APSCHE signed MoU to rank varsities in AP

The Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education (APSCHE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with QS-ERA India Pvt. Ltd. to evaluate and rate universities in the state using the QS I-GAUGE Indian University Rating system. The project is titled RISE - Rating of Institutions for State Excellence; and will be rolled out in other states in due course. QS I -GAUGE is a com-prehensive and an independent rating sy-stem for Indian colleges and universities developed by UK based QS Quacquarelli Symonds.

The methodology and system have been adapted to capture the reality of the dynamic Indian higher education sector, while at the same time maintaining the strict quality standards that are synonymous with the QS brand. Mr Ashwin Fernandes. CEO, QS-ERA and regional director (South Asia) said that it consists of seven primary indicators and five secondary indicators, ranging from teaching and learning, employability and social responsibility to research and innovation. The results will classify universities in levels such as Diamond+, Diamond, Gold, Silver, Bronze etc, and provides 12 category level ratings for each University. All universities will be given four weeks to submit the required data, following which QS will also run independent checks to verify and authenticate other data sources; after which it will und-ergo a thorough validation process before results are declared. Each university will receive a detailed report on its performance with a roadmap for improvement.

Prof. S. Vijaya Raju said that this will offer a gateway to the universities to compete on a global level and acquire the international reputation. Prof. P. Narasimha Rao. Vice-Chairman, APSCHE and Mr Santosh Karnananda, Head Client Relations QS-ERA and other officials participated in the programme.