IIT Madras, the subject of recent allegations of institutional casteism, has received the number one NIRF rank, prompting concerns over the system’s relevance.

“The administration has created an atmosphere of fear on the campus with such decisions," a faculty member said.

India's status declined due to a "multiyear pattern in which the Hindu nationalist government and its allies have presided over rising violence and discriminatory policies."

Research written in languages other than English rank lowest in the academic search engine's results, no matter how applicable it is.

The directive aims to control discussion of India's security, Northeast states, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, and other contentious issues.