Higher Education Institutions are based on various parameters such as research output, inclusivity, educational outcomes etc. (continued)

Pending changes and structural reforms - to manipulate metrics institutions prioritise optics as genuine reform eg. temporary faculty. Suggested measures: 1. Enhanced focus on educational outcomes, as the primary parameter. 2. Including matrices such as student satisfaction, drop out rates. 3. Focus on social impact - including contribution to community (eg. surveys, awareness campaigns, blood donation drives etc) as a parameter to include social impact. 4. Data verification - to prevent alleged favouritism. 5. Moving away from one size fits all approach to a more inclusive & subjective one. eg. comparing programs i.e. some degrees & outcomes rather than universities. 6. Cluster based rankings can be explored to ensure fair appraisal comparisons. 7. Inclusivity measures due as representation of women, breken dalit & the marginalised. 8. Enhancing transparency in ranking process & make it open to scrutiny & feedback. 9. Enhanced focus on social learning eg. modules on ethics even for STEMM courses. Universities vase to get the top rank is similar to countries vying for higher GDP numbers, but true test of education lies in mainly knowledge equitable, accessible & affordable. For this we must go beyond narrow metrics for HEIs & expand them.