Table of Contents
When evaluating the quality of higher education in Kerala, the Kerala Institutional Ranking Framework (KIRF) has rapidly gained importance. With 1318 Institutions participating in the KIRF ranking system, similar to India’s NIRF, it provides a structured methodology for assessing, monitoring, and improving academic institutions. Introduced by the Kerala State Higher Education Council (KSHEC), KIRF ensures that universities, colleges, and other higher education institutions are evaluated using both national-level metrics and Kerala-specific indicators. KIRF ranks the Institute based on five parameters: Teaching, Learning & Resources (TLR), Knowledge Dissemination and Research Excellence (KDRE), Graduation Outcome (GO), Outreach and Inclusivity (OI), and Scientific Temper and Secular Outlook (STSO).
For educational institutes aiming to be visible in the KIRF ranking 2024, understanding the KIRF ranking parameters is crucial. All the colleges and Universities in Kerala are eligible to participate in the KIRF ranking. This blog will delve into the ranking methodology, its categories, and why it matters to institutions and students alike.
What is KIRF?
KIRF full form is Kerala Institutional Ranking Framework. It was developed by the Kerala State Higher Education Council (KSHEC) to assess the performance of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Kerala. KIRF has ranked Higher Education Institutions in Kerala, like Universities, Colleges, Engineering, Nursing, Teacher Education, Agriculture and Allied Sector. KIRF aligns with Kerala’s focus on inclusive development, quality teaching, and knowledge dissemination.
Eligibility Requirements For KIRF Ranking
The following are the eligibility requirements for institutions seeking inclusion in the Kerala Institutional Ranking Framework.
- Open to Multiple Categories: Institutions including universities, colleges, and those specialized in engineering, management, teacher education, pharmacy, medical, dental, law, architecture, and nursing can apply for discipline-specific rankings if they register and submit data in the prescribed format.
- Insertion of Correct Data: All higher education institutions in Kerala can sign up or log in through the KSHEC Portal to upload their institutional data in the designated sections. To be eligible to participate in the KIRF rankings, institutions must first be registered in the All Kerala Higher Education Survey (AKHES), ensuring that only verified entities contribute data for assessment.
- Category Requirement: Ranks are issued for a particular category only when a substantial number of institutions volunteer for assessment, with final approval on category rankings given by KIRF after thorough data analysis.
- Minimum Graduation Criteria: Only those institutions that have graduated at least three batches of students in full-time undergraduate (minimum three years) or postgraduate (minimum two years) programs are considered eligible for ranking.
KIRF Ranking Parameters at a Glance
KIRF evaluates institutions under five broad categories of parameters. Each parameter has a specific weightage and is further divided into measurable sub-categories. The weightage allocation ensures a comprehensive assessment, rather than focusing on a single area, such as placements or research.
| Sl. No. | Parameters | Marks | Weightage |
| 1 | Teaching, Learning and Resources (TLR) | 100 | 0.30 |
| 2 | Knowledge Dissemination and Research Excellence (KDRE) | 100 | 0.30 |
| 3 | Graduation Outcome (GO) | 100 | 0.20 |
| 4 | Outreach and Inclusivity (OI) | 100 | 0.10 |
| 5 | Scientific Temper and Secular Outlook (STSO) | 100 | 0.10 |
1. Teaching, Learning and Resources (TLR)
This category evaluates the academic environment of an institution. For the KIRF ranking 2024, strong performance in TLR signals that an institution offers quality resources, faculty expertise, and an environment conducive to learning. The key sub-components are given below.
- Student Strength (SS) – 20 Marks
Assesses the number of students (UG, PG, Research) admitted against sanctioned seats. Higher participation shows greater trust in the institution. - Faculty-Student Ratio (FSR) – 30 Marks
Institutions with better faculty availability per student are ranked higher. Permanent faculty strength is emphasized here. - Faculty Qualification and Experience (FQE) – 20 Marks
Looks at the faculty’s academic qualifications and years of experience. Institutions with a higher percentage of PhD holders receive more marks. - Online Education (OE) – 10 Marks
Promotion of online learning through courses developed by faculty and pursued by students. - Subscription to e-Journals (SEJ) – 5 Marks
Access to e-journal databases reflects an institution’s support for research and modern pedagogy. - Financial Resources Utilisation (FRU) – 15 Marks
Examines how efficiently institutions spend on academic and infrastructure development (labs, libraries, seminars, etc.).
2. Knowledge Dissemination and Research Excellence (KDRE)
This category highlights the research culture of an institution. A high score in KDRE helps showcase the institution’s ability to conduct impactful research, attract investment, and become a hub for innovation.
- Research Productivity (RP) – 35 Marks
Considers publications indexed in Scopus and Web of Science over the past three years. - Research Impact (RI) – 35 Marks
Focuses on citation count, indicating whether the institution’s research makes a significant contribution to global academia. - Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) – 15 Marks
Institutions that file or secure patents earn recognition under this metric. - Research Footprints, Consultancy, Start-ups (RFCS) – 15 Marks
Counts research collaborations, consultancy projects, start-ups, MoUs with industries, and funds generated from them.
3. Graduation Outcome (GO)
Graduation Outcome measures the institution’s success in producing employable and globally competitive graduates. Strong graduation outcomes demonstrate that an institution not only imparts education but also equips students with the skills and opportunities they need for their future.
- University Examinations (GUE) – 35 Marks
Evaluates student performance in final-year university examinations within the stipulated time. - Entrance Examinations (GEE) – 35 Marks
Measures the number of students qualifying competitive exams like UGC-NET, JRF, CSIR, GATE, and GRE. - Placement and Higher Studies (PH) – 30 Marks
Looks at how many graduates secure employment or pursue higher education.
4. Outreach and Inclusivity (OI)
This parameter focuses on equity, diversity, and inclusivity in higher education. For a progressive state like Kerala, inclusivity is as important as academic output. This parameter aligns with Kerala’s long tradition of social justice and equitable growth.
- Regional Diversity (RD) – 20 Marks
Institutions are rewarded if they attract students from other states and countries. - First Generation Learners (FGL) – 10 Marks
Considers the percentage of students who are the first in their families to access higher education. - Facilities for Differently Abled Students (FDA) – 10 Marks
Institutions must ensure that accessibility facilities, such as ramps, learning software, and inclusive infrastructure, are available. - Social Inclusiveness (SI) – 60 Marks
Evaluates the representation of SC, ST, OBC, women, transgender, differently-abled, and EWS groups among students, faculty, and staff.
5. Scientific Temper and Secular Outlook (STSO)
This Kerala-specific category ensures institutions uphold values beyond academics. This unique dimension ensures KIRF 2024 rankings reflect Kerala’s emphasis on sustainability, secular values, and constitutional principles.
- Scientific Temper & Secular Outlook (STSO Ql) – 40 Marks
Recognises outreach programs, extension activities, and student engagement promoting scientific and secular values. - Adoption of Green Technology (GT Ql) – 20 Marks
Rewards institutions that implement eco-friendly measures, such as waste management, solar energy, and water conservation. - Accreditation and Rankings (AR) – 40 Marks
Additional marks for securing recognition through NAAC, NBA, or global rankings.
How to Participate in KIRF Ranking?
1318 Institutions have participated in KIRF with 99% of data acceptance. To participate in the KIRF ranking process, institutions must register on the official KIRF portal managed by the Kerala State Higher Education Council (KSHEC). Check the points below to know the process to participate in KIRF ranking.
- Register Online: Institutions must register themselves on the official KIRF (or relevant ranking framework) portal, using the specified online registration process.
- Separate Registration for Each Category: If an institution wishes to be ranked in multiple disciplines (e.g., engineering, management, pharmacy), it must register separately for each desired discipline and provide the required data for each.
- Data Submission: Submit comprehensive data covering all required ranking parameters (such as teaching quality, research, outreach, inclusivity, student outcomes, etc.) using the official data format or online interface provided after registration.
- Supporting Documentation: Attach supporting documents and evidence with the data submission to substantiate reports and claims about academic activities, outcomes, and institutional performance.
- Transparency Requirement: Upload the submitted data on the institution’s official website through a prominent link for public access, ensuring maximum transparency and verification.
- Monitor Updates: Adhere to deadlines and guidelines published on the official ranking portal to ensure successful registration and data submission for each cycle.
Why Institutions Should Participate in KIRF Ranking 2024
Participating in the KIRF ranking 2024 offers multiple benefits:
- Benchmarking Performance: Helps identify institutional strengths and weaknesses.
- Global Competitiveness: Prepares HEIs for NIRF or even international rankings.
- Transparency & Accountability: Builds public trust with data-backed performance indicators.
- Policy Direction: Helps government and regulatory bodies in resource allocation and policy planning.
- Student Attraction: Higher rankings enhance an institution’s reputation, drawing top students and faculty.
Conclusion
The KIRF 2024 ranking is not just a league table but a comprehensive evaluation tool. By focusing on Teaching, Research, Graduation Outcomes, Inclusivity, and Kerala-specific values, KIRF ensures that institutions grow holistically while aligning with local needs and global standards.
For any institution eyeing academic excellence, the KIRF ranking serves as a roadmap, ensuring that both quality and equity are achieved in higher education. The institutions must prepare by aligning their resources, strategies, and educational practices with these KIRF ranking parameters. Only then can Kerala continue its journey from being educationally progressive to being globally competitive.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which specific institution types are eligible to participate in the ranking process
The specific types of institutions eligible to participate in the KIRF ranking process include Overall, Universities, Colleges, Engineering, Management, Teacher Education, Pharmacy, Medical, Dental, Law, Architecture, and Nursing.
2. How is the overall score computed during KIRF ranking?
In KIRF ranking, each subcategory’s performance is evaluated using a designated metric specific to that area, and the resulting scores are summed to determine the total for each main category. The overall institutional score is calculated by applying category-specific weightings to these totals, with the composite score capped at a maximum of 100. Based on these overall scores, institutions are then assigned their final rankings.
3. What are the KIRF ranking parameters 2024?
The KIRF ranking parameters are structured into five main categories: Teaching, Learning and Resources (TLR), Knowledge Dissemination and Research Excellence (KDRE), Graduation Outcome (GO), Outreach and Inclusivity (OI), and Scientific Temper and Secular Outlook (STSO). Each of these categories is further divided into specific subcategories. Both the main categories and their subcategories are assigned distinct weightages, which contribute to the overall ranking score.
4. What is the KIRF address and contact number?
The KIRF address is Member Secretary, The Kerala State Higher Education Council, Science and Technology Museum Campus, Vikas Bhavan P.O., Thiruvananthapuram – 695033. However, the contact number is Phone Number: 0471-2301292, 8921975507, 7561018708, Fax Number: 0471-2301290. The KIRF email ID is: kirfadmin@kshec.org.
5. Why is KIRF important when NIRF exists?
The Kerala Institutional Ranking Framework (KIRF) is an annual evaluation system that assesses higher education institutions (HEIs) in Kerala using a combination of national (NIRF) and state-specific like KIRF ranking parameters. This framework not only recognizes the academic achievements of institutions within the state but also helps them prepare for participation in broader national and international ranking systems.
