Chandigarh University’s Architecture Success Story - Ranked 14th in NIRF 2025

Out of the many things common across India's education sector, there is one event to look forward to  every year-the announcement of the NIRF Rankings by the Ministry of Education. To a student, a parent, or even the entire academic community, these lists are never just figures but a sign of credibility, quality, and trust.  

This time, the tenth NIRF proved to be the largest evaluation exercise in history in higher education in  India as it received entries from a total of 7,692 institutions across 14 broad categories, which included  Engineering, Management, Pharmacy, Law, and Architecture. More than 14,000 applications made it  tougher than ever for the students to even secure a single rank; thus, each rank proved an attainment in  national prestige.  

What is NIRF & on What Key Parameters is it based?  

Released in 2015 by the Ministry of Education, the NIRF was intended to create a completely transparent and standardised system for rating higher educational institutions across the country. It evaluates  institutions on five important pillars known as parameters:  

• Teaching, Learning Resource and Infrastructure (TLR)
• Research and Professional Practices (RP)
• Graduation Outcomes (GO)
• Outreach and Inclusiveness (OI)
• Perception (PR)

All these parameters, in summary, provide a wholesome picture of strength, not only in academics but also in research and innovation, inclusivity, and industry relevance.  

Chandigarh University in NIRF Rankings 2025  

The NIRF Rankings 2025 show once again how strong Chandigarh University (CU) is in the country. CU is ranked 32nd among all the universities, deemed institutions, or colleges in India. The university is  proud to be the No. 1 private school in North India and the 8th best private school in the country. CU is  still the best private university in Punjab, showing leadership and academic excellence in the area.  

CU has also done well in important fields like engineering, management, pharmacy, and architecture.  Architecture is especially important to me. India is moving quickly toward urbanization and sustainable  development, so it's more important than ever to train future architects, planners, and innovators.  Chandigarh University's University Institute of Architecture (UIA) stands out in this context as a center of excellence for its high-quality education, cutting-edge research, and training that is relevant to the job  market.  

Chandigarh University in NIRF 2025 (Architecture Domain)  

In the NIRF 2025 rankings, Chandigarh University has been placed 14th in architecture across India, and is also:  

• 2nd among all India Private Architecture institutes
• 1st among North India Private Architecture institutes
• 1st in Punjab (Private Architecture Institutes)

This ranking isn't just about numbers; it's about CU's consistency, creativity, and goal to change how architecture is taught in India.  

Parameter-wise Score  

Parameters 2025 

Category	Score
Overall Score	59.7
Overall Rank	14
Teaching, Learning & Resources	68.3
Research & Professional Practices	47.19
Graduation Outcome	69.26
Outreach & Inclusivity	75.76
Perception	15.06

 

This score is indicative of a balanced growth strategy where CU has been fairly active in teaching quality, graduation outcomes, and inclusiveness.  

Why CU’s Architecture Institute Stands Out  

The University Institute of Architecture (UIA) has become a modern center for creativity, new ideas, and international exposure in the field of architecture. Its success depends on how well it can combine hands on training, partnerships with businesses, and research-based learning into the curriculum.  

Teaching, Learning & Resources (TLR) 

The parameter measures the quality of teaching and the faculty's knowledge of the curriculum, learning  resources, and infrastructure available to students. This makes sure that students have a strong academic foundation. UIA has a curriculum that is based on best practices from around the world and was created  with the help of professionals and organizations like CoA (which requires faculty membership), IIA  (which requires student affiliation and a center), and IGBC (which requires membership). Students also  benefit from design studios, live workshops, and internships with top companies.  

Highlights include:  

• 70+ open and specialisation-based electives.
• Industry certifications like GRIHA, ASHRAE, and FSAI.
• Integration of MOOCs, entrepreneurship courses, and life-skill mentoring. ● State-of-the-art labs for 2D/3D modelling, sustainable design, and construction technologies. ● MoUs: ARKANCE (software learning), APS New York (industry projects), PEDA (industry partners).  

Research & Professional Practices (RP)  

This parameter highlights the institute's concentration on research, publications, patents, and projects in  addition to hands-on engagement with industry, which helps develop knowledge and professional skills. UIA focuses on research and innovation.  

• Focus areas: Urban design, sustainability, pedagogy, disaster-resilient construction. ● Faculty recognised globally for contributions in heritage and disaster management research.

Graduation Outcomes (GO) & Placements  

This parameter indicates the performance of students holistically in terms of academics and professional aspects of placements, entrepreneurship, licensing, and higher studies. Placement statistics of UIA are an attestation to the strong industry linkages that the institution has.  

• 100% placement through internships and on-the-job training.
• Top recruiters: Stonex (17 students, 8.5 LPA), ARKANCE IN Pvt. Ltd (12 students, 5 LPA), Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (5 students, 4.5 LPA).
• Typical profiles: Construction & Project Management, BIM, Interior Design, Urban Planning, Sustainability & Research, Entrepreneurship, Government & Corporate Sector.

Licensing & Government Opportunities:  

• Total CoA registrations: 412 students till 2024.
• Placements in government organisations: PWD, Smart City projects, Tourism Departments, and research roles.

Outreach & International Exposure (OI)  

This parameter tells about the diversity and dimension of the institute from the standpoint of international students, gender ratio, socio-economic inclusion, and opportunities for global exposure. UIA attracts students from 15 countries, including Uganda, Nepal, Italy, and Brazil.  

• Semester-abroad opportunities and higher studies: Bauhaus University, Germany; Politecnico di Milano, Italy; University of East London; Lambton College, Canada; University of Bath; Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic.
• Global exposure helps students gain multicultural perspectives in design and urban planning. Perception (PR)

This parameter captures the institution's reputation among employers, peers, alumni, and the wider academic community, indicating trust, recognition, and prestige. UIA has built strong credibility among  peer institutions and employers:  

• Alumni network in top Indian and international firms.
• National awards like NASA Zonal Design 2024 (1st Prize) and Best Thesis Award 2024.
•  Collaborations with international universities and architectural bodies enhance CU’s visibility and credibility globally.

Conclusion: Building a Legacy in Architecture  

With its 14th place in the NIRF 2025 Architecture Rankings, Chandigarh University has proven itself to be a fine institution. This strong vision of making a plan while also doing well in school has been around for a while. UIA is getting the architects and urban planners of the future ready by building strong connections with the industry, creating an innovative curriculum, providing world-class internships, and fostering a strong research culture. Chandigarh University is more than just a school; it is a stepping stone for future architects who want to be successful in design, planning, and sustainable development around the world.