Campus Times| Lucknow

In a significant move to improve the quality of technical education, the Uttar Pradesh Department of Technical Education will introduce a ranking system for private engineering and management institutes starting from the 2026–27 academic session.

The ranking will cover more than 750 private colleges affiliated with Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU). Officials said the department has completed preparations and will soon begin collecting data from institutions for evaluation.

Earlier, the department had released rankings for government engineering colleges in the state. In that list, Kamla Nehru Institute of Technology, Sultanpur secured the top rank, while four newly established government engineering colleges were also assessed.

Parameters for Evaluation

Private institutes will be evaluated on 10 key performance parameters, including:

• Faculty quality and participation
• Infrastructure and facilities
• Extracurricular and academic activities
• Examination and evaluation reforms
• Practical training and lab productivity
• Workshops and seminars
• Degree outcomes and academic performance
• Research publications and projects
• Campus placements
• Startup and innovation initiatives

Based on their performance, colleges will receive A, B, C, or D grades.

Earlier, AKTU had attempted a similar ranking initiative for private colleges, but it was later discontinued due to misuse concerns. The new system will follow revised guidelines to ensure transparency and accountability.

Officials believe the rankings will help students choose better colleges and motivate institutions to improve teaching standards, infrastructure, research output and placement opportunities.