State of Higher Education in Odisha through the Lens of National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2024

This research paper examines the state of higher education in Odisha through the lens of theNational Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2024, focusing specifically on the performance of keystate public and private universities across the Teaching, Learning, and Resources (TLR) and Researchand Professional Practices (RP) parameters. The study aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation ofthese institutions in areas critical to academic quality, including faculty qualifications, student strength,research output, and resource utilization. The analysis involved a comparative assessment of threeuniversities: Siksha 'O' Anusandhan (SOA), KIIT University, and Utkal University. Quantitative data fromthe NIRF rankings were combined with qualitative insights drawn from existing literature and policydocuments. The findings reveal significant disparities in performance, with private institutions like SOAand KIIT excelling in TLR components such as Faculty-Student Ratio (FSR) and Faculty with PhD andExperience (FQE), while Utkal University, a prominent public institution, lags behind. In the RPparameter, Utkal University’s performance is notably weak in areas like publications and intellectualproperty rights (IPR), highlighting a lack of research infrastructure and academic rigor. The study alsoidentifies critical gaps in financial resource utilization, affecting the quality of education and researchacross all institutions. The paper concludes with targeted recommendations to improve faculty recruitment,enhance research output, and strengthen industry linkages in Odisha’s universities. These measures areessential for elevating the state’s higher education landscape and ensuring sustained academic excellencein alignment with national and global standards