The dismal performance of Goa University in the recent National Institute Ranking Framework (NIRF) is a matter of concern and puts a huge question mark over the academic status of the State’s premier institute. Dropping out of the top 200 overall universities for the first time in recent years highlights the critical need for introspection and change. Although the university received an A+ grade from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) only last month, its decline in NIRF rankings indicates a disconnect between the accreditation results and actual academic and infrastructural quality.
Several key issues contribute to this downturn. Primarily, the university’s inadequate performance in research, professional practice, and student placement—criteria that weigh heavily in the NIRF assessment—is crucial. While NAAC accreditation emphasizes the quality of institutions and their infrastructure, NIRF’s evaluation criteria focus more specifically on outcomes such as research output, employability, and industry readiness. Goa University’s shortcomings in these domains point to deeper systemic challenges that cannot be addressed merely by accreditation scores.
It is time for the University to look closely at faculty and teaching. The university has faced difficulties in hiring qualified and experienced professors. Those associated with the University have opined that visiting instructors use outdated methods that lack practical application or industry exposure, hindering student learning. Without a robust faculty capable of promoting research and innovation, the university’s ability to enhance its research output and professional practice metrics would remain restricted.
Job placement and graduation rates have also declined. Student feedbacks indicate that campus recruitment is weak, particularly in non-technical fields, with many graduates needing to search for work outside of formal placement opportunities. The salaries offered are often lower than anticipated, reflecting a belief that the university’s graduates are not adequately prepared for the industry. This perception damages the university’s reputation and contributes to a declining “Perception” score within the NIRF framework, creating a damaging cycle of falling rankings and reduced industry confidence.
The growing competition among higher education institutions further complicates the situation for Goa University. More universities are actively pursuing research, industry partnerships, and student outreach, raising overall standards. Without strategic investments in these areas, Goa University risks continuing its downward trajectory. The university’s limited emphasis on international engagement and outreach, as indicated by its rankings, points to a need to expand its focus and establish global collaborations. Furthermore, with Goa opening up to new universities in the State, the journey ahead would be further challenging.
Resource distribution and perception issues remain significant barriers. Although recent advancements, such as the A+ NAAC accreditation and financial backing through the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan, are positive, these actions alone are inadequate. The university must convert these initiatives into tangible results. The State government, too, must step in. The State government’s move to order an academic audit after the recent paper leak controversy appears to have been kept in “deep freeze”, and so is the plan of an overhaul of the Goa University Act, 1984, through necessary amendments.
The decline in Goa University’s rankings serves as a crucial indicator and an alarm. Simply securing accreditation or increasing financial support will not be enough; the university must fundamentally overhaul its approaches to research, education, and industry collaboration. To regain a foothold in an increasingly competitive environment, Goa University needs strategic reforms, dedicated leadership, and a commitment to outcome-based metrics.
