Ministry of Education to Overhaul NIRF Ranking Framework; Negative marking to be introduced
NIRF to penalize institutions for research paper retractions, promoting accountability and transparency in academia. Read more about the new National Institutional Ranking Framework.
Ministry of Education to Overhaul NIRF Ranking Framework : The National Institutional Ranking Framework is set to introduce negative marking for research paper retractions and inflated citations to curb malpractice in educational institutions. This move aims to promote academic integrity and accountability. According to officials, the framework will penalize institutions for research paper retractions, a first for NIRF. The negative marking system will be announced soon, with draft norms currently being finalized.
The decision comes after many institutions saw a significant number of research papers retracted over the past two to three years, raising concerns about credibility. Anil Sahasrabudhe, Chairman of the National Board of Accreditation, emphasized the need for negative marking, stating that without it, institutions may not be motivated to correct these issues. Global rankings like QS and Times Higher Education already factor in retractions, and NIRF is following suit.
The NIRF rankings, which assess institutions across five key parameters - teaching and learning, graduation outcomes, research, outreach, and perception - have become a widely cited reference for students, recruiters, and policymakers. With over 8,700 institutions participating in the 2024 cycle, the rankings play a crucial role in shaping the academic landscape.
The move has been welcomed by many, given the growing concerns about academic integrity. A public interest litigation filed in the Madras High Court in April highlighted the issue, questioning the transparency of ranking systems like NIRF. Although the court initially issued an interim stay on the rankings, it was later lifted after the Centre assured that a scientific method prescribed by an expert body was being followed.
By introducing negative marking, NIRF aims to promote a culture of accountability and transparency in academic institutions. This development is expected to have a significant impact on the academic community, encouraging institutions to prioritize quality and integrity in their research output.
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