The Institution of Eminence (IoE) scheme, initiated by India’s central government and University Grants Commission (UGC), has become a significant topic of discussion in the realm of higher education. Despite several institutes being selected for this prestigious status, a considerable number have been awaiting their official recognition for over three years. This program aims to establish 20 top-tier educational institutions in India, each expected to meet certain criteria within five years of notification.
Understanding the Institution of Eminence Scheme
Launched in 2017 by the UGC, the IoE scheme is a central government initiative intended to fortify India’s higher education sector. It involves the selection and grant allocation to twenty designated institutions – ten public and ten private – to help them implement world-class teaching methods and enhance the quality and accessibility of education.
By April 2021, eleven out of these twenty nominated organisations had been accorded the ‘Institute of Eminence’ status. The scheme entailed that these privileged institutions should be accredited within five years from the date of their notification.
The Objective of the Scheme
The IoE scheme’s main objective is to encourage excellence and innovation in higher education at post-graduate, graduate, and research degree levels. It incentivizes institutions to specialize in particular areas to contribute distinctly to the university education system’s goals.
Additionally, it prompts educational bodies to strive for international ratings for their teachings and research, aiming to be ranked among the world’s top hundred institutions over time.
Determining Criteria for IoE Status
Only institutions that have appeared in any global or national ranks, such as QS or NIRF, qualify for IoE status. They should either be among the top 50 in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) in their category or among the top 500 in internationally recognised rankings like the Times Higher Education World University Rankings and QS.
If any slots remain unoccupied after consideration of these factors, ‘Greenfield’ proposals from not-yet-established institutions are considered. These greenfield projects refer to new initiatives undertaken without considering any prior work. If approved, these institutions would get a three-year period to establish, and the Empowered Experts Committee (EEC) could then consider granting them IoE status.
Benefits Accompanying the IoE Status
Achieving the IoE tag comes with a suite of benefits providing institutes enhanced autonomy and freedom. They earn the liberty to decide their fees, course durations, and governance structures.
The public institutions under the IoE tag receive a government grant of INR 1,000 crore. In contrast, the private institutions do not get any funding under the scheme but they benefit from the increased autonomy and esteem associated with this recognition.
This initiative is a part of the Indian government’s efforts to bring qualitative improvements in the higher education sector, encouraging more educational institutions to strive for excellence in teaching and research.