The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025 results released in September 2025 have brought unexpected surprises to India’s higher education landscape. While IITs and IIMs continue to dominate their respective categories, the spotlight this year is on the colleges that recorded massive rank jumps compared to 2024. These shifts reflect the growing competition, rising academic quality, and government reforms in the Indian education system.
This article highlights the NIRF 2025 ranking jump colleges, analyzing why they rose and what it means for students, faculty, and the higher education sector.
Why NIRF Rankings Matter
Introduced by the Ministry of Education, the NIRF ranks institutions across categories like engineering, management, law, and overall performance. The ranking considers:
-
Teaching, Learning & Resources (TLR)
-
Research & Professional Practices (RP)
-
Graduation Outcomes (GO)
-
Outreach & Inclusivity (OI)
-
Perception (PR)
For students, NIRF rankings are a trusted benchmark to evaluate colleges before admissions. A jump in rank indicates stronger placements, improved infrastructure, or better research output.
Top Colleges With the Biggest Rank Jumps in September 2025
1. VIT Vellore
VIT has moved from rank 18 in 2024 to rank 11 in 2025 in the overall category.
-
Reason for Jump: Industry collaborations, cutting-edge research in AI and robotics, and record-breaking placements.
-
Impact: VIT is now closing the gap with IITs in terms of employer perception.
2. Amity University Noida
Amity’s performance shocked many, climbing from rank 35 to rank 21 in management and overall rankings.
-
Reason: Improved academic-industry partnerships, expansion of online programs, and global accreditations.
-
Impact: Perception of private universities is improving among students.
3. SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai
SRM has jumped 10 places, moving from rank 24 to rank 14 in the engineering category.
-
Reason: Strong placement record, international faculty exchange, and research patents filed.
-
Impact: It is emerging as a serious alternative to top-tier NITs.
4. Shiv Nadar University
Shiv Nadar University has risen from rank 62 to rank 40 in the overall category.
-
Reason: Consistent focus on research publications and interdisciplinary programs.
-
Impact: Increasingly popular for liberal arts and science students.
5. Chandigarh University
CU has jumped 15 ranks, moving into the top 50 institutions in the country.
-
Reason: Expansion of international collaborations, higher intake of foreign students, and AI-based learning initiatives.
-
Impact: Students now see CU as a globally competitive university.
Other Notable Rank Gainers in NIRF 2025
-
Jamia Millia Islamia: Stronger research focus led to a top 10 spot in law and social sciences.
-
PSG College of Technology: Placement drives and core industry partnerships boosted rankings.
-
Delhi Technological University (DTU): Moved up in the engineering category due to startups and innovation cells.
-
Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT): Significant jump in outreach and inclusivity metrics.
Why These Colleges Improved
The common reasons behind these jumps include:
-
Placement Success: Higher average packages in 2025.
-
Research Output: More patents, publications, and innovation projects.
-
Global Exposure: International tie-ups with top universities.
-
Government Incentives: Support for NEP 2025 reforms and new curriculum.
-
Student-Centric Policies: Scholarships, infrastructure upgrades, and better digital learning tools.
Impact on Students and Parents
For aspirants, the NIRF 2025 ranking jump colleges are now attractive alternatives to IITs and IIMs. Students benefit from:
-
Better career opportunities.
-
Exposure to international faculty and exchange programs.
-
Affordable alternatives to elite institutions.
Parents also see rising colleges as safer bets for their children’s future due to improving placement records.
Challenges Ahead for Rising Colleges
Despite improvements, challenges remain:
-
Sustaining growth in the long run.
-
Competing with the perception dominance of IITs and IIMs.
-
Ensuring inclusivity across rural and urban students.
-
Balancing commercialization with quality education.
What Students Should Do Before Choosing a College
-
Check placement reports and not just NIRF rank.
-
Visit campuses or attend virtual tours.
-
Talk to alumni about actual experiences.
-
Compare fee structures with ROI (Return on Investment).
-
Consider location, faculty, and extracurricular opportunities.
FAQs
Which college saw the biggest rank jump in NIRF 2025?
VIT Vellore moved from rank 18 to rank 11 in the overall category.
Are private universities improving in NIRF rankings?
Yes, private universities like Amity, SRM, and Chandigarh University showed major jumps this year.
Does a higher NIRF rank guarantee better placements?
Not always, but it strongly reflects improvement in academics, industry connect, and research.
Can students rely solely on NIRF rankings for admissions?
No, rankings should be combined with placement reports, faculty strength, and student reviews.
Which sectors influenced rankings the most in 2025?
Placements in IT, AI, and data science, along with research output, were the biggest factors.