On September 12, University of Mumbai (MU) made history by becoming the first Indian university to adopt the University Department Ranking Framework (UDRF), aimed at enhancing academic and research capabilities. 

Top-ranking departments will be awarded grants between ₹5 lakh and ₹25 lakh, along with citations and mementoes, while those falling short will receive support through the ‘VC Initiative Mechanism.’

Prof Ravindra Kulkarni, vice-chancellor, University of Mumbai was reported saying, “Ranking departments will motivate our departments to continuously upgrade and align with international quality standards.”

MU has 15 departments in Science, 8 in Commerce, Skills, Online/Distance Education and Management, 10 in Humanities and Social Sciences, 15 in Languages, 12 in Interdisciplinary Studies, and 20 Centres of Studies. Reports indicate that all these departments, along with two model colleges, will be evaluated by MU starting this academic year.

The University Research and Development Cell (RDC), Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), NIRF Cell, and Board of Deans helped develop this ranking framework. It focuses on six key areas: Research and Professional Activities; Departmental Administration and Management; Student Support and Progression; Teaching-Learning-Assessment; Faculty Output; and Conferences, Workshops, and Collaborations.

Additionally, individual teachers will be recognised based on their performance with awards for “Best Research Funding and Innovation” and “Outstanding Research Publications.”