Panjab University tops in Atal innovation rankings

Deepankar Sharda

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 29

Panjab University (PU) attainted top rank in the innovation, start-up and entrepreneurship development among the government and aided (state-run and deemed) universities of India as per the Atal Ranking of Institutions on Innovation Achievements (ARIIA).

The announcement was made by Union Minister of State of Education Subhas Sarkar in a virtual ceremony on Wednesday. Major indicators for consideration for these rankings include budget and funding support, infrastructure and facilities, awareness, promotions and support for idea generation and innovation, promotion and support for entrepreneurship development, innovative learning methods and courses, intellectual property generation, technology transfer and commercialisation and innovation in governance of the institution. As many as 1,438 institutes from all states participated in various categories of the ranking.

“I am glad to know that despite the record number of entries, the PU not only improved on its rank from last year but also topped the list among the state universities. This speaks about the efforts put in by the faculty and staff of the university towards the campaign of innovation, which we started three years ago. I congratulate all stakeholders and at the same time appeal to them to not to be complacent and maintain the streak in the coming years too,” said PU Vice-Chancellor Prof Raj Kumar.

Panjab University is followed by Delhi Technological University and Netaji Subhas University of Technology at the second and third spot in the same category.

“We at Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) are happy with the outcome of the ranking this year. Panjab University is a unique university that carries its heritage and futuristic innovation on its shoulders with equal ease and responsibilities. It’s a moment of rejoice for all of us here at the university,” said PU Director (IQAC) Prof Ashish Jain.

From 7th to top spot

The PU had claimed second spot in 2020 rankings. In 2019 rankings, the PU was placed 9th. In 2019, there was no classification of categories.

Chitkara varsity at second spot in pvt category

Chitkara University has secured the second rank in the ARIIA-2021 ranking in the Private/Self-Financed (Technical) category. Ashok K Chitkara, Chancellor, Chitkara University, said: “It is the hard work of our students, staff and faculty that resulted in securing this achievement. Chitkara University’s Research and Innovation Network (CURIN) encourages our students to become innovative leaders and contribute to nation-building by developing indigenous solutions.”

Chitkara University has also been awarded the A+ rating by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), which places it among the five per cent of higher education institutions (HEIs) in India to be granted such a coveted grade. It achieved high rankings in the NIRF Rankings 2021 under various categories.

Chandigarh University (CU), Gharuan, claimed 7th spot in the ranking in the same category. Satnam Singh Sandhu, Chancellor, Chandigarh University, said: “Ever since its inception, our university has been committed to disseminating quality academic learning to its students, which matches the global standards.”