How Research and innovation Drove a Significant Jump in Rankings

On March 27, 2026, Lt Gen (Dr) M D Venkatesh, Vice-Chancellor of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), discussed the university‘s growth journey.
MAHE received the Institution of Eminence (IoE) status, one of the first private universities in India to do so.
The university’s national ranking improved from 9th to 3rd.
Research output grew substantially, according to Dr. Venkatesh.

Key Factors Contributing to MAHE’s Success

• Research Output: MAHE’s research output has grown substantially.
  This shows the university’s commitment to innovation and academic excellence.
• National Ranking: The university’s national ranking improved from 9th to 3rd.
  This shows its rapid growth and recognition within the Indian higher education landscape.
• IoE Status: MAHE’s IoE status has provided a structured framework for growth.
  The framework focuses on nearly 150 metrics across five verticals: education, research, internationalisation, sustainability, and alumni engagement.

Growth and Global Recognition

MAHE’s IoE status came with a structured vision built on nearly 150 metrics.
The metrics cover five areas: education, research, internationalisation, sustainability, and alumni engagement.
The university committed to clear outcomes over five years.
It met every one of them, including establishing a major campus in Bengaluru with many students.

MAHE co-founded one of India’s first private-private medical college partnerships with the Tata Group in Jamshedpur.
This expanded its reach and impact.

Outcomes of MAHE’s IoE Status

• Establishment of a Major Campus: MAHE established a major campus in Bengaluru.
  The campus has a large number of students.
  This shows its commitment to expanding its reach and providing quality education.
• Medical College Partnership: The university co-founded one of India’s first private-private medical college partnerships.
  The partnership is with the Tata Group in Jamshedpur.
  This shows its innovative approach to healthcare education.
• Global Recognition: MAHE’s IoE status has contributed to its growing global recognition.
  The university aims to enter the top 500 globally in the next 3–5 years.
  It aims to enter the top 300 by 2032–33.

The VC’s Vision for Academic Excellence

Dr. Venkatesh emphasized that rankings are a by-product, not the goal.
Institutional processes and policies are more important than chasing metrics.
MAHE’s target is to enter the top 500 globally in the next 3–5 years.
It aims to enter the top 300 by 2032–33.

The campus has a large number of students.

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The university focuses on accreditations and external audits rather than rankings.
This ensures a strong foundation for sustained progress.

MAHE’s Approach to Academic Excellence

• Institutional Processes: MAHE prioritizes institutional processes and policies.
  This ensures a strong foundation for academic excellence and sustained progress.
• Accreditations and External Audits: The university focuses on accreditations and external audits.
  This shows its commitment to quality and accountability.
• Long-term Goals: MAHE’s long-term goals include entering the top 500 globally.
  It aims to do this in the next 3–5 years and the top 300 by 2032–33.
  This shows its ambition and commitment to excellence.

MAHE’s Push into Quantum Tech and Precision Medicine

MAHE’s research is strongest in breadth and interdisciplinarity.
It has strong output across technology, material sciences, life sciences, clinical medicine, management, economics, and AI/ML.
The university is expanding in frontier areas such as quantum technology and precision medicine.

MAHE has established BSL-3 laboratories to support advanced life sciences research.
This solidifies its position as a leader in innovation.

Examples of MAHE’s Frontier Research

• Quantum Technology: MAHE is expanding its research in quantum technology.
  This shows its commitment to innovation and pushing the boundaries of knowledge.
• Precision Medicine: The university is also investing in precision medicine.
  This shows its focus on improving healthcare outcomes and advancing medical research.
• BSL-3 Laboratories: MAHE has established BSL-3 laboratories.
  These support advanced life sciences research and provide a state-of-the-art infrastructure.

MAHE’s Strategy for Sustained Progress

Dr. Venkatesh views the entry of foreign universities into India as an opportunity for collaboration and growth.
MAHE’s strategy focuses on building a strong academic ecosystem.
This includes expanding campuses and global collaborations.

Venkatesh views the entry of foreign universities into India as an opportunity for collaboration and growth.

If MAHE continues to sustain its progress, it is likely to become a top-tier global institution.
This will benefit students and the Indian higher education landscape as a whole.

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MAHE’s Strategy for Sustained Progress

• Building a Strong Academic Ecosystem: MAHE focuses on building a strong academic ecosystem.
  This includes expanding campuses and global collaborations to drive growth and innovation.
• Collaboration and Growth: The university views the entry of foreign universities into India as an opportunity.
  It sees this as a chance for collaboration and growth, rather than a threat.
• Commitment to Research and Innovation: MAHE’s commitment to research, innovation, and academic excellence will remain the driving force.
  This will ensure sustained progress and a strong reputation in the global higher education landscape.