Abstract In this work, the ideology and political characteristics are iteratively calculated using Cuckoo Search Algorithms and the Extreme Learning Machine. The ideology and political objective function are then obtained using CS-ELM. A CS-ELM-based index framework for ideology and political education effect in educational institutions is developed, all of the bird’s nest objective function values are calculated, as well as the bird’s nest position with the highest objective function value is retained in order to accurately and effectively evaluate the current state of ideology and political education effect in educational institutions. The experimental data set is an evaluation of the ideology and political education effects of colleges and universities from 2013 to 2022. Research and analysis are conducted on the evaluation of ideology and political education in institution of higher education in order to remove the quantitative definition of the collected raw data, and mixing is used to process the raw data to make it into a dimensionless one. The hierarchy of higher education has an impact on the establishment of high-quality economies. The CS-ELM model is the best way to assess ideology and political teaching effectiveness in higher education institutions, as per the results. This is because, when looking at the evaluation from an overall perspective, the RMSE value is 0.007, and the R-value is 0.995. This study enhances the quality of instruction in the classroom, promotes a positive environment and attitude, and motivates students to be actively involved in their education.