NIRF Ranking 2026: These Colleges Saw Major Changes in Rankings Over 5 Years

The NIRF Ranking 2026 has again gained attention on how colleges have performed all over the National Institutional Ranking Framework over the years. While the latest ranking provides a framework of an institution's position, a comparison of rankings over five years can offer a broader view of changes in the performance of colleges.

The five-year comparison of NIRF College Rankings from 2021 to 2025 shows significant movement among several institutions. While some colleges improved their positions substantially, others witnessed a considerable decline in their ranks. Deshbandhu College and Ramjas College recorded a 47-position improvement each, while Sri Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya College of Arts and Science (SRMVCAS) recorded a decline of 46 positions during the period. 

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NIRF College Ranking 2026: Colleges That Improved Most

According to the five-year NIRF ranking comparison, several colleges recorded substantial improvement between 2021 and 2025. Deshbandhu College and Ramjas College recorded the highest improvement among the colleges highlighted in the analysis.
Both institutions moved up 47 positions during the five-year period. Government Home Science College, Chandigarh also recorded a major improvement, moving up 43 positions, while Fergusson College gained 39 places between 2021 and 2025.

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NIRF Ranking 2026: Colleges That Saw Major Decline

The five-year NIRF College Ranking comparison also shows considerable downward movement for several institutions. Jesus & Mary College also saw a substantial decline, moving from rank 41 in 2021 to rank 85 in 2025. Shaheed Rajguru College of Applied Sciences for Women and Kamala Nehru College recorded declines of 28 and 25 positions, respectively.

NIRF Ranking Comparison 2021 to 2025

The five-year data highlights substantial changes in the positions of several colleges. Deshbandhu College moved from rank 60 to 13, while Ramjas College improved from 75 to 28.
It is important to note that a change in rank does not by itself establish the reason for an institution's movement. NIRF rankings are based on multiple parameters, and year-to-year changes can reflect changes in an institution's performance as well as changes elsewhere in the ranking pool.

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NIRF College Ranking 2026: Why Five-Year Data Matters

Looking at NIRF Ranking 2022 to 2026 or a similar multi-year period can provide students with more context than considering a single ranking edition. An institution's rank can change from one year to another, making a longer-term comparison useful for understanding its ranking trajectory.

However, NIRF ranking should not be treated as the only factor while comparing colleges. Students can also consider courses offered, admission criteria, tuition fees, placement data, faculty, academic infrastructure, campus facilities, internships and research opportunities before making an admission decision.

Also Check: 

• From NIRF Rank 3 to 7: Decoding IIM Calcutta's NIRF Ranking Shift
• MDI Gurgaon NIRF Ranking : What Improved, Parameter-Wise Analysis from 2021 to 2025