NIRF Skill University Ranking 2026: Top Institutes and Courses
Check the NIRF Skill University rankings for 2024 and 2025, top institutes, key courses, practical training models and student selection tips.
Students who want job-ready education can use the NIRF Skill University Ranking as a useful guide. This category focuses on universities that combine classroom learning with practical training, internships, apprenticeships and industry-linked courses.
The NIRF 2026 ranking is expected from the Ministry of Education. Until the new list is released, students can review the 2024 and 2025 rankings. The Skill Universities category was added in NIRF 2024 and continued in NIRF 2025.
NIRF Skill University Ranking: 2024 and 2025
Only a small number of institutes meet the criteria for this specialised category. As a result, NIRF listed the top three skill universities in the available rankings.
| University | Location | NIRF 2024 | NIRF 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Symbiosis Skills and Professional University | Pune, Maharashtra | 1 | 1 |
| Symbiosis University of Applied Sciences | Indore, Madhya Pradesh | Not in top 3 | 2 |
| Shri Vishwakarma Skill University | Palwal, Haryana | 2 | 3 |
Top Skill Universities in India
1. Symbiosis Skills and Professional University, Pune
Symbiosis Skills and Professional University, or SSPU, held the first position in both NIRF 2024 and NIRF 2025. It was established in 2017 as Maharashtra’s first skill-building and development university. It was earlier known as Symbiosis Skills and Open University.
The university offers diplomas, degrees and certificate courses in technical and professional areas. Its course options include:
- Automobile engineering
- Construction and architecture
- Mechatronics
- Software engineering
- Computer science and information technology
- Data science
- Retail and logistics
- Beauty and wellness
Students can explore programmes such as BTech, BBA and BSc, along with skill-based diplomas and short-term courses. The focus is on learning through labs, projects and industry-related work. For students who prefer doing over memorising, this approach can be a good fit.
2. Symbiosis University of Applied Sciences, Indore
Symbiosis University of Applied Sciences, or SUAS, ranked second in NIRF 2025. The university was established in 2016 under the Madhya Pradesh Niji Vishwavidyalaya Adhiniyam.
Its main focus is applied learning. The university offers programmes in engineering, management and data science. Students receive training through laboratories, workshops and practical projects that reflect workplace needs.
SUAS also works with Indian companies and universities in Germany. According to the information shared by the university, it has links with more than 20 Indian companies and over 12 German universities. These partnerships can support internships, technical training and exposure to modern equipment.
The university has developed laboratories with machines imported from Germany. This gives students a chance to work with tools and systems that they may meet in industrial settings. It also helps turn a textbook topic into something students can touch, test and sometimes break by mistake.
3. Shri Vishwakarma Skill University, Palwal
Shri Vishwakarma Skill University, or SVSU, ranked second in 2024 and third in 2025. It was established in 2016 at Dudhola village in Palwal district under a Haryana state law. It is recognised as India’s first government skill university.
SVSU follows a dual education model. Students learn through classroom teaching and also complete practical training, internships or apprenticeships. This model aims to connect academic study with real work settings.
The university has four main academic areas:
- Engineering and technology
- Applied sciences and humanities
- Management and research
- Agriculture
SVSU also has a Centre of Excellence. It supports practical learning and helps connect university teaching with changing industry needs.
What Does the NIRF Skill University Category Measure?
The Skill Universities category looks at more than classroom teaching. It considers how well an institution supports practical education and prepares students for work. Key areas include the relevance of the curriculum, training methods, faculty strength, learning facilities and job outcomes.
Students should remember that a ranking is a starting point, not the final answer. Before applying, check the course syllabus, fees, admission rules, campus facilities, internship record, placement data and approval status. Also compare the exact specialisation offered by each university. A university may rank well overall, but its strongest course may not match your career plan.
How Students Can Use the Ranking
- Shortlist universities that offer your preferred course.
- Check whether the programme includes labs, projects or apprenticeships.
- Review the university’s industry partnerships and internship process.
- Compare course fees with placement and job outcome data.
- Read the eligibility rules before planning your application.
- Check the official NIRF website when the 2026 ranking is released.
The NIRF Skill University ranking gives students a clear way to compare institutions that focus on vocational and industry-based education. The 2026 list may change the order, add new names or provide updated data on courses, training and outcomes.
