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Time of India
5 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
NU's academic audit for UDRF completed
1 2 Nagpur: The Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University (RTMNU) completed the University Department Ranking Framework (UDRF) academic audit, as per the directives of the govt of Maharashtra. The audit focused on assessing performance of all postgraduate teaching departments across faculties under a structured, evidence-based evaluation system aligned with national standards. The audit was conducted by a panel of external experts, comprising eminent academicians, senior scientists, and industry professionals. Namdeo Kalyankar, former vice-chancellor of Gondwana University (chairman), Prof Alok Shrotriya, senior professor at Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Amarkantak (MP), AK Raina, senior scientist at CSIR-CIMFR, Nagpur, Prof D Nagarjun from the department of earth sciences, University of Mysore, Karnataka, Arvind Kumar, centre head at TCS Mihan, Anita Rao, industrial consultant at Vidarbha Industries Association, Nagpur, and Avneesh Anshul, principal scientist at CSIR-Neeri, were part of the expert group. Over several days of rigorous scrutiny, the committee evaluated departmental submissions, including reports, academic audit documents, publications, and supporting evidence. The review was conducted on the basis of five broad thematic areas: Faculty output, research, and professional activities; NEP initiatives, teaching, learning, and assessment process; departmental governance and best practices; student support, achievements, and progression; conferences, workshops, and collaborations. Each department's performance was meticulously analysed in light of the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), and NEP 2020 frameworks, with focus on both quantitative metrics and qualitative impact. During the closing session, several committee members offered valuable insights and actionable recommendations. Arvind Kumar emphasised the importance of developing a strong alumni network to support mentorship, funding, and industry networking. He encouraged departments to proactively identify industrial partners for collaborative projects, internships, and on-the-job training (OJT), and to commercialise faculty-generated patents and IP for societal impact and institutional growth. Prof D Nagarjun advocated for a minimum benchmark of three quality research publications per faculty per year, especially through collaborative and team-based research that fosters a culture of academic inquiry. He encouraged departments in the humanities and social sciences to also contribute to Scopus/Web of Science-indexed journals and to utilise copyrights and patents as tools for scholarly recognition. He noted that translation of books and study material can serve as meaningful academic contributions, enhancing access and outreach. AK Raina emphasised the need to integrate curiosity-driven learning and questioning into pedagogy. He underlined that critical thinking and inquiry-based learning should be central to classroom practice in the contemporary educational landscape. Kalyankar lauded NU for its meticulous planning, robust documentation, and systematic execution of the UDRF audit process. He commended the heads of departments for their dedicated efforts and highlighted the departments of pharmaceutical sciences, physics, and chemistry as exemplars of research innovation, academic productivity, and best practices. Acting VC Madhavi Khode Chavare expressed deep appreciation to the expert committee for their time, insights, and encouragement. She reiterated that the UDRF is not merely a ranking system, but a strategic initiative to foster transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement. She urged all departments to internalise the recommendations and continue striving toward academic and research excellence. This audit aligns with Maharashtra's vision for higher education reforms. The outcomes of the UDRF will not only strengthen internal quality assurance but also contribute to improving the university's standing in national and global rankings. The entire UDRF initiative at NU was coordinated under the leadership of Smita Acharya, director of IQAC, with the support of deans of various faculties, departmental coordinators, and university administrative staff.
Indian Express
19-06-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
At 17, Mumbai University among India's top 20 in QS World Ranking 2026
In a major academic milestone for the University of Mumbai, it has secured 17th rank in QS World University Rankings 2026, moving up its position among top 20 educational institutions in India. Last year it ranked 20th. This year, University of Mumbai holds the second spot among traditional universities in Maharashtra, only after Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) which ranks 14th nationally. The prestigious world ranking for educational institutions, released by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), also shows that the university has managed a significant jump on the global rankings too. The University of Mumbai has moved up to the 664th position worldwide, from the 711-720 band last year. Mumbai University shows upward growth on the global platform in the past five years. From ranking beyond 1,000 in the year 2021, the varsity has jumped to rank 664 in QS World University Rankings 2026. According to the QS World University Rankings report, University of Mumbai has excelled in all areas, achieving the highest score of 91 in Employment Outcomes. This is followed by 53.7 in Citations per Faculty, 41.3 in Sustainability, 31.5 in Employer Reputation, 27.6 in International Research Network as well as remarkable performance in Academic Reputation, International students' diversity, and Faculty-Student Ratio. Vice Chancellor of Mumbai University, Prof Ravindra Kulkarni, said, 'These rankings are a testament to the dedicated and sustainable efforts made by every stakeholder of our university. We have launched a University Department Ranking Framework (UDRF) to further improve, and with growing international student numbers and ongoing faculty recruitment, we expect even greater achievements ahead.' According to varsity administration, this rise in rankings reflects years of focused development. In recent years, University of Mumbai has signed several national and international educational Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and has started various professional and skill-based courses. At national level, it has excelled in sports, cultural and outreach activities. There is a 156% increase in the number of research papers published in international journals. Total 12 departments/institutes are recognized under various national programmes and more than 80 teachers are on various professional bodies. And 18 National/International awards have been won by teachers in the last five years. Every year, nearly 20 teachers visit abroad for academic activities.
Time of India
18-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
QS world univ rankings: MU leaps to 664th spot
Mumbai: Mumbai University has made a significant jump in the latest QS World University Rankings 2026, climbing to the 664th position from last year's 711-720 band. Among Indian universities participating in the QS rankings, the university has risen to the 17th place, improving from 20th last year. The university, which has scored high on employment outcomes in this edition of the rankings, has seen a consistent rise in its performance over the past five years. Among traditional universities in the country, MU is ranked second. On the other hand, it took a beating in the scores in faculty-student ratio this year, among other things. The QS World Rankings for global universities was released on Wednesday. Among Mumbai institutions, IIT Bombay is the only institution to make it to the top 150, with a 129th rank, despite slipping by 11 positions from last year's edition. Last year, MU was ranked 52 in South Asia. MU, in a statement, issued on Wednesday, called the rankings 'historic', even as it is gradually inching towards the top 500 institutions globally. As per QS report, the university scored highest—91 units—in employment outcomes, followed by citations per faculty at 53.7 and 41.3 in sustainability and 31.5 in employer's reputation among others. In fact, the employment outcomes have jumped from 70.5 units in 2024 rankings to 91 in this one and the scores in citations per faculty, too, has doubled in this period. The lowest score, though, in single digit, was given for faculty-student ratio (4.7) and having international students (4.3) and faculty (3.0), though the performance in these parameters, too, has improved. Vice-chancellor Ravindra Kulkarni said the rankings are contributory efforts by every stakeholder of MU in research and development. "We will continue to strive for even higher rankings in the future. We have initiated the University Department Ranking Framework to support this goal. We anticipate significant positive changes in our future rankings due to the increasing number of international students, our commitment to sustainable development and ongoing faculty recruitment offers," he said.
