Institutes to Be Measured on Environmental, Social, and Research Impact
In a landmark development for Indian higher education, the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025 is set to unveil its results on September 4 with a groundbreaking new category: the NIRF Sustainability Ranking. For the first time since its inception in 2015, NIRF will assess institutions not only on academic excellence but also on their contributions to sustainability and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This move marks a pivotal moment for universities and colleges in India, signaling the government’s intent to push educational institutions towards environmentally responsible practices, socially inclusive policies, and research that aligns with global climate and development agendas.
Why the Sustainability Ranking Matters
The NIRF Sustainability Ranking comes at a time when universities worldwide are being urged to take greater responsibility for addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, and social inequalities. By introducing this category, India joins a growing list of countries integrating sustainability indicators into academic rankings.
Institutions registering under this category are expected to be evaluated on their contributions to a greener and more equitable future, including their efforts in green campus initiatives, renewable energy adoption, inclusive education, and research aligned with SDGs.
Dr. Deepessh Divaakaran’s report, Understanding NIRF’s New Sustainability Category, has predicted likely parameters such as:
- Environmental Resource Management – Responsible water, energy, and waste management practices.
- Green Campus Initiatives – Promotion of eco-friendly infrastructure, renewable energy, and biodiversity protection.
- Research and Innovation – Sustainability-focused academic output, patents, and solutions for pressing climate issues.
- Curricular Contributions – Integration of sustainability into academic syllabi, courses, and co-curricular activities.
- Community Engagement – Partnerships with local communities for equitable and sustainable development.
NIRF 2025: Expanding to 17 Categories
With the addition of the SDG/Sustainability category, the 10th edition of NIRF will now feature 17 categories in total:
- Overall
- Universities
- Colleges
- Research Institutions
- Engineering
- Management
- Pharmacy
- Medical
- Dental
- Law
- Architecture and Planning
- Agriculture and Allied Sectors
- Innovation
- Open University
- Skill University
- State Public University
- SDG or Sustainability
This expansion demonstrates the government’s recognition that academic excellence must now walk hand in hand with environmental responsibility and social inclusivity.
A Decade of NIRF: From Rankings to Responsibility
Launched in 2015, NIRF has become the benchmark for evaluating the performance of Indian higher education institutions. Over the years, it has expanded to cover specialized streams such as innovation and skill development.
In 2024, IIT Madras secured the top spot overall, IIM Ahmedabad led in management, AIIMS Delhi was ranked best in medical education, and NLSIU Bangalore topped the law category. With the 2025 edition, the spotlight now turns to sustainability, raising the bar for institutions across the country.
The Global Context: Why SDG Rankings Matter Now
The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted by 193 nations in 2015, provide a global roadmap for ending poverty, fighting inequality, and addressing climate change by 2030. Education has been identified as both a stand-alone goal (SDG 4: Quality Education) and a cross-cutting enabler of other goals.
Globally, universities such as those ranked in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings already use SDGs as benchmarks for institutional excellence. India’s adoption of the NIRF Sustainability Ranking signals an alignment with international best practices, ensuring its higher education system is future-ready and globally relevant.
What This Means for Students and Institutions
For students, the new ranking will offer a broader picture when choosing institutions, allowing them to prioritize campuses that not only excel in academics but also nurture a sustainable, inclusive learning environment.
For institutions, the sustainability ranking will act as both a challenge and an opportunity. Those that have invested in green campuses, renewable energy, waste management systems, and social outreach programs stand to gain visibility and recognition. Institutions lagging behind may now be compelled to integrate sustainability into their long-term strategies.
Experts believe the move could spark a wave of eco-conscious investments in Indian campuses, ranging from solar power adoption to sustainable transport solutions, and curriculum reforms focusing on climate literacy and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) education.
Anticipation Builds Ahead of September 4 Release
The 10th edition of NIRF rankings will be released on September 4, 2025, on the official website nirfindia.org. While IITs, IIMs, and AIIMS are expected to continue dominating traditional categories, all eyes are now on which institutions will emerge as frontrunners in the newly introduced NIRF Sustainability Ranking.
As the Ministry of Education prepares to unveil the results, the new category represents more than a statistical addition — it is a statement of intent, positioning India’s higher education sector as a catalyst for a sustainable future.
From Rankings to Responsibility
The inclusion of the NIRF Sustainability Ranking in 2025 reflects a paradigm shift in how academic institutions are evaluated in India. Beyond producing top engineers, doctors, managers, and lawyers, universities and colleges are now expected to lead the way in climate action, inclusive education, and community development.
As the climate crisis intensifies, such initiatives ensure that India’s higher education system is not only globally competitive but also socially responsible and environmentally conscious. This year’s rankings may well set the foundation for a new era of sustainable academic excellence.
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