RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

The primary objective of this research was to identify and rank the top engineering colleges in India. The ranking was determined through a multi-phase methodology comprising three key modules: Desk Research, Perceptual Survey, and Factual Survey (Participatory Survey).


Research Modules

1. Desk Research (Secondary Analysis)

This module involved a comprehensive review of publicly available information to compile an extensive list of engineering colleges. Sources included:
  • Previous survey data and rankings
  • Industry expert recommendations for additions or exclusions to ensure comprehensive coverage
  • Online databases, magazines, and other academic and industry publications Recognizing that a fully exhaustive list may not be feasible, the methodology incorporated an open-ended survey option allowing respondents to nominate colleges not initially included. This ensured inclusivity and fairness in representation.

2. Perceptual Survey (Opinion-Based Ratings)

A structured questionnaire was administered to selected respondents including HR professionals, faculty, alumni, current students, and aspiring students to arrive a ranking and rating of engineering colleges.
The sample selection followed convenience, referral, and snowball sampling methods, with a broad geographic distribution to enhance representation. More than 2,000 responses were collected across key cities.
Key Parameters Assessed in Perceptual Ratings:
  • Infrastructure
  • Faculty quality
  • Course curriculum
  • Industry interaction
  • Pedagogy
  • Research orientation & focus
  • Global exposure
  • Placement opportunities
  • Overall brand value

3. Factual Survey (Institutional Data Collection)

In this phase, factual data questionnaires were sent to over 1,500 engineering colleges, with rigorous follow-ups conducted via telephone, email, and in-person visits where required. The data focused on quantifiable aspects such as:
  • General institutional details (establishment year, affiliation, type)
  • Courses offered & seat availability
  • Infrastructure and facilities
  • Faculty qualifications and expertise
  • Intellectual capital and research output
  • Industry collaborations
  • Placement statistics
  • Networking potential
  • Global exposure through exchange programs
  • Research initiatives
  • Alumni engagement

Ranking Process and Analysis

A multi-step approach was employed to arrive at the final rankings:

1. Factual Score Computation

  • Data points were aligned with perceptual survey parameters.
  • A detailed scoring system was developed for each criterion.
  • Raw scores were weighted based on their importance to generate final weighted scores.

2. Perceptual Score Computation

  • Colleges were rated across key parameters by respondents.
  • A regression model was used to determine weightages for each parameter.
  • Raw and weighted scores were calculated.
  • Final composite scores were generated for each college.

Final Ranking Criteria

  • Only colleges that participated in the Factual Survey were included in the full rankings.
  • Top 30 colleges that scored highly in the Perceptual Survey but did not submit factual data were listed separately in alphabetical order.

SOME CAVEATS

  • Only those colleges who participated in the Factual Survey were ranked.
  • Institutions classified as government-funded or receiving grants were categorized under Government Institutes.
  • If the ranking gap between institutions was found to be marginal, they were awarded the same rank.
  • Colleges with fewer than five graduating batches were featured under the Emerging Engineering Colleges category.

Note: Note: Present survey has been conducted by an independent Research Agency named Avance Insights Pvt Ltd, a full-service market research agency providing Research and Support Services to companies ranging from boutique research agencies to large consulting firms.

 
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