively impacted the students from economically weaker sections in India.

3. Decline of Teaching Standards- The obsession with metrics has diminished the importance of teaching, as the faculty members are judged on research output rather than their ability to teach and mentor students. Career advancement has been tied to research metrics, which has side lined teaching.

4. Compromise in research Quality- The focus on “publish or perish” has fostered a culture where research quality has sometimes been compromised, and has led to misconducts like plagiarism.

5. Bias and Lack of Inclusivity- Many ranking systems have biases in their metrics and evaluation criteria, and tend to favour the Western universities. This often marginalizes institutions from developing countries or those that prioritize teaching over research.

What should be the way Forward?

1. Balancing Research and Teaching- The universities must aim to balance research and teaching. While research is vital for innovation, it should not come at the expense of teaching.

2. Separation of research and teaching focussed faculties- Universities should create separate tracks for research-focused and teaching-focused faculty to prevent burnout and resentment.

3. Shift of Focus to Value Research- Universities must shift their culture to value both research and teaching equally. The research should be valued for its societal impact, and not just for journal citations.

4. Focus on enhancing student creativity- The current metrics-driven system distorts the purpose of education, reducing knowledge to a commodity and students to customers. The aim of the universities must be to prepare them to become responsible citizens and equipping them for real-world challenges.