NU’s academic audit for UDRF completed

Nagpur: The Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University (RTMNU) completed the University Department Ranking Framework (UDRF) academic audit, as per the directives of the govt of Maharashtra. The audit focused on assessing performance of all postgraduate teaching departments across faculties under a structured, evidence-based evaluation system aligned with national standards.The audit was conducted by a panel of external experts, comprising eminent academicians, senior scientists, and industry professionals. Namdeo Kalyankar, former vice-chancellor of Gondwana University (chairman), Prof Alok Shrotriya, senior professor at Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Amarkantak (MP), AK Raina, senior scientist at CSIR-CIMFR, Nagpur, Prof D Nagarjun from the department of earth sciences, University of Mysore, Karnataka, Arvind Kumar, centre head at TCS Mihan, Anita Rao, industrial consultant at Vidarbha Industries Association, Nagpur, and Avneesh Anshul, principal scientist at CSIR-Neeri, were part of the expert group.Over several days of rigorous scrutiny, the committee evaluated departmental submissions, including reports, academic audit documents, publications, and supporting evidence. The review was conducted on the basis of five broad thematic areas: Faculty output, research, and professional activities; NEP initiatives, teaching, learning, and assessment process; departmental governance and best practices; student support, achievements, and progression; conferences, workshops, and collaborations.Each department's performance was meticulously analysed in light of the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), and NEP 2020 frameworks, with focus on both quantitative metrics and qualitative impact. During the closing session, several committee members offered valuable insights and actionable recommendations. Arvind Kumar emphasised the importance of developing a strong alumni network to support mentorship, funding, and industry networking. He encouraged departments to proactively identify industrial partners for collaborative projects, internships, and on-the-job training (OJT), and to commercialise faculty-generated patents and IP for societal impact and institutional growth.Prof D Nagarjun advocated for a minimum benchmark of three quality research publications per faculty per year, especially through collaborative and team-based research that fosters a culture of academic inquiry. He encouraged departments in the humanities and social sciences to also contribute to Scopus/Web of Science-indexed journals and to utilise copyrights and patents as tools for scholarly recognition. He noted that translation of books and study material can serve as meaningful academic contributions, enhancing access and outreach.AK Raina emphasised the need to integrate curiosity-driven learning and questioning into pedagogy. He underlined that critical thinking and inquiry-based learning should be central to classroom practice in the contemporary educational landscape.Kalyankar lauded NU for its meticulous planning, robust documentation, and systematic execution of the UDRF audit process. He commended the heads of departments for their dedicated efforts and highlighted the departments of pharmaceutical sciences, physics, and chemistry as exemplars of research innovation, academic productivity, and best practices.Acting VC Madhavi Khode Chavare expressed deep appreciation to the expert committee for their time, insights, and encouragement. She reiterated that the UDRF is not merely a ranking system, but a strategic initiative to foster transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement. She urged all departments to internalise the recommendations and continue striving toward academic and research excellence.This audit aligns with Maharashtra's vision for higher education reforms. The outcomes of the UDRF will not only strengthen internal quality assurance but also contribute to improving the university's standing in national and global rankings. The entire UDRF initiative at NU was coordinated under the leadership of Smita Acharya, director of IQAC, with the support of deans of various faculties, departmental coordinators, and university administrative staff.