Webometric Indicators and Digital Impact: An Evaluation of Top Ten NIRF-Ranked Indian University Websites

Abstract

This paper compares the webometric performance and digital presence of the top ten NIRF 2025–ranked Indian universities through their official websites. Data regarding total links (internal and external), Google-indexed links, URLs, and the Web Impact Factor (WIF) were gathered and analyzed using Google as the main search engine. The data collection and interpretation are based on the use of link analysis tools and search engine optimization (SEO) techniques. The analysis indicates significant differences in the number of total links and indexed links among the institutions. The University of Delhi (735 total links, 395 indexed) and Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham (724 total links, 367 indexed) have the highest number of total links, whereas BITS Pilani (663/320) and Manipal Academy of Higher Education (665/327) have the highest WIF values of 2.071 and 2.033, respectively. Conversely, Banaras Hindu University (58 total links, 311 indexed; WIF 0.186) and Jawaharlal Nehru University (28 total links, 306 indexed; WIF 0.091) exhibit weak internal link structures, as indicated by a larger number of indexed pages. The Indian Institute of Science, with 333 total and 333 indexed links (WIF 1.000), demonstrates a balanced profile with an efficiently structured and fully indexed web presence. The results demonstrate substantial digital gaps among leading Indian universities and indicate that WIF, as well as the density and concentration of link networks, are associated with greater online visibility and potential influence. The study suggests that link architecture should be systematically optimized and that technical audits should be conducted periodically, especially in low-WIF institutions, to enhance discoverability, user experience, and institutional reputation in the online environment.