There are five parameters that are used to decide the ranking of different institutions by the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF). When we look at the two parameters, research and perception, it has been found that Pune institutes lag behind in these parameters, thus reducing their overall ranking.
In Research Outcome, the top institute, IISc, scored over 90 marks and Savirtabhai Phule Pune University (SPPU) scored a mere 43.
When it comes to actual rankings, SPPU stands at 21 in RPC (Research and Professional Practice) and is ranked at 44 in PR (Perception).
Commenting on this issue, Arvind Shaligram, the Registrar of Pune University, said, “IISC is a research institute without affiliated colleges. So IISC’s research component is very high. Meanwhile, Pune University is primarily into teaching. Faculty members here must teach, perform administrative duties, be associated with affiliated colleges, mentor them and then find time for research. Therefore, the research contribution is low.”
He further added, “Also, the number of faculty positions is comparatively small because the state university faculty positions are governed by state government. We are trying to find out if we can get faculty on our own since we have got autonomy.”
In the latest rankings in NIRF, it has been mentioned that SPPU has all facilities for the physically challenged. The students and senate members of the university say that this, in fact, is not the case. While these provisions may be available, they are either insufficient or in desperate need of repairs.
It was found that because of the controversies highlighted in the media, there comes around a negative public perception of the university. Positive aspects of the university did not receive as much media coverage as the negative ones.
The university has not undertaken any marketing or branding tactics yet but they will be looking into doing that now.
The SPPU still managed to attain the ninth rank in NIRF this year, jumping two positions from the past year, 2017. It goes without saying that if these issues were sorted out the university would stand in a much better position moving forward.