In a significant acknowledgment of academic excellence, the latest ranking from the government agency has unveiled India’s top ten universities, underscoring the country’s rich tradition of higher education. Leading the list is the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru, which continues to set the benchmark for research and innovation since its establishment in 1909.  The universities are listed by the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), which outlines a methodology to rank institutions across the country.

The Indian Institute of Science, located in Karnataka’s capital, Bengaluru, has been ranked number one for its unparalleled contributions to science and technology. Known for its cutting-edge research and world-class faculty, IISc’s rigorous academic environment fosters innovation and discovery, making it a premier choice for students and researchers alike.

Following closely is Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in New Delhi, which has secured the second spot. Established in 1969, JNU is renowned for its strong emphasis on social sciences, humanities, and its vibrant intellectual culture. The university has consistently been at the forefront of academic and research achievements, contributing significantly to policy discussions and social discourse.

The third position is held by Jamia Millia Islamia, also in Delhi. Founded in 1920, this institution has grown into a leading center for research and education across various disciplines, including engineering, humanities, and social sciences. Jamia Millia Islamia’s commitment to inclusivity and academic excellence has solidified its reputation as a top-tier university.

Manipal Academy of Higher Education, established in 1993 and located in Manipal, Karnataka, is ranked fourth. This institution has gained recognition for its diverse academic programs and global outlook, attracting students from across the globe. Its emphasis on holistic education and research excellence has earned it a prominent place in the rankings.

Banaras Hindu University (BHU), founded in 1916 and situated in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, occupies the fifth position. With its long history and strong emphasis on traditional and modern disciplines, BHU continues to be a beacon of academic and cultural heritage.

The University of Delhi, another top performer, is ranked sixth. Established in 1922, this institution is celebrated for its comprehensive range of programs and vibrant campus life. It has been a significant player in shaping India’s educational landscape.

Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, founded in 2003 and located in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, is ranked seventh. The university’s commitment to interdisciplinary research and innovation has contributed to its impressive standing in the rankings.

Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), which was established in 1920 in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, holds the eighth spot. AMU’s focus on providing quality education across various fields has cemented its position as a leading institution.

Jadavpur University in Kolkata, West Bengal, is ranked ninth. Since its inception in 1955, Jadavpur University has been recognized for its diverse academic programs and research initiatives.

Rounding out the top ten is Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), founded in 1984 in Vellore, Tamil Nadu. VIT’s emphasis on engineering and technology has propelled it into the top ranks, reflecting its growing influence and global reach.

These rankings highlight the diverse strengths and contributions of India’s leading universities, showcasing their pivotal role in advancing education and research in the country.

In the India Rankings 2024, the Indian Institute of Technology Madras has continued its impressive streak, retaining the top spot in the Overall Category for the sixth consecutive year (2019-2024) and in Engineering for the ninth consecutive year (2016-2024). This achievement underscores IIT Madras’s consistent excellence in education and research. The “India Rankings” refers to a set of annual rankings released by the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) of India. NIRF is an initiative by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, to rank institutions across various categories based on parameters like teaching, learning, and resources; research and professional practices; graduation outcomes; outreach and inclusivity; and perception.

The rankings also reveal a diverse representation in the Top 100 Overall category. This list includes 23 state public universities, 22 private deemed universities, 16 IITs, 9 NITs, 7 central universities, 7 private universities, 4 each of AIIMS, IISERs, and government deemed universities, 3 other CFTIs, and 1 college.

The Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, has maintained its leadership position in the Universities Category for the ninth year running (2016-2024). Additionally, IISc has topped the Research Institutions Category for the fourth consecutive year (2021-2024).

In the field of management, the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIM Ahmedabad) has retained its top position for the fifth consecutive year (2020-2024). It was among the top two in the Management subject rankings from 2016 to 2019.

The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, has continued to dominate the Medical category, securing the top position for the seventh year in a row (2018-2024). Despite this, AIIMS has slipped to the 7th position in the Overall category, down from 6th place in 2023.

Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, has reclaimed the top spot in the Pharmacy category this year. It was previously ranked first for four consecutive years (2019-2022) and second in 2018 and 2023.

Hindu College has ascended to the number one position among Colleges for the first time, replacing Miranda House, which held the top spot for seven years (2017-2023). Hindu College had been ranked second in 2019, 2022, and 2023, and third and fourth in earlier years.

In Architecture and Planning, IIT Roorkee has maintained its first-place ranking for the fourth consecutive year (2021-2024), having been second from 2018 to 2020.

The National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru, continues to lead in the Law category for the seventh consecutive year (2018-2024).

Delhi-based institutions have once again showcased their dominance in the Colleges category, with six of the top ten colleges located in the capital city.

The Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, has secured the top position in the Dental subject for the third consecutive year.

The Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, has topped the Agriculture and Allied Sectors category for the second consecutive year.

In a notable addition, Anna University, Chennai, has topped the newly introduced State Public Universities Category. Similarly, Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi, leads the newly established Open Universities Category.

The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur has been recognized for its innovation efforts, topping the Innovation category. Additionally, Symbiosis Skill and Professional University (SSPU), Pune, leads the newly ranked Skill Universities category.

These rankings reflect the dynamic nature of higher education in India, highlighting the continued excellence of established institutions while also recognizing emerging leaders in various fields.

In an age where the process of learning is increasingly automated and digitized, it is important for educators to know the evolution of learning theories. Throughout history, humans have long regarded language as a manifestation of thought. Through speech, we collaborate in forming memories and derive lessons from them. Language stands as the oldest instrument known to humanity for achieving advanced understanding. The roots of philosophical interest into learning can be traced back to ancient Greece.

Ancient Greek philosophy is divided into three main periods: pre-Socratic, Socratic, and post-Socratic. Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle are prominent figures in the Socratic period. This philosophical tradition had a profound impact on shaping modern thought, especially in Western civilisation. Greek philosophers pioneered rational exploration of nature and formulated theories about the universe’s existence. By integrating insights from science, philosophy, art, and politics, they developed a comprehensive worldview.

The ancient Greek learning system significantly influenced modern thought in both the East and West due to its emphasis on logic, reason, and inquiry. Socrates, renowned for his innovative teaching methods, posed challenging questions rather than delivering lectures to his students. This approach aimed to provoke critical thinking by challenging fundamental assumptions. Today, educators continue to employ similar methods in institutions to foster a culture of logical and critical learning. Philosophers such as Plato delved into topics like ethics, virtue, justice, and human behaviour in their philosophical inquiries.

In 1890, William James, an American philosopher and physician, defined psychology as the ‘science of mental life’. This marked the approximate beginning of the study of the mind, human behaviour, and especially learning, as these fields began to develop and expand from this foundational concept

The psychological connection

The modern study of learning psychology traces its origins to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The history of learning is inseparable from the history of psychology during this period. Wilhelm Wundt established the world’s first formal psychological laboratory in Leipzig, Germany, in 1879. He distinguished psychology as a distinct science, separate from philosophy and biology, and was the first person to identify himself as a psychologist. Wundt is widely recognised as the “father of experimental psychology.” Since the founding of this laboratory, investigations into learning theories and mechanisms have been a central focus of research and debate within the discipline.

In 1890, William James, an American philosopher and physician, defined psychology as the ‘science of mental life’. This marked the approximate beginning of the study of the mind, human behaviour, and especially learning, as these fields began to develop and expand from this foundational concept.

Early interest in learning or training initially focused exclusively on behaviour. Proponents of this perspective pioneered the field of learning psychology known as ‘behaviourism’. Behaviourists defined learning as observable changes in behaviour. This approach gained rapid traction in the early 20th century.

Simultaneously, alongside this growing focus on behaviour and its modification, there emerged a realization that unseen mental processes involved in learning, as well as factors beyond environmental rewards or gratification, significantly influence how we learn.

Consequently, two main branches of learning psychology have evolved and influenced educational practices in recent decades. The first is behaviourism, which emphasizes observable behaviours. The second is ‘constructivism’, a facet of cognitive psychology, which posits that knowledge and understanding are constructed by individual learners through mental processes.

During the early 1900s, behaviourism dominated the study of learning due to its focus on observable phenomena. Its contribution to learning theories lies in its empirical approach to studying behaviour and its influence on shaping educational practices

Behaviourism and constructivism each encompass various sub-branches, making them foundational frameworks for understanding learning theory. Behaviourism’s primary concern is with observable behaviour, while constructivism highlights the active role of learners in constructing knowledge and understanding, emphasizing mental processes and underlying cognitive structures.

During the early 1900s, behaviourism dominated the study of learning due to its focus on observable phenomena. Its contribution to learning theories lies in its empirical approach to studying behaviour and its influence on shaping educational practices.

In the next column, we will explore why behaviourism was predominant in early learning theories, examine its contributions to educational theory and practice, and discuss how its principles can enhance learning outcomes.