Mumbai: MU launches 1st University Department Ranking Framework

In a groundbreaking initiative Mumbai University MU has introduced the University Department Ranking Framework UDRF a firstofitskind evaluation system designed to assess and rank academic departments schools institutions centres subcampuses and model colleges This new framework aims to promote academic excellence research output and governance quality across the universityThe topranking departments will be awarded Research and Infrastructure Grants ranging from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 25 lakhs along with citations and mementoes This initiative approved by the Universityrsquos Management Council on September 12 marks a pioneering step in the Indian higher education systemThe Mumbai University known for its diverse academic offerings has 15 departments under the Science faculty 8 under Commerce Skills OnlineDistance Education and Management 10 in Humanities and Social Sciences 15 under Languages 12 in Interdisciplinary Studies and 20 specialized Centres of Studies Under the UDRF all these departments will undergo a quantitative evaluation process based on established parameters such as those used in the NIRF QSTimes Rankings and NAACNBA AccreditationsGrant Allocation and CategoriesDepartments will be ranked in their respective categories with the topranking departments in the Science category receiving a research grant of Rs 15 lakhs Other category toppers will be awarded Rs 10 lakhs while topperforming Centres of Studies will receive Rs 5 lakhs Secondplace departments will also be recognized with grants of Rs 7 lakhs for Science Rs 5 lakhs for Humanities Commerce and Management and Rs 2 lakhs for Centres of StudiesIn addition to individual departmental rankings an overall ranking of all 80 departments schools and centres will be announced The highestperforming department in the overall category will receive an additional research grant of Rs 10 lakhs while the secondplaced department will receive Rs5 lakhs Special funding will also be available for departments demonstrating potential for research excellence under the Department with Potential for Research Excellence categoryThe university will also honour individual faculty members with awards for outstanding contributions to research and innovation including the Best Research Funding and Innovation Award and the Outstanding Research Publications AwardSpeaking about the launch of the UDRF MU ViceChancellor Prof Ravindra Kulkarni said The introduction of the University Department Ranking Framework is a significant step toward fostering academic excellence and innovative research This evaluation process will motivate departments to focus on their strengths continuously upgrade their capabilities and align with global quality standardsThis framework is expected to enhance the universityrsquos academic ecosystem by fostering healthy competition among departments and encouraging a culture of continuous improvementEvaluation CriteriaThe ranking framework is based on six key evaluation criteriaResearch and Professional ActivitiesDepartmental Administration and ManagementStudent Support Achievements and ProgressionTeaching Learning and Assessment ProcessesFaculty OutputConferences Workshops and CollaborationsThese criteria encompass grants and funding received from government agencies and industries research and development outcomes publications patents academic collaborations student achievements alumni support and green initiatives among other factors External expert committees will evaluate the departments in each categoryDepartments with lower rankings will be encouraged to improve and will receive guidance through the VC Initiative Mechanism to support necessary reforms The Universityrsquos Research and Development Cell RDC Internal Quality Assurance Cell IQAC NIRF Cell and Board of Deans have played key roles in shaping this framework