New Delhi: An emphasis on research has propelled Delhi University’s (DU) colleges to dominate this year’s National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF). Hindu College, Miranda House, Hansraj College, Kirori Mal College, and St Stephen’s College have claimed the top five spots in the college category.According to professors, the impressive performance can be attributed to DU’s strategic focus on research excellence, in line with the National Education Policy (NEP), which has cultivated an environment conducive to academic growth and innovation. Ten DU colleges have found a place among the NIRF top 20. Among them, Hindu and Miranda House have retained their positions at the top. Hansraj and Kirori Mal have surged to third and fourth places, respectively. St Stephen’s College is in the fifth spot.Hindu has maintained its position at the top for the second consecutive year, a result of its commitment to providing a well-rounded, holistic learning environment. Principal Anju Srivastava explained that the college’s focus on fostering an atmosphere where students are empowered to thrive has been pivotal to its success. “In this rapidly changing world, we strive to provide a self-driven atmosphere where students can grow,” she said. Hindu’s ability to seamlessly integrate skill-oriented learning with research, particularly through initiatives aligned with NEP, has helped it maintain its position. The college consistently creates an environment that encourages both academic and personal growth, ensuring that students are well-prepared to meet the challenges of a fast-evolving world.Miranda House, ranked second, has made a deliberate effort in outreach, sustainability and inclusivity. “We focused on outreach, support systems and sustainability,” principal Bijayalaxmi Nanda said, emphasising on the importance of scholarships and research grants in nurturing a supportive academic environment. Miranda House has made strides in research, especially through publications in Scopus-indexed journals. Nanda said that while the rankings are motivating, the college’s ultimate goal is the empowerment of women, particularly in leadership roles. “We aim to create better women leaders,” she said, underscoring the college’s dedication to research and maintaining high standards.Hansraj’s rise to the third position this year was largely attributed to its strategic shift towards high-quality research. Principal Rama described the college’s research initiatives as a defining strength, particularly its focus on publishing in globally recognised journals. “We secured the highest research score among the top colleges, thanks to our emphasis on impactful research,” she said. In addition to research, the college has focused on graduate outcomes. “We have an active internship and placement cell, providing excellent opportunities to students in the corporate sector. The college has also fostered an ecosystem that encourages student-led startups through our incubation center,” she added.Hansraj has also made significant strides in infrastructure, improving its student-teacher ratio through permanent faculty recruitment, and expanding its internship and placement programs. The college’s holistic approach—integrating research, infrastructure, and student support—has positioned it as one of the most sought-after institutions in DU.Kirori Mal College, ranked fourth, has seen significant progress thanks to its emphasis on research and student engagement. Principal Dinesh Khattar highlights the college’s interdisciplinary research projects, which have involved both teachers and students, resulting in publications in well-regarded journals. “We funded research projects involving both students and faculty, which led to publications in Scopus-indexed journals,” he explains. In addition, the college introduced the Kirori Mal College Internship Scheme, providing students with industry exposure. By prioritising hands-on learning and research, the college has solidified its standing in the rankings and created new opportunities for students.At No. 5, St Stephen’s boasts a strong research culture, with multiple initiatives aimed at fostering academic excellence, teachers said. “The college supports a variety of research projects and offers supervision opportunities to students, encouraging participation in scholarly work. Faculty members have been instrumental in contributing to a range of publications, with many securing research papers and books in recognized journals,” a professor said. “The college also hosts several centres of excellence, such as the Centre for Advanced Learning, Centre for Economic Research, and Centre for Experimental Physics, which focus on specialised areas. Additionally, the Centre for Gender Culture and Social Processes, Centre for Languages, and Centre for Translation Studies promote interdisciplinary studies and research”. According to educators, each of these top-ranking colleges demonstrates that a strong focus on research, coupled with efforts to enhance infrastructure and student support, has been integral to their success.
