• Open to Life Member institutions of the Xavier Board, as applicable. The documents submitted must pertain only to the academic year 2025–26. Wherever supporting documents are required, institutions must ensure that the relevant files are duly attached. Submission of irrelevant, incomplete, or unsegregated reports/documents may result in the disqualification or invalidation of the institution’s entry.

The institution must demonstrate overall excellence in academic performance, teaching quality, student development, research, innovation, governance, infrastructure, and ethical practices. ·       Evidence may include academic results, accreditation or quality-assurance records, faculty qualifications, student achievements, research publications, innovation initiatives, facilities, and institutional policies.

The institution should demonstrate an inclusive, safe, student-centred, and values-based learning environment.

The institution must submit a completed nomination form, institutional profile, supporting documents, photographs, reports, and other evidence requested by the Xavier Board. ·       The institution should have no proven record of serious academic misconduct, financial irregularity, discrimination, or violation of applicable laws and regulations during the relevant assessment period.

• Open to institutions that have established meaningful academic, professional, national, or international collaborations.

• The institution must demonstrate active partnerships with schools, colleges, universities, industries, professional bodies, government agencies, civil- society organizations, or other recognized institutions.

• Assessment may consider joint research, faculty and student exchange, co- curricular programmes, conferences, seminars, training, internships, curriculum development, publications, mobility programmes, and knowledge- sharing initiatives.

• Collaborations should demonstrate measurable outcomes, sustainability, mutual benefit, innovation, and contribution to academic quality or student development.

• Preference may be given to partnerships that provide opportunities for disadvantaged or underserved learners.

• The nomination must include details of partners, duration of collaboration, objectives, activities conducted, outcomes, beneficiary numbers, financial or institutional support, and documentary evidence such as agreements, reports, photographs, publications, or certificates.

• Open to institutions that have made a significant and sustained contribution to communities through outreach and extension activities.

• Activities may include literacy and education programmes, health and awareness campaigns, environmental initiatives, social service, skill development, counselling, community development, disaster response, cultural programmes, and support for vulnerable groups.

• Projects should respond to clearly identified community needs and demonstrate participation of students, faculty, staff, and community stakeholders.

• Assessment may consider the scope, innovation, inclusiveness, continuity, measurable impact, community participation, use of resources, and potential for replication of the initiatives.

• The institution must provide evidence of outcomes, including beneficiary details, impact assessments, testimonials, monitoring reports, media coverage, photographs, videos, and relevant certificates or approvals.

• Preference may be given to programmes that are sustainable, environmentally responsible, gender-sensitive, and aligned with community development goals.