BITS Pilani Explains Withdrawal from Times Higher Education World University Rankings
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BITS Pilani Exits Times Higher Education Rankings Over Transparency Concerns
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CNBC TV18•23-02-2026, 11:21
BITS Pilani Exits Times Higher Education Rankings Over Transparency Concerns
•BITS Pilani announced its withdrawal from Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, citing issues with methodological integrity, transparency, and verifiability.
•The institute will no longer share subject-level and institutional data required for THE rankings, affecting its inclusion in future World, Asia, and subject-specific rankings.
•Group Vice-Chancellor Professor V. Ramgopal Rao described THE's ranking process as a 'black box' that doesn't align with Indian universities' academic and research capacities.
•The 'Research Quality' pillar, accounting for 30% of the total score and based on citation behavior, was a central concern in the decision.
•BITS Pilani will focus on more stringent, transparent policies and commends NIRF for its open approach and data source transparency as a reliable substitute.
