IDP-Guidelines
IDP-Guidelines
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Institutional Development Plans for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs)
Preface
Warm regards,
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Table of Contents
I. PREAMBLE: ............................................................................................................................................. 6
II. SOCIAL AND ACADEMIC MISSION ........................................................................................................... 7
III. BASIC PRINCIPLES ................................................................................................................................... 8
IV. MAIN OBJECTIVES AND GOALS TO BE ACHIEVED BY IDP: ...................................................................... 10
V. STRATEGIC GOALS AND DEVELOPMENT OBJECTIVES ............................................................................. 11
STRATEGY FORMULATION ....................................................................................................................................... 11
A. STRATEGIC GOALS........................................................................................................................................ 12
B. DEVELOPMENT OBJECTIVES ........................................................................................................................... 13
C. OPERATIONALISATION................................................................................................................................... 14
VI. INSTITUTE DEVELOPMENT PLAN (IDP) FRAMEWORK - MAJOR COMPONENTS (PARAMETERS FOR
INSTITUTIONAL EXCELLENCE) ......................................................................................................................... 16
A. GOVERNANCE ENABLERS............................................................................................................................... 16
1. Overview: .......................................................................................................................................... 16
2. How to improve Governance: ........................................................................................................... 18
B. FINANCIAL ENABLERS AND FUNDING MODELS (RESOURCE GENERATION) ............................................................... 18
1. Overview ........................................................................................................................................... 18
2. How to improve Financial Enablers: ................................................................................................. 18
C. ACADEMIC ENABLERS ................................................................................................................................... 19
1. Overview ........................................................................................................................................... 19
2. How to develop & improve Innovative Academic Enablers: ............................................................ 20
D. RESEARCH, INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, AND SUPPORTIVE ENABLERS........................................................................ 22
1. Overview ........................................................................................................................................... 22
2. How to Develop Research, Intellectual Property & Supportive Enablers ........................................ 22
3. Research Enablers ............................................................................................................................. 23
4. Supportive and Facilitative Enablers ................................................................................................ 23
E. HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT ENABLERS................................................................................................. 24
1. Overview ........................................................................................................................................... 24
2. How to - Contextualization of key HR practices in Higher Education Institutions ........................... 25
F. ENABLERS FOR NETWORKING AND COLLABORATIONS.......................................................................................... 29
1. Overview: .......................................................................................................................................... 29
2. Developing Networking Enablers: .................................................................................................... 30
G. PHYSICAL ENABLERS ..................................................................................................................................... 31
1. Overview: .......................................................................................................................................... 31
2. How to improve the Physical Enablers: ............................................................................................ 31
3. Green Campus Strategy: ................................................................................................................... 32
H. DIGITAL ENABLERS: ...................................................................................................................................... 32
1. Overview ........................................................................................................................................... 32
2. Digital & ICT Framework for HEIs: .................................................................................................... 33
1. Implementing Digital Initiatives in HEIs: .......................................................................................... 33
VII. SUMMARY ....................................................................................................................................... 34
ANNEXURES ................................................................................................................................................... 36
A. GOVERNANCE ENABLERS............................................................................................................................... 36
B. FINANCIAL ENABLERS AND FUNDING MODELS (RESOURCE GENERATION) ............................................................... 38
C. ACADEMIC ENABLERS ................................................................................................................................... 40
D. RESEARCH, AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY ENABLERS .......................................................................................... 45
E. HUMAN RESOURCES AND SUPPORTIVE- FACILITATIVE ENABLERS ........................................................................... 50
F. NETWORKING AND COLLABORATIONS ENABLERS ............................................................................................... 55
G. PHYSICAL ENABLERS ..................................................................................................................................... 57
H. DIGITAL ENABLERS ....................................................................................................................................... 61
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Sr.
Name and Designation
No.
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PREAMBLE:
World over there is an increasing interest in the quality and standards of educa�on and higher
educa�on, reflec�ng both its rapid growth and cost to the public and the private finances. Our
impera�ve of na�on building, an equitable and just society, and doing jus�ce to the current
and future genera�ons of Indians is predicated on achieving our aspira�on to be the leading
knowledge-based economy in the world. Indian higher educa�on will need to demonstrate
that it takes quality to a significantly more advanced level and puts into place the means of
ataining, demonstra�ng and assuring that sustainable quality.
The Hon’ble Prime Minister has observed that the large number of upcoming universi�es,
colleges, IITs, IIMs and AIIMS are the strong building blocks of new India. India’s rich educa�on
system is the carrier of India's prosperity. So� power of India is becoming a success story of
the Indian youth. Our new genera�on should be future-ready, with the temperament to
accept and face challenges, this is possible only through the vision and mission of high-quality
educa�onal ins�tu�ons.
The challenges and demands, which are emerging both inside and outside India in the face of
this context and the interna�onaliza�on of higher educa�on, demand a powerful and
concerted response. The commitment of all those involved in the crea�on, discovery,
dissemina�on, connec�ng and applica�on of knowledge, augurs well for the fulfilment of a
truly Indian approach to the quality and quality assurance of our higher educa�on ecosystems.
Enabling the Higher Educa�onal Ins�tu�ons (HEI) to undertake the Academic and Professional
Excellence journey is at the heart of these guidelines. The vision of, the Na�onal Educa�on
Policy (NEP) 2020, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Na�onal Credit Framework (NCrF),
and Integra�on with the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) among other anchors, lie at the core
in the pursuit of higher level goals. The Na�onal Educa�on Policy (NEP) 2020, seeks to
transform higher educa�on by focusing on skill-based educa�on to meet the needs of the
industry and the economy.
The Na�onal Educa�on Policy 2020 enunciates that Quality Higher Educa�on needs to aim to
develop good, though�ul, well-rounded, and crea�ve individuals. HEIs need to enable an
individual to study one or more specialized areas of interest at a deep level and also develop
character, ethical and cons�tu�onal values, intellectual curiosity, scien�fic temper, crea�vity,
spirit of service, and 21st-century capabili�es across a range of disciplines including sciences,
social sciences, arts, humani�es, languages, as well as professional, technical, and voca�onal
subjects.
The UGC has sought to provide guidelines for individual HEIs to develop their own Ins�tu�onal
Development Plans to further these aims set out in the NEP 2020.
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decision making, conflict resolu�on and nego�a�ons among many others. Thus
building the founda�ons of a proclivity for con�nuous and lifelong learning.
Basic Principles
Emergent India with its mul�ple states is characterised by its diversity of socio-cultural
tradi�ons, languages, and nuanced in aspira�ons and expecta�ons. This is currently
accompanied by a range of ins�tu�ons including - Universi�es, Deemed-to-be Universi�es,
Colleges, Professional, Specialised, and Voca�onal/ Skilling etc. While the NEP 2020 and its
forward-looking concomitants like Na�onal Credit Framework (NCrF) provide an overarching
policy framework, this makes a single monolithic approach to quality, standards and quality
assurance in higher educa�on inappropriate.
In the light of India’s diversity and variety, generally acknowledged as a strength, the
Guidelines avoid a narrow, prescrip�ve and a rigidly formulated approach. There is a
preference to generic principles, while being mindful of the specific requirements. One
consequence of the generic principle is that the Guidelines focus on a balance of what should
be the vision and ac�on plan and how this can be best achieved and realised.
In sum, it is important to emphasize that these Guidelines are intended to enable various
stages of this journey towards excellence in Higher Educa�on with a concomitant ethos of
con�nuous improvement, refinement, feedback and review based on our collec�ve
experience of their pursuit in the years to come.
It is equally important to emphasise that these Guidelines are framed to enable HEIs within
the statutory, regulatory and mandated requirements of acts, rules, regula�ons, codes and
guidelines as promulgated and applicable by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and
other appropriate regulatory authori�es like All India Council for Technical Educa�on (AICTE),
Na�onal Council for Voca�onal Educa�on and Training (NCVET), Na�onal Council for Teachers’
Educa�on (NCTE), from �me to �me.
These Guidelines for HEIs are founded on key principles and approaches that emphasize:
i. Suppor�ng HEIs in academic, research, and teaching excellence.
ii. Promo�ng learner-centric teaching, knowledge crea�on, innova�on, and
knowledge applica�on.
iii. Advoca�ng a mul�-disciplinary integra�on including science, arts, humani�es,
voca�onal, sports, and more.
iv. Enabling integra�on and embedding of voca�onal educa�on, training & skilling
and the general educa�on holis�c learning as per Na�onal Educa�on Policy 2020
and Na�onal Credit Framework (NCrF).
v. Enabling HEIs to balance comprehensive academic, administra�ve and financial
autonomy with accountability, alongside with responsibility and IDP framework
flexibility.
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v. Develop the Plan: Outline a detailed plan of ac�on, including �melines, milestones,
and responsible par�es for each ini�a�ve.
vi. Implement the Plan: Execute the plan and monitor progress, making adjustments as
needed.
vii. Review, Evaluate and Report: Regularly review and evaluate the plan, including
measuring progress against objec�ves, using the S-Curve and analysing interlinkages,
and making changes as needed to ensure con�nued success.
A. Strategic Goals
These are indica�ve only. Ins�tu�ons need to set their strategic goals in their own
words. These goals serve as a guide. Ins�tu�ons can customize them based on their
specific context.
i. Ensure accessible, affordable, and transparent student admissions, emphasizing
equality.
ii. Streamline recruitment, training, mo�va�on, and reten�on of skilled faculty.
iii. Priori�ze a student-focused approach, enhancing faculty skills for beter
educa�onal outcomes.
iv. Foster entrepreneurship and experien�al learning among both students and
faculty.
v. Champion holis�c development focusing on academic, research excellence, and its
reinforcement.
vi. Adopt a comprehensive perspec�ve, nurturing every aspect of individual growth.
vii. Cul�vate a sense of community, cultural apprecia�on, nature connec�on, and
student advocacy.
viii. Equip students to become global ci�zens by interna�onalizing educa�on.
ix. Support both students and faculty in achieving their professional and personal
aspira�ons.
x. Boost student enrolment, reten�on, and gradua�on metrics.
xi. Intensify support for under-represented student groups, ensuring their success.
xii. Offer avenues for gaining knowledge in emerging domains of global significance.
xiii. Implement inclusive hiring prac�ces, emphasizing con�nuous faculty
development.
xiv. Encourage digital modes of learning and teaching.
xv. Iden�fy innova�ve revenue streams to bolster financial sustainability.
xvi. Enhance the ins�tu�on's global and regional stature and rankings.
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vi. Research and Development. This category includes objec�ves related to the
ins�tu�on's overall research and innova�on goals. For effec�ve Research and
Development, ins�tu�ons need to establish a clear strategy encompassing:
defining research goals, and a research por�olio, aligned with ins�tu�onal aims,
securing external funding, provisioning essen�al research infrastructure, recrui�ng
and mentoring top-�er research faculty, and fostering collabora�ons and
partnerships. Addi�onally, they should uphold research integrity through
established ethical prac�ces, amplify research findings across academic and public
pla�orms, enable implementa�on of ac�onable points, and where possible
mone�za�on of research (including start-up support and intellectual property
management), conduct thorough research assessments, and instate efficient
research management systems.
C. Opera�onalisa�on
Recognising that Ins�tu�onal Development is being undertaken by the HEIs, it is
impera�ve that the autonomy of the ins�tutes is maintained while developing and
opera�onalising the Plan for such an endeavour. Therefore, the IDP guidelines are self-
regula�ng in nature. The HEIs may choose to provide ins�tu�onal support and infuse
collabora�on and coherence across various units, departments and ac�vi�es in
opera�onalisa�on with appropriate mechanisms to effec�vely implement the IDP.
The key enablers to this are:
i. Clear Objec�ves: Begin with well-defined, measurable objec�ves that align with
the ins�tu�on's mission.
ii. Task Breakdown: Decompose each strategic goal into specific, ac�onable tasks or
ini�a�ves.
iii. Overall Stewardship & Responsibility Alloca�on: Provision for governance
oversight and assign specific tasks to a par�cular department, team, or individual,
ensuring collabora�on & interlinkage with clarity in roles and expecta�ons.
iv. Collabora�ve Environment: Promote a culture of collabora�on and knowledge
sharing, allowing for synergies between departments and teams
v. Metrics & KPIs: Establish clear metrics and Key Performance Indicators to evaluate
progress and effec�veness of individual tasks and interlinked outcomes.
vi. Technological Tools: Implement management and monitoring so�ware to
automate tracking, repor�ng, and communica�on.
vii. Communica�on Channels: Maintain transparent and open lines of
communica�on among all stakeholders to ensure alignment and foster a sense of
ownership.
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viii. Training & Development: Offer con�nuous training and professional development
to equip staff with the necessary skills and knowledge.
ix. Resource Alloca�on: Ensure sufficient resources (financial, technological, human)
are dedicated to each strategic ini�a�ve.
x. Feedback Mechanisms: Implement regular reviews, surveys, and feedback loops
to gauge progress and make necessary adjustments..
xi. Agility: Develop an adap�ve mindset, �mely decision making allowing for
flexibility in the face of changing external factors or unforeseen challenges.
xii. Stakeholder Engagement: Involve all relevant stakeholders, from faculty and staff
to students and external partners, ensuring a holis�c approach.
xiii. Con�nuous Review: Periodically revisit the strategy to ensure its relevance and
make adjustments based on evolving ins�tu�onal needs and external shi�s.
By priori�zing and integra�ng these enablers, HEIs can effec�vely opera�onalize their
strategic goals and drive towards successful implementa�on.
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As stated above, The IDP needs to reflect an integrated approach that is mindful of the
ins�tu�on’s context, life cycle stage, loca�on, character, and aspira�ons. While each
parameter represents a vertical and has depth, the need to integrate these into an optimal
whole cannot be overemphasised. The overarching purpose along with the aims of each
unique ins�tu�on are the key determinants of the mix of choices that will create excellence
for the ins�tu�on. The 9 Enabler Parameters are enumerated here (and elaborated in the
Annexure sec�on). While significantly interconnected and interdependent, they are
ar�culated in a logical flow emerging from the Strategic choices of the HEI and their
manifesta�on into the parameters of Enablers of Governance, Financial, to Academic,
Research & Intellectual Property, Networking & Collabora�on, Human Resources, Suppor�ve
& Facilita�ve, Physical and Digital. The sequence of approaching these has benefits to the
planning process and subsequent itera�ons. It is impera�ve for the Ins�tu�ons to configure
the Physical, Digital enablers as foundational, albeit “purpose driven” elements of the IDP.
While each of these are substan�ve and have “stand alone” depth, they provide the web of
parameters for thinking through the plan, warran�ng an itera�ve, con�nuous and concurrent
approach to the journey towards Excellence.
A. Governance Enablers
1. Overview:
In the context of HEIs, governance refers to the systema�c approach by which
educa�onal ins�tu�ons are directed, controlled, and held accountable. It
encompasses the methods and frameworks u�lized for decision-making, risk
monitoring, and performance enhancement.
a) While it is process-oriented, good governance is integral to establishing an
ins�tu�on's core values and culture. Governance needs to balance and integrate
the “belief systems” and the “control systems”.
b) Governance within HEIs not only revolves around ins�tu�onal structures and
policy development but also entails a comprehensive mesh of legisla�ve &
regulatory frameworks, financial accountabili�es, as well as informal structures
that guide ins�tu�onal behaviour.
c) Good governance in HEIs seeks to strike a balance between ins�tu�onal autonomy
and accountability. It can be a self-driven ini�a�ve by HEIs to demonstrate
responsible autonomy, an alignment with modern public management strategies,
or a protec�ve measure against poten�al mismanagement.
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C. Academic Enablers
1. Overview
The Academic Enablers are a set of reference points which give ins�tu�ons a shared
star�ng point for se�ng, describing and assuring the quality and standards of their
higher educa�on courses & offerings. A desirable set of academic Enablers ensures a
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healthy and progressive learning environment resul�ng in energy and interest which
ul�mately promotes beter learning performance.
It is the responsibility of an ins�tu�on to create an environment that not only assures
learning, but also pays special aten�on to the mental and physical well-being of the
students. HEIs need to provide a learning atmosphere to every student where they
acquire knowledge and skills to grow as a responsible individual.
2. How to develop & improve Innova�ve Academic Enablers:
a) Development:
Innova�ve academic Enablers can be developed by means of various ac�vi�es for
crea�ng innovators by means of Planning, Implementa�on, Evalua�on, Feedback, and
self-study report. The following steps may be helpful for developing innova�ve
academic Enablers:
i. Conceiving and developing a robust ins�tu�onal strategy based on
adequate and appropriate analysis, choice making in line with the vision of
the ins�tu�on.
ii. Crea�ng & retaining a strong faculty base through faculty recruitment,
performance analysis and regular development programmes.
iii. Designing flexible curriculum and introducing mul�disciplinarity in HEIs
including appropriate integra�on of Voca�onal Educa�on, Training and
Skilling into the curriculum.
iv. Using appropriate industry experts in curriculum design & implementa�on.
v. Appropriate Mechanism & Enablers for the Upgrada�on of Curriculum.
vi. Developing leaders as role models through commitment & mul�-tasking
analysis.
vii. Developing students by offering a confidence-building educa�on model
through student integrated development model.
viii. Adhering to a specified/defined/regulated Student-Teacher Ra�o for
various forms of learning & assessment.
ix. Growth & expansion of the university through environmental analysis.
x. Introducing technology in the form blended mode of learning, Crea�on and
delivery of digital content etc..
b) Improvement:
i. Learning and Teaching excellence, coopera�ve educa�on, and research.
ii. Impar�ng high-quality professional and applica�on-based educa�on in a
wide range of interdisciplinary areas.
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iii. Approach by academia by ensuring 360° access to teaching & learning, skill
& capacity building resources, research and Intellectual Property (IP)
crea�on, protec�on & deployment.
iv. Embedding appropriate skills and employability skills, including so� skills,
life skills and founda�onal technology skills into learning.
v. Curriculum to be a suitable blend of theory and prac�ce and also available
digitally that fosters poten�al minds to be ac�ve contributors in the process
of social transforma�on of the habitat.
vi. Intensive and balanced use of the latest technology, i.e. AR, VR, ML/AI
vii. Prac�ce-oriented and industry required research and pedagogy to make
teaching and research unique, such as including Industry 4.0/5.0
viii. Implementa�on of blended mode of learning including digital and online
learning
ix. Academic excellence and Professional Educa�on delivery – student centric
teaching and learning process, top quality professional educa�on to
students
x. Faculty: a high propor�on of full-�me faculty (75-80%) with Ph.D. or
required industry exper�se and quality research publica�ons, IP Crea�on,
Protec�on & Deployment. Incen�vising industry and socially linked
collabora�ve teaching and development of pedagogic material is a
powerful enabler.
xi. Regular and con�nuous capacity building of faculty through refresher
programs and training of trainers (in case of VE) especially in the following
areas:
a) Implementa�on and opera�onalisa�on of Na�onal Credit
Framework (NCrF)
b) Implementa�on and opera�onalisa�on of Academic Bank of
Credits (ABC)
c)Implementa�on and opera�onalisa�on of Na�onal Higher
Educa�on Qualifica�on Framework (NHEQF) with level descriptors
d) Integra�ng Voca�onal Educa�on, Training & Skilling into HEIs
e) Implementa�on and opera�onalisa�on of Na�onal Skills
Qualifica�on Framework (NSQF) with level descriptors
f) Implementa�on and opera�onalisa�on of Indian Knowledge
System (IKS) and Future Skills
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ii. Recruitment processes in HEIs should align with academic standards set by
regulatory bodies and the ins�tu�on's mission.
iii. Compliance involves ensuring that faculty hires meet educa�onal
qualifica�ons, research experience, and other criteria mandated by UGC,
AICTE, and ins�tu�onal policies.
b) Onboarding and Orienta�on (Faculty Orienta�on):
i. Regulatory guidelines recommend that faculty members receive
comprehensive orienta�on regarding the ins�tu�on's culture, academic
programs, and policies.
ii. Orienta�on includes familiarizing new faculty with departmental
expecta�ons and research opportuni�es, and ensuring compliance with
regulatory and ins�tu�onal guidelines.
iii. Compliance may include providing informa�on on ethical research conduct
and academic integrity, as s�pulated by these regulatory bodies.
c) Training and Development (Faculty Development):
i. HEIs, in accordance with regula�ons, invest in faculty development to
enhance teaching and research skills.
ii. Training may include workshops on pedagogy, research methodologies,
and academic technology, aligning with the guidance provided by these
regulatory bodies.
iii. Compliance involves ensuring that faculty engage in ongoing professional
development as mandated by regulatory guidelines, and accredita�on
requirements.
d) Performance Management (Faculty Evalua�on):
i. Regulatory guidelines emphasize the importance of regular faculty
evalua�ons based on teaching, research, and service.
ii. Faculty performance reviews are cri�cal for promo�on and tenure
decisions, with criteria and processes aligned with the recommenda�ons
of these regulatory bodies.
iii. Compliance entails adhering to established evalua�on criteria and
processes set by UGC, AICTE, and accredi�ng agencies.
e) Compensa�on and Benefits (Faculty Compensa�on):
i. Faculty compensa�on, as per Regulatory norms, includes salaries, research
grants, and benefits packages that meet regulatory requirements.
ii. HEIs need to offer compe��ve compensa�on to atract and retain top
academic talent, ensuring compliance with labour laws and guidelines
provided by these regulatory bodies.
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Cross-Sectional Enablers:
a) Technology and Infrastructure: Ensure state-of-the-art technological
infrastructure is available to support the educa�onal and research ac�vi�es of
students, faculty, and staff.
b) Diversity and Inclusion Programs: Develop programs that promote diversity,
equity, and inclusion across all levels of the ins�tu�on.
c) Recogni�on and Awards: Ins�tute recogni�on programs to celebrate the
achievements and contribu�ons of students, staff, faculty, and researchers.
d) Communica�on Pla�orms: Establish effec�ve communica�on channels that
facilitate open dialogue and informa�on sharing within the HEI community.
e) By implemen�ng these human resource enablers, HEIs can create a nurturing and
produc�ve environment for all members of their community, fostering thriving,
personal and professional growth.
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b. ALUMNI networks: HEIs, as hubs of learning and research, play a crucial role
in shaping the future of students who remain associated with them for various
periods, ranging from 2 years in post-graduate programs to 5 years in
integrated Masters/PhD programs. Moreover, the HEI's influence con�nues
throughout their careers, which may span up to 60 years. This enduring
connec�on underscores the importance of alumni as valuable stakeholders
who contribute significantly to the governance, management, and growth of
HEIs. To enable effec�ve networking and connec�vity, including support for
endowments, new projects, funding, knowledge sharing, and mentorship,
HEIs need to establish trust and facilitate lifelong engagement.
2. Developing Networking Enablers:
a. Effec�ve networking, encompassing connec�ons within and beyond the
academic realm, is a cornerstone of HEIs' ability to excel as global leaders in
educa�on.
b. A collabora�ve network model needs to be though�ully structured, involving
industry in various aspects of HEI ac�vi�es, notably the teaching-learning
process. This encompasses collabora�ve course planning, curriculum
development, training, evalua�on, employment opportuni�es, con�nuous
learning, and research and development. Industry-ins�tute interac�on, when
nurtured effec�vely, can yield substan�al benefits for both par�es.
c. Addi�onally, HEIs need to ac�vely engage with industry, alumni, other higher
educa�on and research ins�tu�ons, as well as the wider community, fostering
synergies that drive collec�ve development.
d. Steps to Develop Networking Enablers for HEIs:
i. HEIs, being ins�tu�ons that exist "by the society and for the society," nee
to embrace partnerships and collabora�on to fulfil their objec�ves and
make substan�al societal contribu�ons.
ii. Alumni engagement, needs to be leveraged across mul�ple processes,
industries, student feeder ins�tu�ons, other HEIs, and na�onal and
interna�onal universi�es. This represents a significant opportunity for
mutual benefit and societal impact.
iii. Well-structured collabora�ons, when executed effec�vely, lead to a
posi�ve-sum game. HEIs that priori�ze effec�ve networking can seize more
opportuni�es for self-improvement and mutual development while
enhancing their brand image.
Collabora�on and partnership-building with local, na�onal, and global agencies can
further support a range of enablers, including innova�ve academic ini�a�ves,
intellectual property development, and emo�onal support programs.
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G. Physical Enablers
1. Overview:
A physical Enablers consists of the basic physical structures needed for an economy to
func�on, such as transporta�on networks, electricity grids, sewage systems, and waste
disposal facili�es. Crea�ng an atrac�ve and func�onal physical infrastructure is as
important as crea�ng an infrastructure compliant to statutes, regula�ons, codes and
all relevant regulatory frameworks and operated within them as well. Physical
Enablers can support brand building. Physical Enablers needs to support both
academic and research ac�vi�es of various schools and departments of universi�es. In
public universi�es, the physical Enablers investment is done by the government
through various independent authori�es whereas, in private universi�es, the decision
is taken by a sponsoring organiza�on.
2. How to improve the Physical Enablers:
Physical Enablers are o�en imagined as requiring significant financing to the HEIs and
therefore alterna�ve & innova�ve measures to fund the Enablers may need to be
explored.
Campus Planning and Environmental Principles:
a. Integrated Ac�vity: Design the campus layout so academic, research, cultural,
and opera�onal facets harmoniously interact.
b. Preserva�on of Essence: Uphold the campus as a vital component of the
university's living and learning mission, maintaining its aesthe�c appeal.
c. Environmental Responsibility: Champion environmental stewardship by
enhancing energy efficiency, minimizing waste, and reducing environmental
impacts.
d. Facility Integra�on: Ensure facili�es and equipment are integrated, especially
for Voca�onal Educa�on, Training, and Skilling.
e. Inclusivity and Safety: Ensure accessibility for Persons with Disability (PwD),
promote gender inclusivity, and ensure a zero-tolerance approach towards
discrimina�on, ragging, bullying, including cyberbullying.
f. Safety and Risk Management: Priori�ze the safety of the campus community
and establish protocols for risk management in design and opera�on.
g. Holis�c Development: Provide facili�es for ar�s�c expression, sports, fitness,
and health, including mental health services like counselling and wellbeing
centres.
h. Resource Management: Emphasize knowledge management as a principle for
resource genera�on and management.
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H. Digital Enablers:
1. Overview
Digitaliza�on has taken the world by storm due to its capacity to cause substan�al
transforma�ons in how ins�tutes func�on by improving their internal processes.
Informa�on and Communica�on Technologies (ICT) and its Enablers support have
become an integral part of existence and learning experiences in all aspects of life. ICT
has fundamentally changed the systems and processes of nearly all forms of ins�tutes
within their learning ac�vi�es and governance. The presence of ICT in the educa�on
and research domains/sectors has made a substan�al impact in the last few years.
There are various advantages to digitaliza�on including increased efficiency, increased
produc�vity, lower opera�onal costs, improved learner experience, higher agility,
enhanced morale, improved communica�on, increased transparency, improved
compe��ve advantage, and faster decision-making.
With the world moving rapidly into digital media and other niche areas of technology,
the role of ICT in educa�on is becoming very significant and this will con�nue to
advance in the 21st century. The ICT Enablers of the Ins�tute would contribute in
transforming the delivery quality of the teaching and learning process ac�vi�es and
seek to enhance the impact it would make for a much more effec�ve way the academic
programmes would be offered and delivered in the years to come.
The HEIs need to create a road map along with requisite modes of learning and
teaching using ICT and virtual technologies to move towards the idea of ‘Digital
Universi�es’. NEP 2020 also envisages inves�ng in the crea�on of open, interoperable,
evolvable, public digital Enablers in the educa�on sector that can be used by mul�ple
pla�orms and point solu�ons, to solve for India’s scale, diversity, complexity and device
penetra�on
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Summary
The essence of ins�tu�onal development for Higher Educa�on Ins�tu�ons (HEIs) is embodied
in a strategic framework designed to advance excellence, inclusivity, and innova�on across all
facets of the educa�onal landscape, in alignment with the Na�onal Educa�on Policy (NEP) and
all applicable regulatory requirements. This comprehensive and prac�cal approach seeks to
guide HEIs in the crea�on of an Ins�tu�on where every member of the educa�onal
community can thrive.
At the core of this framework is a learner-centred development paradigm that intricately
weaves curriculum enhancement with new knowledge systems. It's complemented by robust
financial inclusivity ini�a�ves and mentorship programs that support a diverse spectrum of
learners, aligning with NEP's vision of inclusivity and equity in educa�on while addressing
employability and entrepreneurship.
Empowering staff and faculty is another cri�cal pillar, extending from purpose-informed
recruitment processes to a culture that encourages con�nuous professional development.
Faculty diversity is valued, nurturing talent, and offering pathways for career progression in
line with and extending beyond global best prac�ces. The pursuit of academic and research
excellence necessitates an inclusive recruitment strategy that fosters collabora�on within
disciplinary and across-disciplinary research domains. Recognizing and celebra�ng faculty
contribu�ons to these areas is essen�al, showcasing the ins�tu�on's commitment to
integra�ng diverse knowledge systems into the academic fabric.
Commitment to integra�ng community building and educa�on excellence is vital.
Acknowledging the emo�onal aspects of the academic journey, dedicated support services
for the emo�onal well-being of the community are indispensable. Coupled with this is the
impera�ve for pedagogical innova�on, ensuring faculty are equipped with diverse teaching
methodologies that cater to and value the heterogeneity of the student body.
Strategic governance, infused with mission-driven perspec�ves, plays a pivotal role in steering
HEIs towards a future that values community engagement, industry relevance and outcome-
oriented strategic planning. The development of appropriate facili�es underscores the HEIs'
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dedica�on to crea�ng spaces that reflect and honour the balance of tradi�onal wisdom and
contemporary knowledge crea�on and dissemina�on.
To cul�vate academic and research excellence within HEIs, a comprehensive strategy aligned
with NEP is indispensable. This strategy integrates a robust academic framework with state-
of-the-art research & teaching facili�es, emphasising faculty recruitment and development
alongside industry partnerships.
For students, it seeks to enable our na�onal commitment to inculcate their lifelong learning
and their pursuit of gainful and value-crea�ng contribu�ons to self and society. The process
seeks not only academic prowess but also a demonstrated ability to think crea�vely and
engage in problem-solving.
HEIs need to implement a comprehensive support system that emphasizes the importance of
mental health, well-being, safeguarding, while balancing the pursuit of academic and research
excellence with the well-being of the academic community.
This framework is not merely a set of guidelines but a blueprint for HEIs intent on embedding
excellence into their ins�tu�onal DNA, it posi�ons Academic and Research Excellence and
depth with width as cornerstones of an exemplary educa�onal experience, aligning with the
aspira�ons of NEP to cul�vate a new genera�on of enlightened individuals equipped to
navigate, thrive in and celebrate the diversity of the global village.
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Annexures
A. Governance Enablers
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C. Academic Enablers
S.No. Types of Innovative Details of innovative academic infrastructure & its usage
academic
infrastructure
1. Courses catering to • The institutions need to provide for giving a varied
professional/future choice of relevant programs.
requirements • Courses to allow for in-depth learning of students as per
their interest allowing for future growth of the student.
• Multidisciplinary and relevancy of programs
2. Curriculum- • The curriculum should be updates regularly to cater to
updated as per the dynamic requirement of the changing employment
industry landscape.
requirements • programs to suit the industry requirements both in short
term and for future readiness.
• Industry linked/ internship/ apprenticeship embedded
programs.
• Modularization of curriculum to enable Multiple Entry-
Multiple Exit options
3. Curriculum • The curriculum needs to focus on inculcating basic skills
embedded with important for increasing the employment avenues and
Employability Skill readiness.
• Adding Employability Skills (ESs) across all disciplines like
Constitutional values/ Citizenships, universal values;
Career Development & Goal Setting; Becoming a
professional in 21st Century; Communication Skills;
English Skills; Inclusivity and Diversity including Gender
sensitization, PwD etc.; Digital Literacy/ Skills/ digital
fluency; Financial & Legal Literacy; Start-up management
and Entrepreneurship; Customer Service orientation;
and Job readiness and exam preparation
• Curriculum to focus on competencies and skills like
Critical thinking and problem solving; Creative thinking
and innovation; Analytical Thinking; Adaptive Thinking;
Design Thinking & Creativity; Computational thinking;
Social intelligence; Cross cultural competency; New
media literacy; Virtual collaboration; Decision Making;
Conflict resolution and negotiations etc
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In the quest for academic excellence and institutional resilience, Higher Education
Institutions (HEIs) must prioritize the development of robust Human Resource (HR)
strategies that encompass comprehensive enablers for students, staff, faculty, and
researchers. The overarching Regulatory and Binding Laws of the Land, Academic
regulations, other applicable regulations and rules need to be complied with while efforts
are made to create an enabling HR Framework cannot be overemphasised. Within that, the
following integrated approach outlines key HR enablers that would support a vibrant
educational ecosystem:
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15.
The Ability of the • Ability to deliver promises: Addressing and
institution to rectifying any failures promptly building a good
deliver on reputation. Using the autonomy of the university to
promises resolve issues effectively.
16. • Accountability measures: systems to deter mine,
Accountability evaluate accountability of all stakeholders and their
measures consequence.
17. • Mental Health: Ensuring students mental health,
Mental Health providing appropriate infrastructure and support.
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G. Physical Enablers
S. No. Types of Physical Details of physical infrastructure & its usage ESSENTIAL/
digital DESIRABLE / ASPIRATIONAL
1. Smart Campus • A Smart Campus creates the best balance of cost,
comfort, risk and resilience.
• When a campus is "smart," it detects and fixes small
problems before they grow into big ones or cause
distractions for students, staff, and visitors.
• It creates a performance infrastructure where building
systems "talk to each other" in order to coordinate
common outcomes, such as lighting, security, and
environmental controls.
• It focuses on the uptime of facilities, performance of
campus buildings on demand, greenhouse gas reduction
targets, protection and mitigation against variable
energy prices, and adopting new technologies.
2. Green/ Sustainable • Constructing green buildings on university campuses
building involves using resources as efficiently as possible during
the structural process and for future use of the building.
(Basic requirements)
• It is based on the principle of open environment by using
optimum models of water & energy consumption.
• Internally, the campus uses green energy, harvested
water, renewable and recycled resources to produce and
provide air, water, food, light, and electricity in a
sustainable way.
• Central Air Conditioned High Tech Buildings With
modern clean-green environmental concept.
(Aspirational requirements)
3. Infrastructure to • Better infrastructure along with signs on the streets and
commute separate spaces for commute for differently-abled
• Students and staff should have access to high-quality
motorways and bicycle paths so they can commute by
bicycle or battery-powered vehicles.
• Accessibility for PwD
4. • Having adequate space for administrative activities (such
as admission and counseling activities) is essential.
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5. Library/ Digital • Adequate in size with reading rooms, stock areas for
resource centre books & Journals with online information access facility.
6. Lecture Complex, • Students should have access to Lecture complexes,
Classrooms classrooms, tutorial rooms, discussion rooms of different
sizes with comfortable seating arrangements and
teaching-learning facilities.
7. Tutorial rooms • Video Recording Facilities
8. Examination branch • There should be a separate examination branch with
strong room large enough to accommodate confidential
documents and examination papers.
9. Facilities to Faculty • There should be an adequate number of well-equipped
and Staff faculty chambers to accommodate all permanent faculty
members, visiting faculty members, part-time faculty
members, research scholars, etc. (Basic Requirements)
• The Campus shall have 2-3 bedroom facilities/ quarters
for the resident faculties/ staffs. (Desirable
Requirements)
10. Meeting rooms • Meeting rooms with enough space (as per standard
norms), furniture, and electronic
communication/presentation equipment.
11. Office Rooms • Suitable for meeting the needs of all staff members
12. Laboratories and • Modern laboratories and advanced super specialty
Research Centres research centers in a wide variety of scientific and
technological fields.(Basic Requirements)
• Departmental Libraries with reference books & online
digital information resources. (Desirable Requirements)
13. Computer Centre/ • Computer Centre having appropriate Computer: Student
Multimedia Studios Ratio as per standard norms. (Basic Requirements)
• Multimedia Studios for creation of digital contents with
optimum sound control & recording facilities.
(Aspirational requirements)
14. Cafeteria/Dining • Cafeteria/ Dining room/ Mess facility equipped with
Room/ Mess Facility modern cooking apparatus/equipment to ensure quality,
cleanliness, and hygiene. (Basic Requirements)
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15. Games & Sports • Playground and indoor Stadium of sufficient size to
facility accommodate variety of games.(Basic Requirements)
• Gymnasium and workout center, Swimming Pool,
Stadium and High Tech Playgrounds, Modern type
indoor stadium with multi-purpose arena (Aspirational
requirements)
16. Auditorium add • One auditorium of sufficient size and or conference
conference rooms rooms of various capacities depending upon the size of
the institution (Basic Requirements)
17. Hostels • Student Hostels : for at least 60 % students, especially
for out stationed students. (Basic Requirements)
• Research Scholars Hostels with contemporary facilities
(Desirable requirements)
18. Parking • Suitable for meeting the needs of all stakeholders
• International Student Hostels (Aspirational
requirements
19. Exhibition Hall • In order to fulfill the requirements of all curricular
activities (Academic/Vocational/Skilling), there should be
an adequate number of exhibition halls/ space.
20. Guest • Suitable guest house for meeting university requirement
Accommodation (Basic Requirements)
• Star hotel type guest hostels with accommodation, food,
and recreation facility (Desirable requirements)
21. Commercial Shops/ • Convenience Shops for students and staff to purchase
centers essential items (Basic Requirements).
• Shopping Complex/ Centers suitable for all kinds of
shopping (Aspirational requirements)
22. Health and well Modern Dispensary / hospital that offers inpatient and
being outpatient services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. (Desirable
requirements)
23. Student recreation Student recreation facilities with appropriate blend of
facilities modernity and functionality (Desirable requirements)
24. International With contemporary student amenities whenever
student centres international students are large in number (Aspirational
requirements)
25. Incubation centre With in-house industry R & D units & collaboration
and Research park (Aspirational requirements)
26. Botanical Park/ Natural type, with a documented collection of living plants
Garden that may be used for the purpose of scientific research,
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H. Digital Enablers
S. No. Types of infrastructure digital Details of digital infrastructure & its usage
ESSENTIAL
1. Internet usage • Connecting external world through an
electronic device to the stakeholders
2. Website • For providing institutional information to the
public
3. Online Messaging stakeholders’ • For vertical and horizontal communication
groups between Stakeholders
4. Online Blogs & sites for every • To provide course information and day to
course day progress of the students who enrolled in
the course to stakeholders and publics.
5. Wi-Fi Campus • To access online ubiquitous information in
the campus and classes.
6. Online Study material • Development of study materials both in
audio, video, and text form as per the
curriculum and providing them to concerned
students online as additional support to
classroom teaching – learning process. The
study material in the form of a PDF book to
be stored in a smartphone, tablet, or laptop
computer will help provide a ubiquitous
reference for the covered portion of the
course subjects.
7. Digital Library • Developing and updating digital library and
providing digital library membership to every
stakeholder of the university for ubiquitous
access of books, periodicals, study materials,
magazines, annual/year books of
organizations, journals in digital form is the
responsibility of University digital library. For
this purpose, the University digital library can
collaborate with national digital libraries and
Global digital libraries.
8. Digital Publication • The university should have its own
publication for books, newsletters,
magazines, journal proceedings, and printing
question papers for examinations. Online
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