Ten universities from Northeast India have secured positions in the top 50 of the India Institutional Ranking Framework (IIRF) 2025. The rankings, released this week, reflect the region’s rapid academic growth and improved research output in recent years.
Institutions from Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura, and Sikkim made it to the prestigious list, marking a shift in the educational landscape of the Northeast.
Recognition of Academic Excellence
The IIRF, one of the country’s leading independent ranking systems, evaluates institutions based on research productivity, placement performance, teaching quality, industry linkages, and student perception.
The inclusion of ten universities from the Northeast is being hailed as a sign of academic resurgence, driven by sustained infrastructure development and government investment in higher education.
Universities That Made the Cut
Prominent names among the top-ranking institutions include:
- Tezpur University, Assam
- North Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Meghalaya
- National Institute of Technology (NIT) Silchar, Assam
- Tripura University, Tripura
- Sikkim University, Sikkim
- Manipur University, Manipur
- Mizoram University, Mizoram
- Assam University, Silchar
- Dibrugarh University, Assam
- Rajiv Gandhi University, Arunachal Pradesh
These institutions were recognized for excellence in research, community outreach, innovation, and employability.
Tripura University’s Notable Climb
Tripura University, a central university, jumped several spots this year due to improvements in its research publications and partnerships with international institutions. According to IIRF data, its employability rate and faculty qualifications have also risen steadily.
Speaking on the achievement, Vice-Chancellor Dr. Ganga Prasad Prasain said, “This is a proud moment not only for our university but for the entire state. We are committed to strengthening research and student support.”
Support from the Ministry of Education
The Ministry of Education has acknowledged the growing performance of northeastern universities in recent years. Through flagship programs such as RUSA (Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan) and NEP 2020, states in the region have received grants and technical support to improve infrastructure and faculty training.
A senior official from the Ministry said, “We are seeing the results of focused investment in academic excellence in the Northeast. These universities are becoming national models.”
Regional Development and Brain Gain
Educational experts believe this achievement will slow down the brain drain from the Northeast and attract students from other parts of India.
Dr. Mitali Baruah, an education policy researcher based in Guwahati, noted, “This recognition brings credibility. It shows that you no longer need to leave the region to access world-class education.”
Universities are also witnessing increased interest from companies for campus placements, which could improve job opportunities for students in the region.
Student and Faculty Reactions
Students across these universities expressed pride and excitement. Riya Das, a postgraduate student at NEHU, said, “It feels amazing to study in a university that is now nationally recognized. It motivates us to do better.”
Faculty members also emphasized the need to maintain and build on the momentum by focusing on interdisciplinary research and sustainable development initiatives.
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