Question

Which of the following statements about CUSAT's achievements are accurate?

1. In the NIRF 2024 rankings, CUSAT secured the 34th position among universities.
2. CUSAT secured an A+ Grade in NAAC accreditation.
3. CUSAT secured the 10th position among State Public Universities in the NIRF 2024 rankings.
4. 44 patents were granted/published by CUSAT during the period 2022-2024.

• A. 1 only
• B. All of these
• C. 3 only
• D. 1, 2

Answer 1

Answer:

B. All of these

Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT): A Hub of Excellence

• Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) is a government-owned autonomous university in Kochi, Kerala, India. Established in 1971, it is a prominent institution for higher education and research in various fields of science, technology, engineering, and humanities.

• Its achievements reflect its commitment to academic excellence, research, and innovation, making it a significant contributor to the higher education landscape in India.

• National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF)

• The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) is a methodology adopted by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, to rank higher education institutions in India.

• It was launched in 2015 and assesses institutions across various parameters such as teaching, learning & resources, research & professional practice, graduation outcomes, outreach & inclusivity, and perception.

• For competitive exams, it's crucial to know that the rankings are released annually by the Ministry of Education.

• In the NIRF 2024 rankings, CUSAT achieved the 34th position among all universities in India, demonstrating its strong overall performance across diverse indicators.

• Furthermore, within the category of State Public Universities, CUSAT secured an impressive 10th position in the NIRF 2024 rankings. This highlights its significant standing among state-funded institutions across the country.

National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC)

• The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) is an autonomous body established by the University Grants Commission (UGC) of India.

• Its primary function is to assess and accredit higher education institutions (HEIs) in India based on predefined criteria covering aspects like curriculum, teaching-learning, research, infrastructure, student support, and governance.

• NAAC accreditation helps institutions understand their strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities, promoting continuous improvement in quality education.

• CUSAT has been awarded an impressive A+ Grade in NAAC accreditation. This is a testament to the university's high-quality academic programs, robust infrastructure, strong research output, and effective governance.

• The A+ grade is a highly coveted accreditation, indicating that the institution meets or exceeds the standards of quality set by NAAC, making it a reliable indicator for prospective students and employers.

Research and Innovation: Patents

• Patents are legal protections granted for inventions, signifying innovation and research output from an institution.

• A significant indicator of CUSAT's research prowess is the granting/publication of 44 patents during the period 2022-2024.

• This number reflects a strong culture of research and development within the university, with faculty and students actively contributing to new knowledge and technological advancements.

• High patenting activity contributes to the knowledge economy and signifies an institution's role in addressing real-world problems through innovation.

CUSAT's Contribution to Kerala's Development

• CUSAT's achievements are reflective of the broader success of the Kerala Model of Development, which emphasizes human resource development, education, and public welfare.

• The university contributes significantly to producing skilled professionals and fostering research that supports industrial growth and societal well-being in Kerala and beyond.