Latest news with #NIRFUniversityRankings2024
The Hindu
01-08-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Top universities failing students with disabilities while basking in NIRF glory
For Mohd Aslam, a PhD scholar at the Centre for West Asian Studies (CWAS), Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), life has never been convenient even while studying at one of the premier institutions in India. Aslam, who is a visually impaired student, faces so many difficulties starting from commuting around campus that doesn't have braille-incorporated sign boards to a lack of sufficient assistive systems and accessible restrooms across all departments. Facilities for the Differently Abled, despite being one of the main aspects of the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), still remain far from expected levels. JNU, which achieved 2nd position in NIRF University Rankings 2024, seems to be no exception. 'A national university like JNU can do much better than what it offers to the students at the moment. The university does not provide screen readers or any other assistive tools for differently-abled students. No audio learning materials have been provided so far, and most journal subscriptions have long expired. Even basic research-assistive software is missing,' says Aslam. Echoing a similar sentiment, Himanshu Gautam, a master's student at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), which ranked 8th in the NIRF ranking, said providing sufficient materials in digital readable format is still not a priority in his campus. 'The university does not provide most of the important materials in digital formats like epub in its e-library. Despite being one of the biggest libraries in the country, there is no initiative to fix this. Besides, there is no effort to educate students who are reluctant due to their social and financial backgrounds to use these facilities,' he said. However, Aparna A, a master's student of Pondicherry University, which ranked 68th in previous NIRF ranking, says that their reading room and library of the campus is relatively disabled-friendly in terms of assistive devices provided to the students. 'The university offers a special reading room with assistive devices such as screen reader for students with disabilities. However, there are no audio learning materials to access. However, the building still doesn't have a ramp, making it hard for them to access without any difficulties,' she said. Aparna pointed out that lack of braille incorporated sign boards is an issue in the campus. 'For persons with visual impairment like me, it is a major hurdle to commute within the campus. There is no real effort to change it despite personally raising it to the officials. Also, they provide very few braille books for students to refer to,' said Aparna. Government mandates The Union government announced several financial assistance to differently-abled students over the years. The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) is offering ₹2,000–₹3,000 per month as maintenance allowance to each student in HEIs across India. The Department also provides financial assistance through reimbursing tuition fees up to ₹2 lakh per annum, ₹30,000 for the purchase of aids and assistive devices, and book grant of ₹5,000 per annum through its 'Top Class Education Scholarship for Students with Benchmark Disabilities'. On top of these, universities like JNU and DU offer reader and transport allowances of ₹3,000, along with providing assistive devices through their Equal Opportunity Cell. Students claim that all these schemes have long delays in disbursing their assistance. 'The ₹3,000 reading allowance is usually released just once a year, and that too after significant delays. Although we reach out to them with memorandums, they just pass the buck without providing any solutions,' says Aslam. Students say that despite the poor infrastructure on the campus most of the universities are providing free education to differently-abled students. 'Although we are not getting any special financial assistance, all our fees are being exempted. We never had to worry about fee remittance affecting our academics in the campus,' said Gautam. Lack of maintenance The lack of maintenance of facilities provided to differently-abled students is a major concern shared by students across campuses in India. Aslam recounted a troubling interaction with the JNU administration after students submitted a memorandum demanding accessible pathways to campus dhabas. According to them, the administration allegedly responded by saying the dhabas would be made accessible—but only by shutting them down entirely. 'As dhabas are run by poor people, who have no authority on the campus, the administration easily muzzled our demand. This is the kind of response we often receive when seeking support,' said Aslam. The JNU has three disability-friendly hostels on campus—two for boys and one for girls. 'There is little or no maintenance happening across the campus. While the washrooms are comparatively better, there is still room for improvement. There are also no transportation facilities to move around the campus,' he said. Aparna revealed that Pondicherry university lacks a lot in providing basic infrastructure. 'The roads to commute between various departments aren't well-built here. It causes immense problems for students facing mobility issues. The rush to catch buses plying across campuses during the peak hours is a herculean task. Though the University admin promised to start a special bus service for persons with disabilities, nothing has materialised yet,' she says. She added the university is taking no measures to control strays within the campus. 'It scares students with disabilities almost all day whenever they step out of their hostels. They can't move around safely and independently in such a condition. There is no proper maintenance of washrooms in the hostels. They aren't bothered to clean the premises and remove garbage on time despite raising complaints several times,' she said. Gautam elucidated that more needs to be executed to improve the lives of students within Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). 'Compared to several other universities in North India, AMU offers a fairly satisfying physical infrastructure to the students. However, basic amenities like washrooms are still poorly maintained,' he said. Prof. Manvendra Kumar Pundhir, Coordinator of Disability Unit, Aligarh Muslim University, says they have taken several measures to improve the facilities for differently-abled students within the campus. 'We are providing 5% reservation for PWD candidates in admissions and 4% in all appointments across the AMU. We are not charging any fee from the students and all our buildings are equipped with ramps for free movement of students and staff,' he said. Prof. Pundhir said plans are in the pipeline to take the campus to the next level in terms of inclusivity. 'We are not claiming that we are a 100% disability-friendly campus. There are several shortcomings and we are in the process of rectifying them. The university is planning to introduce braille scripts in all sign boards across the campus and pave tactile-tiles across all pathways within the campus. We are also aiming to provide modern assistive devices and software in the near future,' he added. What NIRF can do 'Differently abled students are facing immense discrimination in terms of financial assistance offered by the universities as well as facilities provided within the campus. Nowadays, the diversity index has become the core of the entire academic planning of universities across the country. University administrations are more bothered about improving the ranking than addressing actual problems. The majority of the institutions are not maintaining the actual data of differently-abled students enrolling in colleges. If the data is inconsistent, the entire planning will be affected,' said Vikas Gupta, a professor of History at the University of Delhi, who has been working for the disability rights front to improve the lives of students and staff across educational institutions in India. Prof. Gupta, who is visually-impaired, said that there is 'regression' in the facilities offered to students with disability in Delhi University and affiliated colleges over the years. The transport service that used to help all students, including persons with disabilities, to travel across Delhi University campuses was discontinued around 5-6 years ago. 'The administration has stopped reading services for students who struggle with their academics. They also stopped the pool of writers offered to the students to assist them during their examinations. The financial assistance to PWD students, which started back in the 80s, has been curtailed to a merit-based list of students instead of entailing all who enrolled in higher education courses. When merit itself is a social construct, the shift to merit over need has led to wider disparity of support among the students. The entire process has become exclusionary,' said Prof. Gupta. He suggests that proactive measures are required to improve the assistance provided to students with disability rather than prioritizing NIRF ranking. 'Instead of blindly following the data provided by University management, a notice should be sent in advance to all disabled students to discuss their grievances before giving a rank to a particular institution. The appointment to bodies like the ICC must be based on seniority and roster instead of personal preferences. The focus should shift from building dedicated hostels and schools to making all educational spaces inclusive and accessible to every student,' added Prof. Gupta. Attempts were made to reach out to the managements of JNU and Pondicherry University via phone calls and email. There has been no response. Provisions in the RPWD Act, 2016 The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, introduced by the Union government, guarantees several provisions for the welfare of students and staff with disabilities on campus. Some of them are as follows: Non-discrimination in admission: Institutions cannot deny admission to a student with disability on the basis of their disability. Inclusive education: The Act mandates inclusive classrooms with reasonable accommodations, support systems, and individualized learning strategies to ensure effective participation. Accessibility in infrastructure: Schools, colleges, and universities must ensure barrier-free access to buildings, labs, libraries, hostels, and classrooms. Trained educators: Institutions must appoint educators and staff trained in inclusive education and disability awareness. Provision of aids and assistive devices: Learners with disabilities are entitled to free assistive devices, appropriate technologies, and accessible learning materials. Curriculum adaptation: Educational content should be inclusive, free from stereotypes, and available in accessible formats like Braille, audio, and sign language. Grievance redressal: The act ensures a mandatory establishment of a grievance redressal mechanism to handle complaints related to disability rights violations. Reservation in Higher Education: At least 5% seats must be reserved for persons with benchmark disabilities in all government and aided higher education institutions. Prevention of Abuse and Discrimination: Institutions are required to prevent abuse, bullying, and harassment of students with disabilities, with defined protocols for action. Monitoring and Compliance: Educational bodies must submit compliance reports and are subject to inspection by appropriate authorities.
Hindustan Times
11-07-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Nitte School of Fashion Technology & Interior Design (NSFTID), Bengaluru – Cultivating Future Design Professionals
Nitte School of Fashion Technology and Interior Design, a constituent college under Nitte (Deemed to be University), reflects the educational vision of Justice K S Hegde, founder of the Nitte Education Trust. Justice Hegde, who supported rural upliftment and empowerment, established the Trust in 1979 to provide education and healthcare to youth in rural India. The Nitte School of Fashion Technology and Interior Design provides comprehensive education in Fashion and Interior Design. With 3 campuses, 44 institutions, over 160 Programmes, more than 27000 students, and over 5500 faculty, Nitte has influenced many learners through its commitment to quality education for over four decades. Nitte University holds an A+ grade from NAAC and is ranked 66th in the NIRF University Rankings 2024. Internationally, it is listed among the Top 600 in the QS World University Rankings Asia 2025, the Top 400 in the THE Impact Rankings 2024, and 1501+ in the THE World University Rankings 2025. In medical and health education, it is placed in the 1001+ band by THE Subject Rankings 2025. The university's commitment to sustainability is also reflected in its 252nd position in the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings 2024. Established in 2016, the Nitte School of Fashion Technology & Interior Design (NSFTID), Bengaluru, has emerged as a centre for creative education. Offering undergraduate, postgraduate and diploma programs in Fashion and Interior Design, the institution combines academic study with artistic expression. The campus aims to promote an eco-conscious and secure environment, described as safe, green and pollution-free where students are encouraged to think critically, innovate and lead with sensitivity. At the undergraduate level, students can pursue a Bachelor of Design (BDes) degree in either Fashion Design or Interior Design, providing them with foundational and advanced skills for the creative industries. Postgraduate studies include a Master of Design (MDes) in Fashion Design or Interior Design, designed for specialisation and industry preparation. The institution also provides Diploma programmes in both fields for learners seeking practical entry into the fashion and interior sectors. The NSFTID campus is designed to support an academic environment with various support systems. The library is open for 12 hours daily and offers a collection of print and digital resources accessible through unique student IDs. Career services include placement training, industry interaction sessions and campus recruitment drives. The health and wellness wing includes medical consultation, ambulance support, yoga sessions and mental wellness counselling. The IT infrastructure is fully digital with smart boards, online learning tools, campus-wide CCTV and support staff. Separate hostels for male and female students aim to ensure safety with 24/7 surveillance. Well-equipped laboratories are available across textile design, interior design, computing, language, pottery, woodworking and handloom weaving labs. Multiple indoor auditoriums and open-air amphitheatres host academic and cultural events, while sports facilities support physical development. Transport services cover a 60 km radius with daily bus services across Bengaluru's key zones. Additional amenities such as cafeterias, banking, ATMs, bakeries and xerox centres aim to enhance student convenience. Since its establishment in 2016, NSFTID has achieved several milestones. It began under the leadership of Prof. N.R. Shetty and launched its first-degree programmes in Fashion and Interior Design under Bangalore University. In 2018, the institution's dedication to social and environmental responsibility was acknowledged through a Guinness World Record achievement, for contributing to the largest number of plastic bottles collected for recycling in 12 hours. This initiative highlights NSFTID's efforts in sustainability, design activism and community impact. The Institution signed an MoU with Swinburne University of Technology, Malaysia in 2019. By 2019-20, students secured three university ranks. The curriculum is supported by more than 50 industry linkages, aiming to keep it practical and current. The implementation of the National Education Policy began in 2020, along with the introduction of MSc Fashion Technology & Design programmes. Awards received include the Best Women's Wear Design Award and National Education Excellence Award. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the college was recognised for its virtual learning systems. Academic achievements were reflected in the 4, 5, and 11 university ranks earned by students in 2021, 2022 and 2023, respectively. The institution was honored as Best Fashion College and Best Fashion Design Institute in 2024. It also successfully hosted the India Skills competition. Overall, NSFTID has produced 35 university rank holders and now moves into a new chapter under Nitte University from 2025–26. NSFTID's faculty includeseducators, researchers, designers and industry professionals. Faculty members serve on Boards of Studies (BoS) across universities, contributing to curriculum development and policy. Their contributions to national and international research journals, conference presentations and design exhibitions reflect a commitment to academic excellence. These educators help in mentoring students for competitions, guiding final year projects and fostering a research-focused culture. With a future-focused vision, NSFTID continues to help shape creative leaders who are ready to make an impact locally and globally. It functions today as a centre where design meets research, sustainability and purpose. To know more about NSFTID, visit For a quick chat or call, reach us on the admission hotline at +91 96252 30009. Note to the Reader: This article is part of Hindustan Times' promotional consumer connect initiative and is independently created by the brand. Hindustan Times assumes no editorial responsibility for the content.
Hans India
27-06-2025
- General
- Hans India
Nitte School of Fashion Technology & Interior Design (NSFTID), Bengaluru – shaping future design leaders with purpose and passion
Bengaluru (Karnataka) {India] : Nitte School of Fashion Technology and Interior Design, a constituent college recognized under Nitte (Deemed to be University), is a testimony to the educational vision of Justice K S Hegde, a legal luminary and founder of the Nitte Education Trust. A passionate advocate for rural upliftment and empowerment, Justice Hegde established the Trust in 1979 with a mission to provide quality education and healthcare to empower the youth of rural India. With 3 campuses, 44 institutions, 160+ Programs, 27000+ students, 5500+ faculty and a legacy spanning over four decades, Nitte has impacted thousands of learners through its commitment to quality, values and forward-thinking education. Today, Nitte University holds an A+ grade from NAAC and is ranked 66th in the NIRF University Rankings 2024. Internationally, it features among the Top 600 in the QS World University Rankings Asia 2025, the Top 400 in the THE Impact Rankings 2024, and 1501+ in the THE World University Rankings 2025. In medical and health education, it is placed in the 1001+ band by THE Subject Rankings 2025. The university's commitment to sustainability is also reflected in its 252nd position in the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings 2024. Founded in 2016, the Nitte School of Fashion Technology & Interior Design (NSFTID), Bengaluru, has quickly emerged as a centre of excellence in creative education. Offering undergraduate, postgraduate and diploma programs in Fashion and Interior Design, the institution combines academic rigor with artistic expression. The campus promotes an eco-conscious and secure environment, described as safe, green and pollution-free - where students are encouraged to think critically, innovate and lead with sensitivity. At the undergraduate level, students can pursue a Bachelor of Design (BDes) degree in either Fashion Design or Interior Design, equipping them with foundational and advanced competencies for the creative industries. Postgraduate studies include a Master of Design (MDes) in Fashion Design or Interior Design, designed for in-depth specialization and industry-readiness. The institution also provides Diploma programs in both fields for learners seeking quick, practical entry into the fashion and interior sectors. The NSFTID campus is designed to foster a stimulating academic environment with excellent support systems. The library is open for 12 hours daily and offers a rich collection of print and digital resources accessible through unique student IDs. Career services include placement training, industry interaction sessions and campus recruitment drives. The health and wellness wing includes medical consultation, ambulance support, yoga sessions and mental wellness counselling. The IT infrastructure is fully digital with smart boards, online learning tools, campus-wide CCTV and support staff. Separate hostels for male and female students ensure safety with 24/7 surveillance. Well-equipped laboratories span across textile design, interior design, computing, language, pottery, woodworking and handloom weaving labs. Multiple indoor auditoriums and open-air amphitheatres host academic and cultural events, while extensive sports facilities support physical development. Transport services cover a 60 km radius with reliable daily bus services across Bengaluru's key zones. Additional amenities such as cafeterias, banking, ATMs, bakeries and xerox centres enhance student convenience. Since its establishment in 2016, NSFTID has achieved numerous milestones. It began under the leadership of Prof. N.R. Shetty and launched its first-degree programs in Fashion and Interior Design under Bangalore University. In 2018, the institution's dedication to social and environmental responsibility was recognized through a Guinness World Record achievement, for contributing to the largest number of plastic bottles collected for recycling in 12 hours. This landmark initiative highlights NSFTID's efforts in sustainability, design activism and community impact. The Institution signed an MoU with Swinburne University of Technology, Malaysia in 2019. By 2019-20, students secured three university ranks. The curriculum is bolstered by more than 50 industry linkages, ensuring it remains practical and future-ready. The implementation of the National Education Policy began in 2020, along with the introduction of MSc Fashion Technology & Design programs. Awards followed, including the Best Women's Wear Design Award and National Education Excellence Award. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the college was lauded for its virtual learning systems. Continued academic excellence was reflected in the 4, 5, and 11 university ranks earned by students in 2021, 2022 and 2023, respectively. The institution was honored as Best Fashion College and Best Fashion Design Institute in 2024. It also successfully hosted the India Skills competition. Overall, NSFTID has produced 35 university rank holders and now moves into a new chapter under Nitte University from 2025–26. NSFTID's strength lies not only in its infrastructure but also in its highly accomplished faculty - a vibrant team of educators, researchers, designers and industry professionals. Faculty members serve on Boards of Studies (BoS) across universities, influencing curriculum development and policy. Their contributions to national and international research journals, conference presentations and design exhibitions reflect a deep commitment to academic excellence. These educators play a crucial role in mentoring students for competitions, guiding final year projects and cultivating a research-driven culture. With a future-focused vision, NSFTID continues to shape creative leaders who are ready to make a meaningful impact - locally and globally. It stands today as a vibrant hub where design meets research, sustainability and purpose. To know more about NSFTID, visit For a quick chat or call, reach us on the admission hotline at +91 96252 30009.
Business Standard
25-06-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Nitte School of Fashion Technology & Interior Design (NSFTID), Bengaluru - shaping future design leaders with purpose and passion
SMPL Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], June 25: Nitte School of Fashion Technology and Interior Design, a constituent college recognized under Nitte (Deemed to be University), is a testimony to the educational vision of Justice K S Hegde, a legal luminary and founder of the Nitte Education Trust. A passionate advocate for rural upliftment and empowerment, Justice Hegde established the Trust in 1979 with a mission to provide quality education and healthcare to empower the youth of rural India. With 3 campuses, 44 institutions, 160+ Programs, 27000+ students, 5500+ faculty and a legacy spanning over four decades, Nitte has impacted thousands of learners through its commitment to quality, values and forward-thinking education. Today, Nitte University holds an A+ grade from NAAC and is ranked 66th in the NIRF University Rankings 2024. Internationally, it features among the Top 600 in the QS World University Rankings Asia 2025, the Top 400 in the THE Impact Rankings 2024, and 1501+ in the THE World University Rankings 2025. In medical and health education, it is placed in the 1001+ band by THE Subject Rankings 2025. The university's commitment to sustainability is also reflected in its 252nd position in the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings 2024. Founded in 2016, the Nitte School of Fashion Technology & Interior Design (NSFTID), Bengaluru, has quickly emerged as a centre of excellence in creative education. Offering undergraduate, postgraduate and diploma programs in Fashion and Interior Design, the institution combines academic rigor with artistic expression. The campus promotes an eco-conscious and secure environment, described as safe, green and pollution-free - where students are encouraged to think critically, innovate and lead with sensitivity. At the undergraduate level, students can pursue a Bachelor of Design (BDes) degree in either Fashion Design or Interior Design, equipping them with foundational and advanced competencies for the creative industries. Postgraduate studies include a Master of Design (MDes) in Fashion Design or Interior Design, designed for in-depth specialization and industry-readiness. The institution also provides Diploma programs in both fields for learners seeking quick, practical entry into the fashion and interior sectors. The NSFTID campus is designed to foster a stimulating academic environment with excellent support systems. The library is open for 12 hours daily and offers a rich collection of print and digital resources accessible through unique student IDs. Career services include placement training, industry interaction sessions and campus recruitment drives. The health and wellness wing includes medical consultation, ambulance support, yoga sessions and mental wellness counselling. The IT infrastructure is fully digital with smart boards, online learning tools, campus-wide CCTV and support staff. Separate hostels for male and female students ensure safety with 24/7 surveillance. Well-equipped laboratories span across textile design, interior design, computing, language, pottery, woodworking and handloom weaving labs. Multiple indoor auditoriums and open-air amphitheatres host academic and cultural events, while extensive sports facilities support physical development. Transport services cover a 60 km radius with reliable daily bus services across Bengaluru's key zones. Additional amenities such as cafeterias, banking, ATMs, bakeries and xerox centres enhance student convenience. Since its establishment in 2016, NSFTID has achieved numerous milestones. It began under the leadership of Prof. N.R. Shetty and launched its first-degree programs in Fashion and Interior Design under Bangalore University. In 2018, the institution's dedication to social and environmental responsibility was recognized through a Guinness World Record achievement, for contributing to the largest number of plastic bottles collected for recycling in 12 hours. This landmark initiative highlights NSFTID's efforts in sustainability, design activism and community impact. The Institution signed an MoU with Swinburne University of Technology, Malaysia in 2019. By 2019-20, students secured three university ranks. The curriculum is bolstered by more than 50 industry linkages, ensuring it remains practical and future-ready. The implementation of the National Education Policy began in 2020, along with the introduction of MSc Fashion Technology & Design programs. Awards followed, including the Best Women's Wear Design Award and National Education Excellence Award. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the college was lauded for its virtual learning systems. Continued academic excellence was reflected in the 4, 5, and 11 university ranks earned by students in 2021, 2022 and 2023, respectively. The institution was honored as Best Fashion College and Best Fashion Design Institute in 2024. It also successfully hosted the India Skills competition. Overall, NSFTID has produced 35 university rank holders and now moves into a new chapter under Nitte University from 2025-26. NSFTID's strength lies not only in its infrastructure but also in its highly accomplished faculty - a vibrant team of educators, researchers, designers and industry professionals. Faculty members serve on Boards of Studies (BoS) across universities, influencing curriculum development and policy. Their contributions to national and international research journals, conference presentations and design exhibitions reflect a deep commitment to academic excellence. These educators play a crucial role in mentoring students for competitions, guiding final year projects and cultivating a research-driven culture. With a future-focused vision, NSFTID continues to shape creative leaders who are ready to make a meaningful impact - locally and globally. It stands today as a vibrant hub where design meets research, sustainability and purpose. To know more about NSFTID, visit For a quick chat or call, reach us on the admission hotline at +91 96252 30009. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by SMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
