NIRF State Public Universities ranking 2025: Jadavpur ranks first, Anna University follows; check list of top 10 here

India’s state-funded universities continue to strengthen their academic performance, regional representation, and national presence. The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025 has released its second edition of the State Public Universities category, which was introduced in 2024 to give dedicated recognition to institutions run and funded by state governments. This year’s rankings highlight both stability and change, with Jadavpur University, Kolkata, taking the top spot with a score of 76.08. Anna University, Chennai, follows closely in second place with 76.06, reversing their positions from 2024. Panjab University, Chandigarh, has also shown an upward move, rising from fifth last year to third in 2025. The rankings are based on multiple performance parameters such as teaching, learning resources, research output, professional practices, graduation outcomes, and peer perception.

NIRF 2025: Top 10 State Public Universities in India

Here is the complete list of the top 10 state public universities in the NIRF 2025 rankings:

Jadavpur University: Leading the state public category

With its first-place finish in 2025, Jadavpur University has further cemented its reputation as a multi-disciplinary institution excelling across categories. Apart from ranking first among state public universities, it has also secured positions in multiple NIRF lists this year: 18th in the overall category, 9th in universities, 23rd in research institutions, 18th in engineering, 24th in pharmacy, and 16th in architecture and planning.

The close contest with Anna University, which held the top position in 2024, highlights the high level of competition in this category.

Expanding representation

The inclusion of the University of Kashmir (8), Gauhati University (9), and Bharathiar University (10) as new entrants in the top 10 reflects growing recognition of universities across northern and northeastern India. Meanwhile, CUSAT has moved up from 10th in 2024 to 6th this year, further strengthening its position among leading state institutions.