Symbiosis Skills Universities - SSPU Pune ranked No.1 and SUAS Indore ranked No.2 in the NIRF 2025 Skill University category

In a moment of pride for Maharashtra and for India’s skill education ecosystem, Symbiosis Skills and Professional University (SSPU), Pune, has once again held the first spot in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025 under the ‘Skill University’ category, cementing its position as one of India’s premier destinations for skill-driven higher education.Adding to the celebrations, the Indore-based Symbiosis University of Applied Sciences (SUAS) secured the second position in the same category, making it a remarkable one-two finish for the Symbiosis group of institutions. Together, the two campuses have showcased not just the consistency of the brand, but also the growing national importance of skill-based education in preparing India’s youth for the future.

National Recognition at NIRF 2025The NIRF Rankings, an annual exercise by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, were announced at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Now in its tenth edition, NIRF has become the most credible and widely respected assessment framework for Indian institutions of higher learning.The framework evaluates institutions on a wide range of parameters, including teaching and learning quality, research output, professional practices, graduation outcomes, employability, inclusivity, innovation, and overall perception. The Skill University category, introduced to capture the growing emphasis on vocational and applied education, has steadily gained importance over the last few years as India deepens its focus on employability and workforce readiness.

Voices of leadershipSpeaking on the achievement, Dr Swati Mujumdar, Pro-Chancellor of Symbiosis Skills Universities, expressed pride and gratitude:“This recognition is a reflection of our mission to bridge the gap between academia and industry. At Symbiosis Skills and Professional University, students’ growth and employability are at the heart of our efforts. Securing the No. 1 rank for the second consecutive year is an acknowledgement of the hard work of our faculty, the trust of our industry partners, and the determination of our students.

I am equally delighted that Symbiosis University of Applied Sciences, Indore, has been ranked second in the same category, proving that our commitment to skilling is consistent across geographies.

”Her words underline the consistent approach Symbiosis has taken in shaping a new model of education—one where theory is not abandoned, but reimagined to support a predominantly practical, hands-on learning experience.The Symbiosis model of skill educationEstablished with the vision to transform higher education into a bridge for industry readiness, Symbiosis Skills and Professional University in Pune was India’s first skill-focused private university. Its pedagogy follows a 70% practical and 30% theory model, ensuring that students are workplace-ready from day one.Programmes span across diverse sectors—healthcare, automotive, construction, IT, management, beauty & wellness, and emerging technologies —each designed in collaboration with leading corporates.

Advanced laboratories, simulation environments, and strong industry tie-ups allow students to practise their skills in real-world contexts.Meanwhile, Symbiosis University of Applied Sciences, Indore, has become a beacon for central India, delivering similar outcomes. SUAS has focused on aligning its programmes with India’s booming sectors like logistics, finance, and retail, in addition to traditional technical domains.Both campuses emphasise international collaborations, apprenticeships, and industry partnerships, ensuring that the skill narrative is not just theoretical but aligned to global best practices.Why skill universities matterIndia stands at a demographic crossroads. With over 65% of its population under the age of 35, the nation has the opportunity to reap a demographic dividend. However, this dividend will only be realised if young Indians are employable and industry-ready.Skill universities blend the academic rigour of higher education with the hands-on training and applied orientation that employers seek.By topping the NIRF rankings two years in a row, SSPU Pune has demonstrated that skill universities can be world-class, producing graduates who are not just job seekers but job creators.Looking aheadThe consecutive recognition of SSPU and SUAS in NIRF is not just a matter of institutional pride but also of national importance.

It reflects India’s broader policy shift towards vocational education, skill enhancement, and employability—pillars of initiatives like Skill India and Viksit Bharat 2047.For students, the rankings reaffirm Symbiosis’ reputation as a destination for higher education that guarantees career readiness. For industry partners, it signals the continued availability of a pool of trained, skilled professionals.

For policymakers, it validates the importance of encouraging universities to innovate beyond traditional pedagogy.As Symbiosis Skills and Professional University, Pune, retains its crown as the top Skill University in India for the second consecutive year, and Symbiosis University of Applied Sciences, Indore, follows closely behind, the message is clear: skill-based education is no longer on the fringes—it is central to India’s growth story.With its focus on employability, innovation, and industry collaboration, Symbiosis has not only set benchmarks for others to follow but has also redefined what higher education can and should look like in the 21st century.Disclaimer - The above content is non-editorial, and TIL hereby disclaims any and all warranties, expressed or implied, relating to it, and does not guarantee, vouch for or necessarily endorse any of the content.