In a resolute effort to regain a position within India’s top 100 universities, Goa University has recently presented a detailed report to the Union education ministry for the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2024. This submission underscores notable enhancements in student enrollment, graduation rates, the introduction of fresh academic programs, and substantial investments in research and infrastructure.
Strategic Improvements in Academic & Research Offerings
As per the report, Goa University observed a rise in student enrollment, surging from 1,474 in the academic year 2021-22 to 1,595 in 2022-23. This increase is credited to the implementation of one-year programs and the launch of five online courses on the Swayam platform by the university’s faculty. Furthermore, the institution proudly announced that 922 students successfully graduated from various programs within the designated timeframe, representing a slight uptick from the previous year’s 893 graduates.
Infrastructure Investment and Enhancing Accessibility
The university’s focus extended beyond academic expansion to bolstering its infrastructure and research capabilities. A sum exceeding Rs 2 crore was earmarked for the library, with an additional investment exceeding Rs 6 crore allocated for new library equipment and Rs 37 lakh dedicated to studio creation. Goa University has also secured 35 sponsored projects from 17 funding agencies, amounting to over Rs 2 crore. Moreover, the campus has enhanced its accessibility, with more than 80% of buildings now accommodating persons with disabilities, ensuring an inclusive learning environment for all students.
Faculty and Rankings: Progressing Forward
The report also highlights a notable decrease in contractual faculty members, with the majority of the university’s 257 faculty now holding permanent positions. This strategic shift is anticipated to fortify the university’s academic stature and bolster its performance in the NIRF rankings. Despite its previous inability to break into the top 100 in recent years, Goa University remains steadfast in its pursuit, aiming to reverse this trajectory through these strategic advancements and reclaim its position among India’s premier educational institutions.
As Goa University embarks on this ambitious endeavor to enhance its NIRF rankings, its recent initiatives underscore a firm dedication to academic distinction, research advancement, and inclusive education. These progressive steps not only seek to elevate the university’s national standing but also to augment its renown as a hub for top-tier education and research. Through these concerted endeavors, Goa University establishes a commendable benchmark for other institutions striving for eminence in higher education.