The Kerala Institutional Ranking Framework (KIRF) is a state-level initiative launched
by the Kerala State Higher Education Council (KSHEC) to assess and rank higher
education institutions within the state of Kerala. The framework is modelled on the
national level National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) but is adapted to the
state context by including additional parameters such as scientific temper, secular
outlook, first-generation learners, green technology and regional diversity. For the
2024 edition, KIRF ranked institutions across multiple categories: Universities, Arts &
Science Colleges, Engineering, Teacher Education, Agriculture & Allied, and others.
This framework is significant because it offers a locally-relevant benchmark that
complements national rankings, helps institutions identify strengths and areas for
improvement, and provides stakeholders (students, faculty, policymakers) with
clearer insights into institutional quality at the state level.
In the first edition of KIRF (2024), the Cochin University of Science and
Technology (CUSAT) achieved the FIRST rank among universities in
Kerala. This outstanding position highlights its leading status within the state’s
higher education ecosystem.
By securing the top slot, CUSAT demonstrated its strong performance across the key
assessment parameters of KIRF—namely Teaching, Learning & Resources (TLR);
Knowledge Dissemination & Research Excellence (KDRE); Graduation Outcomes
(GO); Outreach & Inclusivity (OI); and Scientific Temper & Secular Outlook (STSO).
Being recognised as the top university in Kerala through KIRF motivates to sustain
and further elevate quality in teaching, research, societal impact and inclusivity.
