NIRF Introduces SDG-Based Assessment
NIRF SDG Ranking Puts Sustainability at the Centre of Higher Education: The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) added the SDGs Institutions category in 2025, expanding its ranking framework from 16 to 17 categories. The new category assesses higher education institutions through their contribution to sustainable development rather than relying only on conventional academic indicators.
The assessment considers areas such as environmental responsibility, social inclusion, community engagement and research connected with the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Static GK fact: NIRF was launched by the Ministry of Education in 2015 to rank Indian higher education institutions through a common framework.
IIT Madras Leads the SDG Ranking
Indian Institute of Technology Madras secured the first position in the NIRF 2025 SDGs Institutions category. The Chennai-based institute is recognised for technical education, research, innovation and sustainability-oriented work.
Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, secured the second position, while Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), New Delhi, ranked third.
Top 10 SDG Institutions
The NIRF 2025 SDG ranking placed the following institutions among the top ten:
| Rank | Institution | Major SDG Areas |
| 1 | IIT Madras | Green technology and sustainable research |
| 2 | IARI, New Delhi | Sustainable agriculture and food security |
| 3 | Jamia Millia Islamia | Social inclusion and community engagement |
| 4 | S.R.M. Institute of Science and Technology | Renewable energy and environmental engineering |
| 5 | Manipal Academy of Higher Education | Healthcare outreach and campus sustainability |
| 6 | IIT Roorkee | Water resources and disaster mitigation |
| 7 | Jawaharlal Nehru University | Environmental sciences and social equity |
| 8 | IIT Delhi | Clean energy and sustainable infrastructure |
| 9 | NIT Rourkela | Waste management and sustainable materials |
| 10 | Banaras Hindu University | Agriculture, health and environmental sustainability |
IARI and JMI Secure Top Positions
The Indian Agricultural Research Institute, popularly known as the Pusa Institute, ranked second. Established in 1905, it has played a major role in agricultural research, crop productivity and food-security initiatives.
Jamia Millia Islamia, established in 1920, secured third place. It became a Central University in 1988 and its presence in the SDG ranking reflects the broader focus on inclusion, community participation and sustainability.
Static GK Tip: The 17 SDGs were adopted by UN member states in 2015 under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with targets intended to be achieved by 2030.
The 17 Sustainable Development Goals
The UN framework covers No Poverty, Zero Hunger, Good Health and Well-being, Quality Education, Gender Equality, Clean Water and Sanitation, Affordable and Clean Energy, Decent Work and Economic Growth, Industry Innovation and Infrastructure, Reduced Inequalities, Sustainable Cities and Communities, Responsible Consumption and Production, Climate Action, Life Below Water, Life on Land, Peace Justice and Strong Institutions, and Partnerships for the Goals.
Why the SDG Ranking Matters
The SDG category broadens institutional assessment by linking higher education with environmental protection, inclusive development, research and community engagement. It encourages institutions to demonstrate how teaching and research can contribute to wider social and ecological objectives.
The NIRF 2026 SDG ranking, once officially released, will provide the next assessment of institutions against these sustainability-oriented parameters.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
NIRF SDG Ranking Puts Sustainability at the Centre of Higher Education:
| Fact | Detail |
| SDG category introduced in NIRF | 2025 |
| NIRF categories after addition | 17 |
| NIRF 2025 SDG rank 1 | IIT Madras |
| NIRF 2025 SDG rank 2 | IARI, New Delhi |
| NIRF 2025 SDG rank 3 | Jamia Millia Islamia |
| Number of UN SDGs | 17 |
| SDG framework | UN 2030 Agenda |
| NIRF launched | 2015 |
| NIRF 2026 status | Ranking awaited in the supplied context |
