Kerala’s KIRF model emerges an alternative to NIRF amid ‘peer perception’ debate

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s recent comments on National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF)’s reliance on the subjective ‘peer perception’ metric has reignited debate over its fairness.

The remarks, made while releasing the India Rankings 2025, have indirectly validated Kerala’s alternative model, the Kerala Institutional Ranking Framework (KIRF), which significantly reduces the weightage of peer perception in favour of State-specific priorities.

The Minister also called for measures to ensure that government-funded institutions do not lose out under the present system. The metric, worth 10% of the total NIRF score, depends on the views of employers, academics and professionals, whose preferences for graduates from the respective institutions are gauged through a survey.

The parameter has long disadvantaged Kerala’s public institutions. The metric has led several historic public institutions to consistently record lower peer perception scores compared to relatively newer institutions, despite strong performance in other areas. This has often paved the way for criticism of regional bias since the parameter largely favours institutions in Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities with stronger networks and visibility. In contrast, institutions in rural or less visible regions may suffer despite excelling in teaching, research and social impact.

“The Union Minister’s remarks reflect concerns over the subjectivity and limited transparency of this metric. Peer perception often reflects pre-existing reputations rather than actual performance indicators, thereby disadvantaging newer institutions or those working in socially inclusive and State-specific contexts,” Kerala State Higher Education Council (KSHEC) member secretary Rajan Varughese says.

The council-spearheaded KIRF, on the other hand, ensures a fairer evaluation of institutions within Kerala.

“The inclusion of ‘secular outlook’ and ‘scientific temper’ as Kerala-specific ranking criteria represents a progressive step by KSHEC in adapting ranking systems to regional socio-educational needs. NIRF prioritises national visibility and reputation via peer perception, while KIRF emphasises Kerala’s policy values of secularism, scientific temper, equity and accountability,” Dr. Varughese asserted.

The KIRF also mandates the disclosure of verifiable data on admissions, placements, faculty credentials, and research output, thereby shifting focus away from subjectivity. The first edition of KIRF was released in December 2024, and the second edition is expected shortly.