Newer Quality Check Methods Introduced for Colleges, Universities

The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), an autonomous body by the University Grants Commission, has introduced a few changes in the quality and performance level check of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). These changes are made in consideration of the increasing importance and necessity of accreditation and assessment of the institutions.

Changes Introduced

Given below are the changes that have been brought by NAAC in order to keep a check on the performances of the colleges and universities-

1. NAAC has been using a four-point grading system (A, B, C, and D) along with CGPA and descriptions for each alphabet since 2007. The authorities feel that this concept of grading does not provide a very clear picture of the performance level of the institutions. Therefore, it has been changed to a seven-point grading system. It will now include A++, A+, A, B++, B+, B, C and D.
2. It has now become mandatory for the Quality Assurance Cells (IQAC) of the Higher Education Institutions to submit an Annual Quality Assurance Report (AQAR) to the authorities. This report will help in the institution’s performance evaluation, constant check, quality upgradation and encouragement to improve as an educationist. It will serve as a report card of an institute and its overall growth. AQAR submission is now one of the eligibility criteria for reaccreditation.
3. NAAC is also looking into bringing ICT-Solutions to make accreditations and assessment processes more data-enabled and objective.

These changes will help the institutes grow better, fast and make the whole process transparent. Concerted efforts are made by the NAAC to ensure all institutions are accredited for a better check.The new guidelines came in to effect from July 1, 2022.