NIRF Rankings 2025 Expected in Early September; Medical College Category Likely Excluded Amid Data Concerns

NIRF India Rankings 2025 are expected to be out in early September. Sources suggest the medical colleges category may be excluded this year due to data discrepancies in past.

NIRF Rankings was released under 16 categories in 2024

The NIRF India Rankings 2025 are likely to be released in early September, according to reliable sources. However, the medical colleges category is likely to be excluded this year—a move prompted by persistent data integrity issues.

Following the Madras High Court order, it was expected that the 2025 NIRF Rankings will be out in August, recent updates now suggest the final announcement may shift to early September. The delay follows a temporary standstill by the Madras High Court, which had raised concerns over data manipulation in a Public Interest Litigation. The court has since dismissed the plea, clearing the path for release.

For the first time in NIRF, institutions will face negative marking for retracted research papers under the “Research and Professional Practices” parameter—though penalties remain mild for now, with plans for stricter enforcement in future cycles.

This year, several notable changes in the NIRF methodology signal a shift toward more socially responsible and academically ethical evaluations: A brand-new Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) category has been added, reflecting institutions’ contributions to broader societal and environmental goals.

Medical Colleges Category Likely Omitted

Students and parents rely heavily on NIRF rankings for college evaluation—missing medical data may impact decision-making for aspiring doctors. Institutions may face increased scrutiny, with a spotlight on research integrity and transparency, particularly in light of new penalties for retracted papers. The inclusion of SDG evaluation pushes colleges to align with global sustainability and responsible education standards.

A source close to NIRF’s administration suggests the medical colleges segment may not be part of the India Rankings 2025 release due to ongoing discrepancies in data submissions. The category’s probable exclusion underscores NIRF’s heightened vigilance in safeguarding accuracy and credibility in its public rankings

As the NIRF Rankings 2025 countdown continues, stakeholders—including students, educators, and higher education institutions—will monitor closely whether the medical category is indeed omitted. The inclusion of sustainability and research standards signals a new era of ranking integrity and reflects evolving global benchmarks.

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