Atal ranking for institutions to promote innovation

Higher education institutions will now be ranked for their achievements in the field of innovation and research.

For this, Human Resource Development (HRD) Minister Prakash Javadekar on Thursday launched the Atal Ranking of Institutions on Innovation Achievements (ARIIA) here at a function.

During the function, the HRD minister also inaugurated an 'Innovation Cell,' set up on the premises of the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), to boost innovation and research in country's higher education institutions.

“This will create a perfect ecosystem for innovation and research in country's higher education institutions,” Javadekar said while addressing the event.

The first all-India ranking of the higher education institutions for their achievements in the field of innovation and research is expected to be released in February 2019.

According to the ranking framework, the institutions will be evaluated and ranked on the basis of five parameters.

Out of a total 100 marks, 54 marks have been allocated for assessment of institutions for entrepreneurial idea generation, pre-incubation, incubation support and entrepreneurship development, 20 for the budgetary expenses and revenue generated by the institutions through innovation and entrepreneurship developments, 10 for facilitating access to advance centres/facilities and entrepreneurial support system.

A total of 10 marks have been allocated for assessment of institutions' achievements towards the development of innovation ecosystems and six marks for best innovative solutions developed in-house for improving governance of the respective institution.

The Innovation Cell, to be headed by eminent scientists and professionals, will coordinate with higher education institutions for joint research projects. It will also create a network of innovation clubs at higher education institutions across the country.