Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan (SOA) University Shines in Latest NIRF Rankings

By Sujata Muguda, Shreyas WebMedia Solutions

13 Aug 2024: In an impressive leap of progress, Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan (SOA) Deemed to be University in Bhubaneswar has secured its place as the 14th best university in India, according to the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2024. This announcement, made by the Union Ministry of Education, marks a notable improvement from last year's 15th position, highlighting the university's ongoing commitment to excellence in higher education.

A Closer Look at the NIRF Rankings

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan unveiled the 9th edition of the NIRF rankings in New Delhi, with Union Minister of State for Education Sukanta Majumdar also in attendance. The NIRF rankings, which have been a benchmark for educational quality in India since their inception in 2016, placed SOA not only 14th in the university category but also 24th in the overall category, an ascent from its previous rank of 26th.

The university’s remarkable performance is further underscored by its consistency in maintaining a top 25 position for nine consecutive years. Of these years, SOA has achieved a top 20 ranking on seven occasions, reflecting its sustained excellence and competitive edge in the Indian higher education landscape.

Sector-Specific Achievements

SOA’s progress extends across various disciplines:

• Engineering: SOA moved up one place from 27th to 26th, illustrating its strengthening position in the engineering field.
• Medical Sciences: The university achieved a commendable 21st rank, showcasing its growing prowess in this crucial sector.
• Dental Sciences: With a stable 9th rank, SOA’s Institute of Dental Sciences continues to shine brightly.
• Law: The Faculty of Law remains a standout, ranked 9th nationally.
• Management Sciences: While ranked 62nd, SOA remains focused on enhancing its programs to improve further.
• Research: The university is ranked 50th, reflecting its commitment to advancing research and development.

Accolades and Future Aspirations

In addition to these rankings, SOA was awarded the highest A++ grade by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) in 2022, underscoring its commitment to quality education and institutional excellence.

Professor (Dr) Manojranjan Nayak, the founder president of SOA, expressed his pride in the university's achievements and extended congratulations to the faculty, researchers, and staff for their dedication. He encouraged everyone to persist in their efforts to elevate SOA to new heights.

Meanwhile, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Pradipta Kumar Nanda, conveyed his gratitude to all contributors and called for continued hard work to achieve the ambitious goal of entering the top 10 universities in India within the next five years.

Conclusion

SOA’s latest NIRF ranking is a testament to its commitment to academic excellence and research innovation. With continued dedication and strategic enhancements across various disciplines, the university is poised to further cement its position as a leading institution in India. The focus now is on leveraging this momentum to achieve even greater accomplishments and to continue making a significant impact on higher education in the country.