Shillong, Jun 23: Martin Luther Christian University (MLCU) has been ranked first among ‘new age private universities’ in Meghalaya, according to the IIRF (Indian Institutional Ranking Framework) 2026.
MLCU was also second highest in the North East and 60th nationally.
This year’s rankings highlight institutions excelling in academic performance, research output and global collaborations, the IIRF said on its website. Key factors influencing the rankings include faculty qualifications, student satisfaction and infrastructure quality. Additionally, institutions that prioritise innovation and interdisciplinary learning are increasingly recognised. The emphasis on sustainability and community engagement is also shaping how universities are evaluated.
Behind MLCU was William Carey University. It ranked second in the state, third in the region and 62nd among private universities. It was also 28th among ‘new age liberal universities’.
Third in Meghalaya was ICFAI. It was also fifth in the region and 70th nationally. One place behind was the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM), which was fourth in the state, sixth regionally and 72nd in the country.
North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), which has been facing strong administrative pressures, was 28th in the category of central universities.
The Central Agricultural University (CAU) Imphal was 29th in the same category. It has colleges spread throughout the North East, including the College of Community Science in Tura, College of PG Studies in Umiam and College of Agriculture in Kyrdemkulai. CAU Imphal was also 14th in the category of agricultural universities.
Meanwhile, in a release to celebrate the news, MLCU said that it has also been ranked first in Meghalaya in the latest EducationWorld India Higher Education Rankings 2026.
The EducationWorld rankings are among India’s most respected higher education assessments, evaluating universities on a range of parameters, including academic reputation, faculty quality, curriculum and pedagogy, infrastructure, student support, research and employability outcomes, it added.
