Higher Education Minister commends top-performing colleges and universities for their NAAC grades, and NIRF and KIRF rankings.

Higher Education Minister R. Bindu has said that Kerala's higher education sector is undergoing a transformative shift. The unprecedented national rankings and accreditations secured by several institutions across the State are reflective of the progress, she added.

Speaking at Excellentia 2025, an event organised by the State Level Quality Assurance Cell here on Monday to honour top-performing colleges and universities for their National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) grades, and National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) and Kerala Institutional Ranking Framework (KIRF) rankings, Dr. Bindu highlighted the State's rising prominence in the national academic landscape. She also outlined a reform agenda aimed at making the State a global hub for equitable and innovation-driven education.

She praised the higher education institutions for their remarkable achievements in the NIRF rankings and NAAC accreditations. She particularly spotlighted Kerala University and the Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), which improved their positions to fifth and sixth among State public universities, up from ninth and tenth the previous year.

Moreover, 153 colleges in Kerala now hold NAAC accreditation above A grade, with 18 institutions earning the prestigious A++ grade.

The Minister stressed that Kerala's higher education system, contrary to the common narrative of decline, is "resilient, dynamic and future-ready". She pointed to the fact that 25% of India's top 300 colleges are located in Kerala. Besides, the State's public universities rank highly on both national and international rankings.

Dr. Bindu attributed much of the State's academic success to the strategic reforms launched since the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government assumed office four years ago. These include the introduction of the four-year undergraduate programme, aimed at fostering both employability and research-driven innovation.

The State also pioneered inter-university transfer options, a move that saw students from other States return to Kerala for their second-year studies. She also highlighted the successful overhaul of the university examination and results publication system, which now ensures that results are available within two weeks of exams.

NAAC advisor Devendar Kawday delivered the keynote address. Vice-Chancellors, college Principals and senior officials of the Higher Education department participated in the function.

Kerala's higher education sector poised for global recognition: R. Bindu