What Is The Role Of The National Assessment And Accreditation Council (NAAC)?

The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) is an autonomous body established by the University Grants Commission (UGC) in 1994. Its primary function is to assess and accredit higher education institutions in India, ensuring they meet defined standards of quality in terms of education, infrastructure, faculty, and research.

Role and Functions of NAAC

Accreditation of Institutions:
NAAC evaluates colleges and universities through a multi-layered assessment to grant them a grade reflecting their academic and administrative performance.

Quality Assurance:
NAAC promotes continuous quality improvement by encouraging institutions to self-evaluate and enhance their functioning in teaching, learning, and governance.

Grading System:
Institutions are graded on a scale (e.g., A++, A+, B, C) based on their cumulative grade point average (CGPA) after assessment.

Assessment Criteria:
NAAC evaluates institutions on various key parameters such as:

• Curricular aspects
• Teaching-learning and evaluation
• Research, innovations, and extension
• Infrastructure and learning resources
• Student support and progression
• Governance and institutional values

Mandatory Under UGC Guidelines:
NAAC accreditation has become mandatory under UGC’s regulations for universities to receive funding, grants, and autonomous status.

Transparency and Accountability:
The NAAC process involves peer review, onsite visits, and publication of assessment reports, fostering transparency in higher education.

Legal Authority and Impact

Statutory Backing:
NAAC operates under the UGC Act, 1956, and its recommendations are considered authoritative by the Ministry of Education and regulatory bodies.

Eligibility for Funding and Recognition:
NAAC-accredited institutions are prioritized for government schemes, research grants, and foreign collaborations.

Monitoring and Renewal:
Accreditation is valid for 5 years, after which institutions must undergo re-accreditation to retain their status.

Example

A private university in Karnataka applied for NAAC accreditation in 2023.

The institution submitted a Self Study Report (SSR) detailing its academic structure and practices.

A peer review team conducted an on-site visit and assessed the facilities, student records, and governance model.

The university was awarded an A+ grade, which enhanced its reputation, made it eligible for autonomous status, and helped attract more research funding and international tie-ups.