Efficiency and Excellency: An SBM-DEA and ANN approach to analyse the efficiency of universities of Eastern India

Abstract

This study evaluates the efficiency of 30 universities in Eastern India using an integrated Slack-Based Measure Data Envelopment Analysis (SBM-DEA) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) framework based on NAAC Self-Study Report data. Teaching Staff and Career Counselling were used as inputs, while Articles Published, Placement, and Student Satisfaction were considered outputs. The findings reveal significant efficiency variations among universities, with inefficiencies arising from poor resource utilization, scale mismatch, weak placement outcomes, and low student satisfaction. The SBM model identified hidden inefficiencies overlooked by traditional DEA models, while ANN demonstrated strong predictive accuracy. Student satisfaction emerged as a key determinant of institutional efficiency, aligning with the learner-centric objectives of NEP 2020.